Best crate for a German Shepherd
The best crate for a German Shepherd is large enough for comfortable movement, secure enough for the individual dog, and suited to how the…
Guides
Help choosing a dog crate by size, style and how the dog actually lives in the house.
Best For Dog
Best crate for a small apartment bedroom
The best crate for a small apartment bedroom is large enough for your dog to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably, but compact, quiet, and…
Best crate for two-door kitchen placement
A two-door dog crate is usually the most flexible choice for kitchen placement because it can open toward the room or a nearby walkway.…
Best crate if you need to hide it as furniture
A furniture-style dog crate can blend into a living room, but appearance should come after fit, ventilation, durability, and safe access…
Best dog crate for a large breed
The best large-breed dog crate is one that gives your dog enough room to stand, turn, lie down, and stretch without leaving excessive…
Best dog crate for a puppy
The best dog crate for a puppy is usually one sized for the dog’s expected adult dimensions, with a secure door, good ventilation, and a…
Best dog crate for crate training
The best dog crate for crate training is secure, correctly sized, easy to clean, and comfortable without giving a puppy too much extra…
Best furniture crate for a living room
The best furniture crate for a living room should look at home without compromising your dog’s safety or comfort. Use this guide to compare…
Price & Buying
42 inch wire crate with a divider for a growing puppy
A 42-inch wire crate can be a practical long-term choice for a growing puppy, but the listed length is only a starting point. Measure your…
Double-door crate for a hallway setup
A double-door crate can make a hallway setup more flexible, but only if both doors can open safely without blocking traffic. Use your dog’s…
Heavy-duty crate for a strong chewer
A strong chewer needs more than thick-looking bars. Compare crate construction, door security, spacing, sizing, ventilation, and escape…
How much does a dog crate cost
Dog crate prices vary by size, construction, portability, and included features. Here is how to compare the real cost without paying for…
Is a cheap wire crate sturdy enough?
A low-cost wire crate may be perfectly adequate for a calm dog, but price alone does not tell you whether it is safe. Check the crate’s…
Troubleshooting
Crate door latch failing: causes and safe fixes
A failing crate latch is a safety issue, especially for dogs that push, paw, or chew at the door. Check the latch alignment, door frame,…
Crate tray sliding out: causes and fixes
A crate tray usually slides out because it is the wrong size, not seated in its rails, blocked by debris, or being pushed by the dog. Check…
Divider panel that will not stay in place
A crate divider usually slips because it is installed backward, does not match the crate, or is bent or missing its retaining hardware.…
Dog crate too small for the dog
A dog crate is too small if your dog cannot stand, turn around, lie down naturally, or change position without crowding. Use your dog's…
Dog Escaping a Wire Crate: Causes and Safe Fixes
A dog escaping a wire crate usually needs more than a stronger latch. Check the crate’s openings, door hardware, fit, setup, and your dog’s…
Double-door crate not fitting the hallway
If a double-door dog crate will not fit through your hallway, measure the assembled crate at its widest points, account for door swing and…
Replacement tray for a wire crate
A replacement tray can refresh a wire crate, but crate pans are not universally interchangeable. Measure the old tray, verify the crate…
Crate cover making the crate too hot
A crate cover can trap warm air when it blocks ventilation or sits over a crate in a hot room. Remove or loosen the cover, open airflow…
Dog Chewing the Crate Bars: Causes and What to Do
Chewing crate bars can come from teething, boredom, frustration, or distress—and it can injure a dog’s mouth. Start by checking for injury,…
Dog knocking the crate across tile floors
A crate usually slides because its feet have too little grip on smooth tile. Clean the contact points, try a flat nonslip mat under the…
Wooden Furniture Crate Assembly Tightness: Fix Binding Parts
Wooden furniture dog crate parts should fit snugly, not require force. Loosen and realign binding joints, check hardware and door…
Setup
Bolt-on casters for a 48 inch crate
Bolt-on casters can make a large dog crate easier to move, but the right setup depends on the crate frame, total weight, mounting points,…
Buying a Matching Cover and Pad as a Set
A matching cover and pad can make a crate look finished and feel more comfortable, but the set still needs to fit the crate correctly and…
Crate cover for a wire crate
A crate cover can make a wire crate feel calmer and more den-like, but the wrong cover can restrict airflow, trap heat, or fit poorly. Here…
Crate cover that still allows airflow
The best crate cover balances privacy and airflow. Look for breathable fabric, adjustable coverage, secure fasteners, and a fit that leaves…
Crate pad that fits a 36 inch crate
A pad labeled for a 36-inch crate is not automatically the right fit. Measure the crate’s usable floor area, compare it with the pad’s…
Orthopedic pad for a crate-trained senior
A senior dog needs more than a soft cushion in the crate. Look for a supportive, low-profile orthopedic pad that fits the crate floor…
Covered crate versus uncovered crate
A covered crate can create a calmer, darker space, while an uncovered crate offers better visibility and airflow. The right choice depends…
Should a crate have a pad or a bed
A crate does not always need a thick bed. The right choice depends on your dog’s age, chewing habits, temperature, sleep style, and whether…
How to Clean a Crate After a Mess
Remove your dog and any bedding, clear the mess, then wash and thoroughly dry the crate. Use a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner for lingering…
Moving a Giant Crate Through a Stairwell
A giant dog crate may fit on the stairs but still get stuck at a landing or turn. Measure the route, check what can be safely removed, and…
Nighttime crate placement in a bedroom
A bedroom is often a practical place for a dog’s crate at night. Put it on a stable, level surface near enough for reassurance, while…
Should the Crate Face the Family or a Quiet Wall?
A crate can face the family or a quieter part of the room. Choose the direction that helps your dog settle while keeping the crate…
Where to put a dog crate in the house
A good crate location is quiet enough for your dog to rest but close enough to everyday family life. Consider your dog’s routine, comfort,…
Sizing
Buying the adult size now with a divider
An adult-size crate with a divider can save money and give a growing dog room to mature into the space—but only if the crate can be…
36 inch versus 42 inch dog crate
A 36-inch crate is usually the better fit for medium-to-large dogs that prefer a snug sleeping area, while a 42-inch crate gives taller or…
42 Inch Versus 48 Inch Dog Crate: Which Size Is Better?
A 42-inch crate is often the better fit for a large dog that prefers a cozier den, while a 48-inch crate provides more room for very large…
Crate height for a tall sighthound
A tall sighthound needs enough crate height to stand naturally without crouching, plus enough length to stretch and turn. Measure your…
Divider included versus buying one later
A crate with an included divider is usually the safer value when your dog is still growing, but buying a divider later can make sense if…
How Much Floor Space a 42 Inch Crate Actually Needs
A 42-inch crate is not just 42 inches long. Its actual footprint depends on width, and you also need room for doors, cleaning, and safe…
How to Measure a Dog for a Crate
Measure your dog while standing, then choose a crate that lets them stand naturally, turn around, lie down, and stretch without leaving…
Measuring standing height plus a few inches
Measure your dog from the floor to the highest point of the head or ears, then add a few inches for comfortable standing. Check length and…
What size crate for a Labrador
Most adult Labradors need a 42-inch crate, but your dog’s measurements and build matter more than breed alone. Learn how to choose the…
What size crate for a puppy that will grow
Choose a crate based on your puppy’s expected adult size, then use a divider to create a safe puppy-sized space while your dog grows.
Training
Crate too big for house-training
A crate that is too large can give a puppy enough room to sleep in one area and eliminate in another. Here is how to correct the setup and…
Dog bed in a quiet room instead of a crate for an adult
A crate isn’t required for every adult dog. A quiet, dog-proofed room can work well if your dog is reliably house-trained, settles alone,…
How crate training actually works
Crate training works through gradual, positive practice—not by shutting a dog in and waiting for them to adjust. Start with an inviting…
How long a dog can stay in a crate
A dog’s safe crate time depends on age, health, training, and ability to toilet. For many healthy adult dogs, plan for a break after about…
How to Introduce a Crate Without Panic
Let your dog explore the crate at their own pace, then build up to short, positive stays. If they show signs of panic, stop and make the…
Puppy chewing the pad instead of settling
A puppy that chews the crate pad should not be left alone with it. Remove the pad, check for missing pieces, and work on calm, comfortable…
Puppy Eliminating in the Crate: Causes and What to Do
A puppy having accidents in the crate may need more frequent potty breaks, a better-fitting setup, or a veterinary check. Start by ruling…
Tethering as a temporary alternative to a crate
A leash tether can help keep a dog nearby for a short, supervised task, but it is not a safe way to confine a dog while you leave the room.…
When a Trainer Visit Beats a Stronger Crate
If your dog is panicking, chewing through a crate, or getting hurt trying to escape, a stronger crate may not solve the problem. The right…
When Not to Crate a Dog
A crate is not right for every dog or every situation. Avoid crating when it creates distress, prevents necessary care, or is being used to…
Travel
Airline-style plastic crate for car travel
An airline-style plastic crate can keep a dog contained and comfortable in the car, but the right choice depends on fit, ventilation, door…
Best collapsible crate for travel
The best collapsible crate for travel depends on your dog’s size, behavior, transportation method, and where the crate will be used. Use…
Best crash-tested crate for car rides
The best crash-tested crate for car rides is one with documented independent testing, a secure vehicle installation method, and enough…
Best Crate for Hotel Travel: What to Look For
The best crate for hotel travel depends on your dog’s behavior, your transportation, and how much portability you need. Learn which crate…
Crate for a dog who must ride in an SUV cargo area
An SUV cargo-area crate must fit the vehicle securely while giving your dog enough room to stand, turn, and lie down naturally. Measure the…
Crate for an RV
The best crate for an RV fits your dog correctly, allows adequate ventilation, and can be secured without blocking walkways or exits. Here…
Folding crate for a weekend cabin
A good folding crate for a weekend cabin should be easy to carry, quick to set up, correctly sized, and suitable for your dog's behavior…
Plastic crate cracking in the car
A cracked plastic dog crate should be treated as damaged equipment, not repaired for continued car travel. Check the cause, inspect every…
Soft-sided crate for a calm adult at a cafe
A soft-sided crate can work well for a calm, crate-trained adult dog at a cafe—if you choose the right size, confirm the cafe allows it,…
Cost of a crash-tested travel crate
The cost of a crash-tested travel crate varies widely because safety testing, construction, size, and vehicle-fit features differ. Here is…
Cost of Buying a Second Travel Crate vs. One Dual-Use Crate
A second travel crate may cost less upfront, but one dual-use crate can be cheaper when it safely handles both everyday living and travel.…
Crate for Car Travel: How to Choose a Safe Fit
A crate can keep your dog contained in the car, but an ordinary home crate is not automatically designed to protect a dog in a crash. Match…
Plastic Airline Crate vs. Wire Crate for Heat in a Car
A wire crate has more open sides, but neither it nor a plastic airline crate can protect a dog from a dangerously hot car. Choose based on…
Soft crate versus hard crate for travel
Soft crates are light and easy to pack, while hard crates offer a sturdier shell that is easier to clean. The right choice depends on your…
Crate-free adults who still need a travel crate
If your adult dog is comfortable loose at home, you may only need a crate for trips, lodging, or temporary containment. Choose a portable…
Use Cases
Crate for a reactive dog who needs a den
A reactive dog often benefits from a quiet, predictable retreat, but the crate must be selected and introduced carefully. Here is how to…
Crate for a Senior Dog With Arthritis
The right crate for a senior dog with arthritis should make resting easier, not force painful movement. Look for a low entry, stable floor,…
Crate for an Apartment: How to Choose the Right One
The best crate for an apartment fits your dog correctly while limiting noise, protecting your floors, and working with the way you use your…
Crate for fostering multiple dogs one at a time
A crate for fostering dogs one at a time should fit the dog currently in your care, clean up easily between placements, and be sturdy…
Crate for two small dogs
Two small dogs may fit in one crate, but fitting is not the same as being comfortable or safe together. For overnight or unsupervised use,…
Crate for grooming-day waiting at home
A crate can keep a dog safely contained while waiting for a grooming pickup, but it should be familiar, correctly sized, and used for a…
Choosing
Heavy-duty crate for an escape artist
An escape artist needs more than a thicker wire crate. Look for escape-resistant construction, secure latches, safe spacing, correct…
Latch Types That Hold Against a Determined Dog
A determined dog can defeat a simple crate latch, but the strongest option depends on how the latch works, how the crate is built, and…
Wire versus plastic versus soft crate
Wire crates are versatile and well ventilated, plastic crates offer a more enclosed den-like space, and soft crates prioritize portability.…
Wheels on a Large Dog Crate: Useful or Annoying?
Wheels can make a bulky crate easier to move for cleaning or rearranging. They’re less useful if the crate needs to stay put, the floor is…
Comparisons
Baby Gate as an Alternative to a Crate
A baby gate may work for a calm, reliable dog that needs limited access to part of the house. It is not a substitute for a crate when you…
Crate versus an Exercise Pen: Which Is Right for Your Dog?
A crate provides a smaller, enclosed resting and travel space, while an exercise pen gives a dog more room to move. The better choice…
Double latch versus single latch doors
A double-latch dog crate door can add security, but it is not automatically better for every dog. Here is how to choose between double and…
Double-Door Versus Single-Door Crate: Which Should You Choose?
A double-door crate offers more placement flexibility, while a single-door crate can be simpler and easier to position. The better choice…
Exercise Pen Plus Crate as a Puppy Suite
A crate inside an exercise pen can give a puppy a secure sleeping area plus room to move, play, and use designated potty equipment. Here is…
Furniture-style crate versus wire crate
Furniture-style crates blend into living spaces, while wire crates usually offer better ventilation, visibility, portability, and…
Indoor kennel versus a crate for a working breed
An indoor kennel can provide more room, while a crate offers clearer boundaries and easier transport. The right choice depends on whether…
Metal Tray Versus Plastic Tray: Which Dog Crate Pan Is Better?
Metal and plastic dog crate trays each solve different problems. Plastic is usually quieter, lighter, and resistant to rust, while metal…
Playpen Instead of a Crate for a Young Puppy
A playpen can be a good alternative to a crate for a young puppy when the goal is safe daytime confinement, supervised play, and more room…
Powder-coated versus bare wire rust
Powder-coated wire crates generally offer better rust protection than uncoated or minimally finished wire, but neither type is completely…
X-pen only as an alternative for daytime naps
An X-pen can work for daytime naps when your dog is calm, reliably house-trained, and comfortable with open space. For dogs that chew,…
Boarding Kennel Run vs. a Home Crate: Key Differences
A boarding kennel run and a home crate serve different purposes. Compare the space, supervision, routine, and safety needs before deciding…
Reviews
Escape Tests Reviewers Rarely Do: What to Look For
A useful crate review should look beyond assembly and appearance. These careful, dog-free checks reveal whether the door, latch and panels…
Escape-proof claims versus real hardware
“Escape-proof” is a marketing claim, not a guarantee. Check the door, latches, frame, gaps, and anchoring—and consider why your dog is…
How to Read a Dog Crate Review
A useful dog crate review helps you judge fit, setup, durability, and everyday convenience. Look for details that match your dog and home,…
Warranty on Bent Crate Bars: What to Check
Bent crate bars may be covered if they point to a manufacturing defect, but damage from impact, chewing, or misuse may be excluded. Check…