Best Dog Crates 2023 - Forbes Vetted

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Whether you’re bringing a new puppy into your home or adopting an adult dog, there are many benefits to crate training your pet. The best dog crates offer a secure and relaxing environment for your dog to sleep and unwind. Moreover, they help in keeping pets safe and out of trouble when unsupervised, which is why crate training is strongly recommended by both dog trainers and veterinarians. We recommend the Diggs Revol Dog Crate that conveniently collapses for travel and is easy to clean, but there are several options on this list to suit every type of pet owner.

The best dog crates offer a secure and relaxing environment for your dog to sleep and unwind.

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“I recommend a dog crate for all dogs the moment the dog comes into the house,” says Michelle E. Matusicky, D.V.M., M.P.H., assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. “If they are a puppy, this should be a natural part of an acclimation process. If it is an adult dog, this may be a trickier endeavor, but I view it as equally important as being able to walk your dog on a leash.” Aly Cohen, D.V.M., clinical instructor at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, agrees. “All dogs would benefit from acclimation to a crate,” she affirms.

To ensure your pet’s comfort and facilitate effective crate training, it’s important to select the right product for your dog. Crates come in a variety of styles, such as metal wire, plastic and fabric options. Selecting an option that suits your pet’s temperament and preferences is key. It’s also crucial to choose an appropriately sized crate—enough for them to turn around and stand up comfortably, but not too large that they might use it for the bathroom.

If you’re ready to start crate training your new family member, these are the best dog crates you can consider investing in for your pet.

Diggs Revol Dog Crate

Collapsible for travel? Check. Easy to clean? Check. Comfortable and safe for your favorite four-legged friend? Check. This stylish crate comes in small and medium sizes (and color options that include ash, gray and charcoal). It’s one of the best collapsible dog crates out there, breaking down for storage in just a few seconds and earning rave reviews from happy customers. The double door design (a standard front door and a garage-style side door) makes it superb for training purposes. There’s also a ceiling hatch you can use to easily dispense treats and belly rubs.

Pros:

A clever double-door design
A ceiling hatch for dispensing treats and belly rubs
Collapsible for easy transportation

Cons:

May not be ideal for larger dogs
Expensive

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If you’ve recently welcomed a new pup into the family, trainers advise you not to put a puppy in a full-size crate, as this may hinder your house training efforts—essentially, the puppy has enough room to do its business in a corner far away from where it can choose to rest. You don’t want to buy a new crate for your growing puppy every few months, either. The solution: a crate divider. This allows you to let the crate’s internal volume grow with your dog.

One excellent choice is the Life Stages Single Door Folding Crate. Its simple wire design comes in a wide range of sizes, starting as small as 22 inches and maxing out at 48 inches, and it comes with a durable divider panel to keep your pup secure in an appropriate-sized enclosure. The crate also includes a plastic tray that makes it easy to clean up accidents, as well as a pan stop to keep it in place.

Pros:

A divider panel to customize the crate size
Easy to clean
A wide range of size options to choose from

Cons:

Assembly can be tricky
Heavy to move around

Ideally, you want a kennel that’s large enough for your dog to comfortably stand up, lie down and stretch out. We’re partial to the Frisco Plastic Dog Kennel because it works well for both home use and travel. The plastic sides can make the interior darker, but many dogs enjoy the more den-like environment as opposed to a fully exposed wire mesh crate. If in doubt, ask your trainer or vet which kind of crate environment your breed may prefer. And you can make it even cozier by adding a blanket or a small dog bed. The door has a secure latch, and should you want to store it, it comes apart in the middle, forming two stackable halves.

The Frisco is available in five sizes, and there’s a handy chart on the product page to guide you to which one you might need. And with a 4.5-star rating from over 600 reviews, it’s clearly beloved by puppy parents.

Pros:

Gives pups a cozy feel
Easy to store
Comes in five size options

Cons:

Sizing can be tricky to figure out
Chewers may be able to destroy it

Medium-sized dog breeds like Border Collies will do well in a product like the New World Folding Metal Dog Crate, which comes in 30- and 36-inch sizes (as well as a handful of other dimensions ranging from 24 to 48 inches). You can also select between one- and two-door models, which gives you more flexibility when situating the crate within your home.

Overall, this dog crate is simple and straightforward with a rigid but relatively “open” wire construction. It has a plastic pan that’s held in place by a pan stop, as well as a heavy-duty latch on each door. It folds flat for easy storage or transport, and reviewers say it’s assembly is straightforward and the crate is comfortable for their dogs.

Pros:

Has different door options
Easy to clean
Can fold flat when not in use

Cons:

Not every dog loves an open-air design
No latch to keep it folded once it’s collapsed

Not everyone needs a crate like this one. But beefier boys and girls—larger and stronger breeds—really need a durable crate that can stand up to more abuse. Some dogs with a lot of jaw strength, for example, might try to take advantage of a lightweight crate to pull the door off its hinges if left alone for too long, which can lead to injury. That means you’re better off getting a heavy-duty metal crate like this one from Luckup, as it’s harder for doggos to chew through or otherwise attempt to break out.

This dog house-shaped crate is 48 inches, making it ideal for large dogs like Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers and Huskies. It comes with an anti-escape lock and wheels that make it easier to move around the house. Its 4.5-star rating is a strong endorsement from hundreds of pup parents.

Pros:

Incredibly sturdy
An anti-escape lock foils canine Houdinis
Includes wheels for easy transportation

Cons:

Expensive
Takes up significant room

For extra-large dog breeds—think dogs like Great Danes, for example—you’re going to need a sizable enclosure like the MidWest Homes XXL Giant Dog Crate. This oversized dog crate is a whopping 54 inches in length and 45 inches tall, and it’s made from durable metal with drop-pin construction for increased security. Both single- and double-door models are available, and each door has three latches to keep your dog from escaping. With 4.5 stars from over 8,000 users, it has stood the test of time.

Pros:

Made from durable metal
Three door latches help minimize the risk of escapes
Includes two door options

Cons:

It’s massive
Can be tricky to assemble

Many dogs like their crates to be covered, as it helps to create a cozy, den-like atmosphere where they can sleep peacefully. The MidWest iCrate Starter Kit includes everything you need to help your dog feel at home in their new space, including a fitted cover, fleece dog bed, divider panel and two bowls that attach to the interior wall. The kit is available in a variety of crate sizes, ranging from 22 to 48 inches long. And users absolutely love it—the crate has a near-perfect 4.8-star rating.

Pros:

Comes with plenty of accessorizes
Has a wide range of sizes
Includes a secured water and food bowl

Cons:

You should be wary of any dog crate that claims to be “dog proof.” By and large there really isn’t any such a thing; given their strength and intelligence, some dogs are naturally gifted escape artists. Even so, even the most masterful of canine magicians would have a tough time breaking out of the G1 Kennel. It’s double-walled, has a reinforced aluminum frame and includes backup and safety latches. So it’s safe to say it’s pretty durable. It also has strong carrying handles and a drainage system for easy clean-up. It comes in small, medium, intermediate and large sizes.

Pros:

Incredibly sturdy
Easy to clean
Backup safety latches help keep your pooch secure

Cons:

Expensive
Kennel doesn’t disassemble easily

Plastic dog crates aren’t always the best choice, especially for situations in which larger breeds will be spending a lot of time in them at home. But there are a few notable benefits of plastic dogs crates, including that they’re lighter and often meet the International Air Transport Association’s requirements for traveling. Thanks to its heavy-duty construction and good ventilation, the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel is a popular plastic crate (it has a solid 4-star average rating from customers). It comes in five sizes, ranging from extra-small (19-inches-long) to extra-large (40-inches-long). And the container can easily be disassembled when not in use without tools needed, by simply unscrewing wing-nuts.

Pros:

Lightweight design
Generous height clearance
Easy to clean

Cons:

Chewers may be able to work through this
Scratches easily

Plastic and wire crates aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing pieces of decor to add to your home, and if you’re looking for a dog crate that will blend into your home a little better, this handcrafted wooden dog crate from Fable looks more like a piece of furniture than a kennel. In fact, you might find that it’s a useful end table in your home.

You can choose from small and medium sizes, with a white or acrylic gate. When not in use, the door can be stored overhead within the crate (similar to the way a garage door works), so your pooch can go in and out as they please. This is a gorgeous crate for pups for whom their crate is a go-to relaxation spot, and you want to position it somewhere in the home where humans spend a lot of time as well.

Pros:

Stylish and versatile design
Sturdy construction
Creates a den-like feeling while still allowing you to see in

Cons:

Expensive
Not suited for large dogs

If your dog is prone to anxiety, they might be particularly hard on their crate, chewing and scratching the walls. You’ll want to work with a trainer to help your dog become more comfortable being crated, but you’ll also need a durable crate, such as this model from Impact, which is specifically designed for anxious pups.

This crate has durable metal walls that are welded in place, and the door is secured by four individual latches. There are holes all around the crate for air flow, but they’re small enough that your dog won’t be able to chew them. The brand also backs the crate with a 10-year warranty, and if your dog damages any part of the crate, you’ll get a replacement part for free.

Pros:

Heavy-duty welded walls that prevent chewing
Secured by four latches
Brand will replace any pieces that your dog damages

Cons:

Very expensive
Your dog won’t be able to see out of the crate

No dog crate is truly indestructible, but this one from Lemberi can definitely stand up to dogs who are prone to chewing, digging and scratching. It’s crafted from heavy-duty 20-gauge steel with welded joints, and it’s secured with a stainless steel lock to prevent your dog from escaping.

The crate opens from the side and the top, and it’s mounted on locking rubber wheels for easy movement. It even has a tight mesh bottom that will prevent your dog from sneaking out, and there’s a plastic tray underneath to catch any accidents and make for easy cleaning.

Pros:

Thick steel bars with welded joints
Tight metal bottom to prevent escaping
Mounted on locking wheels for portability

Cons:

No smaller crate sizes available

If you only use your dog’s crate occasionally or want something that you can take on the go, this inexpensive option from Amazon Basics collapses down into a compact flat form. The classic wire crate comes in six sizes to fit all dog breeds, and you can choose between a one- or two-door model. There’s a thin plastic tray at the bottom of the crate to catch any messes, and there’s a handle on top in case you need to move the crate around. Just keep in mind that this isn’t the most durable crate out there, so it’s best for occasional use or gentle pups.

Pros:

Available in six sizes to suit any dog
Folds flat and locks for easy transport or storage
Comes in both one- and two-door designs

Cons:

May not contain tough chewers or escape artists

Once your dog has entered their golden years and left their destructive behaviors behind, this “Dog Den” provides a comfortable place for them to snooze. The doorless design allows your senior dog to come and go as they please, yet it still offers a cozy and secure spot for them to sleep or relax.

This durable crate is shaped like a dog house, and it comes in two sizes. The walls have decorative honeycomb-shaped cut outs for ventilation, and you can easily outfit it with a dog bed for added comfort. Plus, it’s fairly low to the ground, so older dogs can walk in and out easily, even if they have limited mobility.

Pros:

Stylish modern design
Allows dogs to come and go as they please
Low entry is easy for older dogs to enter

Cons:

No way to secure your dog inside

How We Chose The Best Dog Crates

To choose the best dog crates, we consulted with two veterinarians about the features that make a quality crate. We also spoke with dog owners for their top picks, and tracked down the most popular crates on the market. From there, we narrowed the field by looking at features like durability, quality of materials, ease of use and size options. We also consulted reviews from real owners to get a better sense of how these crates do under real-world conditions. This story is updated regularly to ensure it includes the best dog crates of the moment.

What To Look For In A Dog Crate

Material

There are several types of dog crates you’ll encounter as you shop, including wire, plastic and fabric options. A few pro tips, per Cohen:

Wire crates are durable and can fold relatively easily for storage.
Many dogs feel comforted by being in a den, so covering a wire kennel with a sheet or a custom crate cover except for one or two sides is recommended.
Wire crates often come with dividers, so your dog can grow into the kennel size they will need as an adult.
Plastic crates are durable, and the walls are often solid, so no covering is needed, but they may be more cumbersome to store.
Fabric or mesh crates are better suited for traveling or short-term use for small breed dogs as they are lightweight and easily foldable, but they are not very durable, and puppies or chewers may destroy the material.

Size

It’s important to select the right size crate for your dog — if the crate is too small, they won’t be comfortable, but if it’s too big, they may have room to go to the bathroom. The general rule of thumb is that your dog should be able to stand up and turn around inside the crate, so you may want to measure your pup to get an idea of how much room they need.

If you’re shopping for a puppy, look for a crate that comes with an adjustable divider, such as the Life Stages Single Door Folding Crate. This will allow you to give them an appropriate amount of space inside the crate, and you can adjust the divider as they grow to give them more room.

Ease Of Use And Cleaning

The best dog crates are easy for both you and your dog to use. Look for a model with easy-to-open locks and convenient features such as a handle or locking caster wheels. If you plan to travel with your crate, you’ll also want to look for a model that collapses into a flat form for easy transport.

You may also want a crate that’s easy to clean, especially if you’re training a puppy. Some products come with a removable plastic tray that sits in the bottom of the crate, and this will catch any accidents, making it easy to clean up after your pet.

Durability

For dogs that like chewing, digging or scratching in their crates, it’s important to select a durable product that can stand up to their antics. In these situations, it’s best to look for a metal crate with welded joints—for instance, the Lemberi Heavy Duty Dog Crate is made from 20-gauge steel that your pup won’t be able to bend. You may also want to look for a reinforced lock and thick mesh bottom, which will help prevent your dog from escaping.

Safety

It’s important to consider safety features in a dog crate, especially if you have an anxious pup. You may want to avoid wire walls or doors, where your dog’s teeth can get stuck, and always be sure to remove their collar before placing them inside the crate—it can be extremely dangerous if their collar gets stuck on something.

If you’re planning to use your dog’s crate in the car, consider whether the design has been crash-tested. Models like the G1 Kennel are specially designed to protect your dog in the event of an accident and are worth the added investment if you regularly hit the road with your pet.

How To Find The Right Crate Size Can For Your Dog?

It’s important to get the size of your dog’s crate right. “The dog should be able to comfortably walk into the crate without crouching and turn around easily,” Matusicky says. But they shouldn’t have enough space that they feel comfortable peeing or pooping in a corner and spending the rest of their time in another area. “Most crates come with a breed comparison,” Matusicky says. “If you have a mixed breed adult dog, choose the breed closest in size andbuild to your dog. If you have a puppy, be sure to anticipate growth.” In general, Matusicky recommends buying an adult-sized crate with divider panels to adjust the crate as your pup grows.

What Is The Best Type Of Dog Crate For Training A Puppy?

When you’re first crate training a puppy, it’s important to select the right size crate. Your puppy should have enough room to stand up, lay down, and turn around, but they shouldn’t have space to go to the bathroom. To this end, you likely want to look for a wire crate that comes with an adjustable divider—this will allow you to give your puppy the appropriate amount of space as they grow.

You may also want a covered crate for your puppy. Some puppies have trouble settling in their crates if they can see what’s going on around them, so a cover may help them to relax and become comfortable within the space.

Do Dogs Prefer Crates Or Kennels?

While crates are compact enclosures to keep your dog contained and safe while indoors, kennels serve a different purpose. Kennels are much more spacious and designed to be placed outdoors, and they give your dog space to hang out and play without getting into any trouble. Because they’re much larger, kennels allow your dog space to go to the bathroom and even eat, and your dog can stay in these enclosures for longer periods of time than a crate.

Which Is The Best Crate For An Older Dog?

Senior dogs often enjoy being able to retreat to a crate, as it provides a safe and quiet location for them to rest and sleep. Many senior dogs will be able to use the same crates as younger dogs, but if your older pet has mobility issues, there are a few key features you may want to look for. A low opening will allow pets to walk into the crate easily, and you should ensure the crate won’t slip or move when your dog enters. You may also want to outfit the crate with a supportive bed, which will help older pets sleep more comfortably. We recommend the Impact Dog Den as the best crate for senior dogs.

Tags: Crates, Dog, Forbes, Vetted

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