When people talk about dog crates, most opinions come from assumptions, not real use. From hands-on experience, a dog crate is not a cage meant to punish or confine a dog. When introduced properly and used consistently, it becomes a safe, familiar space where a dog can relax, sleep, and feel secure.
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Midwest Life Stages Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate
Despite its heavy-duty construction and sturdy frame, this wire crate is still easy to fold down when it's time to store it away. Initial assembly took a little more effort than expected, requiring some pushing and pulling to hook the sides and top into place. However, after a bit of practice, later attempts took less than a minute.
The crate has two doors, one on the front and one on the side. Each door features secure latches that require two separate movements to unlock, significantly reducing the risk of accidental opening.
The medium crate held up well during a 30-pound pulling test using a luggage scale, and testing on the extra-large size showed similar durability, earning it recognition as a top pick among large dog crates. That said, the durable materials contribute to its overall weight. The medium size, at 26 pounds, is not especially convenient to transport.
A certified dog trainer and behavior consultant recommends wire crates as one of the most secure and comfortable designs available and also endorses this model. The removable divider is highlighted as a major advantage for puppies, as it allows owners to create a smaller interior space that supports effective housetraining.
Frisco Double Door Furniture Style Dog Crate
If you want your dog’s crate to blend seamlessly with your home décor, this wooden crate is a refined option.
Unlike basic wire or plastic crates, it features a finished wood frame that complements modern furniture. Its solid construction can support up to 200 pounds, and it feels exceptionally stable. Even when pushed or shoved, the crate does not wobble or shift.
Assembly requires a fair amount of time and effort. Those with limited experience assembling furniture may want an extra set of hands to hold the panels in place while tightening the cam locks. You will also need to provide your own Phillips-head screwdriver. That said, the process is straightforward. The instruction manual clearly explains each step and includes easy-to-follow illustrations.
Elite Field 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Green Dog Crate
If you need a lightweight, easy-to-transport crate, this soft-sided model is an excellent choice. It offers a spacious interior: the medium size measures 30 inches long, 21 inches wide, and 34 inches high. Despite that roomy footprint, the tubular frame collapses to just 4 inches in height. Combined with its 13-pound weight, this makes the crate ideal for storing in a car trunk or closet. The duffel-bag-style carrying handles are convenient, and the crate includes a removable storage pouch for treats or other dog accessories.
While the fabric construction is not as durable as plastic, wood, or wire crates, the locking frame mechanism stands out. Instead of relying on plastic snaps, it uses a sliding collar system to securely connect the tubular frame pieces, which feels more reliable. The densely woven polyester fabric is also relatively easy to clean. Wet dog food was removed with a basic cleaner and a paper towel, leaving very little lingering odor.
Soft-sided crates like this one are not ideal for everyday, long-term use, but they are well suited for portability and occasional needs. They work especially well for travel, temporary housing, or situations where easy setup, breakdown, and transport are priorities.
Frisco Plastic Dog and Cat Kennel
This travel kennel is lighter than most hard-sided crates tested, with the medium size weighing just 10 pounds, which makes it highly portable. Despite its lightweight design, it does not compromise on security. The kennel features a thick plastic shell and a sturdy two-position metal door lock. Additional holes at the top and bottom of the door frame allow zip ties to be added for extra security during air travel.
Kennels of this type are widely used for travel because they offer a reliable balance of durability, safety, and affordability. When carried with a 20-pound sandbag inside, the top handle felt solid and dependable, with no signs of strain or instability. This model closely resembles other popular travel kennels but stands out due to its lower price and fixed ventilation holes on three sides, which are easier to clean than wire-panel ventilation designs.
Assembly is relatively quick, though fastening and tightening the 10 wing nuts can feel repetitive. That said, the process reinforces confidence in the kennel’s overall strength and secure construction once fully assembled.
Gunner G1 Kennel
Crates designed primarily for transport should meet strict safety standards. This hard-sided kennel has passed comprehensive crash-safety tests conducted by an independent pet safety organization that uses rigorous evaluation protocols to assess carrier performance.
Its thick, double-walled construction offers an exceptional level of protection, making it well suited for travel in cars, vans, or pickup trucks. The kennel is built with safety as the top priority, and during testing, no structural weak points were identified.
Security is another major strength. The door features a heavy-duty metal clasp that can be used with a key lock (two keys included), along with integrated metal pins for attaching tie-down straps. Thick rubber feet on the base help prevent the crate from sliding during transit.
This level of protection does result in added weight—the small size tested weighed 27 pounds. However, two reinforced carrying straps with rubberized handles help offset the inconvenience. In practice, this type of kennel is typically left secured in a vehicle rather than carried frequently. The interior surface is smooth and easy to clean, and a removable drain plug allows for quick washing and drainage with minimal effort.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Crates
A crucial part of crate training your dog is the crate itself. It’s important to ensure that going into their crate is a positive experience, rather than feeling like a punishment. Start slowly. Make sure they get used to having a crate in their space and then build up the time they spend in their safe space.
Dogs spend most of their time during the day lounging or resting, so finding a comfortable and most importantly, safe place to rest is paramount.
Finding the best crate depends on your dog’s style. It’s important to address conditions like separation anxiety, excessive barking, or howling. It’s also important to find a crate that protects and comforts your dog when you are away from home or at night.