14 Best Dog Crates in 2023

We have done our extensive research and came up with a reviewed list of the 14 best dog crates in 2023.

These products range from those that are good for each dog’s size and narrow down to the preference that you may want for him.

As a pet parent, investing in a good product for your pooch will give him peace of mind while traveling and a cozy space at home where he can call his own.

No matter your dog’s age and breed, you need to find a good crate that will be convenient for your intended purpose.

A crate is a comfortable enclosed space that is used to house your dog when no one is around to check on him. It provides a cozy feeling to make him comfortable and relaxed during the time he might be experiencing stress due to loneliness.

A crate is also used to carry your pet from your home conveniently to other locations preferably in a car. This is crucially important when you are making those regular visits to the vet or when you are just having an adventurous day with your pup.

There are many types, shapes, and varieties of crates out in the market and it might be a difficult task to find the one that perfectly serves your pup best.

Some vital considerations that you need to keep in mind when looking for this product are your pup’s age, size, weight, his bed’s preferred style of the crate just to mention but a few.

Just like playpens for dogs, some crates might be a bit bulky and they, therefore, require a generous space in your house to keep your dog comfortable throughout.

Here are our top picks and reviews:

14 Best Dog Crates in 2023

1.      Frisco “Broadway” Credenza & Mat Kit

Have you ever thought of a fancy crate that doubles up as a side table for yourself? This beautiful product from Frisco does exactly that, by providing a generous space for your canine companion and giving you a credenza to do your other things.

This product is constructed from high quality wooden materials and it comes in an option of two colors; antique white and black. The beautiful furnish of this crate will complement most home decors making your home space beautiful and pet friendly.

At the bottom of this crate are two cozy mats that give your dog a comfortable feeling every time he steps in. The comfy nature of this product makes it an ideal place to leave your dog to rest and even sleep for long periods.

The door is fastened with sturdy locks which ensures that he is safe and secure. The removable lid also helps in maintaining the cleanliness of this product at keeping hygiene at par.

If you need to adjust the size of the crate, you will simply disassemble it and put it together in a way that gives your pet the optimum size for his space.

Pros

• It doubles up as a side table.
• Beautiful crate to match your décor.
• It is very comfortable for your dog.
• Easy to fold up and store conveniently.

Cons

• It is heavy and not easy to move from one place to the other.

2.      Gelinzon Heavy Duty Dog Cage Crate Kennel Roof Strong Metal

This dog kennel is sturdy and made with durable metal frames to keep your dog comfortable and well secured.

The frames are used to provide much more strength than the plastic or mesh crates. This kennel can therefore be used to train large dogs and provide them with a secure place to stay.

This product comes with pre-fitted high quality frames which makes the assembling part very easy and stress-free. It does not require any specialized tools and it should take only 10 minutes to get you done.

With anti-escape double-access doors, this kennel can be used to keep dogs with anxiety safe and prevent them from any injury or damage.

The crate has two mesh trays at the bottom which are used to catch fallen dog food. This presents an easy clean-up experience which is critical in maintaining your dog’s hygiene.

The entire kennel is coated with an environmentally friendly process that prevents rust build-up and corrosion. This ensures that your dog is housed in the kennel for a long time without compromising his security.

Pros

• Prevents dogs from escaping.
• It is sturdy and well made.
• Provides easy access.
• Easy to clean and maintain.

Cons

• Requires a large space to keep it.

3.      Otaid 48 Inch Heavy Duty Indestructible Cage Kennel with Wheels

Caging a large and strong dog can sometimes be a challenge. All you need to do is get a dog crate that is spacious and strong enough to withstand any attempt by your canine companion to interfere with it. This one is made with gauge steel metals and reinforced with string steel tubes of 0.5 inches in diameter.

The high quality framework and reinforcement are much stronger than the classical wires used in cheap dog crates for large dogs. For ease of mobility, this crate is fitted with four rolling casters at each bottom corner that will allow you to move it easily and safely within your house.

Once you decide to keep your dog’s crate firmly in a stationary position, you will lock two of the four wheels which will prevent the crate from freely rolling.

This heavy-duty crate uses double-bolt locks that ensure your dog is kept inside and that he cannot escape. This is a good feature to have especially if you have an anxious dog at home. He will not freely move in and out which may worsen his anxiety issues.

This product comes with removable bottom trays to hold your dog’s food when dropping it on the floor. It also has a washable metal pan and a grate for the floor all of which make it easier to clean and maintain good hygiene with this product.

Since most of these crate parts come pre-assembled, you will just require little effort and time to fit the screws in place and put everything together. Assembling does not need specialized tools and it is hazard-free.

Pros

• Easy to move within the house.
• It is sturdy and well built.
• Money-back guarantee.

Cons

• The bottom part is gridded which might not be convenient for some dogs.

4.  Richell Expandable

If you have a puppy then you might be worried about buying a crate of the right size because your furbaby grows with time.

This crate by Richell is made with an expandable design to allow you to increase the size as your puppy grows with time. The expansion length runs from 35.4 inches to 60.6 inches which are good enough for most dogs from their puppy stage.

The crate is made with metallic wire meshes with wooden frames for stability. It can be adjusted up to 11 different widths to get the right size for your furry friend within the correct space in your house.

When rolling out the expansion, the protective bottom tray goes along with the length. This ensures that your pup is kept comfortable in all configurations.

The crate uses a sliding wire door to give your dog easy access inside and outside the crate. You also get the Life ‘n Lock door which allows pet parents to easily get hold of your dogs’ accessories like food bowl, training pads, toys, etc.

Pros

• Comfortable and well-designed.
• The crate is sturdy and durable.
• Easily accessible.
• The expendable design is convenient.

Cons

• The base can easily be cracked.

5.      Frisco XX-Large Heavy Duty Double Door Wire

This dog crate is constructed with metallic wire meshes and is made for large dogs. Assembling the product is not difficult and you can refer to the video provided by Frisco for demonstrations.

No specialized tools and skills are needed to put this product together.

This crate offers your dog a comfortable space with enough security to keep him stress-free. The large door at the front is easy to open and it securely locks into place.

There are three latches that provide extra layers of security, just to ensure your canine companion is well and good. It uses drop-pin hinges which are durable and keep your furry friends easily accessible.

The bottom of the crate has a removable plastic pan which adds to the comfort of your dog. This pan also provides for easiness in cleaning hence maintaining the create in good hygienic conditions.

The crate is finished with a protective black coat which makes it more durable hence you can use it to crate your pup for a long time.

Pros

• The front door opens so easily.
• The crate is well secured.
• Easy to clean and maintain.
• Easy to assemble and disassemble.

Cons

• A strong dog can bend the side walls.

6.      Firstrax Noz2Noz Sof-Krate N2 Series 3-Door Collapsible

This crate is good for traveling and carrying your dog by hand over short distances. This product from Firstrax is collapsible and therefore presents a very good option for using during travels.

It is made with a lightweight material that is washable and easy to maintain. The fabric is supported by steel frames that are strong enough to hold the weight of your small dog.

The fabric is also fitted with heavy-duty zippers which securely holds your dog in place and keep him from escaping

The walls are fitted with meshed windows that allow fresh air to enter and leave the inside compartment. This is crucial in keeping the crate ventilated for your dog’s optimum health.

This crate has various entry positions which are top, side, and front. This makes it easier for your furry friend to leave the compartment without necessarily turning while inside.

Pros

• Lightweight soft crate.
• It has good ventilation.
• Many entry points for your dog.
• Easy to clean and maintain.

Cons

• It is not good for heavy chewers.

7.      Frisco Two Door Top Load Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel

If you have a dog and cat, sometimes it is important if you can consider a product that can be used by both pets. This crate is one of those products and it is made of plastic material coming in two different color patterns.

This crate by Frisco makes it a lot easier to go on a journey with your canine companion while guaranteeing his comfort and safety. The construction of this crate is durable hence making it a good product to use for going to various destinations.

Assembling this crate is very easy as it just requires putting together two half trays that are then locked together to give your dog a comfortable space to stay.

Your dog can have a good view of the outside world while traveling in this crate because of the meshed door and sides. These openings also allow fresh air to circulate freely hence providing the much-needed ventilation to your pup.

The door is located at the top of this crate and it provides an easier way to access and feed your dog while traveling with him.

Pros

• Uses easy-to-clean plastic.
• It has a sturdy handle that can be folded.
• Provides enough ventilation.
• It is so flexible in usage.

Cons

• It can easily be broken when mishandled.

8.      Petmate Vari Dog Kennel

If you are planning on traveling with your canine friend by air, then you need to go a step further and look for airline-approved products.

This crate from Petmate is adaptable to air travel because it meets all the specifications laid out by leading air companies.

Apart from that, you can also use his crate to move with your pet using the car or just by carrying him with your hands.

There is a convenient carrying handle at the top of the product that makes it possible to handle your dog with care. It measures 40 inches and can be used to carry dogs of up to 90 pounds.

The interior compartment of this product is raised to keep your furry friend comfortable during his stay. Its walls have meshed patterns that allow fresh air to swift through the crate hence providing enough ventilation.

Pros

• Can be used to carry strong dogs.
• It is comfortable.
• Sturdy and well built.

Cons

• The plastic material used in construction can break when mishandled.

9.      EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate

With three doors, this crate from EliteField ensures that your dog does not have to take turns in order to move out of the interior compartment.

The top, front, and side all have convenient doors which give your dog an easy time to get his foot inside the crate.

The doors allow natural sunlight to reach the interior part of the crate and also make it possible for your dog to access fresh air due to the meshed openings.

The fabric is supported on strong steel tubes which can bear the weight of your medium-sized dog. The interior bottom part of this crate is padded to give your dog a comfortable space to spend his time.

Together all these components make up a comfortable and secure dog crate that can be used to carry your dog to different locations.

Pros

• It has 3 access doors.
• The steel frames are strong.
• It has enough light and air inlets.

Cons

• Can be ripped off by an excessive chewer.

10. MidWest Homes for Pets

An adult dog weighing between 90 to 100 pounds needs a crate with a huge space that allows him to turn with ease.

This crate is constructed with a wire mesh design and it is suitable for larger breeds. It comes with a complete set of accessories that help to keep your pup comfortable and secure.

Among them, you will get a divider panel that is used to extend this crate whenever your dog grows and requires a bigger space.

This crate has a design that allows your dog to have a clear view of what is happening on the outside. It is, therefore, a good product to use when you are away and have left your dog at home by himself.

The door has a locking feature that allows him to stay inside securely and prevents escape.

Assembling this product is easy and it does not require any specialized tool to achieve it. When you are not using this crate, you can fold it and store it conveniently in a safe space.

Pros

• Easy to access the inside.
• It is comfortable for large dogs.
• It can be extended according to needs.

Cons

• Might be heavy for some people to shift the location.

11. iCrate Starter Kit | 24-Inch Ideal for Small Dog Breeds

Small breed dogs need a crate that is suitable for their size and comfort needs. These dog crates for small dogs are suitable for breeds like Chihuahua.

It offers them a generous space for their comfort and security. When a small dog is given a large crate, he may develop or enhance his undesirable behaviors of chewing and bathroom mess.

Comfort means everything to small dogs, and you will not go wrong with this crate. It comes with a Fleece pet bed that gives your pup a comfy feeling every time he steps in.

The entire crate is constructed with wire mesh but it has a crate cover that houses the entire crate. This prevents your dog from getting too cold during early mornings and late nights.

This crate has a divider panel that is used to divide the interior part into two. Once divided, you can then use each compartment to house your individual dog safely.

Pros

• Very comfortable for dogs.
• Well ventilated.
• One of the best for small dogs
• Easy to assemble and break down.

Cons

• Difficult to carry from one location to the other.

12.   2PET Folding Soft Dog Crate for Indoor, Travel, Training for Pets up to 15 lbs Small 20 Inches Beige

Sometimes you just need a crate that can function as a carrier bag for pets and is so flexible in usage. This folding soft-sided crate is ideal for many occasions including traveling, crate training, indoor usage, and many more.

It is made with a strong fabric that can hold your small dog of up to 15 pounds, and create sizeable enough. The company provides for a choice in the size that fits your furry friend.

The construction of this product features a steel frame that is covered with a soft, washable fabric cover. The cover can easily be removed and washed by a machine to improve its appearance and maintain good hygiene.

The crate offers enough ventilation to your pup while inside through the bone-shaped mesh panel windows. Natural ventilation is key in maintaining your dog’s health and giving him an outdoor feeling while inside the crate.

Your dog’s comfort is secured while inside thanks to the soft padded bottom that gives him a cozy feeling. This crate can be carried by hand, shoulder, bicycle, car and it, therefore, presents flexibility while you are traveling with your canine companion.

Pros

• It is very flexible.
• It is beautifully made.
• Provides enough ventilation.
• It gives your dog a comfortable space.
• Can be used for carrying cats also.

Cons

• The soft fabric material can easily be ripped off.

13.   Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire

If you need a crate to offer you convenience in traveling with your canine companion, then you better choose one that can easily be collapsed and folded.

This crate by Frisco is constructed with metal wires which makes it comfortable and durable. It can conveniently be folded and carried using the adjustable handles making it a good travel companion

It has a divider panel that is used to divide the crate to allow you to create the right space for your pups.

It has a door at the front and another on the side that gives your furry friend easy access in and out of it. The doors use dual latches to securely lock hence keeping your dog safe and secure while he is inside.

The product comes with a plastic bottom pan that keeps your dog comfortable and provides for easier clean-up and maintenance. This crate is long-lasting and durable, thanks to its coated finish which keeps away rusting.

Pros

• It can be divided into two.
• Convenient for traveling.
• It is sturdy.
• Makes your dog feel very comfortable.

Cons

• The construction can be destroyed by a strong dog.

14.   Go Pet Club Soft Crate for Pets

With this dog crate, you can conveniently carry your dog alongside to various destinations. This kennel is made with a compact fabric material that is supported with steel tubes.

If you have a heavy chewer, then this product is not the most suitable for him. Heavy chewers will chew off and tamper with the fabric which forms the main part of this kennel.

The fabric is water-resistant and therefore you should not worry about exposing it to the rain. But be sure that your dog is always kept out of harsh weather conditions for the sake of his health.

All four sides of this crate have meshed ventilation which is crucial for your dog while inside the compartment.

Pros

• Minimal in design.
• Fits into many spaces.
• Comfortable for your dog.
• Easy to carry.

Cons

• It easily collapses when used for some time.

Types of Dog Crates

There are several types of crates for dogs and all of them are useful for specific occasions. The types are categorized by the materials they are made with. Crates are different from dog houses.

They are further broadened to different models and varieties which you can choose from. In this section, we will look at the overall broad types of dog crates available today in the market.

1.  Soft-Sided Dog Crates

They are made with soft textured materials on the walls and they are supported with frames at the edges that give them the cubic frame.

They so much resemble dog carriers but they offer more space and usability.

Most pet parents prefer to have soft-sided dog crates because they are lightweight, beautifully finished, affordable, and flexible in use.

Most dogs also love this type of crate more because of its soft nature. They are best used to carry pups within short distances and you can pack them along with your journey for convenience.

2.  Metal dog crates

These dog crates are predominantly made with a metallic material and in most cases in the form of wires. They form the most recognizable image of a dog crate because of their construction and ventilation.

Dog crates made from metal wires are more convenient for puppies who love chewing because they cannot manage to place their small teeth between the meshed wires.

Metallic crates offer the best stability, ventilation, and sturdiness. These properties make them the best option to consider when you want to travel with your canine companion for long distances.

The major disadvantage of wire crates for larger breeds is that they are heavy and cumbersome to travel with. Some of them can only be transported with a car and not by just carrying them.

3.  Plastic dog crates

A plastic dog crate is one that is predominantly made from plastic material and they are harder than soft-sided ones but less hard than metal ones.

These types of crates are sturdy and they give your canine companion more privacy than he would have got from a wire meshed dog crate. Most of them are made with sufficient ventilation outlets but still, it is not enough to keep your pup there for a very long period.

Some plastic dog crates are not very easy to clean but others are made with good grade plastic that cleans so fast. It will depend on the type you buy; it is recommended to pick one that is easier to clean and maintain.

4.  Wooden dog crates

Wooden dog crates are often made with a decorative finish hence blending well with your home décor. These crates are made with a great sense of style and fashion and they are hence arguably the best-looking crate among the common types.

Wooden dog crates have often been used as stationary crates for dogs at home. Most pet parents use them to provide their canine companions with a private space and a cozy resting place.

Dog crates made of wood have the disadvantage of being heavy and bulky to carry from one place to the other. They are also not very easy to clean because some types of wood can absorb water during the cleaning process.

What To Look for When Buying a Dog Crate

Before making the final purchase decision on the type and model of crate you would love to buy for your pup, there are a few crucial factors that you must consider.

1.  Size of the crate

What crate size do I need for my dog? This is a question that you have probably asked yourself when looking for a doggy crate.

When you get a crate that is too small for your dog, he will feel uncomfortable in it, restricted and it is not great for his bone health.

On the other hand, a too large crate might convince your dog to propagate unwanted behavior like pooping inside the crate or chewing the crate down.

For these reasons, the crate size should be exactly the right one for your dog. One that gives him comfort within the right space to prevent him from misbehaving.

Have a look at the video below from How To Train A Dream Dog that showcases how to choose the best crate size for your dog.

Buying crate for puppies

If you have puppies, you might consider buying a partitionable crate for him. This will enable you to choose the right size for him during that period. Alternatively, you may consider buying him crates of different sizes that he will use as he grows up.

2.  Type of crate

There are different types of dog crates and all of them are good for specific purposes. Dog crates further come in various shapes, designs, colors, finishes, and much more. Choose the type based on what you would love to do with the crate.

When making this choice, remember that you need to keep your dog in mind first. Ensure that his comfortability and safety are first secured before going for your own preferences.

3.  Portability

Do you want to carry your dog around? If yes, then you need to get a crate that is much lightweight and easier to carry along. Some crates are foldable and collapsible hence they offer an easy time when you want to store them in a decent place.

If you intend to travel with your dog inside his crate, then you should consider getting one that easily fits inside your car.

4.  Sturdiness and durability

If you have a large and strong dog, then you should consider getting a sturdier and more durable crate for him. This will ensure that your canine companion is safe inside the crate and that he doesn’t destroy it with ease.

If you have a dog who loves chewing excessively, then you should consider getting him a crate that discourages him from advancing such behavior. In this instance, a more durable metallic crate will serve him well.

5.  Affordability

There are very many types and models of crates and you cannot miss one that fits your budget exactly. A thick steel welded metal crate will be more expensive than the averagely made crates.

If you are paying more for a crate, then you will have the advantage of receiving a high quality item with some added features.

6.  Ease of cleaning

If you have a puppy or an untrained dog, then you will probably be spending some good time cleaning their mess from the crates.

For this reason, you need to get a product that is much easier to clean and maintain. Such crates are those that give you easy access to the inside part for cleaning, for example by having multiple dogs.

Some good crates also have removable trays which are much easier to wipe and clean.

Cleanliness is crucial in maintaining great hygiene which determines the health status of your furry friend.

7.  Safety

How safe is your dog inside the crate? When it comes to safety, nothing should be left to chance. A good dog crate is well secured with safety features that keep your dog inside with peace. The doors should have good locking features that cannot easily be tampered with.

If you are planning on buying a metallic wire dog crate, then you need to ensure that there are no sharp edges that may injure your furry friend.

Benefits of Dog Crates

1.  Conveniently carry your dog

A dog crate can be used to conveniently carry your dog from one place to the other. This comes in handy on occasions where you need to comfortably carry your dog without disruption for instance when visiting the vet.

2.  Secures your dog

When your dog is left alone at home for long periods, then he needs a cozy place where he can rest and relieve his stress. A stationary dog crate can be used in this instance to keep your dog comfortable and provide him with a secure place to rest.

3.  Train your dog

A dog crate can be used in specific instances to train your dog on good behavior. For example, if you have a puppy who loves chewing excessively, you can place him in a metallic wire crate to prevent him from chewing.

Make sure you do a proper crate training first.

4.  Confining your dog

If you have multiple dogs in the house then you bring in a new one, it may be necessary to create a boundary between the existing and new dogs before they know each other. In this case, you can use a dog crate to confine one of your dogs to help the others get along well.

5.  Restricting movements

Sometimes you may not want your dog to access certain places in your house e.g. the kitchen while cooking.

For this time, you can place your dog in a comfortable crate and prevent him from moving around the house to find himself in the restricted area.

This also goes to train him in the areas where you do not need his presence during specific times of the day.

4 Things That Will Make Your Dog’s Crate More Comfortable

A dog’s crate should be as comfortable as possible to encourage your furry friend to spend some quality time inside. There are several amenities that you can put inside your dog’s crate to turn it into a cozy den.

1. Beddings

This will turn your dog’s crate into a cozy place where he can lie comfortable and even take a nap. The beddings should be of the right size and with similar texture to the ones he regularly sleeps on. 

2. Crate cover 

Some crates have a meshed design which keeps your dog exposed to the outside and it might not be appropriate for some dogs, especially shy ones. Get a good crate cover and use it to cover the frame of your dog’s crate every time he naps. This will make your dog feel more comfortable and enjoy his privacy. 

3. Water bowl

When your dog is thirsty while inside the crate, availability of clean water will help prevent him getting out which might make him uncomfortable. Get a good-sized water bowl and place it in one end of your dog’s crate to quench his thirst. 

4. Treats and Toys 

Giving your dog treats and toys inside his crate will keep him entertained and provide a pet-safe accessory that he can chew. Tasty treats are great for snacking your pup and ensuring that he gets the energy to keep him going.

Conclusion

Traveling with your dog does not have to be cumbersome and boring. Spice your next trip by checking out our top picks for the best dog crates reviews for the ones that can be used in trips.

For stationary crates, always make sure that you place them in an area where your dog can easily access them. Stationary dog crates should also blend with your home décor to give your space a revamped outlook.

Thank you for reading through this buying guide. We hope you found a product that suits you. Make sure to check our other dog products recommendations.

Remember to post any questions or concerns in the comment section below.

Written By

Laura

Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a pet expert with more than 20 years of experience working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.