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Choosing the right dog crate depends on your dog’s size, the crate’s material, and how you plan to use it—whether for home confinement, travel, or crate training. Wire crates offer good ventilation and visibility, plastic kennels are airline-friendly and easy to clean, and foldable designs simplify storage and transport.
Below we compare five crates from their manufacturer specifications only. We have not tested these products. Always measure your dog and check the crate’s interior dimensions before purchasing. For more guidance, see our dog crate guide.
Our Picks at a Glance
We selected these five crates by comparing listed features, materials, dimensions, and included components from the product listings. No hands-on testing was performed. Prices and ratings change frequently, so check each listing for current details.
The Five Picks in More Detail
MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate 30-Inch Single Door: Best for Medium Breed Crate Training
The MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate is a metal wire crate designed for dogs 21–40 lb, such as French Bulldogs, Welsh Terriers, and Dachshunds. It measures 30.5 x 19.25 x 21.5 inches. The crate features precision welding, rounded corner clips, and a slide-bolt latch with Paw Block to reduce snags and escapes. A divider panel allows the space to adjust as a puppy grows. The included leak-proof plastic tray, rubber feet, and carry handle add convenience, and the tool-free assembly makes setup straightforward. The protective black e-coat finish resists rust and everyday wear.
Specs that matter: Brand: MidWest Homes for Pets. Specific uses: Indoor. Included components: divider panel, leak-proof plastic tray, protective rubber feet, carrying handle. Breed recommendation: Medium. Model: 1530.
Best for: Owners of medium breeds who want a wire crate with a divider for training and a secure latch system.
Amazon Basics 36-Inch Foldable Metal Wire Double Door Crate: Best for Medium Dogs with Two Doors
This Amazon Basics crate is a 36-inch metal wire model for pets under 32 inches long and 21 inches tall, suitable for Corgis, Brittanys, Cocker Spaniels, and French Bulldogs. It has two doors (front and side) and a manual door locking mechanism. The crate folds flat for transport or storage, and a top handle makes carrying easier. A removable plastic base tray slides out for cleaning, and a metal hook at the bottom keeps the tray in place. A divider panel is included to adjust the internal space.
Specs that matter: Brand: Amazon Basics. Specific uses: Indoor. Included components: divider. Breed recommendation: Medium breeds. Model: 9001N-36B.
Best for: Owners who want a double-door wire crate that folds flat and includes a divider.
DUMOS 24 Inch Single Door Dog Crate: Best for Small Breeds and Puppies
The DUMOS 24-inch crate is a metal wire crate designed for small dogs. It has rounded corners to eliminate sharp edges and a protective black coat finish. The single door features a heavy-duty sliding bolt latch and a low threshold for easy entry. The removable plastic tray has a deep lip to prevent overflow and resists staining, warping, and odors. The crate folds to less than 3 inches thick for storage and includes a carry handle. A divider panel is provided so the space can grow with your puppy.
Specs that matter: Brand: DUMOS. Specific uses: Indoor, outdoor. Included components: dog crate, user manual. Breed recommendation: Small. Model: S24IN.
Best for: Owners of small breeds or puppies who need a foldable, single-door crate with a deep tray and divider.
Petmate Vari Kennel 36-Inch Plastic Crate: Best for Air Travel and Large Dogs
The Petmate Vari Kennel is a plastic dog crate designed for large dogs weighing 50–70 lb. Its interior dimensions are 32.5 x 22.2 x 26 inches. The crate meets most airline cargo specifications and includes tamper-proof holes for zip ties. Four-sided ventilation provides airflow and visibility. The wire door is easy to open and sturdy. The plastic shell can be wiped down quickly, and a stay-dry moat directs fluids away from the pet, helping keep the interior dry during travel or housebreaking.
Specs that matter: Brand: Petmate. Included components: see packaging. Breed recommendation: Not listed (designed for large dogs 50–70 lb). Model: 21949.
Best for: Owners who need an airline-friendly plastic crate for a large dog, especially for travel.
FDW 36-Inch Foldable Metal Dog Crate: Best for Medium to Large Dogs with Double Door Access
The FDW 36-inch crate is made of rust-resistant metal wire and has a black finish. It includes a detachable, leak-proof plastic tray with a textured surface. Two doors (front and side) provide multiple entry points, useful for tight spaces or anxious dogs. The crate is designed for easy setup and folds down for portability. A handle is attached for carrying. The listing states a breed recommendation of Medium but also lists dog breed size as Large.
Specs that matter: Brand: FDW. Specific uses: Indoor, outdoor. Included components: dog crate. Breed recommendation: Medium; dog breed size: Large. Model: FDW.
Best for: Owners who want a double-door wire crate that folds flat and suits medium to large dogs.
How to Choose
Crate Size and Breed Size
The most important factor is ensuring your dog can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Measure your dog’s length from nose to tail and height from floor to top of head (or ears). Most crate listings provide exterior or interior dimensions. For puppies, a divider panel allows you to adjust the space as they grow. Breed size labels (small, medium, large) are general guides; always check the listed weight and dimension recommendations.
Material: Wire vs. Plastic
Wire crates offer good ventilation and visibility, making them popular for home use and crate training. They often fold flat for storage. Plastic crates (kennels) are common for air travel, and some, like the Petmate Vari Kennel, are listed as meeting most airline cargo specifications. They are also easier to clean and provide a den-like environment that can help anxious dogs feel secure. Some plastic models have a stay-dry moat to manage spills.
Door Configuration
Single-door crates have one entry point, usually on the front. Double-door crates add a side door, which can be useful when the crate is placed against a wall or in a corner. Double doors also allow more flexibility for positioning and can make it easier to guide a reluctant dog inside.
Portability and Assembly
Foldable crates collapse flat for transport and storage, often with a carrying handle. Tool-free assembly is common on wire models. Plastic crates are typically one-piece and do not fold, but they have handles and can be carried. Consider how often you will move the crate—foldable wire designs are convenient for travel or rearranging rooms.
Included Accessories
Many crates come with a removable plastic tray for easy cleaning. Dividers are useful for adjusting the interior space as a puppy grows. Some include rubber feet to protect floors, carry handles, or assembly tools. Check the included components to see what you get. For accessories like covers or extra pads, see our crate cover and accessories guide.
| Product | Dimensions (inches) | Door Type | Included Components | Material | Breed Size (as listed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate 30″ | 30.5 x 19.25 x 21.5 | Single | Divider, tray, rubber feet, handle | Metal wire | Medium |
| Amazon Basics 36″ | 36 x 23 x 25 | Double | Divider | Metal wire | Medium |
| DUMOS 24″ | Not listed (24″ crate) | Single | Crate, user manual | Metal wire | Small |
| Petmate Vari Kennel 36″ | Interior: 32.5 x 22.2 x 26 | Single (wire door) | See packaging | Plastic | Large (50–70 lb) |
| FDW 36″ | Not listed (36″ crate) | Double | Dog crate | Metal wire | Medium (breed recommendation); Large (dog breed size) |
FAQ
What size crate should I get for my dog?
Measure your dog’s length from nose to tail and height from floor to top of head. Add a few inches to each measurement to ensure comfort. For puppies, choose a crate with a divider so the space can be adjusted as they grow. Check the listing’s recommended weight range and dimensions.
Can I use a wire crate for crate training?
Yes. Wire crates are commonly used for crate training because they offer visibility and airflow. Many include a divider panel that lets you start with a smaller space and enlarge it as the dog becomes reliable. For training tips, see our step-by-step crate training guide.
Are plastic crates safe for air travel?
Some plastic crates are designed to meet airline cargo specifications. The Petmate Vari Kennel listed above includes tamper-proof holes for zip ties and meets most airline cargo requirements. Always check with your specific airline for current regulations before flying.
How do I clean a dog crate?
Most wire crates have a removable plastic tray that can be washed with soap and water. Plastic crates can be wiped down with a damp cloth or mild cleaner. The listing for the DUMOS crate mentions that the whole cage can be wiped clean. For stubborn messes, consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
Always verify dimensions, weight limits, and included components on the product listing before purchasing. Prices and availability change frequently, so check the current listing for the most accurate information.
About Ethan Brooks
Ethan Brooks is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our everyday pet gear guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
