Best Dog Crates and Kennels Compared (2026)

A crate is one of the most versatile tools a dog owner can have. Used correctly, it serves as a safe den for your dog, a housetraining aid, a travel solution, and a management tool for times when supervision is not possible. Used incorrectly, it becomes a source of stress. This guide compares the major crate types, helps you choose the right size, and highlights the best options for different needs and budgets.

Why Crate Training Matters

Dogs are den animals by nature. In the wild, canines seek out small, enclosed spaces to rest and feel secure. A properly introduced crate taps into this instinct, giving your dog a space that belongs entirely to them. Crate training is a foundational component of housetraining and early puppy training, as puppies naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area.

Beyond housetraining, crates keep puppies safe from household hazards when you cannot supervise them, provide a calm retreat during stressful events like thunderstorms or parties, make veterinary stays and travel less frightening, and help manage multi-dog households during feeding time or when introductions need to be controlled.

The key to successful crate training is making the crate a positive space. It should never be used as punishment. Gradual introduction with treats, meals, and comfort items builds a positive association that lasts a lifetime.

Wire Crates

Wire crates are the most common and versatile type. They consist of welded or folded metal wire panels that provide excellent airflow and visibility.

Pros

Wire crates offer superior ventilation, which is important for dogs that run warm or live in warm climates. The open design lets your dog see their surroundings, which reduces anxiety for many dogs. Most wire crates fold flat for storage and transport, and many come with a divider panel that lets you adjust the interior space as your puppy grows — saving you from buying multiple crates. They are also the easiest to clean since the removable tray slides out for washing.

Cons

Wire crates are heavy compared to other types, making them less convenient for frequent travel. They can be noisy — dogs that paw at the door or shift around create a metallic rattling. Some determined dogs can bend wire panels or unlatch doors, making wire crates a poor choice for serious escape artists. They also offer no insulation from cold, and the open design can feel exposed for dogs that prefer darkness and enclosure.

Best Wire Crates

The MidWest iCrate (~$35 to $80 depending on size) is the industry standard. It comes with a divider, two doors, and a removable tray. The MidWest Ultima Pro ($60 to $130) uses thicker gauge wire for stronger dogs. For giant breeds like Great Danes, the MidWest Solutions Series in the 54-inch size ($100 to ~$150) provides the space they need.

Plastic Crates

Plastic crates, also called airline crates or travel kennels, are enclosed on all sides with ventilation holes or slits and a wire door on the front.

Pros

Plastic crates create a den-like enclosed feeling that many dogs find calming. They are lighter than wire crates of the same size, making them easier to carry. Most importantly, many plastic crates meet airline requirements for in-cabin or cargo travel — a critical consideration if you fly with your dog. They also provide more insulation against cold drafts and can be wiped down easily.

Cons

Airflow is limited compared to wire crates, which can be uncomfortable in hot environments. The enclosed design means your dog has limited visibility, which increases anxiety in some dogs. Plastic crates do not fold flat, so storage can be challenging. They also tend to retain odors more than wire crates, and the plastic can crack or warp over time.

Best Plastic Crates

The Petmate Sky Kennel (~$50 to $120) is the most popular airline-approved plastic crate and comes in sizes from small to giant. The Petmate Vari Kennel ($30 to $90) is a budget-friendly option suitable for home use and car travel. For maximum durability, the Gunner Kennel G1 ($400 to ~$600) is the gold standard for crash safety and rugged use, though the price reflects its premium construction.

Soft-Sided Crates

Soft-sided crates use a lightweight frame (typically metal or plastic) covered in fabric mesh. They are designed for portability and convenience rather than heavy-duty containment.

Pros

Soft-sided crates are extremely lightweight and portable, making them ideal for travel, camping, dog shows, and trips to friends’ homes. They fold flat into compact carry bags and set up in seconds. The fabric and mesh panels are comfortable and quiet — no metallic rattling when your dog moves around. Many dogs find the partially enclosed design cozy without feeling claustrophobic.

Cons

Soft-sided crates offer virtually no security against escape. A determined dog can chew, claw, or simply push through the fabric in minutes. They are not suitable for puppies still learning crate manners, dogs with separation anxiety, or any dog that is not already calm and reliable in a crate. They are also harder to clean thoroughly, as the fabric absorbs moisture and odors. Most are not airline-approved for cargo travel.

Best Soft-Sided Crates

The EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Crate (~$35 to $55) is lightweight and affordable with multiple entry points. The Diggs Revol ($200 to ~$350) blends the portability of soft-sided design with the security of wire construction, using a unique collapsible frame that is both puppy-safe and travel-friendly.

Heavy-Duty and Escape-Proof Crates

For dogs with severe separation anxiety, destructive tendencies, or Houdini-level escape skills, standard crates simply will not hold. Heavy-duty crates are built from reinforced steel, aluminum, or rotomolded plastic to withstand serious abuse.

Best Heavy-Duty Options

The Impact Dog Crate (~$500 to $900) is made from welded aluminum and is virtually indestructible. The ProSelect Empire Dog Cage ($200 to ~$400) uses 20-gauge steel with hammer-tone finish and dual latches. These crates are significantly more expensive, but replacing a standard crate multiple times while your dog injures themselves trying to escape costs more in the long run — both financially and in terms of your dog’s well-being.

Crate Size Guide

The correct crate size allows your dog to stand up without crouching, turn around comfortably, and lie down fully stretched out. A crate that is too small is uncomfortable, and a crate that is too large defeats the purpose of housetraining because the dog can soil one end and sleep in the other.

How to Measure

Measure your dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, then add two to four inches. Measure from the ground to the top of the head (or ears, if erect), then add two to four inches. These measurements give you the minimum crate length and height.

Size Chart

Crate Size	Dimensions (L x W x H)	Typical Breeds
24 inch	24 x 18 x 21 inches	Chihuahua, Yorkie, Toy Poodle
30 inch	30 x 19 x 21 inches	French Bulldog, Miniature Poodle, Beagle (small)
36 inch	36 x 23 x 25 inches	Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Shetland Sheepdog
42 inch	42 x 28 x 30 inches	Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Springer Spaniel
48 inch	48 x 30 x 33 inches	Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd
54 inch	54 x 37 x 45 inches	Great Dane, Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound

For puppies, buy the adult-sized crate and use a divider to limit the space. Adjust the divider as your puppy grows. This approach saves you from purchasing multiple crates and is included with most wire models.

Airline-Approved Crates

If you plan to fly with your dog, airline crate requirements are strict. Most airlines require hard-sided plastic crates for cargo travel with these specifications: a solid roof and three solid walls, ventilation on at least two sides, a secure locking mechanism that cannot be opened by the animal, “Live Animal” stickers and directional arrows, food and water dishes that attach to the inside of the door, and enough room for the dog to stand, turn, and lie down naturally.

Always check your specific airline’s requirements before purchasing, as rules vary. The Petmate Sky Kennel and Gunner Kennel are the most commonly accepted options.

Crate Accessories

A few additions can make the crate more comfortable. A washable crate pad or bed provides cushioning, though puppies that chew should start with old towels or nothing at all until the chewing phase passes. A crate cover for wire crates creates a den-like atmosphere and can help anxious dogs settle. Water bottles that clip to the door prevent spills during crate time.

What to Spend

For most dog owners, a quality wire crate in the ~$40 to ~$100 range serves all basic needs. If you travel frequently, adding a plastic crate for ~$50 to ~$120 is worthwhile. Soft-sided crates at ~$35 to ~$55 make excellent secondary or travel crates for well-behaved dogs. Heavy-duty crates at ~$200 to ~$900 are a necessary investment for dogs with escape or anxiety issues — the cost pays for itself in prevented injuries and property damage.

Consider the crate a long-term investment. A quality wire crate used from puppyhood through senior years is one of the best values in dog ownership. Pair it with consistent crate training, a comfortable sleeping environment, and a predictable routine, and most dogs come to love their crate as their personal safe space. For a full list of what new puppy owners need, check our puppy supplies checklist.

Key Takeaways

• Wire crates are the most versatile and affordable option for most owners.
• Plastic crates are best for travel and dogs that prefer enclosed spaces.
• Heavy-duty crates are necessary for dogs with escape or anxiety issues.
• Size the crate so your dog can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• A quality crate is a long-term investment that serves from puppyhood through senior years.

Next Steps

Choose a crate based on your dog’s size and temperament using the recommendations in this guide. Pair it with proper crate training for a positive experience. For a full list of new puppy essentials, see our puppy supplies checklist.