The Best Dog Crates

What to Look For

To find the right dog crate for your pooch, we suggest focusing on three essential factors: the crate’s size, safety features, and portability. A metal dog crate isn’t the prettiest option, but it makes for a mighty durable crate. If you think you might need something made of metal, any of the options we’ve highlighted by MidWest Homes for Pets are excellent. The company is known for the high quality of its crates, and they come at a great price. But if you’re looking for a soft crate that you can fold down and easily transport with you, EliteField’s three-door crate is a great pick. To learn more about these and the rest of our favorites, simply read on.

MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate

Contained but still comfy

If you're looking for an all-around great crate, this is your pick.

Best Overall

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Available in several different sizes, these crates are perfect for dogs both big and small. Available in tiny sizes for tiny dogs and extra-large sizes for jumbo dogs, these crates are the perfect way to provide a little wiggle room for your best friend. They’re also an excellent option for using in the back of cars, making sure Fido is safe and secure on your road trips. These crates use heavy-duty materials and feature secure latches that can’t be undone by non-humans. They can also fold up easily for storage and travel.

Pros:

• We love that this crate is available in several different sizes and designs, including double-door options.
• The whole thing is really easy to assemble and collapse for storage.
• The durable tray helps catch any mess, plus washes off easily.

Cons:

• Clever and tenacious dogs may find ways to open the door.

MidWest Homes for Pets New World Metal Dog Crate

From chihuahuas to mastiffs

This crate allows easy entrance and ample space for your best friend to move around and get comfy.

Widest Size Variety

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We want our canine friends to be content and enjoy enough space to stretch out, even when contained. That’s why we were thrilled to discover the different size options on this excellent dog crate. Available in several options ranging from 24-ich to 48-inch, these crates feature both single- and double-door designs. Once you’ve found the perfect pick for your pooch, consider the other great features, such as the heavy-duty latches, foldable design for storage, and strong leak-proof pan that makes clean-up a breeze.

Pros:

• Given the construction and material quality, these crates are surprisingly affordable.
• The corners are rounded, so there aren’t any sharp points for your pooch to injure themselves on.
• It’s surprisingly durable for the price, with a powder-coated black finish that protects against dings and scratches.

Cons:

• Extra-large dogs may require something stronger and larger than the 48-inch option.

EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate

Time to get comfy

Equipped with three doors, this soft folding dog crate is the is might comfy and convenient.

Best Portable

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Three mesh doors provide your dog with ample amounts of ventilation and comfort. Adding to that comfort is the fleece bed that comes included. And with hand-carrying straps, this crate is easy to transport from point A to point B. No matter where you go, your canine will be cozy and content in the EliteField Soft Dog Crate.

Pros:

• We love that a fleece bed is included with each purchase, saving us the time and energy required to buy one separately.
• The three separate doors not only offer multiple access points but keep the whole canvas crate well-ventilated.
• The sturdy nylon handles and straps make it easy to carry around.

Cons:

• The zipper can be rather flimsy

New Age Pet Ecoflex Dog Crate

Fashion meets function

This beautifully designed crate looks great as a piece of functional furniture.

Best Decor

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Dog crates are typically designed with one purpose in mind: to keep your pooch safe and contained. However, New Age Pet’s Ecoflex isn’t your typical dog crate. This gorgeous line of crates uses wood and metal materials to house your pet in something undeniably tasteful. It’s kind of like a disguise since at first glance this crate looks and functions like a small table. However, you can still trust in the double-latching door to keep Fido contained when the need arises.

Pros:

• We love that this is available in a variety of sizes and colors, each one more stylish than the last.
• The covered top and partially covered sides help calm down some dogs since it’s kind of like a den.
• The solid top surface allows it to double as a side table in your living room, kitchen, or bedroom.

Cons:

• The metal latches may not be strong enough for escape-artist dogs that aren’t already crate-trained.

MidWest Homes for Pets XXL Giant Dog Crate

For the biggest of friends

If you have a large dog, this is the large crate for you.

Best For Large Dogs

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Ideal for the largest breeds out there, this crate is perfect for the big dog in your life. Amplifying that is the fact that each crate clocks in at over 80 pounds. The drop-pin construction ensures that the assembly will be strong and secure. In addition, the protective E-coat finish prevents rust. Not bad, right?

Pros:

• This is truly a huge crate, with enough room for even the biggest dog breeds.
• The crate comes equipped with a removable tray and an “L Bar” safety feature that prevents the sides from bowing inwards.
• Three thick bolt latches on each door make the whole thing very secure.

Cons:

• Though we appreciate how heavy-duty the crate is, the cumbersome weight makes it difficult to move.

What should I look for when purchasing a dog crate?

There are many factors to take into consideration. Of course, comfort is key, as we want our four-legged furry friends to be as happy as possible, but you’ll also want to keep an eye out for a crate that can easily be assembled and taken apart. It’s also worth looking out for which crates come equipped with a bed, covering, and feeding dishes. You’ll also want to make sure to take proper measurements, as all dogs need plenty of room to move around.

Can crates be used both indoors and outdoors?

They can, but if it’s for outdoor use, make sure the weather is just right. You don’t want your dog crated up in any type of extreme temperatures. If the crate is going to be used primarily outdoors, you’ll also want to look for one that’s rustproof. As for indoor use, it’s recommended to purchase a crate that comes equipped with wheels to not scratch up your floors. And as for convenience, it’s always nice if the crate can be easily assembled and taken apart.

About the Author

Becca has been a proud owner of an adorable pit bull-boxer mix since she was nine and has extensive experience caring for pit bulls, boxers, and mastiffs. And as an avid environmentalist, you can trust Becca to recommend products that are good for you, your pooch, and the planet.

Why Trust Us

Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.