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When you’re shopping for dog crates, there’s no shortage of options—especially when it comes to small dog crates. Smaller breeds usually need less robust kenneling options, so pet parents can be more creative with their choices, opting for kennels that double as furniture, travel homes, or lightweight, soft-sided carriers.
While it might feel overwhelming to find the best crate for your small dog, investing the time and money will pay off in the end. Not only is crate training a helpful tool for safety, but it can also make travel and everyday life easier for you and your pup.
We’ve rounded up our favorites for small breeds of all temperaments, from tiny chewers and escape artists to sedate seniors and everything in between.
- Best Small Wire Crate: MidWest Homes iCrate
- Best Small Soft Crate: EliteField 3-Door Soft Folding Crate
- Best Small Plastic Crate: Sport Pet Plastic Dog Kennel
- Best Small Wood Crate: The Fable Dog Crate
- Best Luxury Option: Diggs Revol Dog Crate
- Best Budget Option: MidWest Spree Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel
- Best for Extra-Small Dogs: Petmate Two-Door Pet Kennel
- Best for Short-Haired Dogs: Pet Gear Dog Crate
- Best Small Dog Crate Furniture: New Age Pet Crate and End Table
- Best for Air Travel: Wild One Travel Carrier
- Best for Car Travel: Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier
- Best for Escape Artists: Impact Dog Crate
Best Small Wire Crate: MidWest Homes iCrate
The MidWest iCrate is one of the most popular wire crates on the pet market. Newly updated with safety features, this classic crate now has a side-bolt door latch to keep your dog secure while crated. Reviewers like that it’s affordable, durable, and easy to set up and take down. It also comes with a lot of nifty variables.
Choose between a single or double door, or opt for a crate with a divider panel—ideal for crate training and growing puppies. This crate also includes a leak-proof plastic bottom pan, protective rubber feet, and a carrying handle. A wide variety of sizes includes several choices for smaller pups.
Some reviewers report that the doors bend when pulled, which should be fine unless you have a determined escape artist on your hands. For a more heavy-duty option, MidWest also offers the Life Stages crate, which has the wire grids and bars closer together.
What We Like:
- Lightweight but durable
- Includes a side-bolt door latch for security
- Removable plastic pan is great for cleaning accidents
- Comes in either a single or double door
- Option to include a divider
- Highly rated and affordably priced
To Consider:
- Some reviewers report the doors can bend from pressure
Best Small Soft Crate: EliteField 3-Door Soft Folding Crate (Verified Review)
Another highly rated option, the EliteField soft crate features quality materials. In our testing, we found it to be versatile, sturdy, and easy to transport. We also like that the EliteField offers two inches more in width and four inches more in height than many other soft dog crates, making it a solid choice for small pups who like a little more room in their cozy den.
The three side doors make it easy to use in many different spaces, and the mesh material folds up like tent flaps if your dog wants a cozy spot to rest but doesn’t need to be confined. The top door is also handy for accessing your pup when all the sides are closed.
Everything folds nicely into a portable bag when not in use, and added features include a washable fleece pad, a top pocket, and an attachable storage bag. Available in several small sizes, this crate offers a wide range of colors from which to choose.
What We Like:
- Maximum comfort, portability, and versatility
- Easy to carry, fold, and store
- Has mesh doors for ventilation and optional roll-up sides
- Includes washable fleece pad, carrying case, and straps
- Available in multiple sizes (including X-small and small) and lots of colors
To Consider:
- Not an appropriate choice for chewers and diggers
Best Small Plastic Crate: Sport Pet Plastic Dog Kennel
A multifaceted option, this Sportpet Plastic Kennel is sized for smaller dogs and approved as cargo on many airlines. If you aren’t planning on bringing your dog as a carry-on, this could be one option for air travel. However, it’s an all-purpose crate perfectly suitable for use around the house or on car trips. (Note: If you live in an area where you may have to use public shelters in case of natural disasters, this would be a portable and secure option for your pet to accompany you.)
This durable plastic crate comes with two dishes, “live animal” stickers, and all the hardware needed to assemble. Pet parents love that it can be rolled on wheels, making it easy to transport. It’s also available in multiple sizes, including small and medium. Reviewers point out that the small only has plastic grates on the side, so you’ll want to size up for more durable metal grates.
What We Like:
- Made from durable plastic
- Airline approved
- Great for travel, car trips, and home use
- Four wheels make it easy to transport
- Comes with removable bowls
To Consider:
- Small size only has plastic grates on the side
Best Small Wood Crate: The Fable Dog Crate (Verified Review)
Wood crates can add a touch of style to your home, but they’re typically best suited for dogs who are already crate trained and aren’t prone to chewing. Still, we tested this high-end crate by Fable and were impressed with its craftsmanship. Not only did the crate hold up to Rover Test Pup Meda’s chomps, but it provided a quiet and aesthetically pleasing design for her humans.
In particular, our testers liked that the crate doubled as a furniture piece and wasn’t noisy when they placed items, like a coffee cup, on top. The door also has a unique design that rolls up instead of clanging shut, an added perk for nervous and sound-sensitive pups.
Fable’s small crate accommodates dogs up to 25 pounds.
What We Like:
- An aesthetically pleasing design
- Quality wood craftsmanship
- Has a unique door that rolls up
- Ideal for pups who have an aversion to metal crates
- Small size suits dogs up to 25 pounds
To Consider:
- The crate is fairly easy to assemble but may require two people
- A pricier option on our list
Best Luxury Option: Diggs Revol Dog Crate (Verified Review)
If you’re looking to splurge on a luxury crate for your pup, the Diggs Revol offers an intuitive design and stylish aesthetic. We also found it to be one of the most flexible options out there! It collapses easily with a twist of the top handle, and the sides lift entirely up, giving your dog multiple access points. In our testing, we found the small size to be a great fit for Olive the Boston Terrier.
Not only is this model collapsible, but it’s also incredibly sturdy. Made with durable aluminum, steel mesh wire, and reinforced plastic, this crate follows baby product standards (read: no pinched paws). It’s also a good option for puppy training, with a removable tray for easy cleaning, a ceiling hatch for access, and a puppy divider.
While a good choice for traveling, keep in mind that it is a heavier model than soft or plastic-only crate types. It’s also a bit bulkier than wire crates when folded.
What We Like:
- Luxury crate with an innovative and sleek design
- A versatile choice for home, outdoors, and traveling
- Great for puppy training with a divider and removable tray
- Small size suits dogs up to 25 pounds
To Consider:
- One of the more expensive crates on our list
- A bit heavier and bulkier than other types of crates
Best Budget Option: MidWest Spree Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel
The plastic Spree crate by MidWest offers an alternative to the brand’s wire crates and comes at an affordable price. A popular choice for smaller breeds, this hard-sided crate provides three sizes: 19 inches, 22 inches, and 24 inches. The ventilation slots on the side and wide-wire door allow plenty of air to circulate, and a built-in handle on the top makes it easy to transport your pup. Pet parents like the value this crate brings at such a budget-friendly price.
Recent reviews do point out that some crates have been delivered with a missing door hinge. However, customer service was quick to correct the error and send a new part.
What We Like:
- Great value at an affordable price
- Three sizes cater to smaller dogs
- Built-in handle for easy transport
- Fast customer support
To Consider:
- Some recent reviewers have noted door issues or a missing hinge
Best for Extra-Small Dogs: Petmate Two-Door Pet Kennel
This Petmate kennel has a similar design to the MidWest Spree mentioned above, except it has a door on the top for two points of access. It’s also better suited for extra-small dogs. The 19-inch crate fits puppies up to 10 pounds, while the 24-inch suits pups up to 15 pounds. The 14-inch size is best for cats and other small pets but could also work for tiny toy breeds. (The smallest size only comes with a door on top, however.)
Pet parents like that the ventilation holes are nice and rounded to protect against injuring curious paws. This dog kennel is also a solid option for travel, meeting most airline cargo specifications. Reviewers note that the top door is great for easily getting their pup out for potty breaks.
What We Like:
- Two points of access
- Three extra-small sizes (24 inches, 19 inches, 14 inches)
- Smooth interior and rounded ventilation holes for safety
- Meets most airline cargo guidelines
To Consider:
- Smallest size only has a door on top
Best for Short-Haired Dogs: Pet Gear Dog Crate
Similar to the Diggs Revol crate above, this kennel by Pet Gear offers another plastic-wire combo with a small size suitable for dogs up to 30 pounds. Providing multiple access points, this crate has four doors, including a large side door that opens up and out like a garage door.
The crate comes with a fitted pad and collapses for easy storage and transport. It also has wheels if you need to move it from room to room while fully extended. Great for short-haired dogs, colder climates, and small pups who run cold, this crate has an insulated base to boot!
What We Like:
- Easy folding and storage
- Comes with a fitted pad
- Includes an insulated base for pups who run cold
- Multiple doors for training and easy access
- Small size suits dogs up to 30 pounds
To Consider:
- Sturdy, but not entirely chew-proof
Best Small Dog Crate Furniture: New Age Pet EcoFlex Crate and End Table
For pet parents who want a multifunctional crate, this New Age crate does the trick, doubling as an end table. A chic but sturdy crate, this kennel/furniture combo is made of a wood-plastic polymer composite (non-toxic) to keep it from warping, cracking, or splitting. The spindles are made of stainless steel tubing, and the door has a stainless steel latch for added security. Available in five colors to match your home’s decor, this crate’s small size accommodates dogs up to 20 pounds.
Reviewers like the modern look of the crate and that the door swings both in and out, giving you more options on where to place it—ideal for smaller spaces.
What We Like:
- Blends well with furniture
- Extra protection against warping, cracking, or splitting
- Door swings in and out
- Small size suits dogs up to 20 pounds: 29.5″L x 21.1″W x 25.2″H
To Consider:
- Furniture crates are generally less robust and are best for crate-trained dogs
Best for Air Travel: Wild One Travel Carrier
One of the biggest perks of traveling with a smaller dog is being able to fly in-cabin with them. If you have a dog under 16 pounds, this is one of the most reliable airline-compliant dog carriers around. Pet parents appreciate the flexible material that fits easily under seat compartments. Reviewers also love the versatility of this soft travel crate. Slip the carrier over your suitcase to roll your dog through the airport, then unzip the sides to reveal a carrier bed once you reach your destination. The shoulder strap also doubles as a travel leash for quick and easy bathroom breaks.
While dog guardians who fly with their pups rave about this soft crate, some have pointed out that the top zippers come loose and disconnected, which could be an issue for pets who paw or scratch their carrier. Longer dogs might also have trouble turning around, but unzipping the mesh when not en route should give them a little more space.
What We Like:
- Reliable air-line compliant dog carrier
- Flexible and fits easily under seat compartments
- Tons of versatile and transformable features
- Suits dogs under 16 pounds
To Consider:
- May be snug for longer dogs
- Some reports of top zippers
Best for Car Travel: Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier
Whether you’re bopping around town with your pup or taking them on a longer road trip, they’ll need a safe space in your car while you drive. This Passenger Travel Carrier by Diggs offers a quality crate that’s been crash-tested for car travel, garnering a five-star rating—the highest given by the Center for Pet Safety. Recommended for dogs up to 18 pounds, this carrier locks into your car via custom seat belt clips and a buckle strap. It also has three interior access points, storage pockets, and mesh throughout for ventilation.
Pet parents like how well-made this carrier is, noting the sturdy sides that don’t collapse inward. They also appreciate all the extra handy travel features, including a key clip, a collar tether, a bed, and pee pads. While this carrier is slightly bigger than the Wild One above, it also meets most airline requirements for carry-on pet travel (just make sure to check with the airline beforehand).
What We Like:
- Crash-tested small carrier for car travel
- Suits dogs up to 18 pounds
- Secures into the car seat with custom seat belt clips and buckle strap
- Thoughtful extras include a bed and pee pads
- Meets most airline requirements as a pet carry-on
To Consider:
- High price point
Best for Escape Artists: Impact Dog Crate
Do you have a tiny but mighty pup who keeps escaping their crate? Then you’ll need some more reinforcement. Impact makes premium crates made of durable aluminum with reinforced door frames to keep even the strongest dogs secure. Their rivets are rated to withstand up to 500 pounds of force, and a lifetime guarantee backs their long-lasting construction. For little dogs, the Stationary Crate features four smaller sizes, ranging from 20 inches in length to 34 inches. You will be trading in security for weight, though, with even the smaller crates coming in at around 15 pounds.
Impact also makes a Collapsible Crate that folds down for easier transport. For dogs with separation anxiety, the High Anxiety Dog Crate offers even more escape-proof details, like additional butterfly latches. The smallest size for both crates, however, is 30 inches.
What We Like:
- Premium escape-proof design
- Backed by a lifetime guarantee
- Comes in three different models
- The stationary model has four smaller sizes
To Consider:
- Designs are much heavier than standard crates
- Very expensive investment
How We Chose
The small 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 small dog crates that are versatile, durable, and include safety and comfort features. 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.
