Crate training your dog has many benefits, for both you and them! It can help you to keep your pooch healthy, safe, and happy, as well as keeping your home damage-free. Choosing the right crate is a key factor to ensure your dog is comfortable. We’ll look at 8 of the best dog crates in 2023, comparing quality, durability, size range, and ease of access to help you make the best choice for your needs.
The BestThe Dog Crates2023 Review
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The The Best Dog Crates
Editor’s Choice
- Best single-door crate
- 1 door with 2 sliding latches
- Removable plastic bottom
Runner Up
Ellie-Bo Peep Dog & Puppy Cage
- Best double-door crate
- 2 doors for easy access
- Secure and durable
Also Good
Ellie-Bo Deluxe Dog & Puppy Cage
- Best car crate
- Sloped to fit most cars
- Durable and secure
In Depth Reviews of Our Recommended Crates
Ann-Marie Sharpe
MidWest Single-Door Dog Crate review
Features
- Best single-door crate
- 1 door with 2 sliding latches
- Removable plastic bottom
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The MidWest Single-Door Metal Dog Crate is an excellent option if you’re looking for something basic but functional. This crate has 1 door with 2 secure, sliding latches to keep your dog safely inside. The steel mesh is durable, while the removable plastic floor makes is easy to wipe clean.
The crate is available in a range of sizes from extra-small to extra-large, suiting a wide range of breeds. I loved that the crate folds down flat (and is easy to put back up) so it’s easy to store if you have limited space, or to transport if you want to take it travelling. You even get a divider panel so if you have a puppy, the crate can grow with them.
Pros
- Most owners found this crate was durable and sturdy, even for large breed dogs
- Wide range of sizes means owners can find something that is comfortable for their dog
- Crate is easy to assemble and fold down which owners found convenient
- Many said this crate was very affordable especially compared to other similar crates
- Owners found the removable bottom handy and easy to clean
- Owners loved the option of the divider, finding it handy for puppies and saying it made the crate excellent value
Cons
- Some owners who bought larger sizes found it heavy and hard to move around on their own
- Some owners found that the divider was a bit difficult to put up at times
- Some found the sizing guide misleading and struggled to get the right size for their dog
- Several owners felt the crate wasn’t durable or sturdy enough for their dog
- Some experienced breakage or faults with the crate
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Ellie-Bo Peep Dog & Puppy Cage review
Features
- Best double-door crate
- 2 doors for easy access
- Secure and durable
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Ellie-Bo Dog & Puppy Cage is one of the best double-door dog crates, with doors on 2 sides of the crate and low sides to allow easy access. This crate is made from alloy steel, designed to be durable and last over time. 2 latches on the outside of each door slide closed to ensure your dog is securely enclosed.
I loved that there was a removable, steel tray on the bottom of the crate allowing for easy cleaning while being durable and chew-resistant. The crate folds down and has a carry handle for easy transport, and reassembles quickly without the need for tools. It’s available in a range of sizes from small to XXL, so it can be used for most breeds.
Pros
- Most owners felt this crate was high-quality and would last well over time
- Owners liked the size range available with this crate, with many stating their dog had plenty of room
- Many mentioned that the removable base made cleaning quick and easy
- Fold down option is convenient with many owners stating it was easy to take down and put up
- Owners mentioned that the 2 doors allow easy access for both dog and owner, and gave more choices of placement in the home
- Owners typically felt this crate was excellent value, mentioning the low price and high quality, especially in comparison to other similar crates
Cons
- Some owners found the doors were out of place or wouldn’t shut correctly
- Some owners experienced damage or breakage either on delivery or after a period of use
- Some felt the crate wasn’t sturdy, strong, or durable enough
- Some owners felt the crate could have been better coated and the edges rounded, as they were concerned about sharp edges
- Some dogs were able to break this cage after a short time
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Ellie-Bo Deluxe Dog & Puppy Cage review
Features
- Best car crate
- Sloped to fit most cars
- Durable and secure
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If you need the best car dog crate, the Ellie-Bo Deluxe Sloping Puppy Cage could be the best choice for you. It’s big enough for toy to medium dogs to lie or sit in comfortably on car journeys. The 30-inch size and slanted sides ensure it fits in most cars, and it even folds down for easy transportation or storage.
The heavy-duty alloy steel and secure latch on the door are designed to keep your dog safe during travel. The bottom is a removable steel tray to stand up to wear and prevent damage from chewing, as well as making cleaning quick and easy. I loved that this crate even came with a fleece liner to make it comfy and cosy for your dog.
Pros
- Most owners felt this crate kept their dog safe and secure during car journeys
- Owners found this crate was highly durable, with some saying it had stood up to months of use
- Many owners liked the fleece liner provided with the crate, feeling it was a nice addition
- Most owners found this crate fitted into their car without any problem
- Owners generally felt this was a safer and more comfortable option for their dog than other options of restraint in the car
- Owners typically felt the crate was roomy enough and comfortable for their dog
Cons
- Crate can be prone to rattling during car journeys which some owners didn’t like
- Some owners of puppies or smaller breeds felt the gaps in the mesh at the bottom of the cage were too big and could cause a safety issue
- Some found this crate was difficult to fold down and reassemble
- Some stated the crate wasn’t as sturdy or high-quality as they expected
- Some experienced breakage or fault and were disappointed with the crate
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Amazon Basics Two-Door Pet Kennel review
Features
- Best plastic crate
- Durable plastic and steel-wire front door
- Suits toy and small breeds
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If you prefer a plastic crate, the Amazon Basics Two-Door Pet Kennel is a great option, constructed from durable plastic and featuring a steel-wire front door with a spring-loaded latch to provide security. There’s also a top door to make access easy.
The crate comes in 2 sizes to suit toy to small breed dogs. It’s lightweight and has a carry handle on top for transportation (even with your little dog inside). It has plenty of ventilation for your pup, and since it’s plastic to can be wiped down to keep it clean.
Pros
- Most owners felt this crate was durable and fairly sturdy, especially for a plastic crate
- Owners liked that this can be used as a crate or a carrier
- Owners found the crate easy to put together and take apart
- Many liked having both a top and front door, allowing them to access their pet easily
- Many owners felt the crate was excellent value, mentioning the low price and high quality
Cons
- Positioning of the handle made some owners worry the top door would come open when they were carrying their pet inside the crate
- Some owners experienced breakage during assembly or use
- Some found the crate wasn’t as sturdy or durable as expected
- Some found the sizing confusing and got a crate the wrong size for their dog
- Some stated the crate was confusing and tricky to assemble
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Petsfit Indoor Dog House review
Features
- Best wooden dog crate
- Solid and durable
- Suitable for dogs up to 15kg
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Made from durable wood, the Petsfit Dog House, is a sturdy, indoor wooden crate for dogs up to 15kg. The door has a secure latch and provides ventilation for your pup. The roof lifts up allowing you to clean it easily and ensuring easy access.
I loved that you could choose to receive the crate painted or plain so you could paint it yourself to match your décor. It’s easy to assemble, cute to look at, and is designed to last over time.
Pros
- Owners typically found this crate was easy to put together for one person
- Many felt that it was roomy enough for their pet to stretch out comfortably and move around
- Some owners liked the option to paint the crate themselves in a colour that suited them
- Most owners loved the way this crate looked, feeling it was stylish in their home
- Some said this crate was great quality, mentioning the lower price compared to other similar products
- Many owners felt the crate was sturdy, well-made, and durable
Cons
- Some owners found the crate broke after a brief period of use
- Not designed to stand up to heavy chewing, with some finding their dog could chew up this crate
- Lock isn’t as secure as with some other crates, so may be unsuitable for escape artists
- Some found the wooden boards weren’t properly shaped and were difficult to fit together
- Some owners felt this crate wasn’t as high-quality or durable as they expected
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate review
Features
- Best soft crate
- Durable polyester fabric
- Lightweight and easy to transport
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate is 1 of the best soft dog crates, perfect if your dog isn’t a chewer and needs a cosy place to rest. The lightweight PVC frame and water-resistant polyester fabric are durable and designed to last over time. Doors with zippers on both the top and front of the crate provide easy access, while the mesh on the doors and windows provide excellent ventilation.
I loved that the front door has fastening straps, so it can be rolled up and left open for your dog to potter in and out. The crate folds down and is easy to put back up, making it great for storage or transportation. This crate is available in range of sizes to suit toy to large breeds comfortably.
Pros
- Owners typically felt this crate was sturdy and durable for a fabric crate
- Owners felt the crate was roomy and comfortable for their dog
- Many owners felt this crate was excellent value for money
- Since the crate is lightweight, it is easy to travel with
- Owners found the crate was very easy to fold down and reassemble
- Many said they liked the mesh, which allowed their dog to see out of the crate as well as providing ventilation
Cons
- Some found the zips weren’t stable and were prone to breakage
- Some found the crate was faulty and struggled to assemble it
- Not designed to stand up to chewing or for dogs who are escape artists
- Some found this crate wasn’t as high-quality as expected
Ann-Marie Sharpe
SMONTER Heavy Duty Metal Dog Cage review
Features
- Best heavy-duty crate
- Welded steel bars
- Wheels for transport
Ann-Marie Sharpe
For owners of dogs who are escape artists or who are prone to chewing, a heavy-duty crate like the SMONTER 38in Heavy Duty Strong Metal Dog Cage may be suitable option. Made from welded steel bars with a Y-pattern design to discourage chewing, this crate is highly durable and strong. A single door with double locks featuring safety buckles ensures security.
A removable tray and a roof that opens allows for easy cleaning. I loved that wheels on the bottom of the crate enable you to move it around the home easily, which is handy since it’s heavy. This crate is suitable for medium and large dogs.
Pros
- Owners typically found this crate was very heavy-duty and durable
- Crate is large and roomy enough to be comfortable even for large breed dogs
- Owners found the wheels made the crate easy to move around when needed
- Some owners stated the crate was fairly easy to assemble
- Many owners felt this crate was secure enough to keep their dog safe, even where other crates have failed
Cons
- Some found the crate would move as their dog moved around, even with the wheels locked
- Some owners found this crate was difficult to assemble
- Some owners experienced damage or breakage and were disappointed with the crate
- Bars on the bottom of the crate mean owners have to add in something comfortable and durable for their dog to lie on
Ann-Marie Sharpe
New Age ecoFLEX Pet Crate review
Features
- Best crate for style
- Looks like an end table
- Choice of colours
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The New Age ecoFLEX Pet Crate is a wonderful choice if you’d like a crate that’s more stylish. Designed to look like an end table, this crate is both fashionable and functional. It’s made from a durable, recycled plastic wood polymer composite, to stand up to wear over time.
The sides and door feature stainless steel tubing, which allows ventilation and ensures security. A stainless-steel latch on the door keeps your dog safely enclosed when needed, with double latches on large and x-large sizes. A range of sizes are available to suit most breeds, and you can even choose the colour to match with your décor.
Pros
- Owners loved that this crate looked like furniture and fitted in well with their home
- Many said the crate was easy and quick to put together
- Many felt that the crate was durable and would stand up to wear well over time
- Some owners said their dog loved this crate and found it cosy
- Owners typically felt the crate had enough room for their dog to lie in comfortably
- Owners liked that the crate was plastic because it makes it easier to clean
Cons
- Some found that the door wasn’t as sturdy as expected and wasn’t suitable for escape artists
- Not designed to stand up to heavy chewing, with some owners finding their dog could chew up this crate
- Some felt the crate wasn’t good value, mentioning the high price and low quality
- Some owners experienced breakage or damage on arrival or after a short period
Best Dog Crate Buyer’s Guide
Things to Look for in a Dog Crate
Below are some things to keep in mind to help you find the best dog crate for your needs:
Correct Size for Your Dog
Of course, you want the crate to be the right size for your dog, but this isn’t just about ensuring it’s big enough. The crate you choose shouldn’t be so big that it loses that ‘den-like’ feeling, as this is what helps your pup to feel safe. The ideal crate should allow your dog to stand up, lie down, stretch out, and turn around fully and comfortably.
Check the size guide and measurements carefully, as well as the reviews for indications of whether the crate you’re considering runs true to size.
Correct Strength for Your Dog
How strong you need the crate to be will depend on your dog. Are they an escape artist? Do they tend to destructively chew when you’re away from home? If so, you might need a heavy-duty crate to ensure your dog stays safely enclosed, particularly if they’re a large, strong breed.
If you have a smaller breed or a dog that is reasonably calm, then an average strength crate should be suitable. If your dog is very well crate trained, strength is less important.
The type of material the crate is made from will impact how strong it is. For example, a stainless-steel wire crate is reasonably strong, while a plastic or material crate will be less strong.
Number of Doors
Some crates only have 1 door, while others have 2 doors or a door and a top that opens. Consider what will work best for you and your dog. 2 doors offer more options for positioning the crate in your home. However, 1 door may be suitable if you know where you’re going to put the crate, or if your dog is likely to try and escape (doors can pose a weak point in the crate).
Ease of Access
Aside from how many doors there are, you should also consider whether the door has a raised ridge in front of it. It’s important that your dog can access their crate easily. This becomes even more important if you have a small breed, an older dog, or a dog with mobility issues.
High-Quality Materials
A crate made from high-quality materials is more likely to stand up to wear well, be secure enough for your dog, and be safe and comfy for your best friend.
Durability
Material type and quality is the main factor when it comes to durability. It’s always a good idea to check the reviews for indicators of how durable other owners have found the crate to be.
Ease of Transport
If you plan to travel with the crate or want to store it easily, think about easy it is to move around. A lot of crates will fold down and be lightweight. Some may have carry handles to make lifting them easier. Heavy-duty crates are the hardest to move and are likely unsuitable for travel, but they may have wheels on the bottom to help you move them around your home.
Secure Closure
How secure you need the crate closure to be will depend on your dog. Most crates will have a secure latch or lock. Some may have double locks or locks made out heavy-duty metal for extra security. In contrast, soft crates may only have a zip closure.
Good Ventilation
All crates should have good ventilation: wire mesh crates have plenty of airflow, while plastic and soft crates should have mesh or holes in the sides to allow airflow.
Easy to Clean
Your dog’s crate is going to get dirty: it’s pretty much unavoidable with any dog. A crate that’s easy to clean makes your life easier: some will wipe clean easily while others may have removable trays in the base to make cleaning a breeze.
The Benefits of Crate Training
Training is absolutely essential if you’re going to buy a crate. You need to ensure your dog understands it’s a safe, positive space for them, kind of like your bedroom at home.
Crate training has a lot of benefits for both you and your dog. Potential benefits include:
- Keeping your dog safely enclosed when they’re unsupervised, so you can be sure they don’t eat something they shouldn’t or hurt themselves
- Keeping your home clean and free of destruction when you’re out
- Giving your dog a safe, cosy place that’s theirs to retreat to if they need a break from other pets or people in the household
- Helping to alleviate anxiety by providing a place that always feels safe
- Reducing stress if your dog needs to be on crate rest when they’re recovering from a future surgery or illness
- Keeping your pup in a safe space during travelling that they’re already used to
- Keeping your dog safely secured in the event of an emergency evacuation
- Allowing you to relax when you’re out, knowing your dog Is safe and can’t get into trouble
There are lots of great guides online to help you crate train your dog, or you can seek help from a professional trainer if you feel you need more guidance. Remember to always keep things light and positive, and never use the crate as punishment. Make the crate your dog’s safe space so you can both get the benefits of crate training.
Dog Crate FAQ
Are crates good for dogs?
Yes, with the right training crates can be very good for dogs, helping to keep them safe and happy.
Should you cover your dog’s crate at night?
Covering your dog’s crate with a blanket or crate cover at night can help to keep them warm. It may also increase that feeling of safety and cosiness. Some dogs like it while others don’t, so experiment during the day to see how your dog reacts first.
How long should your dog be in a crate?
Unless it’s overnight and your dog is sleeping soundly, an adult shouldn’t be left in a crate for more than 6 to 8 hours maximum. 4 hours is the maximum ideal for an older puppy, as they need more frequent toilet breaks and stimulation.
Is a crate cruel?
No, provided it’s paired with training and used correctly, a crate isn’t cruel. In fact, it can help to keep your dog safer and happier.
Conclusion
Crate training paired with the right crate can help to keep your dog safe, happy and healthy, providing their own space to relax in. It can also ease your mind when you’re out of the house, making it a worthwhile investment.
The The Best Dog Crates
Editor’s Choice
- Best single-door crate
- 1 door with 2 sliding latches
- Removable plastic bottom
Runner Up
Ellie-Bo Peep Dog & Puppy Cage
- Best double-door crate
- 2 doors for easy access
- Secure and durable
Also Good
Ellie-Bo Deluxe Dog & Puppy Cage
- Best car crate
- Sloped to fit most cars
- Durable and secure
