The best dog crate is one that fits your dog’s size, suits how you will use it, and matches your dog’s temperament, whether that means a versatile wire crate at home, a soft-sided crate for car travel, or a heavy-duty model for a determined escape artist. The right crate gives a dog a safe, den-like space and makes travel and training easier. This guide covers six crates across wire, soft-sided, plastic, heavy-duty, and furniture styles, plus how to size and choose one. Size it correctly, introduce it positively, and supervise until your dog is comfortable. Not sure what size you need? You can our crate size finder can suggest a size to get a quick starting point.
Quick Verdict
For most dogs, a folding wire crate is the best all-around choice, since it is versatile, well-ventilated, and easy to store. Choose a soft-sided collapsible crate for car travel with a calm dog, a plastic kennel for air travel, a heavy-duty crate for strong chewers or escape artists, and a furniture-style crate to blend into a room. Size the crate so your dog can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably, and match the type to your dog’s temperament and your routine.
Key Takeaways
- how to size and pick one
- Size matters most: your dog should stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Wire crates are the versatile default; soft-sided suit calm dogs and travel.
- Strong chewers and escape artists need heavy-duty, not soft-sided, crates.
- Introduce any crate positively and never use it as punishment.
How We Picked the Best Dog Crates
We weighed sizing and fit, build quality and security, ventilation, portability, ease of setup and storage, and how well each crate suits a given dog and use. We also considered value across a wide price range. The picks span wire, soft-sided, plastic, heavy-duty, and furniture styles, so whether you need an everyday home crate, a travel option for the car, or an escape-resistant build, there is a match here for your dog and your situation.
1. MidWest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate, Best Overall
Why It Stands Out
The MidWest iCrate is the best all-around pick. This folding wire crate is well-ventilated, easy to set up and store flat, and comes with a divider so it can grow with a puppy. For everyday home use with most dogs, a wire crate like this is the versatile default that simply works.
Worth Knowing
Wire crates offer little privacy, so a cover can help a dog settle. The divider lets you size the space down for a puppy and expand it as they grow, which saves buying a second crate.
Choose it for versatile everyday use. Skip it if you need a fully escape-proof or travel-specific crate.
Check Price on Amazon2. The Soft-Sided Crate I Use for Car Travel, Best for the Car
Why It Stands Out
The soft-sided collapsible crate I use for car rides is my pick for travel. I like that it collapses down for easy storage, and the multiple entryways and zippers make it adjustable and easy to get her in and out. It works well in the car, where she settles and feels safe on the drive, which is exactly what I want on the road.
Worth Knowing
My one honest gripe is the velcro at the bottom, which I am not a fan of. Soft-sided crates suit calm, crate-trained dogs and travel rather than strong chewers or escape artists, so match the crate to your dog and save the soft-sided style for the right temperament.
Choose it for car travel with a calm, crate-trained dog. Skip it for heavy chewers or dogs that need a rigid, escape-proof crate.
Check Price on Amazon3. Impact Aluminum Dog Crate, Best for Escape Artists
Why It Stands Out
A heavy-duty aluminum crate like the Impact is the best pick for strong, determined dogs. Its rigid metal construction and secure latches stand up to dogs that bend, chew through, or escape lighter crates. For powerful breeds or anxious escape artists, a heavy-duty crate provides real security and peace of mind.
Worth Knowing
Heavy-duty crates are the most expensive and least portable option, and they are heavy to move. They are an investment, so they make the most sense for dogs that genuinely need that level of containment rather than as a first crate.
Choose it for escape artists and strong chewers. Skip it if your dog crates calmly and you want portability or value.
Check Price on Amazon4. Petmate Sky Kennel Hard-Sided Crate, Best for Air Travel
Why It Stands Out
The Petmate Sky Kennel is the best pick for air travel. Its hard plastic shell, secure door, and ventilation slots meet many airline requirements, and the enclosed sides give nervous dogs a den-like sense of security. For flying or long trips, a plastic kennel is the go-to.
Worth Knowing
Always confirm current requirements with your specific airline, since rules vary and change. Plastic kennels are bulkier to store than folding crates and offer less airflow than wire, so they are best for travel rather than all-day home use in warm rooms.
Choose it for air travel and enclosed security. Skip it if you want maximum ventilation or easy flat storage.
Check Price on Amazon5. Furniture-Style Dog Crate, Best for the Home
Why It Stands Out
A furniture-style crate is the best pick for blending into a living space. Built to double as an end table or sideboard with a wood finish, it hides the crate look while still giving your dog an enclosed den. For owners who want the crate to fit their decor, this style is the most attractive option.
Worth Knowing
Furniture crates suit calm, house-trained dogs, since wood can be chewed and is harder to clean than wire or plastic. They are best introduced after a dog is reliably crate-comfortable rather than during early training with a chewer.
Choose it for a home-friendly look with a calm dog. Skip it for puppies, chewers, or heavy shedders.
Check Price on Amazon6. Frisco Fold and Carry Single-Door Crate, Best Budget
Why It Stands Out
The Frisco Fold and Carry is the best value pick. It delivers a functional folding wire crate at a low price, with a fold-flat design and carry handle that make it easy to move and store. For a first crate or a budget setup, it covers the basics without overspending.
Worth Knowing
Budget crates may feel less sturdy than premium models and often include fewer extras. For a calm dog and everyday use, that trade-off is usually fine, but a strong or anxious dog may need a more secure build.
Choose it to crate on a budget. Skip it if your dog is a chewer or escape artist.
Check Price on AmazonDog Crates at a Glance
| If you want this | Reach for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A versatile everyday crate | Wire Folding (iCrate) | Ventilated, folds flat, divider |
| Car travel with a calm dog | The Soft-Sided I Use | Collapsible, multi-door, adjustable |
| Containment for an escape artist | Heavy-Duty Aluminum | Rigid, secure, chew-resistant |
| Air travel | Plastic Sky Kennel | Airline-style, enclosed den |
| A crate that fits your decor | Furniture-Style | Doubles as furniture |
| The best value | Frisco Fold and Carry | Functional at a low price |
How to Choose the Right Dog Crate
Size It Correctly
Sizing is the most important decision. Your dog should be able to stand without ducking, turn around, and lie down fully stretched, but not have so much extra room that they can potty in one corner and rest in another. Measure your dog and check the manufacturer’s size guide, and for a growing puppy use a right-sized crate or a divider rather than one that is too large.
Match the Type to Your Dog and Use
Wire crates suit most dogs at home, soft-sided crates work for calm dogs and travel, plastic kennels handle air travel, and heavy-duty crates contain strong or large dogs. Be honest about your dog’s temperament: a chewer or escape artist needs security, not a soft-sided crate. If your dog is anxious, our guide to crates for anxiety can help.
Consider Portability and Storage
If you travel or move the crate often, prioritize a folding or collapsible design that stores flat, like the soft-sided crate I use for the car. For a dedicated spot at home, storage matters less and you can prioritize sturdiness or looks. Think about whether you need it to travel, fit an SUV, or stay put.
Plan the Introduction and Setup
A crate only works if your dog feels good about it. Introduce it gradually with treats and positive associations, never use it as punishment, and add comfortable bedding suited to the crate. Our guides on crate training a puppy and introducing a new kennel walk through it step by step.
Common Dog Crate Mistakes to Avoid
Buying the Wrong Size
Too small is uncomfortable, and too large can undermine house-training, since a dog may use the extra space as a bathroom. Measure your dog and choose a crate where they can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably with a little room to spare. For puppies, a divider lets one crate fit each stage of growth.
Using a Soft-Sided Crate for a Chewer
Soft-sided crates are great for calm, crate-trained dogs and travel, but a determined chewer or escape artist can get through the fabric and zippers. Match the crate to your dog’s temperament, and choose a heavy-duty build for dogs that test their containment. The right crate for the right dog prevents damage and escapes.
Rushing the Introduction
Forcing a dog into a crate or using it as punishment creates a negative association that is hard to undo. Introduce it slowly with treats, meals, and short positive sessions so the crate becomes a safe den your dog chooses. Patience during setup pays off in a dog that settles willingly.
Skimping on Comfort and Safety
A bare crate is less inviting, and the wrong bedding can be a hazard for a chewer. Add appropriate bedding, remove collars that can snag during unsupervised time, and pick a crate or bed setup that fits your dog’s habits. Comfort and safety make the crate a place your dog wants to be.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size dog crate do I need?
Choose a crate where your dog can stand up without ducking, turn around, and lie down fully stretched, with a little extra room but not so much that they can potty in one corner. Measure your dog’s length and height and check the size guide. For a growing puppy, a divider lets one crate fit each stage.
Are soft-sided crates good for dogs?
Soft-sided crates are good for calm, crate-trained dogs and for travel, since they are lightweight and often collapsible. They are not suited to strong chewers or escape artists, who can get through the fabric and zippers. Match the crate to your dog’s temperament, and save soft-sided styles for dogs that crate calmly.
What is the best crate for car travel?
A soft-sided collapsible crate works well for car travel with a calm dog, since it is light, adjustable, and gives a dog an enclosed spot to settle, which is what I use for my dog. For maximum crash protection, some owners prefer a rigid travel crate or a secured carrier. Whatever you choose, secure it so it does not slide during the drive.
Is it cruel to crate a dog?
Used properly, a crate is not cruel; it gives a dog a safe, den-like space and aids house-training and travel. It becomes a problem only when overused, used as punishment, or sized wrong. Introduce it positively, keep crating times reasonable, and let it be a place your dog chooses rather than one they are forced into.
How long can a dog stay in a crate?
Adult dogs should not be crated for more than a few hours at a stretch during the day, and puppies far less, since they cannot hold it as long. Crating should never replace exercise, attention, and time out of the crate. If you are away for long periods, arrange breaks or consider a playpen for more room.
Should I cover my dog’s crate?
Covering a wire crate can help some dogs feel more secure and settle, mimicking a den, especially at night or in a busy room. Make sure ventilation stays adequate and the cover cannot be pulled in and chewed. Watch how your dog responds, since some prefer an open view while others relax more when covered.
What should I put in my dog’s crate?
Add comfortable, appropriately sized bedding and a safe chew or toy to make the crate inviting, and provide water for longer stays. Avoid anything a chewer could destroy and swallow, and remove collars that could snag during unsupervised time. Keep the setup simple, safe, and comfortable so the crate feels like a good place to rest.
Can a crate help with anxiety?
For some dogs, a properly introduced crate offers a secure den that eases stress, while for others confinement can worsen anxiety. It depends on the individual dog and how the crate is introduced. If your dog struggles with anxiety, introduce the crate carefully and see our guidance on crates for anxious dogs, and consult a trainer or your veterinarian if needed.
See also the complete guide to choosing dog gear.
