The Best Dog Crates, Recommended by Experts (original) (raw)
By ,a writer at the Strategist covering clothing basics and bath and body. She joined the Strategist as a junior writer in 2022 after interning at the site.
Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Brenley Goertzen
Whether it’s your first week with a new puppy or an older dog, you’ve probably heard about the importance of crate training. Both my pups are crate trained, but each one has completely different needs when it comes to their crate. Our basset hound, Ringo, has an orthopedic bed and a cover over his kennel to minimize distractions. Meanwhile, Georgie, our three-month-old rescue puppy, is still learning how to hold her potty in the crate, so she sleeps with a washable blanket, and we place a noise machine nearby when it’s time for her nap time, so her rest isn’t disrupted when I’m working from home.
According to Leah Callaghan, a vet nurse at Butternut Box, dogs are innately den-oriented and often seek out cozy, enclosed areas where they can recover from stimulation or simply take a peaceful snooze. “A well-designed crate can help build on that instinct in a safe, structured way, rather than working against it,” she adds. Evan Doggett, a certified dog trainer and SpotOn GPS Fence board member, tells me that their sleep patterns are very different from humans, and “many dogs benefit from frequent, quiet naps throughout the day. A properly sized, comfortable kennel can help support better sleep, improved emotional regulation, and result in a happier, healthier dog.”
When introducing a dog crate, it’s important to go slowly and at your dog’s pace and to never use time in the kennel as a form of punishment. I leave Ringo and Georgie’s crate doors open throughout the entire day, and we also play tons of “crate games” (like tossing treats inside to encourage entry) to create positive associations with the crate. Georgie also eats all her meals inside her crate — we’ll continue this until she is about six months old — to further promote her crate as her happy place. “The aim should be to build trust with the space so the dog chooses to go in rather than being placed in,” Callahan says.
In terms of what to look for when buying a crate or kennel for your dog, Callaghan says size matters but not in the “bigger-is-better way” that most pet parents might assume. A properly fitted crate will allow your dog to stand up comfortably, turn around without bumping into the sides, and lie fully stretched out in their favorite sleeping position, but it’s still snug enough to get that denlike feeling, Callahan says. Airflow and visibility are two other key factors: Wire crates can be a nice option for confident dogs who like to keep an eye on what’s happening in their home, while more enclosed designs can help anxious dogs feel less exposed. “In practice, we often see dogs relax much more quickly when visual stimulation is reduced slightly — something as simple as lightly covering part of the crate with a translucent and breathable fabric can help soften the environment without fully isolating,” she adds. To find the best crate for your pooch, I’ve spoken to pet experts about their favorites and tested a range of popular crates with my own dogs. From collapsible crates to affordable wire ones and a reinforced car-safe pick, below I’ve rounded up the best dog crates for every kind of dog.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale.
Yes
New! You can now save this product for later.
I’ve used several simple wire crates found at any local pet store for crating training, but after testing the Diggs Revolv dog crate for almost a year, I’ve been impressed with its multiple entry points, dual-lock doors, and the fact that it’s fully collapsible with built-in wheels for easy transport. It’s also approved by Paws for Thought founder Maddie Messina, a certified dog trainer and animal behaviorist, who says it’s incredibly easy to set up and break down. “The most important factor in using a crate is ensuring that your dog loves to spend time in there,” Messina told me. “That often starts with teaching them to walk in and out of it on their own. With the two large doors on the front and the side of the Diggs crate, you can create a very open space so the dog doesn’t feel pressured to walk into a smaller space when you’re first conditioning them to it.”
The Revolv crate is the one we use for our basset hound, Ringo: At roughly 50 pounds, the intermediate size is the perfect fit for his extra-long body and short legs. Ringo can sleep on his side and stretch out his legs or curl into his favorite crescent position, where his nose is tucked near his tail. The Revolv has a garage-style side door, so you don’t always have to use the swing-out door if you’re already tight on space in the room where the crate is being placed. The brand is also known for its diamond-shaped wire pattern to prevent injuries, such as a paw getting stuck in the mesh. My favorite feature is that it collapses down and can be rolled around the house thanks to its built-in handle and wheels, which is key considering we’ve moved three times in the last year. All sizes — small, medium, intermediate, and large — of the Revolv crate come with a divider panel, so if you know your puppy’s estimated adult size (like perhaps you know the total weight of both parents), I recommend buying the Revolv in their adult-appropriate size and using the puppy divider.
As for the price, I know it’s considerably steeper than more basic wire crates, but if you’re looking to invest or upgrade to a high-quality option featuring a steel frame and aluminum mesh, you won’t be disappointed with the Diggs Revolv.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale.
Yes
New! You can now save this product for later.
If you’re new to crate training or aren’t sure of your dog’s temperament (are they an escape artist?), buying a cheap wire crate first lets you learn your puppy or dog’s preferences before buying an expensive one like the Revolv. The MidWest Ultima Pro comes recommended by two experts I interviewed. Daniel Haarburger, founder of the pet-product brand Woof, says for crate training his dog Milo, who’s on the bigger side, he went with the MidWest Ultima Pro because it’s made of a thicker-gauge steel. He says it’s a great option for strong dogs, and the removable plastic tray makes cleaning and disinfecting super easy. Another fan is Dr. Mahsa Vazin, founder of PawCo and Genius Dog, who told me she uses it with her dog Paco. “I’ve had it for years, so it’s really stood the test of time with him,” Vazin says. “The double-door design makes it easy for Paco to move in and out, and overall it’s just a straightforward, reliable option that works well for crate training or as a consistent space for dogs to rest and reset.”
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale.
Yes
New! You can now save this product for later.
If you’re a puppy parent, starting with a basic (and budget-friendly) wire crate is usually a good idea, especially since it can be hard to know how big your furry friend will grow up to be. I’m a fan of the iCrates from MidWest, which come with a divider to make the crate smaller for house training and gives your pet time to grow into their crate. “The idea is that when confined the puppy won’t soil the area, so you expand their space as the puppy gets the idea and succeeds at relieving themselves in the appropriate place,” says Alison Buehler, a certified separation-anxiety specialist and owner of Dharma Dog NYC. They have removable plastic bottom pans, which are easy to clean if your puppy ever has an accident at night.
Messina is another fan of the iCrate since they offer “more bang for your buck.” She adds that the biggest mistake most people make when trying to crate train their dog is choosing a crate that’s too small. “Dogs move around when they sleep to help with things like heat regulation,” she says. Messina also recommends measuring the length of your dog (from head to tail) and adding six to 12 inches to get the appropriate crate length. “With less expensive crates like this one, you can size up without your pockets suffering too much. This crate is also equipped with two doors which makes training them to walk in and out of it easier at first,” she adds.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale.
Yes
New! You can now save this product for later.
The MidWest Contour is a step above the iCrate because it features more advanced locking mechanisms on the doors for enhanced security. Compared to the standard slide-bolt latch on the iCrate, the Contour has doors that need to be lifted up slightly to engage two hooks, which secure the door at multiple points. We chose this crate for our puppy Georgie because she has a tendency to scratch and paw at the crate door when she wakes up from a nap, and has actually escaped her crate on occasion. Like the iCrate above, the Contour has two doors and a removable bottom pan. It offers plenty of airflow, and it can be set up in just a few minutes.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale.
Yes
New! You can now save this product for later.
Ana Prodanovich, co-founder of the pet-care brand Welltayl, is a fan of Evolv’s slim and modular design. “You can actually configure it around your space, and the two doors reposition depending on where it ends up in your home.” She loves that the diamond mesh is paw- and jaw-safe, the dual locks open only from the outside. There’s also a removable ceiling panel to make getting your dog in and out easier or use it as a playpen for a small puppy.
I’ve been testing the Evolv with our puppy, Georgie, and it only took me about 20 minutes to put the Evolv together by myself. The corner pieces were the most difficult part and required a little more elbow grease. Once the crate was assembled, Georgie immediately walked in without hesitation to check it out. I opted for the Intermediate size since we’re not totally sure how large she’ll grow to be as an adult dog; however, I installed the puppy divider, which easily snaps into place. If you have a nervous dog or puppy like Georgie, I found that the white color of the mesh makes the interior and exterior feel sleek and more inviting.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale.
Yes
New! You can now save this product for later.
If you’re looking for a dog crate that looks more like furniture, Fable Pets is your best bet. Prodanovich says this crate will blend right into your space and can even double as a side table. It has square ventilation openings on every side for airflow, but the bentwood construction makes it feel “more like a den than a cage.” It’s available in two finishes (signature or walnut) and you can also choose between if your dog would prefer an acrylic or metal door. “I would say it’s an investment but if design matters to you and your dog is crate-comfortable, this is so worth it,” Prodanovich says.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale.
Yes
New! You can now save this product for later.
Constructed entirely of high-grade aluminum, Impact’s dog crates are much sturdier than the all-wire alternatives on this list. I’ve been testing the collapsible model for a few weeks, and I found the setup pretty straightforward, though I needed my fiancé’s help to lift the ceiling panel and pull the front door and back wall into place until they were secure. Though assembling Impact’s collapsible crate might be somewhat difficult for one person to put together, once everything’s in place, this aluminum crate is super sturdy to the point that it’s hard to believe it collapses at all.
The brand offers puppy dividers compatible with all of Impact’s crate models. I installed a puppy divider since Georgie is not yet big enough for the crate we own. During my testing, I noticed that the aluminum walls feel nice and cool, which is a plus if your dog runs hot, and the solid roof makes it feel more secure and denlike compared to wire crates. Diamond-shaped holes on the front, back, and sides mean there’s plenty of ventilation, and the door latch closes tightly, so I’m not worried about accidental escapes, even if Georgie scratches at the main door. This crate is super solid, so Georgie did seem nervous to enter it, and it took a few days for her to warm up to the space. Impact also offers a lifetime warranty against defects in materials or workmanship, which covers repairs or replacement parts.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale.
Yes
New! You can now save this product for later.
Doggett, who has more than a decade of experience in e-collar training and dog training, says the brand he recommends with complete confidence is RuffLand Kennels. “They are exceptionally durable, stackable, thoughtfully designed, airline-compliant, and built to last for years. More importantly, they can help prevent serious injury in the event of a sudden stop or collision,” Doggett says, adding that most experienced professional dog trainers use RuffLand Kennels. “These kennels are rotomolded in a single piece, making them extremely strong without adding unnecessary weight,” he explains. “They are also designed to minimize sharp edges or structural weaknesses that could compromise durability over time.”
Beyond safety, the crate itself plays an important role in your dog’s well-being. Doggett loves that the brand offers a wide range of sizes, colors and configurations, including models with removable doors and optional side-entry doors that can be especially useful in tight vehicle layouts. “One of the practical advantages I have found is how efficiently they fit into real-world spaces. Because of the ergonomic shape, I am able to fit two extra-large kennels and a small kennel in the back of my Toyota Highlander while still leaving room for a passenger seat to remain fully usable — something that is not always possible with bulkier rectangular crates,” Doggett says, adding that properly strapping down the kennel is an important step in maximizing safety and preventing movement during transport.
• Alison Buehler, certified separation-anxiety specialist and owner of Dharma Dog NYC
• Leah Callaghan, vet nurse at Butternut Box
• Evan Doggett, certified dog trainer and SpotOn GPS Fence board member
• Daniel Haarburger, founder of the pet-product brand Woof
• Maddie Messina, founder of Paws for Thought and a certified dog trainer and animal behaviorist
• Ana Prodanovich, co-founder of the pet-care brand Welltayl
• Dr. Mahsa Vazin, founder of PawCo and Genius Dog
- The 108 Best Father’s Day Gift Ideas
- The 28 Best Early Prime Day Deals (So Far)
- The Strategist Summer 100
- I Replaced My Tretinoin With This $30 Retinal Cream See All
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
The Best Dog Crates, Recommended by Experts Your product is saved! You’ll receive emails when your saved products go on sale. Manage preferences.