After a day of running, biking, or hiking with our furry best friends, it’s paramount that we give them a safe and comfortable place to rest or lounge. Enter the dog crate. Crate training your puppy from a young age is one of the most important things a new dog owner can do to ensure your pup’s safety and comfort when you’re away from home or need to keep your dog away from the bed at night.

　　These days, dog crates have been designed with just about every activity in mind so choosing the best one can be daunting. Our tester, Katie Davis, and her pup, Mason, tested seven crates to cut through the confusion and highlight the best of the best.

　　After owning her dog for 6 years, Katie still finds it tricky to find the best crate for Mason. He is a couch potato who requires a comfortable and plush place to sleep every night.

　　Although Mason often sneaks his way into bed with Katie at night, she still needs a place for him to be safe and happy when she’s gone or on nights when he doesn’t sleep in bed. Katie and Mason tested these crates inside, outside, in the car, and everywhere in between to put each kennel through its paces.

　　Out of the thousands of options available, we tested crates designed for travel, vet visits, and chic designs to blend in with your living room decor. We’ve cut through the noise to help you figure out which crate will best meet your needs.

　　Scroll through our list to find the best dog crates available at the moment.

　　Still not sold? We have a comparison chart, a buyer’s guide, and an FAQ section to help you make your decision.

　　The Best Dog Crates of 2024 Best Overall Dog Crate: Elitefield 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate Best Budget Dog Crate: MidWest Homes for Pets Double Door iCrate Dog Crate Best Dog Crate for Camping: Orvis Tough Trail Folding Crate Best Dog Crate for Airline Travel: Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel Most Portable Dog Crate: Love’s Cabin Pop-Up Dog Kennel Best Overall Dog Crate Elitefield 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate Specs Weight 12.4 lbs. (Medium) Sizes XS-XL Material Steel tubing for frame, 600D fabric and hex mesh siding for ventilation Closure Zipper Number of entry/exit points 3

　　Pros Multiple storage options for carrying bags, treats, food and water Easy assembly Included crate pad with fleece base for added comfort Carrying bag included with duffel strap Cons Double zippers lead to easier escapes Fleece bed insert is not washable after accidents Katie Davis An easy decision, the Elitefield 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate ($89) won best-in-show for our favorite crate during testing. A soft-sided crate with four mesh panels and two openings, the Elitefield exceeded expectations during testing for durability, design, and portability.

　　This crate has a pop-up frame mechanism, with a spring attachment for two pieces of the frame that fit together easily, where other crates struggled during the assembly process. The crate has two sides for easy entry and exit, and a top door to plop your pup in.

　　The double-zippered closures include a plastic lock to prevent dogs from pawing their way out of the crate. Reinforced canvas on the corners of the crate prevents damage from chewing, digging, or frame collapse. The mesh zippered entrances can be rolled up and secured when not shut for easy movement, and a fleece bed insert is included for a touch of added comfort over the frame canvas base.

　　Two zippered pouches attached to the crate are ideal for storing the carrying case or for extra goodies like treats, food, or leashes when you’re on the go. When disassembling, the crate has buckles you can shut securely and an included carrying case with a duffel strap to distribute weight while carrying with ease.

　　While we crowned the Elitefield with our highest honor, nobody’s perfect. The crate has two major flaws — the zippers and the included bed insert. The double zipper mechanism includes a locking device but requires an extra step, whereas other crates have a simpler single zipper, which is more difficult to paw or nose through.

　　The included fleece bed insert is a major plus, but our excitement dampened upon further inspection when we realized the bed insert had a piece of styrofoam inside. While the inside styrofoam can be removed through the zippered opening, the styrofoam feels a bit cheap and is not the most comfortable option for your best friend.

　　If your pup has a mess inside the crate, the styrofoam would immediately absorb the liquid and odor and need replacement. While the fleece side of the pad could be machine washable, the underside feels like a cheaper canvas and might not hold up to a spin cycle in the washer.

　　Loaded with features that enhance your pups’ crating experience, the Elitefield 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate wins our blue ribbon for the best dog crate we tested. The three panels for entry and exit provide ample options to easily get your pup in and out.

　　Plus, we assembled and disassembled this crate more easily than any others. Two connected bags that come with the crate mean you can load up any supplies your pup needs on the road or at home. The Elitefield will last you years and you may even want to purchase another as you expand your furry family.

　　$106 at Amazoncheck price at chewy Best Budget Dog Crate MidWest Homes for Pets Double Door iCrate Dog Crate Specs Weight 22 lbs. (Medium) Sizes XXS-XL Material Metal, removable plastic tray Closure Metal latch Number of entry/exit points 2

　　Pros Incredibly easy assembly Includes detachable divider and carrying handle Removable tray for cleaning Cons Possible choking/strangulation hazard Not the most aesthetically pleasing Wires can be bent in some circumstances Katie Davis A crowd-pleaser among many new dog owners, the MidWest Homes for Pets Double Door iCrate Dog Crate ($62) is available in seven different sizes to fit all dogs, from the tiniest Chihuahua to the mightiest Doberman.

　　The iCrate comes kitted with a metal divider to grow with your pup and a carrying handle for easy transport. Constructed into a metal grid, the iCrate also includes a detachable tray for easy cleaning or replacement if your escape artist decides to get too crafty and shred the tray.

　　Of all the crates we tested, the iCrate made assembly quick and simple, with minimal steps included in the setup process. The iCrate holds up well to light protests, but if your pup experiences separation anxiety or has not been fully crate-trained, he or she could damage it.

　　While the latch is intuitive and easy for humans, some pups may find it simple to unlock the latch completely or partially, allowing them to become stuck halfway out the door. While this can become a major safety hazard, it highlights the importance of properly crate training your dog.

　　As with the other crates, the iCrate has a few drawbacks, some more serious than others. Due to the grid pattern, feisty pups can seriously hurt themselves while trying to chew or claw their way out, getting stuck halfway through the process. Such serious safety concerns cannot be ignored, so this crate is not for dogs who are voracious chewers or escape artists.

　　Also, because this crate is made of metal, the edges can scrape against the wall and create scuffs or scratches, especially when your dog moves or jostles around while crated.

　　Ultimately, the MidWest Homes for Pets Double Door iCrate Dog Crate is tailor-made for folks looking for a budget-friendly crate with options to divide the crate to grow with your puppy to adulthood. With options available for dogs up to 110 pounds, the iCrate is a foldable, durable solution for anyone looking to crate train their pup successfully.

　　$62 at Amazon Best Dog Crate for Camping Orvis Tough Trail Folding Crate Specs Weight 9.8 lbs. Size S-L Material DWR 100% recycled polyester, reinforced mesh ventilation windows Closure Zipper Number of entry/exit points 2

　　Pros Removable pad for added comfort and ease of cleaning Zippered mesh windows on side and front for easy entry/exit Lightweight and carrying handle included Cons Challenging assembly Slightly unstable Canvas is slightly harder to clean than metal or plastic Katie Davis A shady spot after a hot day on the trail, the Orvis Tough Trail Folding Crate ($179) offers the perfect spot for your tired pup to rest. The durable water-resistant (DWR) canvas fabric is rugged enough for rocky or variable surfaces without cutting or poking through, but its also extremely portable and easy to set up.

　　Two mesh window panels roll up for easy in or out access so your dog can comfortably lounge. And, they zipper shut to keep your pup contained when cooking hot dogs by the fire goes haywire. We loved testing this crate — its clearly designed with an active lifestyle in mind and is lightweight and portable enough to take from car to campsite with enough ease that you’ll wish your tent assembled as quickly.

　　The Tough Trail includes metal pipe framing that flips up so you can assemble and disassemble it quickly and easily. The reinforced mesh windows are heavy-duty to ward off strong-willed dogs that may want to chew their way to freedom. Zippers reinforced with canvas siding ensure your pup cant push through or chew his way through.

　　In theory, the frame should be easy to put together. However, we had to crawl inside the crate and wrestle with connecting the two support crossbars, leading to a slightly frustrating experience. While the canvas is rugged, the frame appears a bit wobbly when pushed side to side.

　　If you have a very energetic pup, this might lead to a frame collapse or break under the sideways pressure. While the mesh panels are reinforced canvas, we noticed that the seam sewn on the mesh paneling revealed a weaker spot where the mesh could separate from the canvas after being worked on by a naughty pup.

　　If you love taking your four-legged friend on outdoor adventures, the Orvis Tough Trail Folding Crate is the paw-fect place for your dog; its portability, rugged canvas, and mesh paneling for easy ventilation make it ideal for spirited dogs that need a spot to rest at the campsite.

　　$159 at Backcountrycheck price at orvis Best Dog Crate for Airline Travel Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel Specs Weight 10.8 lbs. (Small) Size XS-L Material Plastic siding, metal ventilation siding and door Closure Spring-loaded latch Number of entry/exit points 1

　　Pros Includes tie-down holes and tamper-resistant zip tie holes at the top of the door Meets cargo requirements of most major airlines Easy to clean Cons Only one size option comes with a handle Less open ventilation than other crates Door is difficult to assemble Katie Davis Moving cross country or need to take your pup on holiday with you but they’re too big for the airplane cabin? The Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel ($82) is the ultimate companion for air travel, coming in five differing sizes to ensure optimal comfort and safety when transporting your dog across the country or the world.

　　Most airlines require dogs to be able to sit, stand, and lie down without hunching over or touching the sides of the crate. Essentially, you’ll want your dog to be as comfortable as possible in a high-stress situation.

　　The Ultra Vari Kennel is designed for dogs up to 90 pounds, with a heavy-duty plastic shell, metal screws for added structure and durability, and a metal latch door with wire siding for ventilation. The plastic shell is easily cleanable but may need a crate pad for extra comfort for long journeys and to provide traction under your dog’s feet. The kennel includes four holes for tying down for additional safety when in cargo and two tamper-resistant holes to zip the door latch shut.

　　During the assembly process, the three pieces screwed together quickly. Afterward, the sturdiness of the crate truly shined through, showcasing the rough and tumble durability. We always hope airline workers treat our pups as precious cargo, but just in case, the Ultra Vari is rugged enough to make sure your dog stays safe no matter what.

　　While the Ultra Vari is a great crate, there are a few drawbacks, mostly in terms of differences between the product description and the actual product received. While the pictures showcase a silver metal grid and ventilation panels, the crate that arrived is a brushed black color.

　　Additionally, some dimensions stated may be incorrect, leading to a major snafu with airlines with specific dimension requirements. To avoid this, we highly recommend measuring your crate upon arrival and triple-check airline requirements to prevent any last-minute travel mistakes.

　　Another feature we wish the Ultra Vari included is a carrying handle. While this crate is quite large, it is designed for travel. Handles would make carrying it from the car to the airport much easier, even with the crate meant for dogs 25 to 35 pounds, which is the size we tested.

　　If you’re looking for an airline-compliant crate, look no further than the Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel. While it is pricier for larger dogs, ensuring your best friend’s safety while traveling is priceless.

　　Cargo airline travel can be a highly stressful experience for both humans and dogs, so make the journey easier with a reliable kennel that has built-in safety features and your dogs comfort in mind.

　　$134 at Amazoncheck price at petco Most Portable Dog Crate Love’s Cabin Pop-Up Dog Kennel Specs Weight 3.6 lbs. Size One size: 36 inches Material Polyester lining, mesh ‘windows’ Closure Zipper Number of entry/exit points 1

　　Pros Folds down to be packable anywhere Material cleans up incredibly well Can be taken anywhere on your adventures Cons A bit flimsy if your dog is a true escape artist Only one entry point Zipper does not hold up well Katie Davis The Love’s Cabin Pop-up Dog Kennel ($23) is the most portable crate we tested. The crate folds into thirds for easy storage, making it ideal if you have limited apartment space, for the back of your car, or for on-the-go crating wherever you need it.

　　Seatbelt straps on the side of the crate ensure your pup is secure on long car rides when safety is paramount. The polyester material of the crate allows for durability on the trail or at the campground but is not plush on the bottom, so we do recommend adding a crate mat or bed for some extra comfort.

　　While only available in one size, the crate fits pups from small to medium with enough area for them to feel comfortable, though it isn’t ideal for larger animals.

　　While the crate is sturdy when occupied, it cannot withstand a strong breeze without being staked down. Fortunately, stakes are included. The mesh siding provides supreme ventilation for hot summer days to ensure your pup is cooled off, with a Velcro option to leave the door rolled up for easy in and out. The base of the crate cleans easily for any accidents and doesn’t leak through the base for smaller messes.

　　While portable and foldable, this crate is not the sturdiest option for escape artists or strong chewers. The polyester fabric is resistant to the elements but is on the thinner side, so determined chewers could break through.

　　When this dog crate arrived, the zipper was broken. We fixed it but could tell it would not hold up well to repeated pushing or strain against the zipper. Additionally, the mesh ventilation siding could be chewed through without much difficulty.

　　Our final beef with this crate is entirely our own fault, so don’t make the same mistake we did! The crate is advertised as a pop-up, and it certainly pops open with force, so don’t hold it anywhere close to your face.

　　Ultimately, the Love’s Cabin Pop-up Dog Kennel is a good choice for long road trips, camping, or long days on the trail when you need a portable, lightweight solution for keeping your pup comfortable wherever your adventures take you. Safety is paramount, and this crate can be buckled in and secured in the car for road trips or staked to the ground at the campground.

　　$27 at Amazon Best of the Rest New Age Pet ecoFLEX Single Door Dog Crate End Table Specs Weight 33 lbs. (Medium) Size S-XL Material ecoFLEX (recycled polymers and reclaimed wood fiber by-product blend), stainless steel spindles Closure Stainless steel latch Number of entry/exit points 1

　　Pros Multifunctional design as a furniture end table Does not absorb stains or odors Easy assembly Cons Door latch is a bit flimsy No detachable floor for easy cleaning Heavier than other crates tested Katie Davis The New Age Pet ecoFLEX Single Door Dog Crate End Table ($76) is a beautiful, multifunctional dog crate that serves as both a durable place to house your pup and a chic decor option for your home.

　　The ecoFLEX crate hearkens back to the heydays of crating dogs when wood was the primary option, with designs distantly related to todays more luxe wooden crates. In the 1980s, plastic mold-injected crates rose to popularity, while wooden crates were less favored due to their weight and lack of portability.

　　This crate showcases a newer trend blending decor and functionality into crates that double as furniture fixings in your home. The crate is constructed with ecoFLEX, a proprietary composite blend of recycled polymers and reclaimed wood fiber by-products.

　　It is non-toxic and non-porous, unlike some other wood crates, which allows for easier cleaning if your pup makes a mess or is a bit muddy. The stainless steel spindles allow for ventilation and hearty reinforcement against tough chewers.

　　We found this crate remarkably easy to assemble, taking about 20 minutes from start to finish. While the crate is a bit heavier than others we tested, it has the durability to match. Unlike other models, this crate is only for indoor use but has a sleek design that can double as an end table in your living room or bedroom.

　　While this crate is a stylish addition to your home, it does have some drawbacks. When assembling, the ecoFLEX shed small flakes, which required a full wipe down.

　　Additionally, the latch closure to the single entry/exit is a bit flimsy and is questionable at best for large dogs determined to escape. For such a durable crate, we found the simple flip-latch mechanism confusing considering the other heavily reinforced elements of the crate.

　　While the floor of the crate is non-porous, other wood crates on the market do have a detachable tray for easier cleaning without having to enter the crate to clean its nooks and crannies. The ecoFLEX also comes with plastic screws, which do not hold well up against a headstrong pup and can become undone if they learn how to rock them out of place over time.

　　The New Age Pet ecoFLEX Single Door Dog Crate End Table is a solid choice if you want the perfect blend of decor and functionality in your home. We tested the medium crate option, which is still relatively small for dogs bigger than 50 pounds or lankier-legged breeds.

　　The crates surface does not mark easily, but the stain flakes off a bit during assembly. If you’re looking for a sleek design and a stylish way to crate your dog, look no further than the New Age Pet ecoFLEX crate.

　　$76 at Amazoncheck price at chewy Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load Hard Sided Dog Pet Travel Carrier Specs Weight 4.51 lbs. Size One size: 23 inch Material Body: Plastic, Door: Steel wire Closure Spring-loaded steel latch Number of entry/exit points 2

　　Pros Includes a carrying handle Multiple points of entry Snap latched closures for added reinforcement Cons The screws proved tricky during assembly Minimal size options for bigger dogs Katie Davis The Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dog Pet Travel Carrier ($26) works best for on-the-go travelers with small pups. The durable plastic carrier includes a spring-loaded door and top for easy access when in the car or on the go with a fussy dog.

　　While small in size, this crate is incredibly durable, withstanding even the most seasoned escape artists attempts to flee. The plastic crate is reinforced with latches and screws to secure it together, with a handle for easy carrying from point A to B. When not in use, the carrier breaks down easily for compact storage.

　　At a budget-friendly price, this Amazon Basics carrier is incredibly sturdy, secure, and cleans easily with any spills or messes. During testing, the carrier took a beating, coming away without any structural damage. While the carrier is designed for pups or kitties between 12 and 20 pounds, it can hold slightly more weight, so fear not if Fido has put on a few pounds.

　　The ventilation siding is an integrated design along the sides of the carrier and is small enough that super-chewers can’t break through. Plus, the steel wire door is heavy-duty to prevent any bending or cracking from feisty protests.

　　When put to the test, the carrier did not handle any weight on top of it well but bent under minimal pressure. The screws and nuts were quite tricky to assemble due to the curved edges where the top and bottom of the crate fit together. If this proves too difficult, the four latches provide quick assembly, but may not be the most sturdy.

　　The carrier does not include a soft pad, which we would recommend for longer journeys. Additionally, the handle bowed under weight and seemed unreliable over an extended period.

　　The Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dog Pet Travel Carrier is a champion carrier for folks with small dogs who need a simple solution for long or short journeys. The crate can transport pups with worry-free durability, and easy cleanup for any messes along the way. We would suggest a small crate bed for extra comfort.

　　$26 at Amazon Dog Crates Comparison Chart

　　Mason spent a ton of time testing crates like the MidWest Homes for Pets Double Door to find you the best crate for your pups needs; (photo/Katie Davis) How We Tested Dog Crates Any good crate is an investment in your dog’s safety and comfort, which is why we put each crate through its paces over our 2-month testing period. Katie tested each crate with her 8-year-old Shetland Sheepdog, Mason, who is a gentle guy. He isn’t much of an escape artist or a big chewer.

　　To put the pedal to the metal and put each crate through more rigorous testing, we relied on other pups to show us what more feisty dogs would do while in each crate.

　　With Masons approval stamp on his favorite crates (four paws up!), we tested each crate in situations and environments for which they were designed. We went camping in Colorado, took long car trips to the ski hill, set them up in our apartment, and took adventures to the park.

　　We carried them up and down stairs, from car to house and back again, and even assembled and disassembled them a few times. Katie admits, she even took a nap in a crate a time or two herself to see what her favorite little man would think.

　　While testing each crate, we simulated conditions that would push each to their limits to test strength, safety, ventilation, comfort, ease of setup, durability, ease of cleaning, multiple entrances, and portability. If youre looking for other dog gear for your adventure pup, be sure to check out our guides to the Best Dog Life Jackets and the Best Dog Harnesses.

　　Mason loved the coziness of the stylish New Age Pet ecoFLEX Wood Crate; (photo/Katie Davis) Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Crates A crucial part of crate training your dog is the crate itself. Its important to ensure that going into their crate is a positive experience, rather than feeling like a punishment. Start slowly. Make sure they get used to having a crate in their space and then build up the time they spend in their safe space.

　　Dogs spend most of their time during the day lounging or resting, so finding a comfortable and most importantly, safe place to rest is paramount.

　　Finding the best crate depends on your dogs style. Its important to address conditions like separation anxiety, excessive barking, or howling. Its also important to find a crate that protects and comforts your dog when you are away from home or at night.

　　This list is not exhaustive but meant as a helpful guide to educate you on what a crate can offer and how to tailor a crate to your pup.

　　Once you’ve found the crate of your best friend’s dreams, check out our Best Dog Beds of 2024 guide for the perfect pair for your new crate.

　　Types of Crates The type of crate your dog will need depends entirely on its disposition and reaction to being crated. Here are a few different types of dog crates and what type of dog may benefit from each type.

　　Metal/wire crate: This is a heavier-duty option for headstrong dogs and chewers. Metal crates include plenty of ventilation and are collapsible for strong portability. The MidWest Homes for Pets Double Door iCrate Dog Crate is a classic example of a metal grid crate. Plastic crate: This crate is ideal for travel or dogs who are more feisty or resistant to crating. The reinforced plastic and metal latch doors are heavier-duty than a soft-sided crate. Canvas or soft-sided crate: Soft-sided crates with mesh ventilation panels and zippered closures are ideal for more docile dogs or outdoor adventures requiring shorter-term or supervised crating. Wood crate: An ideal combination of function and decor, wood crates are a chic option within your home to seamlessly style your crate to your interior design, much like the New Age Pet ecoFLEX Single Door Dog Crate End Table. Safety Safety is one of the most crucial elements when choosing a crate that’s right for your dog. Ensuring that your dog is safe while crated for longer periods of time or just a short trip to the store includes making sure your dog cant cut themselves trying to escape or in some cases, even worse.

　　Consider your dogs temperament and ability to escape. For dogs who are strong-willed, we do not recommend wire mesh or canvas since escape is easier than a reinforced metal or durable plastic crate like the Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel. Experts also recommend removing any collars or harnesses prior to crating to prevent any snags leading to compression or strangulation.

　　Inspecting your crate when it initially arrives is crucial for finding any weak points or flaws your pup can overcome. At first, supervise your dog to see if they start any destructive behaviors after being crated. Prevention is the best way to deter your dog from becoming injured or destroying your new crate.

　　The Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel is the ultimate companion for travel, either by air or by car; (photo/Katie Davis) Ventilation Ventilation is an important factor to consider while choosing your next crate. Certain breeds of dogs struggle more to get airflow due to their genetics. So, ventilation panels are paramount to ensure your dog gets enough air, especially if they have separation anxiety and may feel stress while crated.

　　Choose canvas or wire crates like the MidWest Homes for Pets Double Door iCrate Dog Crate with ample ventilation. Compared to plastic or wood crates, canvas and wire versions offer plentiful panels for fresh air to circulate.

　　Comfort We all want our pups to be as comfortable as possible, so choosing a crate they’ll spend hours in is important. Be sure to choose the correct size and make sure they can sit, stand, and lie down with ample room to spare.

　　Seeking a crate with an integrated crate pad like the Elitefield 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate is an excellent option for added comfort. Or, purchase a separate crate pad so your pups joints are supported.

　　The Elitefield 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate has an integrated crate pad, and multiple entrances and exits for added comfort, ventilation, and ease of movement in and out; (photo/Katie Davis) Ease of Setup While this factor is more important to consider on behalf of owners, having a crate that is more difficult to set up than a Lego set is every owners worst nightmare. Crates should not take more than 10 minutes to assemble and should be simple to disassemble when not in use.

　　Our favorite crate to set up was the Love’s Cabin Pop-up Dog Kennel. Its simple pop-up framing mechanism (rather than screws and bolts) made it the easiest crate to assemble and disassemble, but it lacked durable elements for strong chewers or escape artists.

　　While some crates included nuts and bolts, assembly can still be relatively simple. Wood crates like the New Age Pet ecoFLEX Single Door Dog Crate End Table require a more complex assembly process but are akin to a furniture piece in the home rather than a simple crate. Even though it is a more decor-adjacent piece than the other crates we tested, assembly took under 30 minutes.

　　The Love’s Cabin Pop-up Dog Kennel was by far the simplest crate to assemble and disassemble, but lacked durable elements for strong chewers or escape artists; (photo/Katie Davis) Ease of Cleaning As pet owners, we know that pets can make messes, nearly always when we’re running out the door or late to an event. Mason, our testers dog, is an enthusiastic puker and throws up about once every 3 months, so shes well-versed in the joys of cleaning crates, carpets, and other fabrics he deigns acceptable to be sick on. The last thing we, as pet owners, want is a crate that is difficult to clean. Thus, durable fabrics or wipeable surfaces are a must.

　　Crates like the MidWest Homes for Pets Double Door iCrate Dog Crate include a removable tray that is simple to hose down after sickness or accidents, making this crate incredibly simple to clean, sanitize, and reuse over and over. Other crates, like the Orvis Tough Trail Folding Crate, are designed with durable canvas to wash down or easily wipe out any muck or messes.

　　The Orvis Tough Trail Folding Crate is easy to clean thanks to its durable canvas that you can wash down or wipe out with ease; (photo/Katie Davis) Portability Portability is the last crucial factor to consider. Its important to easily carry around your crate while in transit and fold it down while not in use. Crates like the Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dog Pet Travel Carrier include a carrying handle for ease of use while your dog is crated or for storage.

　　While some crates are meant as permanent fixtures in your home, crates like the Elitefield 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate fold up and include a carrying case with a duffel strap for simple portability, regardless of weight.

　　Consider how much weight you can comfortably lift and available space to store your crate when not in use. Choosing foldable crates if you’re in a studio apartment, or popup frames is an ideal choice when you’re tight on space.

　　The Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dog Pet Travel Carrier is extremely portable, durable, and best for small pups like our guest tester; (photo/Katie Davis) FAQ How do I choose the right crate for my dog? The right crate will always depend on your dog and their needs. For more headstrong dogs, reinforced or sturdy plastic crates are better over metal grid crates that dogs can bend or chew through. A light canvas option like the Love’s Cabin Pop-up Dog Kennel is perfect for more docile pups. Budget, safety, ventilation, portability, ease of cleaning and comfort are crucial factors to assess when deciding what crate is best for your dog.

　　What materials should I look for in dog crates? Your chosen materials depend fully on your dog’s temperament. Heavy-duty plastic or steel wire best ensures your dogs safety while crated. Canvas or mesh is an ideal short-term crating solution for monitoring your pup or a longer-term solution if your dog is more laid-back. Wood is a tried and true classic option for blended style and functions as a cornerstone of interior design in your home while safely housing your pup when needed.

　　What is the best size crate for my dog? A crate should include enough space for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down with ample space. Measuring your dog and adding extra inches to accommodate for a comfortable crating experience is crucial.

　　Additionally, a crate should not be too big to prevent any opportunities for rough play or extra leverage to escape. You can add divider panels to ensure a puppy is safely crated. This also allows a crate to grow with them into adulthood.

　　How long can I keep my dog crated? After properly crate training your dog, the time of crating depends on their age. For puppies under 6 months old, 2-3 hours is the max due to their bowel size and ability to stay safely restrained. Young dogs should not exceed 4-5 hours during the day. For mature dogs, crating should not exceed 8 hours daily, with a walk for relief every 4 hours.

　　The Best Dog Beds of 2024 We tested the best dog beds of 2024 and came up with options for every type of adventure dog. Top picks include Ruffwear, Orvis, Fur Haven, and more!

　　The Best Dog Life Jackets of 2024 Dogs have an entire swimming style named after them. But just because they love the water doesnt mean they dont need a dog life jacket to keep them safe.