The 7 Best Dog Crates, With Feedback From Owners And Behaviorists

Dimensions: 44 x 28 x 30 inches (large) | Weight: 25 to 53 pounds | Sizes: S to L | Material: Plastic and aluminum frame, steel mesh

Pros:

• Clever double-door design
• Ceiling hatch for dispensing treats
• Collapsible and has wheels for easy transport

Cons:

• May not be ideal for very large dogs
• Quite heavy (but includes wheels)

Collapsible for travel? Check. Easy to clean? Check. Comfortable and safe for your favorite four-legged friend? Check. The stylish Revolv crate comes in small and medium sizes, as well as color options that include Ash, Gray and Charcoal. It’s also one of the best collapsible dog crates out there, breaking down for storage and easy transport. The included wheels and handle add to its portability, too.

But where the Revolv truly stands out is in the details that prioritize puppy training and safety, like its double-door design (which includes a standard front door and a garage-style side door), as well as the ceiling hatch and puppy divider. (There’s a reason it’s a top pick in our ultimate puppy checklist.) Plus, the crate features rounded corners, pup-inaccessible latching mechanisms and mesh that doesn’t pitch. 

What the experts say: Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer and an expert at Rover, says that unlike typical metal crates, which tend to have square-shaped mesh that dog tags can get stuck in, this crate “has a metal diamond shape to prevent tags from getting caught.”

Dimensions: 48 x 30 x 32 inches (XL) | Weight: 43.7 pounds | Sizes: XS to XL | Material: Coated steel, metal

Pros:

• Divider panel included
• Moderately priced
• Features pull-out bottom drawer

Cons:

• Included handles are not very durable

Behavior specialists advise you not to put a new puppy in a full-sized crate, as this may hinder your training efforts (pups shouldn’t have enough room to feel comfortable going to the bathroom in one corner of the crate and spending the rest of the time in another). But you’ll also need to anticipate growth, says Dr. Missy Matusicky, an assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. That’s why she recommends adult-sized crates that include crate divider panels, which will let you adjust the crate as your pup grows.

One excellent example of such a model is Frisco by Chewy’s Fold & Carry Wire Dog Crate. Its heavy-duty wire design comes in a wide range of sizes, from 22 inches to 48 inches in length; its corners are rounded for your puppy’s safety. The divider panel keeps your pooch secure in a space sized to their needs, and the easy-to-clean plastic base pan is helpful in case of accidents. (Note: Frisco Heavy-Duty Crates also come in a double-door style.)

What our editors say: Forbes Vetted deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala vouches for this crate’s quality and value, sharing, “It’s very inexpensive and yet sturdy for our small dog. We’ve had it nearly a year without issue. She comfortably sleeps in it every night. I appreciate the pull-out bottom drawer, which made it easier to hose down for unexpected messes.” Though her dog, Bubbles, is only 21 pounds, Sala says they chose the Frisco to accommodate her long legs. 

Dimensions: 54 x 37 x 45 inches (XXL) | Weight: 80.2 pounds (XXL) | Sizes: XXS to XXL | Material: Coated metal, plastic, metal

Pros:

• Includes divider panel
• Easy to clean
• Eight size options
• Solid, durable construction

Cons:

• Assembly can be tricky
• Heavy to move around

For large dog breeds—Great Danes and St. Bernards, for example—you’re going to need a sizable crate to match. Go for the collapsible Midwest Homes Wire Crate, which is available in sizes that go up to a whopping 54 inches long and 45 inches high. Reviewers say it’s impressively sturdy, thanks to its coated metal, drop-pin construction and stabilizing rubber feet. It’s also puppy friendly, featuring rounded edges, a divider panel and a low-maintenance plastic tray. The door is secured by three reinforced latches for extra peace of mind. 

While this model conveniently folds up for easier storage and transport, it’s worth noting that—especially with the larger sizes—this crate can get quite heavy due to its tough construction. (Note: Midwest Homes’ Wire Crate comes in a double-door style that also goes up to size XXL.) 

What our testers say: Forbes sales research and insights analyst Melis Ocal says she has happily used the Midwest Single-Door Crate for her pit bull mix. “It’s so easy to fold and transport, which was especially important to me … when my dog had to spend a few nights at my parents’ [house]. It has traveled so well and is easy to clean and find beds for due to the standard size.”

Dimensions: 39.3 x 26.8 x 29.5 inches (XL) | Weight: 31 pounds (XL) | Sizes: M to XL | Material: Plastic, wire mesh door

Pros:

• Easy to assemble and clean
• Sturdy plastic build
• Can disassemble for storage

Cons:

• Chewers may be able to destroy it
• Some reviewers say sizing is tricky

While plastic dog crates aren’t as durable, ventilated or easy to store as wire crates, they have their advantages. “Plastic crates have solid sides, so they may be more comfortable for a dog to lean against than a wire crate,” shares Bassett. She adds that while wire crates offer 360-degree visibility, a shy or fearful dog might better appreciate the cozier, more solid-feeling confines of a plastic crate. 

One good plastic dog crate we’re partial to is the Frisco Plastic Dog Kennel. Its sides are sturdy enough for pups to lean on, and they make the interior adequately darker to help nervous ones feel less exposed. Since plastic crates tend to offer less airflow than wire ones, we appreciate that Frisco’s version comes equipped with several ventilation holes on its sides for better circulation. And should you want to store it, the crate comes apart in the middle to form two stackable halves. 

What our experts say: Unsure if your pup prefers a plastic or wire crate? While you should factor in how your dog reacts to each type, “what is more likely to sway their feelings about the crate is how it is used and where it is located,” Rhoades explains. If you’re in doubt, consult your vet or behavior professional.

Dimensions: 40.3 x 28 x 33.3 inches (large) | Weight: 72 pounds (large) | Sizes: S to L | Material: Double-wall rotomolded plastic, aluminum and stainless steel components

Pros:

• Crash-tested for durability and impact protection
• Rotomolded plastic shield pup from temperature extremes
• Water-repellent and easy to clean
• Comes with a lifetime manufacturer warranty

Cons:

• Quite expensive
• Kennel doesn’t disassemble easily

Even the most masterful canine escape artists will have a tough time breaking out of the G1 Kennel, a rugged crate built for maximum safety and security for your pet on the road. It’s made of double-walled rotomolded plastic that the brand says offers twice as much impact protection as traditional plastic. And there are stats to prove it: This construction, reinforced with an aluminum frame, has been 5-star crash-tested and proven to withstand up to 4,000 pounds of force. (Not to mention, the brand feels confident enough in the G1’s durability that it’s covered by a lifetime warranty.) 

It also features backup safety locks, rip-proof tie-down pins and straps, and rubber feet to give pet owners extra peace of mind. Durability isn’t the only thing the G1 excels in: The crate’s double-walled design helps shield your pooch from both extreme cold and heat, and it’s equipped with strong carrying handles and a drainage system for easy clean-up.

What the reviews say: An owner of two labs writes, “We feel so safe now we have these Gunner kennels in our truck. I always feared traveling with our labs in the bed of the truck without proper protection. … Our dogs love the coolness and coziness of the inside… [They’re] easy to clean, manage, lock and strap down, great looking kennels.” 

Dimensions: 48.5 x 32.5 x 36 inches (2XL) | Weight: 79 pounds | Sizes: M to XXL | Material: Aluminum alloy, zinc-plated steel latch

Pros:

• Heavy-duty welded walls prevent chewing
• Secured by four latches
• Lifetime warranty for dog damage

Cons:

• A financial investment
• May slide around on smooth floors

If your dog is prone to anxiety, the openness of wire crates might give them too much stimulation for comfort. However, while plastic dog crates do offer a more enclosed feel, “anxious dogs have been known to chew out of these crates (unless you are going for a really high-end crate),” explains Rover’s Ellis. You’ll want to work with a certified behavior professional to help your dog become more comfortable being crated, but you’ll also need a durable crate. This model from Impact Dog Crates addresses the gaps that regular wire and plastic crates have with its design.

This high-anxiety 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 to increase airflow, but they’re small enough that your dog won’t be able to chew through them. (Because these ventilation holes are smaller than the ones in its other models, Impact says it increased their overall amount to offer more airflow.) The brand also backs the crate with both a lifetime warranty and a “lifetime dog warranty:” If your dog damages any part of the crate, you’ll get a replacement part for free. 

What the experts say: Plenty of happy reviewers say this crate has helped calm and secure their nervous pups (for reference, it’s garnered almost 2,000 5-star ratings). However, Rhoades advises taking claims of “indestructibility” or “solving” behavioral problems with a grain of salt and suggests always consulting with your vet or a behavior professional first. 

Dimensions: 45 x 28 x 32 inches (extra-large) | Weight: 83.8 pounds | Sizes: S to XL | Material: Plywood, acrylic panel, stainless steel latch

Pros:

• Easy to assemble with clear instructions
• Paint finish is nontoxic and odorless
• Polished design blends in with decor
• Comes with a cotton cushion

Cons:

• Shipping may take time (ships from Ukraine)

One thing many well-made wire and plastic dog crates have in common is that they’re not necessarily the most visually appealing. While they have their advantages (as our experts shared earlier), wood crates excel in the attractiveness department. Moreover, in addition to blending in better with the rest of your furniture, wooden dog crates tend to offer a more enclosed feel. 

A well-reviewed wooden model that customers say meets both construction and design requirements is this crate by Ukrainian business Petso. Made predominantly of sturdy and polished (read: waterproof) 12mm plywood, it’s also equipped with a transparent acrylic fr