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Dog crates and kennels can be helpful safety and training tools, providing a secure space at home, when traveling, or at the vet. They can also help encourage good behavior and keep your dog out of trouble when you can’t keep a constant eye on them. When choosing the right one, the best dog crate will be adequately sized and cater to your dog’s particular needs and lifestyle.
If you’ve decided to crate-train your dog, check out our top picks below. From travel crates to outdoor kennels, we’ve rounded up the best dog crates in the most popular styles, so you can find the best fit for you and your best friend.
Best Puppy Crate: MidWest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate
The best puppy crates will be affordable, easy to clean, and versatile—adjusting as your pup grows. This MidWest iCrate checks all the boxes. It’s one of the top-rated wire crates on Amazon, comes in a wide range of sizes, and is reasonably priced. It also has a detachable plastic tray that slides out when you need to clean it and a divider panel that lets you set the space in the crate as your puppy grows.
Double doors offer more options for your pup to move in and out, which can be helpful when building positive associations with the crate. Reviewers especially like that it’s lightweight and simple to set up and take apart, though some report the doors can bend if pulled too forcefully.
What We Like:
- Popular collapsible metal crate that’s easy to set up
- Available in various dimensions for puppies of all sizes
- Includes a removable bottom tray and divider panel
- Double doors offer more freedom to move in and out
To Consider:
- The doors may bend if under too much pressure
Best Small Dog Crate: Petmate Two-Door Pet Kennel
While pint-size pups are easy to tote around, they can also benefit from crate training. A properly sized crate for your small dog will keep them safe when you travel and offer them a safe space to rest when you’re home.
Specifically designed with smaller dogs in mind, this plastic kennel by Petmate offers several small sizes, including a 19-inch crate for toy breeds up to 10 pounds and a 24-inch crate for dogs up to 15 pounds. An extra door on top makes getting your small dog in and out for potty breaks easy, while the rounded ventilation holes help keep prying paws safe.
This dog crate also meets most airline cargo requirements, making it an excellent choice for travel.
What We Like:
- Offers several small dog sizes, including options for toy breeds
- Extra door on top for potty breaks
- Meets most airline specifications for travel
- Rounded ventilation holes for safety
To Consider:
- The 14-inch size is best suited for cats and other small pets
Best Medium Dog Crate: The Fable Dog Crate (Verified Review)
If you have a medium-sized dog, then you likely already know your crate choices are many. For a sturdy but stylish option, the Fable Dog Crate offers a high-quality wooden kennel that works well for medium breeds. We tested it ourselves and appreciated all the thoughtful design details that cater to anxious dogs. For example, the door rolls up, saving sound-sensitive pups from the loud bang many crates make when closing shut. The front is also clear, so nervous dogs can see what’s going on outside the door.
While it did withstand our Rover test pup’s chompers, the Fable Dog Crate isn’t intended for heavy chewers. It also runs small, so it’s best to size up if in doubt.
What We Like:
- Two largest sizes work well for medium dogs
- Stylish and well-crafted wooden dog crate
- Door rolls up instead of slamming shut
- All-around ventilation on the front and side
To Consider:
- Not ideal for super chewers
- Sizes run a bit small, particularly with a crate bed inside
- Expensive option, though we found the quality is worth the price
Best Large Dog Crate: KELIXU Large Heavy Duty Dog Crate (Verified Review)
Large dogs need a big, strong crate to accommodate their giant frames. This heavy-duty KELIXU kennel does the trick with welded steel bars and anti-escape locks. In our testing, this crate securely contained Ruby, a 90-pound Bernese Mountain Dog. Multiple access points make it easy to reach inside to deliver treats and food without the risk of dogs breaking free. The caster wheels also come in handy when moving the heavier crate.
While it is an investment, we think the KELIXU is a solid crate for large breeds, especially for clever dogs that escape or destroy their kennels.
What We Like:
- Strong welded steel bars
- Latches aren’t accessible from inside
- Multiple entry points
- Available in several large sizes
To Consider:
- Large and heavy; not a portable option
- A bit on the pricier side
Best Plastic Crate: Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel
Plastic crates are often ideal for kennel training since they’re generally affordable and easy to clean. Made with durable recycled plastic and metal screws, the Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel offers a tough but comfortable crate for on the go or at home.
The wire door and vents provide plenty of airflow, and a robust latch keeps the door secure while still being easy to open with one hand. A few modifications (like switching out the metal bolts for plastic) will also make this kennel suitable for air travel. Available in 14 different sizes, this versatile plastic crate fits dogs of all types.
What We Like:
- Reinforced ventilation on door and sides
- Available in a wide range of sizes for all dog types
- Made from recycled materials
To Consider:
- A few modifications are needed to make this crate airline-ready
Best Soft Crate: EliteField 3-Door Soft Folding Dog Crate (Verified Review)
Once your dog is crate trained, a soft-sided kennel is great to have around. These lightweight and affordable dog crates are usually easier to transport and store. Not to mention, they’re a tad more stylish than many other types of kennels.
Quality materials and a sturdy frame are a couple of reasons why the EliteField is one of the most popular soft crates on the pet market. In our review, we found the collapsible design simple to pop up, take down, and carry—with a travel case to boot. We liked that the crate offers more space for taller, leggier dogs with two inches extra in width and four inches in height. There’s also ventilation on all sides and three doors, including the one on top. Extra perks include a washable fleece bed and a detachable accessory bag.
What We Like:
- Well-constructed, collapsible soft crate
- Extra height and width for a roomier experience
- Three mesh doors, including one on top
- Comes with a carrying case for transport
- Includes a two-year warranty
To Consider:
- While a nice inclusion, the fleece bed is quite thin
- Better suited for dogs already crate-trained
Best Collapsible Crate: Diggs Revol Dog Crate (Verified Review)
Collapsible dog crates are fantastic if you don’t always need a kennel and have limited space. These portable crates pack nicely away in storage until you have to use them again.
For a high-end option, the Diggs Revol features a combination of high-grade aluminum, reinforced plastic, and pinch-proof mesh. A handle and wheels make moving it a breeze, while a puppy divider and removable tray are helpful for training.
In our testing, we loved how easy the Diggs Revol was to fold down and set up. We also gave it high marks for its stylish look and premium design, making it worth the significantly higher price than its counterparts.
What We Like:
- Luxury crate that’s easy to collapse down
- High-end materials and aesthetically pleasing look
- Includes puppy divider and removable tray for cleaning
- Easy-to-use doors and ceiling hatch
To Consider:
- One of the more expensive crates on our list
Best Dog Crate Furniture: New Age Pet ecoFLEX Pet Crate
For a blend of fashion and function, dog crate furniture doubles as decor while giving your pooch a private space to rest. These crates are often made of wood, providing a more attractive option than traditional metal or plastic dog crates.
However, the New Age Pet ecoFLEX offers a unique alternative with its wood-plastic polymer composite. This non-toxic recycled material doesn’t warp or split like regular wood. Still, it has a chic, modern look that reviewers love. The door also opens both ways, giving you more flexibility in where you can place it. Available in four colors and five sizes, this end table dog crate is an excellent option for larger dogs, too.
What We Love:
- Modern dog crate furniture
- Wood-plastic polymer composite won’t warp like regular wood
- Stainless steel tubing and a secure latch keep your dog safely inside
- The front door swings both ways
- Available in larger sizes for big breeds, too
To Consider:
- Crate furniture is best suited for dogs already crate-trained
Best Travel Crate: Gunner G1 Kennel
If you plan to take your dog on trips, a good travel crate is a must. These kennels typically have specific features to keep your furry friend safe during transport. The Gunner G1 Kennel, for example, has a five-star crash safety rating from the Center for Pet Safety. Suffice it to say, this crate is tough. Heavy-duty, double-walled, and rotomolded plastic provides two times the impact protection, and non-slip feet keep the crate in place while you drive. It also meets most airline requirements, though you might need to make a few adjustments for full compliance.
While the G1 is considerably heavier and higher priced than other travel crates, outdoor enthusiasts give it top marks for its durability and safety.
What We Like:
- Robust, reinforced frame
- Has a five-star crash safety rating
- Can also be used for air travel
- Features kayak-grade handles
To Consider:
- Heavier and more expensive than many other travel crates
Best Heavy-Duty Crate: Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate
Heavy-duty crates offer a strong solution for anxious dogs, escape artists, and powerful pups that destroy their kennels. Constructed of thick aluminum alloy, this Impact crate can withstand up to 500 pounds of force. Along with a zinc-plated steel paddle latch, four additional butterfly latches add extra security, keeping your dog safe inside. Small ventilation holes also help prevent dogs from sinking their teeth into the crevices and hurting themselves.
The military-grade handles come in clutch when lugging this hefty crate around, which weighs in at 45 pounds. It’s also the most expensive crate on our list, coming in at over $1,000.
What We Like:
- One of the toughest aluminum dog crates available
- Escape-proof design is backed by a lifetime guarantee
- Five latches to keep your dog safely inside
- Withstands up to 500 pounds of force
To Consider:
- A serious financial investment
- One of the heavier crates on our list
Best Outdoor Kennel: Lucky Dog Stay Series Studio Jr. Outdoor Kennel
If you have a dog who loves being outside all the time, then an outdoor kennel can help protect them against the elements. They’re also a great alternative if you don’t have a fenced backyard. This Lucky Dog outdoor kennel has a waterproof and UV-resistant covered roof to keep your pooch out of the rain and sun. The walls and doors are sturdy steel with a weather-resistant finish, extending out to create a 16-square-foot play area. For bigger breeds, the Lucky Dog Stay Series includes a large size that spans a whopping 100 square feet!
What We Like:
- Covered roof protects dogs against the elements
- High walls keep dogs contained inside the kennel
- Various options in the Stay Series to suit your dog’s size
- Easy to assemble
To Consider:
- This premium outdoor design comes with a premium price
How We Chose
The dog crates featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. We prioritized crates that were durable, comfortable, and secure. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pups, who are never stingy with their feedback.