Keep Your Furry Friend Comfortable and Safe with the Best Crates for Dogs
Dog crates are a necessity for every pet owner. Not only do they keep your beloved furry baby out of the way, but they also keep them safe. Whether for a much-needed time out when your pup is being naughty or a quiet, safe space to recover from an illness, the best crate for dogs should offer comfort and be a safe haven for your canine. If you have puppies, you will be praying for one of those; they would save you from a lot of mess and destruction of your property.
There are tons of dog crates on the market, each claiming to be the Best Buy. How do you know the one that is best for your pup? You may be tempted, but the last thing you want is to buy a horrible dog crate because it has a beautiful design or color. The best dog crate should be made from top-shelf material and be durable. It should be easy to clean and secure. To save you the hassle of finding the right one, we have reviewed the best dog crates in the market and come up with our top 8 products. Check them below;
Best Crates for Dogs: Product description
Midwest Homes Dog Crate– Best Collapsible dog crate
The Midwest Homes dog crate is designed with added security features to keep your pet safe. The slide-bot latch has locking tips and paw blocks to keep your pet inside the crate. This crate is easy to assemble and is collapsible for travel. It also features large openings for effective ventilation and rounded corner clips to prevent injury.
Features:
- Suitable for a dog breed that weighs 12 to 15 pounds
- The crate can be set up without any tools
- Has a leak-proof plastic pan and protective rubber feet
- Features a carrying handle
Pros:
- Rounded corners for enhanced safety
- Paw-proof locks
- Easily collapsible
Cons:
- It may be too small for dogs weighing over 15 pounds
Midwest Homes Double Door Crate – Strongest Dog Crate
Do you have an escape artist for a dog? The Midwest Homes double-door crates are the perfect match for it. This dog crate presents a safer home for your pet. It features a patented paw block and locking tips your dog cannot force open. This is one of the strongest dog crates and will serve you for a long time.
Features:
- Made from quality construction
- Features a divider panel, and leak-proof plastic pan
- Has double doors
- Suitable for dog breeds with an adult weight of 40 to 70 pounds
Pros:
- Easy to assemble and portable
- Well-ventilated and secure
- Protective rubber feet and carrying handle
Cons:
- Designed for large dog breeds
Iris USA Dog Crate – Best Small Dog Crate
You no longer have to worry about needing more space with the Iris USA dog crate. This playpen provides 8 square feet of play space for your pets. It can be used both outdoors and indoors, and it is perfect for multiple housing puppies.
Features:
- Made from high-quality moulded plastic
- Additional panels can be bought to create a larger playpen
- It is designed like a fence
- Features built-in locks
Pros:
- Has rubber feet to prevent skid marks on flooring
- Serves as a playpen for puppies, and small pets
- Well-designed and durable
Cons:
- Too small for large dogs
Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Crate – Best Dog Crate for Travel
The Petmate Ultra Vari dog crate is the best travel-friendly dog crate on the market. It meets most airlines’ specifications and provides maximum comfort for your dog. This crate is eco-friendly and features a carrying handle that is convenient for transport. This product is designed to be durable and will serve you for a long time.
Features:
- Made from durable and heavy-duty material
- Features metal screws and covered door posts for security
- Has 2 ventilation openings for pet visibility and ventilation
- Easy-open latch for pet parents to open with one hand
Pros:
- Tie-down holes make the crate secure and safe for travel
- Has a beautiful bleached-linen colour
- Perfect for dogs that weigh 70-90 pounds
Cons:
- It may be too pricey
Parkland Foldable Dog Crate – Best Outdoor Dog Crates
If you’re an outdoor person and love to take your dog(s) on adventures, the Parkland Foldable dog crate will serve you well. Apart from its beautiful design, this dog playpen is great for camping, travelling and many more! It is lightweight yet extra-strong and can withstand the elements. This is the one to get if you’re in the market for a nice-looking dog crate.
Features:
- It can be used both indoors and outdoor
- Features a removable mesh cover
- Folds flat when not in use
- Made from high-quality material
Pros:
- It can be assembled in seconds
- Perfect for puppies and older pets
- Heating pads can be placed inside for maximum comfort
Cons:
- It may be too pricey
New Age EcoFlex Dog Crate – Best Indoor Dog Kennel
The New Age ecoflex dog crate is a modern-styled dog crate that can house all dogs at different life stages. Made from durable material with a colour that goes through the material, your dog’s scratches will not be visible. This crate is aesthetically pleasing and requires zero maintenance.
Features:
- Made from eco-friendly composite material
- Features two secure latching to keep your dog safely inside
- Does not require any tools to assemble
- Suitable for all life stages
Pros:
- Easily cleaned with a damp cloth
- Requires no maintenance
- Has a beautiful colour and design
Cons:
- It may be too pricey
Amazon Basics Dog Crate – Safest Dog Crate
Are you tired of metal and plastic dog crates, and do you need one made with softer material? The Amazon basics dog crate is a soft-sided playpen made from plush yet sturdy material. It is collapsible and compact and would fit anywhere for storage. This dog crate comes in handy for pet owners who love the outdoors and travel a lot.
Features:
- Made from polyester fabric and PVC frame
- Has fastening straps to keep unzipped doors out of the way
- Features 2 doors and mesh windows for ventilation
- Suitable for large dogs up to 70 pounds
Pros
- It has sturdy zipper closures
- It can be set up in seconds without any tools
- Durable and comfortable design
Cons:
- It may not be suitable for trained puppies and dogs
Noz2Noz Dog Crate – Best Dog Crates for Labs
Looking for a dog crate that is perfect for quick trips to the vet or travel-friendly for long trips? The Noz2Noz dog crate is the perfect crate for you. It is easy to set up and just as easy to clean. This dog crate is portable, lightweight and best suited for dogs weighing up to 100 pounds.
Features:
- Heavy-duty zippers with door lock
- Durable, water-resistant base
- Extra strong steel frame
- Made from high-quality vinyl material
Pros:
- It has 3 openings; front, top and side door
- It can be set up in seconds
- Durable and well-ventilated
Cons:
- It may be too expensive
Best Crates for Dogs Buying Guide
Dogs are den animals. They still possess the primal instinct inherited from their ancestors to have their own personal cave. They enjoy having a confined space that they can retreat to when they’re tired of us and our shenanigans, especially if kids are involved. Whether you’re buying a dog crate to train your new pup, changing an old one or buying one for an adopted rescue, it is important to buy the right one for your furry friend.
There are lots of dog crates available in the market. Each one preaches its unique feature and why it is the best option for your dog. You may be tempted to select one based on looks, color, and design. But there are other factors to consider when buying the best dog crate for your canine. Factors such as the right size, material, durability, etc., are some important things to consider. We’ve made this buying guide to provide you with the necessary information to choose the best dog crates.
How do I select a crate for my dog?
A dog crate for a puppy would not fit the needs of a much larger dog. Think ahead if you are buying a dog crate for a new puppy. Choose one with enough room to accommodate their growth stages. The best dog crate for your adult dog should be big enough for it to stand, turn around and lie down in the manner that it is accustomed to. The height and weight of your dog are factors to consider when selecting the best dog crate for your beloved pooch.
How do I know what size is suitable for my dog?
Measure your dog
To determine the right crate size for your dog, you need to get the exact measurement that matches your dog’s length. You can get your dog’s measurement by using a measuring tape to measure it from the tail to the nose. You may want to add a few inches to be on the safe side. After getting the measurement, you can now compare it with the crate to pick out the best dog crate for your beloved canine. You should also remember to measure your dog while it’s sitting upright for you to get the proper height measurement to enable you to get the perfect-sized crate.
Weigh your dog
There are six main sizes of dog crates; x-small, small, medium, large, x-large, and xx-large. To determine which one of these is the right size for your furry friend, you need to weigh your dog. For dogs that weigh less than 10 pounds, an x-small may be the right fit. For 11-25 pounds, a small-sized crate. 26-40 pounds, medium size. 41-70 pounds, large, 71- 90 pounds, X-large. 90 and above, xx-large.
Types of Dog Crates
Plastic crate
Just as the name implies, the plastic crate is made of plastic. Plastic dog crates are easy to clean and have comfortable handles for easy carriage. They are lightweight when compared to other crates. The best ones are secure and would prevent your dog from getting out. Plastic crates do not have wide openings, and if your dog is shy and doesn’t like strangers, this cage could give it a sense of security and may be the best dog crate for your shy pup.
Wood crate
Wooden dog crates are made of wood and are versatile. They are quite popular for their rustic look and ability to fit into the home décor. Aside from being a dog crate, some people use them as a nightstand or side table. Wooden crates are strong and durable and come in different colours and designs. If you’re looking for a dog crate that will last for a long time, then the wooden crate may be the best dog crate for your furry friend.
Wired or metal crate
A metal or wire crate is made with thick metal wires. These types of dog crates are very common. They usually have multiple door openings, one on top and another on the side. Metal crates are open and have good airflow, which is great in a warmer climate. They are lightweight and very portable. If you’re the dog owner that likes to monitor your pooch, this is the best dog crate for you.
Polyester Crate
These types of dog crates are also known as polyester crates. They are similar to plastic crates but are made of a much softer material. They provide adequate covering and are travel friendly. Because of their size, these crates are best suitable for small dogs. Coverage
What are the benefits of a dog crate?
Prevents Destructive behaviour
Most dogs like to eat and chew on things, especially puppies. If your dog is a chewer and you cannot constantly monitor its activities, a dog crate might be the best solution to help your pup overcome this destructive behaviour. A dog crate helps to protect your furniture and footwear from the destructive mouth of your pooch.
Potty train your pup
Puppies and making a mess are synonymous. When they’re excited, they soil the place. When they’re scared? The same thing! You can give your rug and floor a break from the mess by training your puppy to use the crate when it needs to go.
Sense of security
Having its own space can help ease anxiety and tension in your beloved pooch. If your dog is the sort that is afraid of thunderstorms or fireworks, then the dog crate would represent a safe haven for it to run into when it is anxious or afraid.
Better recovery from injury
If your dog has an injured limb, keeping it in a dog crate would help it heal and prevent it from further injuring itself by walking or running. Putting it in a crate would also protect your injured furry baby from other younger family members or dogs who may not understand that the pooch is injured.
FAQs
Q: What is a dog crate?
A: A dog crate is an enclosure with door openings that are designed for dogs. It is meant to provide a sense of security for dogs since they are den animals. There are different types of dog crates, such as; wooden, plastic, polyester and metal dog crates.
Q: How can I get the right-sized crate?
A: To get the right size of dog crate for your furry baby, you need to know the measurement of the length and height of your dog. You can get the measurement by using a measuring tape from the tail to your pup’s nose.
Q: Can I travel with a dog crate?
A: Absolutely! Some dog crates are designed for easy carriage. These crates are easily collapsible. They come with handles and are travel-friendly.