There are many benefits to crate training, whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or an older dog. The best dog crates offer pups a safe, personal space to unwind and sleep; they also potentially help keep them out of trouble when unsupervised or during grooming or vet visits. Our top pick overall is the Diggs Revol Dog Crate, a model that is stylish, collapsible and easy to clean. For puppies, we recommend Midwest Homes’ Single-Door Crate, a folding wire option with a durable divider panel that allows it to grow with your pet.
While there are some differences among canine behavioral experts about whether crate training is essential for all pups, “it’s better to crate-train a dog than not for many reasons,” says Alexandra Bassett, lead dog trainer and behavior consultant at Dog Savvy. In addition to easing your pet’s nerves at appointments or while you’re away, they’re quite helpful if you’re welcoming a puppy who isn’t potty or house trained yet, Bassett adds.
When choosing a dog crate, “every dog and situation deserves to be looked at on an individual basis,” advises Renee Rhoades, an applied animal behaviorist and founder of R+Dogs. Consider your pet’s temperament, preferences and, of course, size: The crate should be large enough for them to turn and stand comfortably, but not too large that they end up using one corner as a bathroom. Based on these expert tips and additional feedback from our on-staff dog parents, we selected the seven best dog crates, which you can read about below.
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.”
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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 UniversityCollege 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.
Midwest Homes Single-Door Dog Crate
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.
USA-Made
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.”
Impact Dog Crates High-Anxiety Crate
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 front panel (a solid 10mm of thickness) to give your pooch plenty of light. And while this crate’s wood construction is less open than wired counterparts, it’s well ventilated with multiple slits on three sides. The door itself hinges open and is secured with a metal latch you can operate with one hand.
What the reviews say: One reviewer shares, “I was a little nervous spending this much money on a crate … but it was definitely worth it! It looks refined and polished and like a piece of furniture. It comes super secured and didn’t have any damages [during] shipping. My only complaint is that the bed that goes with it … is a little bit cumbersome to wash.”
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted’s home and kitchen editorial team have researched, reported on and tested scores of pet products. These include expert-supported and data-backed stories on the best dog beds, orthopedic dog beds, cooling dog beds and more.
Our team includes three seasoned home editors: deputy editor Rebekah Lowin, senior editor Amanda Arnold and editor Sholeen Damarwala.
Main author Bailey Berg is a prolific outdoor and travel reporter, as well as a proud dog parent. Original co-author Camryn Rabideau is both an experienced pets reporter and pet owner.
We review this story regularly to maintain accurate information and guidance, and that we still stand by our top picks. It was last updated August 2024 by pets writer Fran Sales, who consulted three experts to add more nuanced information to this story.
Meet The Experts
Our team gathered key insight and guidance from the following dog behavioral experts:
Alexandra Bassett, CPDT-KA, a lead dog trainer and behavior consultant at Dog Savvy, a dog training service based in Los Angeles;
Dr. Aly Cohen, D.V.M., clinical instructor of shelter medicine at theCornell University College of Veterinary Medicine;
Nicole Ellis, CPDT-KA, a certified professional dog trainer, an expert at Rover and an American Kennel Club CGC evaluator;
Dr. Missy Matusicky, DVM, MPH, assistant professor at The Ohio State UniversityCollege of Veterinary Medicine;
Renee Rhoades, MSc, BSc, Adv.Dip, FFCP, an applied animal behaviorist and the founder R+Dogs, a canine behavior consultancy.
How We Chose The Best Dog Crates
To choose the best dog crates, we consulted with two veterinarians and three dog behavioral experts to get the ins and outs of crate training.
We asked these experts to outline their top considerations to keep in mind while shopping for the best dog crate for your pet.
We researched the most popular crates on the market and narrowed the field by looking at specific criteria, including durability, quality of materials, ease of use and different size options.
We tapped the dog owners on our staff for their recommendations, incorporating highly rated picks that they personally use with their own pets.
We paid particular attention to customer reviews from real dog owners to get a better sense of how the selected dog crates function in real-world conditions and for varying breeds.
What To Look For In The Best Dog Crates
When shopping for a dog crate, there are a few key factors to keep in mind, including materials, size and safety features. Below, we’ve broken down exactly what to look for:
Material
There are several types of dog crates you’ll encounter as you shop, including wire, plastic and fabric options. Here are a few pro tips from Dr. Aly Cohen, a clinical instructor at theCornell University College of Veterinary Medicine:
Wire crates: These are durable and can fold relatively easily for storage. Many dogs feel comforted by being in a den, so covering a wire kennel with a sheet or a custom crate cover (except for one or two sides) is recommended. Wire crates often come with dividers, so your dog can grow into the kennel size they will need as an adult.
Plastic crates: Since plastic crates are durable, and the walls are often solid, no covering is needed. However, they may be more cumbersome to store.
Fabric or mesh crates: These types of crates are better suited for traveling or short-term use for small-breed dogs as they are lightweight and easily foldable. However, they are not very durable, and puppies or chewers may damage the crate.
Size
It’s important to select the right size crate for your dog. If the crate is too small, they won’t be comfortable, but if it’s too big, they may have room to go to the bathroom. The general rule of thumb is that your dog should be able to stand up and turn around inside the crate, so you may want to measure your pup to get an idea of how much room they need.
If you’re shopping for a puppy, look for a crate that comes with an adjustable divider, such as the Midwest Homes Single-Door Crate and Chewy’s Frisco Fold & Carry Double-Door Wire Dog Crate. This will allow you to give them an appropriate amount of space inside the crate, and you can adjust the divider as they grow to give them more room.
Ease Of Use And Cleaning
The best dog crates are easy for both you and your dog to use. Look for a model with easy-to-open locks and convenient features, such as a handle or locking caster wheels. If you plan to travel with your crate, you’ll also want to look for a model that collapses (like Diggs Revol Dog Crate) into a flat form for easy transport.
You may also want a crate that’s easy to clean, especially if you’re training a puppy. Some products, like Midwest Homes’ Single-Door Crate, come with a removable plastic tray that sits in the bottom of the crate; this will catch any accidents, making it easy to clean up after your pet.
Durability
For dogs that like chewing, digging or scratching in their crates, it’s important to select a durable product that can stand up to their antics. In these situations, it’s best to look for a metal crate with welded joints. You may also want to look for a reinforced lock and thick mesh bottom, which will help prevent your dog from escaping.
Safety
It’s important to consider safety features in a dog crate, especially if you have an anxious pup. You may want to avoid wire walls or doors, where your dog’s teeth can get stuck, and always be sure to remove their collar before placing them inside the crate—it can be extremely dangerous if their collar gets stuck on something.
If you’re planning to use your dog’s crate in the car, consider whether the design has been crash-tested. Models like the Gunner G1 Kennel are specially designed to protect your dog in the event of an accident and are worth the added investment if you regularly hit the road with your pet.
Is It Better To Crate-Train A Dog Or Not?
Experts have varied opinions on the necessity of crate training, but most agree there are indeed benefits to dog crates. Ellis equates a dog crate to a human’s favorite chair. “Crates teach our dogs to relax, to have down time and gives them a safe place to be,” she says, adding that a crate-trained dog might be less stressed during vet visits or hotel stays. She notes that crates can also be a helpful aid for separation anxiety or potty training.
Rhoades has a more conservative point of view: “Although dogs may go to shielded, quiet places when they are feeling stressed or anxious, that doesn’t necessarily need to be a crate,” she explains. Bottom line: Every animal and situation is different, so if you decide that a crate is suitable for you and your pup, take the time to get them comfortable with confinement.
Do Dogs Prefer Open Or Closed Crates?
Once again, each dog’s preferences will vary. In Rhoades’ experience, though, “most dogs are likely to prefer a door being open. If a door is closed, this cuts off the dogs ability to have choice.” That said, there will be times you’ll need to leave the crate door closed—for instance, if you leave your dog unsupervised and you’re unsure how destructive or unsafe they’ll be. One thing you should avoid at all costs, according to Rhoades, is using the crate as punishment.