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Do you have an unruly dog that needs to be kept in a crate at night? Maybe you want to go on a road or plane trip and need a crate for transportation.
Either way, there are many dog crates, which makes choosing one quite a challenge. This article will discuss five of the best dog crates available on the market.
You will find a buyer’s guide full of the information you should consider before you go shopping. And we’ve answered a few of the most frequently asked questions about dog crates.
MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate
Suppose you need a dog crate that can fit even the largest of dogs. You want something safe, easy to deal with, and durable. In that case, the very reasonably priced Midwest Homes for Pets Dog Crate is an ideal option to consider.
Product Highlights
What is important to note is that the Midwest Homes for Pets Dog Crate comes in various sizes. You can get sizes including 18, 22, 24, 30, 36, 42, and 46 inches, with the 46-inch model being ideal for even the largest dogs up to 110 pounds.
Keep in mind that the 46-inch model has dimensions of 48L x 30W x 33H inches, so it should be large enough for every dog.
The Midwest Homes for Pets Dog Crate is made of very durable metal, so it is not about to bend or break, and there’s no chance that your dog is going to chew through it. To help keep your dog safe and to protect you from harm, it features rounded corners, so there aren’t any sharp edges to deal with.
Another thing that will help keep your dog safe and comfortable is the ABS plastic tray. This way, your dog has a flat surface to lie on without having to deal with a metal grate being underneath its paws. This tray not only helps keep your dog comfy, but it also allows for easy cleaning. You can simply wipe the tray off, or better yet, hose it down.
Something else that stands out about the Midwest Homes for Pets Dog Crate is that it features dual doors, one on the front and one on the side. This allows for easy entry.
You can also position it in various ways, particularly against a wall. This crate features a heavy-duty double-bolt slide latch to ensure that your dog stays where they are supposed to. It is easy for you to open, but not for the dog.
The Midwest Homes for Pets Dog Crate is quite heavy, as it weighs over 40 pounds. It folds down into a reasonably compact package without needing tools. Setting it up is as easy as unfolding it, which allows for a certain degree of portability. You can always put it in a closet when not in use.
The Good
The good part about the Midwest Homes for Pets Dog Crate is that it’s a heavy-duty yet straightforward dog crate that comes in many sizes and won’t cost you a fortune. Moreover, it’s something that no dog can chew through.
The Bad
What needs to be said is that setting the Midwest Homes for Pets Dog Crate doesn’t require any tools; you just fold it together. However, this is easier said than done. It takes a bit of finesse.
Pros
- Many sizes
- Very durable
- Solid plastic tray included
- Double bolt latch
- Dual doors
- Somewhat portable
- affordable
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Setting it up will take some practice
Petmate Pet Taxi Crate
Whereas the previous crate reviewed was mostly for home use, this one is designed for pet transportation, particularly for smaller dogs (and cats). It’s a simple crate which is ideal for taking your dog to the vet, on a trip, or anywhere else.
Product Highlights
What needs to be said is that the Petmate Pet Taxi Crate comes in 3 different sizes. You can choose from a suitable model for up to 10-pound dogs, one for up to 20-pound dogs, and up to 25-pound dogs. In terms of dimensions, the largest of these crates comes in at 26” L x 18.5” W x 16.5” H, and this large model can fit dogs up to 15.5 inches in height.
The Petmate Pet Taxi Crate is made of heavy-duty plastic; if you treat it right, it should last for a long time. It comes with heavy-duty metal screws to keep everything together. It should be more than strong enough for you to lift it up with a dog inside without any issues. It comes with a reasonably comfortable, strong, and ergonomically designed carrying handle to help make life a bit easier.
Keep in mind that the plastic shell is heavy-duty, but it is also lightweight, so it’s not too heavy for you to carry. Without a dog in it, the Petmate Pet Taxi Crate weighs around 6 pounds. In terms of assembly, assembly requires using a few screws and nuts.
The crate features a special seatbelt slot so you can secure it inside your car. It also has ventilation openings on all sides, so your dog can breathe easily and see a bit of scenery. Your dog will stay in place because the metal grate door features a secure and easy latching system. You can open and close the latch with a single hand.
The Good
The good part about the Petmate Pet Taxi Crate is that it is the perfect size to transport small pets during car trips, a flight, or even a trip to the vet. It’s a lightweight and portable option.
The Bad
Unfortunately, it only fits dogs up to 25 pounds, so it is only suitable for smaller dogs. You won’t be able to fit anything larger into this crate.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Ideal for transportation
- 3 sizes available
- Easy to carry
- Easy latching system
Cons
- Only for small dogs
Paws & Pals Dog Crate
This crate is similar to the first product we reviewed. It’s a metal grate dog crate, mostly for home use. There are several different sizes and is ideal for small and medium dogs.
Product Highlights
The Paws & Pals Dog Crate comes in 2 sizes, a 30-inch, and a 36-inch model. The larger of the two features dimensions of 36″ (Length) x 22″ (Width) x 25″ (Height), making it ideal for small and medium dogs.
The Paws & Pals Dog Crate is made of heavy-duty steel, so it should be able to withstand some bumps, chewing, and attempts to escape by a rowdy dog. However, keep in mind that it does have its limits, and it may not be able to withstand an assault by a large and powerful canine.
The Paws & Pals Dog Crate is easy to assemble, and it doesn’t require any tools. You can assemble it in just a few minutes. When the crate is not in use, you can simply collapse it and store it in a relatively small space.
Although it’s not the most portable choice, it does come with a comfortable carrying handle to help with portability. It weighs just under 20 pounds.
To help keep your dog safe, the Paws & Pals Dog Crate has rounded corners with no sharp edges. This crate also comes with a solid plastic tray to provide your dog with a flat and smooth surface to lay on. This plastic tray can be hosed off if when you want to clean it.
Finally, to ensure that your dog stays in place, the Paws & Pals Dog Crate has dual doors, both of which have double latches. The latches are easy for humans to operate, yet dogs won’t figure them out. Just in case you need it, this crate comes with a split divider.
The Good
The Paws & Pals Dog Crate is a good option for medium dogs, particularly if you need to transport them. It’s large enough for most average dogs, yet small and light enough to carry and fit into most cars.
The Bad
For one, the Paws & Pals Dog Crate is not going to fit large dogs. Moreover, although the Paws & Pals Dog Crate is quite durable, if you have a very wild dog, particularly one with some weight, it might be able to bend the bars.
Pros
- Fairly durable
- Carrying handle included
- Light enough to lift
- No sharp edges
- Good plastic tray included
- Dual doors with easy to operate dual latches
- Comes in 2 sizes
Cons
- Not ideal for very large dogs
- Metal bars can only take so much punishment
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate
Suppose you need a lightweight dog crate for transportation. In that case, this EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate is an excellent option to consider. It comes in various sizes and should last for a long time.
Product Highlights
What really stands out about the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate is how convenient it is. Setting it up is as easy as unfolding the panels; folding it back down into a compact package for easy storage is just as simple. It takes only a few seconds to set it up, and it doesn’t require any tools.
Moreover, the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate is very lightweight. This item is super portable with dual carrying handles (one for the hands plus a shoulder strap). This crate also comes with 2 exterior storage pockets for dog treats, bags, leashes, and more.
In terms of size, this crate comes in 5 different sizes, so you should be able to find a crate to fit small and large dogs alike. In terms of size, it should be able to fit all but the largest of dogs. The largest size available is 42″ long x 28″ wide x 32″ high.
The EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate features a very strong steel tube frame, so it should be durable enough to handle a decent amount of weight.
The walls are made of mesh and soft fabric, which helps keep it lightweight. This also allows for adequate ventilation and a good view of the outside. The 3 mesh doors allow for easy entry and exit. You can always see what your dog is doing from all angles.
The Good
The good part about the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate is that it is super portable. Its folding design, combined with its light weight and the various carrying handles and straps, makes this one of the most portable dog crates − not to mention that it comes in 5 sizes.
The Bad
Dogs who like to chew a lot, and dogs that are wild and destructive, will end up chewing through the soft walls. Soft walls may be great for portability, but not for dogs who will chew on them.
Pros
- Easy folding design
- Lightweight
- Well-ventilated
- Good view of the inside
- Various carrying handles/straps
- 5 sizes
- Many color options
- Ideal for transportation
Cons
- Not good for chewers
- Rather pricey
Merry Pet 2-in-1 Configurable Pet Crate and Gate
This is the most unique dog crate on the list today. It is made of very stylish wood, and it looks absolutely spectacular. It may not be designed for transportation, but it’s great for in-home use, and it also doubles as a gate.
Product Highlights
The really cool part about the Merry Products 2-in-1 Configurable Crate and Gate is that you can unfold it from a crate and turn it into a gate, so you can use it to contain your dog at home, or you can unfold it and use it as a gate to block off certain areas.
Assembling the Merry Products 2-in-1 Configurable Crate and Gate is very easy, although you will need a couple of tools. It should take only a few minutes, but the process is easier if you have a helping hand.
It is just over 32 inches long in terms of size, so be aware that this crate is designed for small and medium-size dogs but won’t fit very large dogs. That said, it is an ideal option for relatively small homes. We like how the Merry Products 2-in-1 Configurable Crate and Gate has bars on all 4 sides, so you can see, and your pet can see out on all sides.
The Merry Products 2-in-1 Configurable Crate and Gate is made of wood. It features a dark brown finish; it looks really stylish and will work well with other wooden décor. Some people may even use the top as a little end table. The build’s quality is pretty decent, as it is wood, although wood is susceptible to chewing.
There is a solid plastic tray that is very easy to wash off with a hose or just with a paper towel.
The Good
The good part about the Merry Products 2-in-1 Configurable Crate and Gate is that it is one of the few dog crates that you can leave in your home at all times. It looks pretty nice. Moreover, the fact that it turns into a gate is pretty cool.
The Bad
What is not great about the Merry Products 2-in-1 Configurable Crate and Gate, besides the high price, is that it is not made for transportation. This crate is strictly for home use.
Pros
- Awesome look
- Durable
- Easy to assemble
- 4 sided view
- Turns into a gate
- Can be used as a small table
Cons
- Expensive
- Not portable
- Not for very large dogs
Buyer’s Guide
Before you go shopping for a crate, it’s worth taking a look at this buyer’s guide. Let’s discuss the most important factors and features to look for before you buy.
Size
The dog crate you get obviously needs to be able to fit your dog. In terms of length, the crate should be 4 to 5 inches longer than your dog; it needs to be tall enough so your dog can stand up straight, and it needs to be wide enough for your dog to turn around.
In terms of the height, consider that you might add a bed or blanket that will take up a couple of inches. Also, keep in mind that you don’t want a massive crate for a miniature dog, as dogs like to be a bit cozy.
Materials and Durability
You need a durable crate, particularly if you have a destructive dog. Your options generally include plastic, soft sides (like mesh or fabric), metal grating, and wood in terms of materials. Of course, wood looks nice, but it is chewable, and it’s not very lightweight.
If you are looking for maximum durability, especially for home use, a metal crate is best. For transportation, a super lightweight, soft-sided crate or plastic crate should work well. You should weigh the pros and cons of each material against each other.
Assembly and Portability
You probably won’t need the crate at all times, so how easy it is to assemble and disassemble will be important. A folding crate that doesn’t require tools is best in this sense (although one that requires tools for assembly may be more durable and long-lasting).
If you need the crate for transportation, having one that can easily fold down is a benefit. In terms of portability, look for the weight of the crate and good carrying handles and straps.
Safety
Make sure that the crate has no sharp corners or protrusions, and you also want to look for a solid bottom, such as a plastic tray, so your dog’s feet or claws can’t get stuck in the floor.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Finally, a dog crate that is easy to clean is always a benefit. Something you can just hose off and wash down is best. Soft-sided carriers are great for transportation but not the easiest to clean.
FAQ
What’s the Best Crate Material for a Destructive Dog?
If you have a dog that loves to chew and is quite rough, there is nothing better than metal.
How Large Should a Dog Crate Be?
The dog crate needs to be at least 5 inches longer than your dog, a few inches higher (plus room for bedding), and wide enough for your dog to turn around in.
What’s the Best Place for a Dog Crate?
For young and very social dogs, a high traffic area is best. Dogs like to be against walls and in corners, so this is something else to consider. If you have a dog that values a bit of alone time, then a low traffic area of your home is best.
Conclusion
Making a recommendation here is not easy because there are many kinds of dog crates. They each serve specific purposes. If you need something good for transportation, any of the plastic or soft-sided crates we reviewed are fine. However, if you want something for home use, and you have a destructive dog, then metal is the way to go.
