Best dog crates

A dog crate is a very helpful and handy thing. It can be used for different purposes:

  • for puppy training (for example, potty training);
  • to keep the dog safe while you are not at home;
  • for transportation.

But there are many different kennels available in stores. I can’t recommend you the one best dog crate, because it all depends on what kind of dog you have and for what purpose you need the crate. That’s why I’ve written a few reviews of dog crates for different purposes. My buying guide will help you make the right choice.

Reviews of the best dog crates for different needs

Best dog crate for separation anxiety. Read this review if your dog suffers from separation anxiety.

Indestructible dog crate. Read this post if your Fido tends to chew up and destroy furniture.

Best dog crate for car. In this review I suggest a few safe car crates (for those who rarely or often travel with their dog).

Best collapsible dog crates. Such a crate is suitable if you are planing to use it from time to time.

Dog crates that look like furniture. Is it necessary to you to have a dog crate that will fit the interior of your home? Then take a look at furniture-style crates. They are also practical and help save space in a small house.

You may also find dog crate toys and chew-proof crate pads useful. I will write more helpful articles about choosing the best dog crate in the future.

What is the best crate for a dog?

For all dog owners who can’t choose a crate, I’ve written about the pros and cons of each crate – metal, wire, plastic, wood and soft.

Metall, heavy duty crate

Metal crates are one of the best options, especially if your dog is prone to destructive behavior or suffers from separation anxiety. It’s also the best crate for large dogs. But they are not very handy. Alternatives include plasticand metal crates or wooden crates with metal bars.

Pros
  • reliability and safety (the dog is less likely to get out of such a crate and get injured);

  • durability;

  • you can adjust the size of the crate as the dog grows (only some models).

Cons
  • unattractive appearance;

  • high weight;

  • high price.

Last update on 2024-03-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Plastic crate

Plastic crates are a universal option. They can be used at home, outdoors, and for transportation. But you need to choose really good quality and durable plastic. These crates aren’t suitable for destructive dogs.

Pros
  • attractive appearance, there are many different colors;

  • light weight;

  • most crates can be easily folded and transported;

  • suitable for air transport.

Cons
  • not as durable as metal

Last update on 2024-03-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Soft crate

Soft crates are ideal for transporting, camping, picnics, etc. But for home use, they are not suitable for all dogs. Most dogs can easily tear a soft crate with their teeth and get out.

Pros
  • low price;

  • low weight, do not take up much space;

  • easy to fold and unfold;

  • easy to wash in the machine.

Cons
  • short-lived

  • the construction is not very stable, the dog can fall over it

Last update on 2024-03-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Wooden crate

Wooden crates are suitable for home use, not for transportation. They can be purchased for most dogs, excluding aggressive chewers. 

Pros
  • attractive appearance;

  • environmental friendliness;

  • more reliable and durable than plastic and soft crates;

  • can be used as furniture;

Cons
  • heavyweight;

  • not easy to transport;

  • assembly and disassembly may not be easy.

Last update on 2024-03-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Wire crate

Pros
  • Lightweight, compared to a wood or metal;

  • easy to carry in hands (this is true for small ones);

  • good ventilation and visibility.

Cons
  • create a lot of noise;

  • there is a danger of the dog getting a claw on the bars or sticking its paw/head between the bars or between the connecting pieces. This leads to injuries.

It is best to avoid wire crates. They should only be used under supervision and only for dogs that have completed crate training.

Last update on 2024-03-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

I recommend having multiple crates: one for home (such as metall or wood) and one for transport (such as soft or plastic).

How to choose a good dog crate?

I have gathered for you some universal tips to help you choose a good crate:

  1. Don’t buy the cheapest one. It will not be high quality, no matter how much you want it. You don’t want to buy a new product every week.
  2. Measure the length and size of your dog. Then compare those measurements to the size of the crate. Will he have enough room to walk in and turn around easily? And to stand up at full height?
  3. Pay attention to the lock. It is one of the most important parts, and it must be secure.
  4. Ventilation holes should be at least on both sides.
  5. The bottom should have some tray, protecting the crate from “accidents”.
  6. If you choose a heavy crate for the house, it should have legs. Then you can easily clean the floor under the crate.

Read reviews. This is trivial advice, but sometimes we forget it. Often a good looking crate turns out to be bad, and you can tell that from the reviews.

I wish you a successful shopping experience! I would be happy if you could share your experience in the comments.