Best Dog Crate - Large & Travel Top Dog Crates Reviewed

Best Dog Crates for 2019

A Dog Crate should not be seen as a means to punish your pet. Good crate training will prove to be very beneficial for both pet and owner. The crate will be like your pet's own room inside your house and will see it as a sanctuary instead of a prison.

Crates come in many different styles and sizes, and choosing the perfect one for your dog is crucial. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best dog crates you can find. Have a look at these options and let us see if you can find the ideal product for you.

Best Dog Crate : Top Picks

Petmate ProValu Wire Crate

Budget Pick

PetMate ProValu Wire Crate
  • Very affordable at less than $20 
  • Easy to set up 
  • Portable 

Rated by: Amber

Petnation Port-A-Crate

Best for Indoors or Outdoors

Petnation Port-A-Crate
  • Lightweight and portable 
  • Surrounded by breathable mesh fabric 
  • Doesn't require tools to setup 

Rated by: Amber

Paws & Pals Dog Crate

Best for Training Pets

Paws & Pals Dog Crate
  • Made of heavy-duty solid-steel 
  • Can come with a divider 
  • Easy to set up 

Rated by: Amber

AmazonBasics Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate

Quick Summary

AmazonBasics Dog Crate

Rated by: Amber

This dog crate from AmazonBasics costs less than $42 and is one of the best dog crates you can buy.

It is a pretty basic dog crate. It is sturdy, durable, easy to store, and safe for your pet. This measures 36L x 23W x 25H inches and will be able to accommodate your dog as he grows.

This metal dog crate has double-doors, so the inside is very easy to clean. If your pet spills his water or makes an accident, you will have easier access because of the side opening.

Both doors have secure side-bolt latches that make it swing open.

The crate is mostly made of metal, which makes it is very strong and durable. The corners are rounded, so your pet is safe from getting poked or pierced. There is also a divider panel included, which you can adjust as your dog grows and needs more space.

When not in use, the crate is very easy to store. It folds flat and does not require tools to be set up. There is also a plastic pan at the bottom that is removable and washable. It provides even ground for your pet.

If you are worried about your pet's paw getting stuck in the middle of the bars, please don't because there is a vertical divider between each bar at around the bottom of the crate.

PROS

  • Easy to set up
  • Sturdy construction
  • Easy to clean

CONS

  • Not tall enough for a dog to stand up
  • Not suitable for very large dogs
  • Flimsy plastic tray

MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door Dog Crate

Quick Summary

MidWest Homes Dog Crate

Rated by: Amber

This single-door dog crate would be perfect for your pet to be trained early in his puppy days until he grows full-size.

This is a top-selling crate that will ensure a safe, secure, and comfortable home for your pet. This dog crate will cost you less than $25.

This iCrate single-door dog crate is recommended to be used by small dog breeds. This measures 24L x 18W x 19H inches.

This is easy to carry around because it does not require  tools to be folded and has plastic handles.

The metal bars have a satin-black electro-coat finish for a clean and simple look. The corners are rounded for your and your pet's safety. The door is secured with a side-bolt latch to keep your dog securely inside

The included divider panel allows you to set space to just the right size for your pet. If you are still expecting your dog to grow, the panel will help to prevent him from wetting one side of the crate and sleeping on the other.

The plastic tray is easy enough to clean. There is a pan stop in the crate to keep it secure and prevent from slipping.

PROS

  • Well-made
  • Easy to set up
  • Easy to clean

CONS

  • Paws sometimes get stuck between the bars and the tray
  • Not for strong overactive dogs
  • Has some sharp edges

New World Folding Metal Dog Crate

Quick Summary

New World Dog Crate

Rated by: Amber

Dogs naturally seek out a shelter that is likely to become their territory. With one of the best dog crates in the market, your pet will have his own space inside your home. This dog crate from New World Crates will cost you less than $46.

This dog crate has high visibility, so your dog will not feel like it is some sort of isolated space to keep him away. It has good ventilation so the insides will not heat up. This will help you train your dog and prevent unwanted behavior like chewing, wetting everywhere, and others.

The wire construction is durable enough for dogs between 71 to 90 lbs. The swing door is secured by two slide-bolt latches and is large enough for easy entrance and exit.

If you plan to travel, this crate is easy to fold and assemble. You will not be needing tools and even one person will be able to set it up with no problems. It folds flat, so it is portable when you need to take it somewhere.

The plastic pan is leak proof. It is easy to remove by unhooking the pan stop. To clean it, simply use mild soap and water.

PROS

  • Easy to fold and set up
  • Portable and durable
  • Easy to clean

CONS

  • Has a few sharp edges
  • Can be forced open by the dogs
  • Not for large and stronger dogs

MidWest Home for Pets Wire Dog Crate Cover

Quick Summary

MidWest Home Dog Crate

Rated by: Amber

If you want your pet's crate to have a more home-like covered shelter, a cover would be a nice touch.

This one from MidWest Home for Pets will make your pet's crate more cozy and stylish. This cover costs less than $22.

This cover measures 24.25L x 17.2W x 19H inches and will fit most 24 in. metal dog crates. This cover is made of polyester and cotton blend fabric with Teflon protection, so liquid will not soak through and can be easily wiped away. You can machine wash the cover and is also safe in the dryer.

If your dog crate has one, two, or three doors, no problem. Each door can still be accessible by lifting the side of the cover and laying it on top. This cover will stay in place by hooks and loop tabs.

Instead of stuffing the crate with blankets, a cover will not compromise the space. It will still be able to give your pet security and privacy without limiting his room for movement. This will be perfect when you go camping with your pet.

PROS

  • Stylish and cozy
  • Water-repellent
  • Perfect for camping

CONS

  • Tears easy
  • No attachment to the crate
  • Condenses on the inside

Carlson Pet Products Secure and Foldable Single Door Metal Dog Crate

Quick Summary

Carlson Pet Products Crate

Rated by: Amber

For less than $30, you can get one of the best dog crates available right now in the market. This one from Carlson Pet Products is perfect for medium-sized dogs. It has a single door and has a removable pan.

The crate measures 30L x 19W x 21H in. Puppies that grow up to be medium-sized and up to 45 lbs. will fit inside this crate. Dogs that are 24 in. long and 20 in. tall will be able to fit inside this crate as well.

The wire is made of steel. It has a single door that has a lock system that is secure to keep your dog safe inside his crate. 

Since you want to stop him from chewing on your sofas or shoes, a secure crate should be able to stop him without making it seem as if it is punishment.

The black pan is made of hard plastic, so it is fairly durable. It is removable so you can easily take it out, wash it, and place it back in.

When not in use, you can fold it down and easily store it away. You can also easily carry it because it is portable. It is convenient for putting in the car.

PROS

  • Easy to fold and store
  • Easy to clean
  • Ideal for medium-sized breeds

CONS

  • Not for large breeds
  • Can be chewed and broken
  • Easily bendable wire

PetMate ProValu Double-Door Wire Crate

Quick Summary

PetMate ProValu Wire Crate

Rated by: Amber

For less than $20, your dog can have its own bedroom. Since dogs are den animals, this crate will act as the den that gives him safety and security. Proper training will let him get used to it and help straighten up his behavior.

This crate from PetMate has double doors, one on the front and one at the top. You will have easier access on the inside by using the top door. It has a 5-point locking system so your pet would not easily push open the door.

This has an included polypropylene pan which is durable enough. It is strong and resists moisture. The pan is removable, so it is easier for you to clean up

This also comes with a divider panel. If the crate has too much space, your dog might make it his bedroom-slash-bathroom, which is why you need a divider panel. You can just adjust it as your pup grows.

The wire is finished with black electro-coat, so it is rust-resistant. This will let the crate last longer. It also folds flat, so it is easy to store and to transport. The crate measures 19L x 12W x 14H in. so it will be able to fit small-sized dogs.

PROS

  • Easy to set up
  • Easy to clean
  • Rust-resistant

CONS

  • Easily bendable metal
  • Not for escape-persistent dogs
  • Doors easily become unaligned

Petnation Port-A-Crate Indoor and Outdoor Home for Pets

Quick Summary

Petnation Port-A-Crate

Rated by: Amber

The Port-A-Crate is a portable crate that is great for outings, camping, or a decent room for your dog in your house.

For less than $34, you can have your dog crate-trained for better behavior. Just remember to not keep him in for very long periods because your pet might get anxious.

This one deserves to be one of the best dog crates because it is not just versatile and durable, but it has a cute cover too. The frame is made of steel and is covered by a heavy-duty tight weave mesh fabric. The fabric is water-resistant so it is easy to clean, and the mesh windows let the airflow.

This is very easy to set up and fold down, so it is portable. It does not require tools so you can easily just take it with you anywhere, of course with your pet too. It has one door in the front and one at the top.

The crate is available in six sizes. To make sure that you are buying the right one, measure your dog first and add a few inches to his height and length to make sure that he fits inside.

PROS

  • Easy to set up
  • Easy to clean
  • Great to use for transportation

CONS

  • Not for aggressive chewers or scratchers
  • Poor quality zippers
  • Net instantly rips

Paws & Pals Dog Crate

Quick Summary

Paws & Pals Dog Crate

Rated by: Amber

This double-door metal crate is great to use for training your pets. It costs less than $27, and it is very easy to setup and install. It can help your pets to correct behavior such as housebreaking, barking, and chewing.

The materials used for this crate is heavy-duty solid steel which is very sturdy and can keep in non-aggressive dogs. The tray at the bottom is removable, so it is very easy to clean. It is washable in case your pet makes a mess.

When not in use, you can just fold it down to make it easy to store. It will not consume much space. If you are going to travel, it is portable that you can easily carry it. It has a handle too which makes the task all the easier.

This comes in six sizes that may or may not come with a divider and may have single or double-doors. The divider is necessary if you have a puppy that is still growing. The number of doors will just depend much on your preference.

Make sure that the size you buy is not too big or too small for your dog. It should not have too much space for your pet to have a bathroom in there. Moreover, it should not be too small that he cannot stretch or stand inside it.

PROS

  • Easy to set up
  • Portable
  • Easy to clean

CONS

  • Not for aggressive dogs
  • Cannot endure weight on top
  • Can be forced open

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Dog Crate

Size

As mentioned, dogs tend to make their crates a half bedroom-half bathroom place when they know that there is space for those. If you want to train your dog in housebreaking, it should be clear to him that the crate is just a living area not a place to do number a one or two.

Dog crate manufacturers often make different sizes for one type of crate. Before you buy one, you have to measure your dog first. Here's how to make the right measurement.

  • Measure from the tip of your pet's nose up to the tip of his tail. Once you get the number, add at least four inches, and the crate should be at least that long.
  • Measure the height of your dog while he is standing up. You want your crate to be able to accommodate your dog's height so it should also be at least 4 in. higher than him. If you plan on putting a bed, add that up to the computation as well.
  • The width of the crate should be at least ¾ of its length. It doesn't have to have much space so your dog won't run around and make any noise in there.

Material

Most crates on this list are made of metal wires. The great benefits of this kind are it allows ventilation and visibility. If you live in a place where it is usually hot or warm, metal ones are okay but they won't give any warmth in colder places, in case you will need thick covers.

Pet Crate Material

Crates can be made from plastic, wood, or metal. When you plan to buy metal ones, make sure that there are no sharp edges that may potentially harm your dogs. Some metal ones have coatings and finish to add an extra layer of protection.

Ease of Use

Since not all of us are engineers and architects, we all cannot be handy with tools. Thankfully, there are many dog crates that are easy enough to set up. Most don't even need special tools.

Easy to set up crates means it can also be easily taken down. Meaning, that you can easily disassemble or fold it down for portability and easier transportation.


If you plan to train your dog or simply just want him to have his own personal and private space, a crate is perfect for those jobs.

Here is a short video explaining how to choose the right size of crate that is perfect for your pet:

Petnation Port-A-Crate

The best dog crate you can buy out of all these great options is the Petnation Port-A-Crate. It may be the perfect companion for traveling, but it is also great for indoors. It already has a cover and is a breathable one too. It also will not break your bank because, at less than $34, it is not only affordable but also well built.

About the Author Amber

Hi, I'm Amber! iPetCompanion care about your relationship with your pets. I realize how hard it is to leave them behind especially when you have an out-of-town trip schedule so I made this blog to help!

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