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10 Best Travel Crates for Dogs in 2022

Last updated July 5, 2022 | Follow us on Facebook Here

Packing up the car and taking a road trip with your best (dog) friend can seem like a great idea. But there are a lot of places dogs aren’t allowed, and that’s where a travel crate can come into play, especially if you’re staying in hotels.

I personally have taken 5-6 trips across the United States with two dogs. We’ve used multiple types of crates, starting with the traditional house crate (hard wired metal) and finally settling on a foldable soft crate.

Noz2Noz Soft-Krater Indoor and Outdoor Crate

With a great ease of use and ability to be easily cleaned, this water resistant crate is a perfect option. It offers a variety of sizes and is very easy to assemble and use.

2Pet Foldable Dog Crate

This crate features a waterproof base and a portion of the proceeds go to a great animal cause. A washable fleece pad is the icing on the cake with this one.

Soft Crate vs. Hard Crate

You could not pay me to take a road trip with a metal crate, with one exception: I was driving a truck and the dog was comfortable or preferred the bed of the truck as opposed to the inside floor. Other than that I’m taking a soft crate every single time.

The primary reason is weight. Lugging in 1, 2, 3 or more hard crates into a hotel room is pure torture, especially if you have large dogs, which means large crates.

It’s true that hard crates are easier to clean up, so if you have an older dog or a younger dog prone to accidents then a hard crate may be worth it, but even then it’s a close call.

Travel Crate

While cars are made for human safety, they are not always the safest for pups, especially because they cannot wear a traditional seat-belt ( although there are dog specific seat-belts and harnesses ) as we can. Some (not all) travel crates make sure that your dog is secure and in the event of a crash, they stay inside the vehicle instead of being ejected.

However, most travel crates are simply meant for hotels or overnight stays where you can’t leave the dog in the room to roam about. We almost never use crates inside cars (occasionally in a truck bed). Instead we’ll set up our soft crates in the hotel room so we can visit a local museum, restaurant, or another attraction where dogs aren’t allowed.

10 Best Travel Crates for Dogs

1. noz2noz soft-krater indoor and outdoor crate.

This model also comes in 5 different sizes for dogs weighing up to 70 pounds. The crate is made of a tight-weave mesh fabric that is heavy-duty for pet wear and tear durability. The soft crate is ideal for long trips as it is well ventilated and it sets up in a very short amount of time.

The Noz2Noz model has a water resistant base for accidents and easy cleaning and the entire cover surrounding the steel frame is washable in your washing machine.

Pros: Comes in a variety of sizes, washable, water resistant

Cons: More expensive than other brands

2. 2Pet Foldable Dog Crate  

This crate features a steel frame design covered with a water resistant nylon variant over. It has mesh panel windows and a waterproof mat for the flooring of the crate. It also comes with a washable fleece cushion pad.

A portion of the sales also goes to pet shelters and charities, which is a great perk!  The crate also comes with a 1 year warranty.

The crate has installed carrying handles and is foldable and lightweight.

Pros: A portion of the proceeds goes to charity, waterproof, and lightweight

3. AmazonBasics Portable Folding Travel Kennel

A soft crate, this product comes in five different sizes to accommodate many different sizes of dogs, weighing up to 70 pounds. Featuring two doors on the front and the top, this crate makes for easy access and entry and has ventilation for your pooch on all four sides of the kennel.

With zippers to close the doors and straps to help to fasten unzipped doors, the mechanism is easy to use and provides for ultimate assurance that your dog is fastened in.

The kennel folds up flat for storage and transport and sets up quickly without any tools. The rounded corners of this kennel make sure not to damage the interior of your vehicle during travel.

Pros: Easy set up, folds up, zipper closures

Cons: No carry handles

4. Diggs Revol Small Dog Crate  

This particular crate is made of high-grade aluminum, steel mesh wire, and reinforced plastic, all of which are non-toxic and safe for your dog. The crate is collapsible, easy to transport and has three carrying handles. This crate comes with wheels and a large garage-style door.

This crate fits any breed up to 30 pounds and has a puppy divider, a removable tray and a ceiling hatch. The dimensions of this kennel are 25x17x19.

Pros: Easy to clean, collapsible, non-toxic

Cons: comes in one size

5. Aspen Pet Porter Heavy-Duty Pet Porter

With eight size choices, this model dog crate packs a punch! One perk about this kennel is that with an easy-open latch, you can open the crate with one hand. This specific crate meets most airline cargo specifications and regulations.

It is made up of a heavy-duty plastic shell and metal screws and features a lightweight design.

Pros: Airline cargo certified, 8 size choices

Cons: Does not fold down

6. AmazonBasics Two-Door Top-Load Kennel

You have two size options with this particular crate. It is a hard-shell, two-door top-load model. The top door is able to open up to the left or the right. While the exterior is made of plastic, the front door is comprised of a steel wire to safely secure your pup.

The price point is very reasonable and is easy to clean. If simplicity is your goal, this is a great option.

Pros: Simplicity and price

7. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate

The EliteField model comes in 5 size options to accommodate your dog and over 10 color options! Although this is a soft crate, the frame is a strong steel tube and the crate cover is made out of a durable fabric.

This kennel has a total of three doors: one on the top, one on the front and one on the side. It comes with a carrying bag and fleece bed for free! Also, it should be noted that a 2 year warranty comes along with this product.

Pros: 2 year warranty, free carrying bag and fleece bed, many color choices

Cons: Higher price point

8. Guardian Gear Collapsible Dog Crate  

This crate features 4 different sizes and is able to accompany large dogs such as Great Danes, Great Pyrenees, Greyhounds, and St. Bernards. It is quick and simple to assemble and to take apart and has mesh windows on all four sides for ventilation and visibility.

This model has a machine-washable sheepskin mat, along with a carrying handle.

Pros: Has a very large size option, Quick Assembly

9. New World Folding Metal Dog Crate

This brand offers options! You can choose from 5 different sizes and a single or double door. It is a folding metal crate with two heavy duty slide-bolt latches. The New World crate has a leak-proof plastic pan for accidents. No tools are needed to assemble this kennel and it fits easily in the back of a vehicle.

Although it does not come with any soft bedding, your dog’s bed can be added for extra comfort.

Pros: A great price point, many customizable options

Cons: No soft bedding included

10. LUCKUP Heavy Duty Dog Crate

The Luckup crate is very heavy-duty and the frame is made of steel for durability. The finish on it is nontoxic for your pup’s safety. It has a double door and a locking caster. The bottom of the crate is made to easily be able to slide out for cleaning. You can choose from 3 different size options for this crate.

Unique to others, the bars are much thicker and appear to be more sturdy. It can fit in the back of a vehicle for easy transport.

Pros: Durability, Non-toxic

Cons: No carrying handles

My detailed travel crate setup

For the past several years we’ve used the same two Noz2Noz Soft-Krater without a single issue.

Unfortunately we didn’t start out using soft crates. We started with the traditional metal crates (that way a ton!).

Our first road trip was about 3 weeks across the U.S. and I will never, ever, ever again use metal crates. Holy cow was that a pain.

Our car is packed exactly the same, except we now use soft crates, which pack down even smaller than the picture below. Once we reach the hotel, if we need to leave the dogs for an excursion or something, we’ll unpack the crates and set them up like below.

You can see the 2 soft crates setup in the hotel room, and I also left the laptop in the picture because we use a program called iCam that streams the laptop camera to our phone. That way we can check on the dogs while we’re out.

The crates break down super quick, and we pack up the following day (or whenever we’re done at that hotel).

We don’t even own the metal crates anymore. We used to keep them around in case we needed to crate them in the house, but now we just use the soft crates for that as well.

Let me know in the comments which option you end up going with!

August 14, 2022 at 7:29 pm

Nice info … however, never leave your dog unattended in a hotel room. In fact, in most places it’s a policy and in some municipalities, it’s against the law.

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Best Dog Crates for Car Travel of 2024

Taking your pup on a road trip can be a fun experience but only if you have one of the safest dog crates for car travel. Even if you’re not traveling cross-country, a crash-tested carrier is one of the most important purchases to keep them safe for long-haul car trips and even a quick jaunt to the vet.

We selected crates and carriers that are crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a nonprofit that evaluates the safety of pet travel products. To aid in our selection, we also enlisted the guidance of a dog trainer who helped inform us about the importance of pet safety when traveling in a vehicle. Our list of the best dog crates for car travel has something to make every dog’s next road trip a success.

Table of Contents

• Best Dog Crates for Car Travel
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Gunner G1 Kennel  »

Crash-tested and certified by CPS

Double-walled

Available in four sizes

Proven to protect pets in serious accidents

Tie-down straps sold separately

Not chew-proof

When traveling with your pet, keeping them safe in the car is the biggest priority. While there are plenty of travel crates on the market, the most effective are crash-tested and certified by CPS. This nonprofit evaluates the safety claims of pet travel products. Passing crash tests is no small feat, and only a handful of products receive the CPS’s seal of approval. One of those products is the Gunner G1 Kennel.

Available in four sizes – though the large size hasn’t been tested and certified by CPS – for puppies to large breeds, the Gunner G1 Kennel has a double-walled design to keep pets safe in an accident. Its double walls also have the added benefit of providing temperature regulation, keeping your pup cool even in hot weather. The crate has built-in pins for tie-down straps to secure the crate in a vehicle, although customers must purchase the straps separately.

Crash-test certification is an excellent feature and something pet parents should prioritize when searching for a travel crate. However, it does come at a cost. The Gunner G1 Kennel is on the higher end of travel crates and one of the most expensive options. Aside from its cost, some users take issue with the crate’s weight, which ranges from 27 pounds for the small kennel to 72 pounds for the large kennel. Sturdiness and durability are important in a travel crate, so we don’t necessarily consider this to be a con. However, a heavy crate can be an inconvenience.

Sleepypod Atom  »

More affordable option

Features top and side entries

Available in six colors

Not as much ventilation

Only suitable for pets up to 12 pounds

A budget dog crate for car travel is hard to come by, especially if you’re looking for a crash-tested and certified model, but the Sleepypod Atom is one of the safest options that doesn’t cost a few hundred dollars. This carrier features comfortable bedding for your pet to relax in, is suitable for the back seat of a car, and fits under the seats of most airplanes. The Atom also sports top and side entry points to make getting in and out a breeze for your pet. Plus, like all Sleepypod carriers, the Atom is available in various colors.

A downside of this crate is that it isn’t suitable for larger pets. With a weight limit of 12 pounds, only toy breeds can take advantage of this carrier. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a great car restraint for larger pets with a smaller budget. Sleepypod also makes one of the best car seat belts to keep large dogs safe and comfortable in a vehicle.

Sleepypod Mini  »

Suitable for puppies and kittens up to 7 pounds

Doubles as a bed

Can fit under airplane seat

Available in nine colors

Some users had sizing issues

Zipper that connects cover to bed can be flimsy

The correct size of travel crate is essential for keeping your pet safe during transit, says Nicole Ellis, a professional dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert for rover.com. When traveling, a dog should touch three of the four walls of the crate or carrier to minimize the chance of movement during a collision. Getting a tiny crate that fits a puppy properly can be challenging, but the Sleepypod Mini is ideal for pint-sized pups with a weight capacity of 7 pounds. Beyond being crash-tested and certified by the CPS, this carrier can be used with cats and allows you to carry your furry friend with you on an airplane. (However, always check individual airline recommendations before flying with your pet.)

Regardless of how you’re traveling, this carrier will keep your pet cozy, comfortable, and safe. The included bed can be used as your pup’s primary sleeping place when not jet-setting around the world, which may help acclimate your puppy to being contained in a small carrier during travel times.

While the Sleepypod Mini suits most teacup pups, some users struggled to get the correct fit, as Sleepypod also makes the Mobile Pet Bed, a medium-sized equivalent of the Mini. We recommend measuring before purchasing to ensure you get the right fit for your four-legged friend.

Away The Pet Carrier  »

Compact but safe for smaller pups

Clip to secure your pet within carrier

Airline-approved

Removable bedding

Only suitable for pets up to 18 pounds

Not as soft as some soft-sided carriers

Small breeds can be easier to travel with because they don’t take up as much space, but the travel is only simple if you have the right gear. The Pet Carrier by luggage brand Away is the ideal soft-sided crate for transporting small dogs in a car. Its features include top and side entry points for your animal, removable bedding for comfort, a retractable mesh privacy screen, and a collar clip to keep your pup from springing out of the carrier when opened. It also has a firm bottom, which stops the carrier from folding during transit – a feature Ellis says is important to prevent your dog from sliding around in the crate.

Car travel is a breeze with this carrier: Just secure it to your vehicle’s back seat via a belt around the headrest. Traveling by air with your pet? This carrier can sit snugly on top of your luggage , securing to the handle of any Away suitcase via a trolley sleeve. (For travelers who do take their pups on planes, note that while the material is soft, some users found it wasn't flexible enough to fit under every airline seat.) The downside of this carrier is that it’s only suitable for small breeds weighing less than 18 pounds, so medium and large pets are out of luck.

Lucky Duck Lucky Kennel  »

Suitable for pets up to 110 pounds (large size)

Drainage holes for easy cleanup

Lightweight

Bed pad sold separately

Finding a dog crate for car travel that suits big breeds can be tough, but Lucky Duck makes one of our favorite kennels ideal for medium to large dogs. With a capacity to hold pups as big as 110 pounds, the large version of the Lucky Kennel can keep up with large dogs without weighing you down. Unlike most crash-tested travel crates, this kennel is lightweight at only 45 pounds, making it much more accessible to lift in and out of a vehicle. Another nice feature is its drainage and ventilation holes. The drainage holes are excellent to have in the event of a potty accident, as any liquid in the kennel is directed to the drainage holes via the slightly pitched floor of the crate .

The drain holes are a nice plus, but they make it difficult to place a bed within the crate. As such, Lucky Dog offers its own bed to fit inside – a nice-to-have feature to ensure your pup’s comfort during travel. However, if you want to purchase the bed pad for your dog, you’ll have to do so separately. Lucky Dog also requires the separate purchase of ratchet straps – a type of restraint that keeps the crate tied down to a vehicle – instead of providing them with the kennel. Remember this when purchasing this crate because Lucky Dog kennels are only crash-tested and certified by the CPS in combination with these tie-down straps.

Paravel Cabana Pet Carrier  »

Smaller footprint than most carriers

Folds flat for easy storage

Made from recycled materials

Only fits pets up to 20 pounds

Some users found shoulder strap held up poorly

The best dog carriers for small cars won’t take up too much space in the back seat of a vehicle, and the Paravel Cabana Pet Carrier fits the bill. At just 11 inches long, this soft-sided carrier can easily fit within the back seat of any small car. It’s also less than 1 foot high, easily letting you see over the top of the carrier. However, the small footprint won’t squeeze your pet.

The Cabana Pet Carrier is more than 20 inches wide, which makes it easily able to hold pups up to 20 pounds. Another handy space-saving element of this carrier is its ability to fold completely flat so that when your pet isn’t in the vehicle with you, the back seat can be reclaimed for passengers or cargo.

While this crash-tested and certified carrier is a safe, space-saving option for small cars, a few users found it wasn’t the best option as a shoulder bag, as the shoulder strap broke for some buyers.

Cabela's GunDog Intermediate Dog Kennel  »

Tie-down strap kit and safety bar included

Nonslip rubber feet

Only one size

No included crate pad

When using a crash-tested crate in a large vehicle such as an SUV, it’s important to tie it down using straps or bolts to ensure the kennel doesn’t shift during transit. However, most crate manufacturers don’t include these tie-down straps with the purchase of a kennel, and these can often pack on an additional hundred dollars to an already expensive purchase. The Cabela’s GunDog Intermediate Dog Kennel is an excellent option for those who want the tie-down straps included to keep their pup safe in the back seat or trunk of an extra-large vehicle. The included tie-down strap kit can secure this crash-tested crate to most large cars, and the rubber feet offer additional nonslip reinforcement for more stability.

The kennel allows users to choose on which side they want the door to open – a handy feature to ensure ease of use. The downside of this crate is that it’s only available in one size, leaving few options for dogs between a medium and large size. It also comes as is, meaning no crate pad or bedding is included for your pup.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the best dog crate for car travel is a weighty decision, and you should always keep your pet’s safety top of mind. The good news is there are many excellent crates and carriers available that are crash-tested and certified, providing your pup with a safe and comfortable place during a road trip.

Our best overall pick is the Gunner G1 Kennel, which has some of the best features we’ve seen on a travel crate. Its double-walled design reinforces the kennel's safety while keeping your dog cool on hot days. It also has one of the most diverse size ranges available for crash-tested crates, making it suitable for small pups and large breeds alike.

Things To Consider When Buying Dog Crates for Car Travel

Safety Certifications: The best dog crates for car travel are crash-tested by the CPS. The pet industry has few regulations for travel products, and some brands may make unjustified safety claims. Even with products certified by the CPS, remember that certifications vary, and a product may not be approved for use with dogs weighing more than a certain amount or without additions such as tie-down straps.

Size and Weight Capacity: Choosing the correct size kennel is vital for keeping your dog safe during travel, whether traveling with your pet in a car or on a plane. There’s no one-size-fits-all crate, so remember to measure your pet and follow the measurement and weight guidelines provided by the manufacturer to achieve a good fit.

Ellis says that while we might have an instinct to buy a bigger crate to give our pups more space to lounge, it’s important to hold off on this impulse. “[O]ur dogs should be snug. So when thinking of a [crash-tested crate], our dog should really be touching three of the four walls [when they] lay down,” she says. Ellis also encourages pet parents to avoid extra space within a crate because that’s where the dog will move during a collision.

Material: Each dog kennel is constructed differently, but there are some materials to look for when considering dog crates for travel. Ellis likes soft-sided carriers with a firm bottom that ensures a pet stays stable during transport. She also says that ballistic nylon – a material that’s resistant to water and chew damage – is great.

Hard crates tend to be made of materials like rubber or rotomolded walls. Rotomolding is a type of plastic construction, and its benefits include being durable and thick enough to withstand excessive force, such as the type that would be exerted in a car accident.

While crash-tested crates vary in material, Ellis notes that one material pet parents should avoid is wire, specifically in wire-style crates. These crates are acceptable for at-home use but not for travel. Ellis says a wire crate may break into small pieces and impale your pet in the event of a collision.

Vehicle Compatibility: Most crash-tested crates suitable for car travel can be used in any vehicle. However, measure the back seat of your car to ensure that the crate will fit. Some crates intended for larger dogs may not fit in the back seat as easily as smaller soft-sided carriers. These crates may instead be used in the trunk of a vehicle, although they usually require tie-down straps to keep them in place. Ellis says it’s important to check your specific vehicle’s attachment points if you opt for a crate that requires latching in that way.

It’s also vital to remember that while a crate may sit in a vehicle's back seat, trunk, or bed, it should never be placed in the front seat. Ellis says regardless of what crate or carrier your pup is in, your dog can still be injured by an airbag if traveling in the front seat of a car.

How We Chose the Best Dog Dog Crates for Car Travel

At U.S News 360 Reviews, our editors and contributing writers evaluate products based on research, expert guidance, and our own experience as professional product reviewers. Our contributing writer consulted the CPS’s list of crash-tested and certified dog crates and carriers to find the best options for dogs big and small. We also consulted Nicole Ellis , a certified professional dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert with rover.com to understand how to keep pets safe during car travel.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

Sophia Carlisle , the author of this piece, has covered pet products for Business Insider as a fellow and, prior to that, fostered dogs and cats for years. She has tested dozens of dog products with her rescue pit mix Lyla, including harnesses, food, and leashes. For U.S. News 360 Reviews, Sophia has covered some of the best products for pups, such as the best dog harnesses and slow feeder dog bowls .

The most important safety feature of a dog crate for car travel is that it’s crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS). Other safety features to watch for include crates and carriers with tie-down straps. Some crates for large dogs are only certified by the CPS with tie-down straps, which help to keep a large crate stable during transit.

Regardless of which CPS-certified crate you choose, Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer, says it’s always essential to restrain your pet in a vehicle. Even the most well-trained dog can cause a distraction, leap out of an open window, or become a projectile in the event of an accident, so keeping them secure during travel is necessary.

If a crate or carrier passes crash safety standards set by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), it receives a rating between 1 Star and 5 Star. The very best dog crates for car travel receive a 5 Star safety rating.

If a brand or product claims to be certified by the CPS, check directly on the website to ensure it has passed crash testing. Some products have undergone crash testing but have failed or had their certification revoked. If a crate or carrier isn’t crash-test certified by the CPS, it’s unsafe to use with your pet for car travel.

Finding the correct size crate for your dog can be tricky, so take careful measurements of your pup and compare them with the weight and length measurements provided by the brand. Ellis, a pet lifestyle expert with rover.com, says that dogs should fit snugly inside their crates, so avoid opting for a larger size than your dog needs.

Compatibility with your vehicle is also important to consider when selecting the best travel crate for your pup. Ellis says it’s best to place the crate in the trunk or back seat of the car. Ensure you check whether or not the crate requires tie-down straps and if those straps can be attached to the latch points in your vehicle.

About Our Team

Sophia Carlisle

Contributor

Kayla Randolph

Associate Editor

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

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11 best travel carriers for dogs

We all want our dogs by our side as much as possible, and that might include them tagging along on vacations and holiday trips. But traveling with a pet usually involves a range of safety considerations, including gathering the right health paperwork , keeping treats and water on hand and making sure they’re as comfortable as possible on a flight, train or car ride. Since most airlines and other transportation methods will require taking your dog in some type of enclosure, the pet carrier you choose is very important to keep your dog safe and comfortable. 

We spoke to veterinarians, vet technicians and travel safety experts about what to look for in a travel carrier for your dog and how to shop for one that’s both comfortable and safe. We also listed expert-recommended carriers and Select staff favorites.

SKIP AHEAD Best dog travel carriers | How to shop for a dog travel carrier | What size carrier is allowed on a plane? |  What is the pet weight limit for air travel? | What's the difference between a carrier and crate? | Is it safe to travel with a pet in the cargo area? | How to help your dog feel calm in a travel carrier

Our top picks

• Best overall dog carrier: Away The Pet Carrier
• Best airline-approved carrier: Sherpa Pet Carrier
• Best tote carrier: Wild One Everyday Carrier
• Best travel crate: Gunner Kennel G1

select How to drive safely with a dog

How we picked the best dog travel carriers.

When shopping for the best travel carrier for your dog, our experts recommend considering the following factors:

• Size: Pick a carrier that’s big enough for your pet to comfortably stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. The carrier should be as long as the tip of the dog’s nose to the base of the tail, according to veterinarian Dr. Kristen L. Nelson . Carriers will usually come in a variety of sizes to fit different breed types (though keep in mind that airline-approved carriers have very specific dimension requirements that will usually only fit small dogs under 20 pounds, according to our experts). 
• Materials and build: Carriers are usually soft-sided and made of polyester or nylon, which are easy to clean and water- and tear-resistant, according to our experts. Choose a carrier with mesh sides to provide a good amount of ventilation. Most importantly, you should opt for a carrier that can stand up on its own and not collapse around your pet or deform easily, says Dr. Christina Carlo , a veterinarian and medical director at VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital. Hard plastic carriers are usually designed for airplane cargo holds, but they’re a safe and durable option for car rides, too, according to Carlo.
• Airline requirements: Commercial airlines will usually have certain dimension requirements for carriers that go in the plane’s cabin (with the passenger) and crates that travel in the cargo area of the plane. Most airlines like United Airlines , Jetblue and American Airlines have varying dimension requirements, so be sure to visit their site before traveling. 
• Crash testing: Look for carriers and crates that have undergone independent crash testing by the Center for Pet Safety , which gives your pet the best possible chance of survival if a crash occurs, says Dr. Wendy Hauser , a veterinarian and special advisor to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance.

Best dog travel carriers to shop right now

Below, we gathered the best travel carriers for your dog based on experts’ guidance and Select staff experience. We also included top-rated options with a 4-star average rating or higher. We list key factors to consider, including the carrier’s material, weight capacity and dimensions. 

Best overall travel carrier: Away

Away the pet carrier.

This Away travel carrier is designed for both car and airline travel and won a Select Best for Your Pet award for best overall travel carrier. It has zip openings on the top and front with fully see-through mesh to help your pet see out of the carrier (if you prefer to avoid this, there’s a piece of fabric that rolls down to cover their view).

I use this carrier to fly with my 16-pound havachon, Bella, because it’s sturdy and makes her feel safe and supported thanks to its durable nylon and leather construction. The mesh gives her enough visibility to know what’s going on outside and helps me keep tabs on her, too. It also comes with machine-washable bedding on the inside that’s soft to the touch, and multiple pockets that keep my belongings and pet essentials accessible during the whole flight. If you’re traveling by car, the carrier has latches on one side that securely fasten to a car’s seat belt system. The Away carrier comes in black and blue colors and you can also personalize it with your initials for an additional $35.

Pet weight: Up to 18 lbs | Dimensions (LxWxH): 18.7 x 10.8 x 10.75 in. | Material: Water-resistant nylon

Away Pet Carrier

Best airline-approved carrier: sherpa, sherpa pet carrier.

Another Best for Your Pet award winner, this Sherpa carrier is a favorite of CPS founder Lindsey Wolko, who has used it for years to travel with her own pets. She specifically recommends it for traveling on the plane because it fits under the passenger seat (it meets the dimensions for most airlines, but always check your specific airline’s requirements before traveling) and has a large zip pocket to store pet supplies like water bowls, leashes and treats. However, it’s not the best pick for car travel because you can’t strap it in using your vehicle’s seat belt system — you’re better off placing it on the floor behind the driver’s seat for safety and to avoid the stitching or zippers to fail, says Wolko. 

NBC Select manager of editorial operations Shari Uyehara uses this carrier to take her 20-pound cavalier King Charles spaniel, Loki, on the plane and says it’s a great affordable option for travel. Loki can comfortably shift positions during the flight, and the carrier itself is structured enough to maintain its shape while under the seat, says Uyehara. The sides are made of see-through mesh that allows your pet to easily see out of it. Available in medium and large sizes, the carrier also has shorter top handles and a longer shoulder strap to fit your carrying preferences. 

Pet weight: Up to 16 lbs | Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 10.5 in. (medium size) | Material: Polyester and mesh

Best hard-sided carrier for cargo: Gunner

Gunner kennel g1.

This crate earned a 5-star safety rating from the CPS in both the crate and carrier class (the only product to earn a dual certification), and it’s a favorite among our experts. The crate has a thick exterior layer for impact protection, which keeps your pet safe if there’s a crash or a fall, according to the brand. It also has a reversible door design that lets you open the crate from either side. The door also has an aluminum frame that won’t pop open in the middle of a flight, according to the brand. It comes in four sizes — small, medium, intermediate and large — and Gunner offers a size guide that gives recommendations based on your dog’s weight and length.

Pet weight: Up to 30 lbs for small, up to 45 lbs for medium, up to 75 lbs for intermediate and up to 110 lbs for large size | Dimensions: 24.5 x 18.625 x 19 in. (small), 29.5 x 20.5 x 23.5 in. (medium), 34 x 23 x 28.5 in. (intermediate), 40.25 x 28 x 33.25 in. (large) | Material: Reinforced aluminum frame

Gunner G1 Kennel

Best soft-sided carrier: elitefield, elitefield soft-sided dog & cat carrier bag.

This pet carrier weighs just over 2 pounds and is the most lightweight soft-sided option on this list. The carrier is recommended by Dr. Amber Karwacki , a veterinarian and partner doctor at Heart + Paw in Callowhill, Pennsylvania, because it has mesh panels on both sides and the front to let air in and prevent your pet from getting too hot, according to the brand. It also comes with removable and machine-washable bedding and has a back sleeve that attaches to your suitcase, as well as loops that latch onto your car’s seat belt system. The polyester and synthetic build is water-resistant and available in six colors to fit your personal style. 

Pet weight: Up to 18 lbs | Dimensions: 19 x 10 x 13 in. | Material: Polyester

EliteField Soft-Sided Dog & Cat Carrier Bag

Best tote carrier: wild one, wild one everyday carrier.

If you’re looking for a tote to carry your dog around town or on the train, consider this Wild One carrier. This Select staff-favorite option has a small dip in its design, which allows your dog to peek their head out while you carry them around. Uyehara particularly loves how stable the tote is. “I love that Loki’s weight remains balanced in the carrier, but he still has room to move around,” she says. It also includes a safety clip that attaches to your dog’s harness, which ensures your dog is secure and won’t jump out at a bad time, according to Karwacki (but be sure to never connect this clip to their collar since it poses a choking hazard). It also comes with carrying straps of two different lengths — one length to carry it like a shoulder bag, and shorter straps to carry it by hand. There is a machine washable mat on the inside and three exterior pockets to hold all your pet’s essentials like bags, treats and toys.

Pet weight: Up to 20 lbs | Dimensions: 21.5 x 7.5 x 14.25 in. | Material: Recycled polyester outer, cotton interior

Best collapsible carrier: Roverlund

Roverlund out-of-office pet carrier.

Another Select Best for Your Pet award winner, the small version of this Roverlund carrier is an airline-approved option for both dogs and cats because it’s less than 18 inches long. The straps are all ropes, which our staff found to be more comfortable and supportive than other carrier straps made from typical polyester or fabric. The interior lining is machine-washable and you can also shop the larger version of this carrier for dogs up to 25 pounds.

Pet weight: Up to 20 lbs | Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 10.5 in. (small size) | Material: Water-resistant polyester, mountain climbing rope

Roverlund Pet Carrier

Best backpack carrier: apollo walker, apollo walker pet carrier backpack.

This highly rated backpack carrier, which earned a 4.6-star average rating from over 4,500 reviews on Amazon, has shoulder straps and two separate straps that buckle around your sternum and waist to help evenly distribute the weight of your pet, according to the brand. It has mesh panels on all sides to let your pet see out and comes with removable fleece bedding to keep them comfortable while creating a sturdy base that can hold their weight, according to Apollo. It also comes with a clip that attaches to your pet’s harness to prevent them from escaping or falling out.

Pet weight: N/A | Dimensions:  12.6 x 11.4 x 16.8 in. | Material: Polyester

Best expandable carrier: Midwest

Midwest duffy dog & cat carrier.

This Midwest Duffy carrier is recommended by Karwacki because it’s expandable — the mesh sides open up to give your pet more room to move around and stretch their legs. It has two zippered side openings, as well as one on top to make it easier to take your dog in and out of the carrier, according to the brand. It also folds completely flat, so you can store it away when it’s not in use. It comes in three colors and sizes small, medium and large. 

Pet weight: Up to 15 lbs | Dimensions: 16.3 x 10.1 x 9.3 in. (small), 18.3 x 11.3 x 11.1 in. (medium) and 19.3 x 12.2 x 12.2 in. (large) | Material: Polyester

MidWest Duffy Dog & Cat Carrier

Best carrier for medium-sized dogs: Arlo Skye

Arlo skye the pet carrier.

This Arlo Skye pet carrier has mesh panels on all sides, making it a well-ventilated option for your pup. It comes with memory foam bedding on the inside that’s both removable and machine-washable, as well as a foldable design to help you pack it easily in your suitcase or travel bag, according to the brand. It has dual openings on both ends and a back pocket sleeve to place it over your carry-on . The carrier is also highly rated with a 4.9-star average rating from over 60 reviews at Arlo Skye. 

Pet weight: Up to 25 lbs | Dimensions:  17.5 x 11 x 10 in. | Material: Poly-mesh and nylon

Best carrier for small dogs: Sleepypod

Sleepypod mobile pet bed.

The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed is an expert-recommended and CPS-certified option that has breathable mesh and a machine-washable interior — it’s built for plane travel for dogs under 15 pounds. Nelson recommends the Sleepypod because it’s easy to carry and gives the pet privacy while traveling since it’s fully enclosed with a mesh panel at the top.

Like several other carriers on this list, the Sleepypod doesn’t just limit itself to airline travel: It straps into a vehicle’s seat belt system, so you can comfortably take road trips with your pet. You can also separate the bottom of the carrier to transform it into a bed for your pet, which makes training easier since they can form a positive association with it, says Lindsey Wolko, founder of the Center for Pet Safety. The brand’s Sleepypod Atom is another CPS-certified carrier that’s crash-tested for even smaller dogs up to 12 pounds, the lowest weight requirement on this list. 

Pet weight: Up to 15 lbs | Dimensions:  17 in. (D) x 6.5 in. | Material: Polyester

Best sling carrier: Tomkas

Tomkas dog sling carrier.

Designed for small dogs up to 10 pounds, this sling carrier crosses over your body so you can take your dog around town hands-free. The base has a built-in drawstring that adjusts the size of the opening to fit different sized dogs, and the crossbody strap length is also adjustable to fit your comfort level. The carrier includes a safety buckle inside that connects to your dog’s harness to prevent them from falling out, according to the brand. I purchased this carrier for my havachon, Bella, when she was a puppy weighing under 10 pounds, and I was able to comfortably carry her around when she got tired of walking. It held her weight well without tearing or damaging the fabric, and the crossbody strap caused less strain on my back.

Pet weight: Up to 10 lbs | Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 3 in. | Material: Polyester

TOMKAS Dog Sling Carrier

select 19 best pet products for dogs and cats, according to Select staff pet owners

How to shop for a dog travel carrier.

Carriers and crates are the most secure type of enclosure when traveling with your dog because they prevent them from escaping and minimize distraction while you’re traveling (especially while driving), according to Wolko. But the right carrier for your dog will depend on what type of trip you’re taking, your method of transportation and their temperament.. When shopping for the right carrier for your dog, our experts recommend considering the size and fit of the enclosure, whether it’s crash-tested, if it meets airline requirements and more.

Your dog or cat should be able to easily stand up, turn around and lay comfortably in their carrier. That means the length of your carrier from front to back should measure about the same, or one or two inches more than the tip of your dog’s nose to the base of their tail, according to Nelson. You should add a few more inches for brachycephalic breeds like pugs, pekingese and French bulldogs, though experts don’t recommend taking these breeds on flights because their shorter noses increase the risk of overheating and oxygen deprivation, says Nelson (some airlines even ban this breed from flying in the cargo hold , according to the American Veterinary Medical Association). To determine the right height of your carrier, make sure it measures the same or larger than the height of your pet from the floor to the top of their shoulders, says Carlo.

Place a mat or bed in the carrier to make the space more comfortable for your pet, says Carlo (though you should avoid this if your dog usually destroys their bedding because they might eat the pieces and cause intestinal obstruction). Putting soft blankets or their favorite toy in the carrier can also help promote familiarity and make them feel safe, according to our experts.

Whether your dog can see out of their carrier is a matter of personal preference, though our experts recommend mesh so the outside is visible, which helps avoid your dog feeling threatened or confused while they’re traveling, says Wolko. 

Materials and structure

Most carriers are soft-sided and made from materials like polyester, mesh and nylon fabric. Consider whether the carrier has structure, meaning it can stand up on its own and won’t automatically collapse around your pet, according to Carlo. You should also look for carriers that have pockets, so you have room for your pet supplies.

You can take a hard-sided, non-collapsible crate or kennel on an airplane, but they must be able to fit under the passenger’s seat, according to Hauser (this might be harder to do compared to soft-sided carriers since they don’t mold to a different size). Plastic hard-sided crates are usually good for transporting your pet in an airplane cargo hold and the cargo area of a car — they’re considered to be the safest option since they won’t lose their shape and provide impact protection in case of a crash, turbulence or hard fall, according to our experts. However, you should avoid metal wire crates because pets might be able to stick their feet or limbs out, which can be a safety hazard while traveling, says Karwacki.

Safety considerations

For car travel, look for carriers and crates that have undergone crash testing by the Center for Pet Safety, a registered nonprofit and advocacy organization that crash tests car restraints and containment devices. This provides an extra layer of safety when traveling with your pet, our experts say.

“Most carriers on the market only prevent distractions [for the driver], which is important, but in a crash, they may not perform as you would expect them to,” says Wolko. The CPS certification tests carriers as an unaffiliated third party. This is important when considering that many brands subjectively “pass” their carriers if they test them in their own labs, which can ultimately give pet owners a false sense of security, according to Wolko.

Though the CPS does not specifically test carriers and crates for airline travel, you can use most carriers that meet the airline’s size requirements and have ample ventilation, according to Wolko.

A CPS-certified crate usually has backup door latches and locking mechanisms to prevent your pet from escaping, which is especially useful if they travel in the aircraft’s cargo hold. “So, if something tumbles, the kennel is so robust that the pet is not getting out,” says Wolko. Most airlines have certain regulations for what carriers to use when transporting an animal in the cargo area of a plane. The International Air Transport Association, a globally recognized trade association for the world’s airlines, details specific requirements for crates to transport animals in the cargo hold, including construction and adequate ventilation (more on that below).

What size pet carrier is allowed on a plane?

For air travel, always check with your airline to see what type and size of carrier it allows. The approved dimensions of your carrier vary from airline to airline but, in most cases, carriers can’t exceed 11 inches in height, which allows it to fit under the seat in front of the passenger, according to Hauser. Also, the carrier will likely count as your carry-on luggage on most airlines, and in-cabin travel will usually require you to make a reservation or reserve a seat specifically for your dog.

What is the pet weight limit for air travel?

Certain airlines might also have specific pet size and weight requirements for in-cabin travel. Typically, pets must weigh 20 pounds or less, though this varies by airline, and most larger dogs can’t ride in-cabin unless they’re a trained service animal, according to Wolko. If your pet exceeds that limit, they’ll need to travel in the cargo area of the plane.

Most airlines will allow trained service dogs on board at no cost. However, several airlines like Delta Air Lines, Southwest, American Airlines and Alaska Air are no longer accepting emotional support animals on board.

What is the difference between a carrier and a crate? 

Carriers and crates for dogs are usually used interchangeably, but there are a few key differences. The CPS defines crates as enclosures that are secured in the cargo area of a plane or tethered securely to the floor of a vehicle like a van or SUV. They’re usually constructed of thick molded plastic or metal and designed for larger dogs, according to our experts.

Carriers, on the other hand, are usually designed for smaller dogs and made of a soft-sided fabric (though some are constructed of a harder plastic or nylon to prevent them from collapsing on your pet). When traveling in a car, the carrier usually goes in the backseat and is strapped in using the seatbelt system of your vehicle.

Is it safe to travel with a pet in the cargo area?

Yes, it is generally safe and common to travel with your dog in the cargo hold (also known as the lower deck) of an airplane, which also holds baggage. However, experts recommend only flying your pet in the cargo hold when it’s absolutely necessary because it can be a very stressful experience for them. 

“There’s a lot of weird noises, not much light down there — it’d be scary for anyone to go in the [cargo hold], ” says Karwacki. And, most handling risks come before they even board the plane: Dogs usually endure the most force when being transported across the rough, uneven tarmac to get to the plane, says Wolko.

The IATA lists specific requirements for crates, including construction and ventilation, to keep your pet safe when flying in the cargo hold. For example, the trade association specifies that crates must be sturdy and inescapable and adequately ventilated on three sides, with the majority of the ventilation being provided on the upper part of the container.

Most aircraft cargo holds are temperature-controlled and pressurized, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture . Animals can’t be exposed to temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 4 hours, per the USDA’s website. Most airlines won’t transport dogs altogether if ground temperatures reach those extremes.

How to help your dog feel calm in a travel carrier

Your pet’s comfort level in their carrier can determine how smooth your travels are. Below, we list a few expert tips about how to get your dog adjusted to their carrier and how to keep them comfortable during long trips.

• Know your dog’s safety and security preferences. Some dogs prefer more open-sided kennels with better airflow and visibility, while others feel safer with the cave-like security of a molded plastic carrier with smaller windows, says Hauser.
• Make the carrier or crate their “happy spot.” Allowing your pet to build a positive association with their carrier helps them feel calm and safe while traveling, according to our experts. In your home and before traveling, leave the door open so that your pup can explore the enclosure on their own terms, which demystifies it, says Hauser. After some time, it isn’t uncommon to find pets that preferentially sleep in their enclosures,” she says. Once they get acclimated to the crate or carrier at home, you can then graduate to car trips and, later on, plane rides. Start off with brief trips that increase in duration over time.
• Make the carrier feel familiar. As we mentioned, putting their favorite bed, blankets or toys in the carrier can help make them feel more comfortable.
• Avoid any safety risks while on the plane. For example, if you’re traveling with your pet in-cabin, never put the carrier in the overhead compartment of the plane with your pet inside because it poses a suffocation risk, says Wolko. Also, feed your pet before you get on the plane — if they choke or get something lodged in their throat while you’re in the air, they likely won’t get help in time, according to Wolko.

Meet our experts

At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Dr. Kristen L. Nelson is a veterinarian and author of “Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life.”
• Dr. Christina Carlo is a veterinarian and medical director at VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital.
• Dr. Wendy Hauser is a veterinarian and special advisor to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance.
• Lindsey Wolko is the founder of the Center for Pet Safety , a registered nonprofit and advocacy organization that crash-tests car restraints and containment devices for pets.
• Dr. Amber Karwacki is a veterinarian and partner doctor at Heart + Paw in Callowhill, Pennsylvania.

Why trust Select?

Mili Godio is an editor at Select who covers a variety of pet topics, including dog food , beds , treats and toys . For this article, Godio spoke to five veterinarians and pet safety experts about the best carriers for your dog and how to safely travel with them. She also compiled their recommendations for the best travel carriers to consider and researched dozens of options on the market based on expert guidance.

Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Mili Godio is an updates editor for Select on NBC News.

Best Dog Crates for Large and Extra-Large Dogs: Super-Sized Spaces!

WRITTEN BY:

April 1, 2024

K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Here’s how it works .

Big dogs need – wait for it, you’re never gonna guess – big crates.

I know. I’ll give you a second to process this mind-blowing bit of info.

But there are a couple of other things to think about when buying a dog crate for your extra-large canine, some of which are actually a bit surprising. We’ll dive into this issue below and talk about the things you’ll want to look for when picking a the best dog crate for your big pooch.

And, of course, we’ll recommend a few of the best options available.

The Best Dog Crates for Large Dogs

Now that you’re familiar with some of the most important things to look for in a dog crate, you’re ready to start making your choice. We’d recommend picking one of the crates listed below, as they’re all high-quality units, which have received great reviews from other big-dog owners.

1. Impact Collapsible Dog Crate

A top-of-the-line collapsible dog crate featuring military-grade components. 

About : Sometimes, you just want to stop messing around and get the best product the market offers. And in terms of crates for large and extra large dogs, that means going with an Impact Collapsible Dog Crate (or really, any of the crates in Impact’s lineup). Backed by the manufacturer’s 10-year warranty and built to last, this dog crate stands head-and-shoulders above most other options on the market.

• Ships fully assembled
• Fitted with military-grade handles and stackable corners
• Comes in your choice of 7 colors, including neutrals like Black and bright offerings like Teal
• Get 15% off with code K9OFMINE

Specifications :

• Material : Aluminum
• Sizes : 6 sizes, ranging from Medium (30.5″ L x 20.5″ W x 26″ H) to Triple Extra Large (54.5″ L x 35.5″ W x 42″ H)
• Divider Included? : No (can be purchased separately)
• Removable Tray? : No
• Wheels? : No
• Collapsible? : Yes
• Built like a tank and secure
• Easy to collapse and store when needed
• 54-inch model should accommodate most pups
• Color options is a nice bonus
• Stackable for owners with multiple pups
• Pricey (though they do offer financing)
• Heavy (the largest size weighs 106 pounds)

I had the chance to try the Impact Collapsible Dog Crate (as well as their High Anxiety model) with my dogs over a period of two years.

I absolutely love them both and explain why here:

• Impact Collapsible Dog Crate Review
• Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate Review

2. AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Dog Crate

An affordable, no-frills crate that'll get the job done without breaking the bank.

About : The AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Crate is designed to be functional and affordable, so it doesn’t come equipped with many fancy extras. This makes it a great choice for those who want a high-quality dog crate without spending a lot of money.

• The bottom of this dog crate features “mini dividers” to prevent your pup from sneaking a paw through
• Available in single- and double-door models
• Easy, tool-free assembly
• Dual door locking feature keeps canine secure inside
• Material : Steel wire
• Sizes : 7 sizes, ranging from (22.0″ L x 13.0″ W x 16.0″ H) to (48.0″ L x 30.0″ W x 32.5″ H)
• Divider Included? : Yes
• Removable Tray? : Yes
• Much more affordable than most other options
• Comes with most basic features owners want
• Relatively light and collapsible
• Not suitable for escape artists
• Collapsible, but not great for travel

3. Petmate Sky Kennel

An IATA-compliant crate that's suitable for air travel and breaks down for storage.

About : As the name suggests, the Petmate Sky Kennel is designed to comply with the requirements set by most airlines for four-footed passengers. However, it is also a great dog crate for general home use, and the mostly solid sides may provide additional security for nervous pups.

• Provides plenty of ventilation to keep your pet comfortable
• Door features a vault-style secure latch and is secured in four places
• Comes with a “Live Animal” sticker and two clip-on water dishes
• Made in the United States
• Material : Plastic
• Sizes : Available in 6 sizes, ranging from 21″ to 48″
• Divider Included? : No
• Wheels ?: No
• Collapsible ?: No
• Perfect for jet-setting pet parents
• Provides some privacy for your pet
• Very secure latches
• Included extras (water dishes, stickers, etc.)
• This is a pretty pricey dog crate
• While you can take it apart, it isn’t “collapsible”

Though the Petmate Sky Kennel is specifically designed for air travel, you should always contact the airline you’ll be flying and find out about the specific requirements they impose for travel crates, as each carrier has its own rules and regulations.

4. LEMBERI Heavy Duty Indestructible Dog Crate

About : The LEMBERI Heavy Duty Indestructible Dog Crate is tough as nails and designed to keep even the most determined dogs safely contained. It remains moveable with a wheeled base, and those wheels lock, too, keeping the kennel in place as you see fit. This dog crate arrives mostly assembled as well, with the wheeled base taking ten minutes or less to set up.

• Non-toxic, anti-rust finish helps this dog crate last against day-to-day wear and tear
• Removable floor grate separates potential messes from your pup
• Top and front doors offer plenty of access for cleaning and checking in on your canine
• Offered in neutral Black and Silver finishes
• Material : Alloy steel
• Sizes : (37.4″ L x 25.6″ W x 30.5″ H), (42.52″ L x 29.92″ W x 34.46″ H), and (47.2″ L x 30.7″ W x 36.0″ H)
• Wheels? : Yes
• Wheeled design makes for easier transport and cleaning as needed
• Many owners are pleased with the strong construction of this kennel
• Pricing is reasonable considering the quality of this kennel
• While collapsible, it requires some work, and is quite heavy
• Some owners encountered issues with the wheels’ locking feature

5. SportPet Rolling Plastic Crate

A durable plastic crate that comes with a gutter-style floor and 4 rolling casters.

About : The SportPet Rolling Plastic Crate will work well in your home or when traveling with your pet. It is designed to comply with most airline regulations, and it is even easy to push through the airport, thanks to the included wheels.

• Metal hardware to comply with most airline regulations
• Both sides and the back panel feature a metal-wire window
• A clip-on water dish and 4 “Live Animal” stickers are included
• Gutter-style floor to keep your dog dry in the event of an accident
• Sizes : 5 wheeled styles, ranging from Medium to XXX-Large
• Collapsible? : No
• Great for home use or during flying
• Gutter-style floor is pretty innovative
• Wheels make it easy to move
• Great value for the price
• Metal hardware is a surprising perk at the price point
• Some owners reported components broke easily
• Gutter-style floor may reduce your canine’s comfort a bit

6. MidWest Homes for Pets XXL/Giant Dog Crate

A cavernous crate with ample ventilation that's large enough for Great Danes and other giants.

About : While there are a number of 48-inch dog crates available, larger crates are often difficult to find. But the Midwest Homes for Pets XXL/Giant Dog Crate is one of the biggest dog crates on the market and provides plenty of space for most extra-large dogs with its 54 inches of length.

• Uses special L-bars to prevent the sides from bowing out
• Features 2 doors (1 on the front and 1 on the side)
• Doors feature 3 heavy-duty latches
• Not technically “collapsible,” but you can take it apart by removing the 4 drop pins
• Backed by manufacturer’s 1-year warranty
• Material : Metal wire
• Sizes : Single size measuring 54″ L x 37″ W x 45″ H 
• Divider Included? : No, but can be purchased separately from the manufacturer
• Collapsible? : Not technically, but you can take it apart by removing the 4 drop pins
• One of the few dog crates large enough for gigantic dogs
• Extra reinforcement provided for structural integrity
• Affordable given the size
• Extra latches are a nice touch
• Require 2 people for assembly
• Skittish doggos may require a crate cover
• A tray this large will be unwieldy

7. Midwest Homes for Pets Ultima Pro

A good value choice, this crate provides a great combination of features and price.

About : The Midwest Homes for Pets Ultima Pro is the most durable model in Midwest’s lineup. It is secure enough to keep escape-artist dogs contained and comes in sizes sufficient for many large and extra-large dogs. It is clearly not the best dog crate available, but it is definitely worthy of consideration by pet parents seeking good value for their dog-care dollar.

• Equipped with 2 doors and slide-bolt latches
• Strong carrying handle makes for easier transport
• Includes 4 rubber feet to protect your floors
• Backed by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
• Sizes : 5 sizes, including Large (42″ L x 28″ W x 30″ H) and X-Large (48″ L x 30″ W x 35″ H)
• Provides a nice cost-to-quality ratio
• Strong and durable wire used in the construction
• We love that it comes with 2 doors for convenience
• Rubber feet are a nice bonus
• A few pet owners complained about the hinges
• Slightly heavier than some similar models

8. Revol Dog Crate

A new take on the classic dog crate, complete with several interesting features in a sleek, modern look.

About : Manufacturers occasionally re-envision existing products, thereby bringing something new to the marketplace and giving dog owners a different option. And that’s exactly what has happened with Revol’s Dog Crate . Inspired by products designed for human babies, this collapsible, aluminum-and-plastic crate may be the best dog crate for forward-thinking pet parents.

• Available in 4 colors
• Design offer plenty of airflow and visibility
• Features front and top doors
• Dual-lock handle for extra security
• Material : Aluminum with plastic components
• Sizes : 4 sizes, from Small (25″ L x 17″ W x 19″ H) to Large (44″ L x 28″ W x 30″ H)
• Comes with a ton of nifty features
• Dual-lock handle is great for escape artists
• Neat aesthetics that differ from traditional dog crates
• Multiple access points provides convenience
• Not the best “collapsible” design we’ve seen

First Things First: What Qualifies as a “Large” Dog?

There’s no commonly accepted definition for a “large” or “extra-large” dog. Nor is there an official size range for terms like “giant,” “colossal,” “jumbo,” or “oh-my-god-how-much-does-that-dog-weigh?”

It’s all varies pretty arbitrarily from one manufacturer, owner, breeder, vet, and writer to the next.

But for our purposes here, we’ll keep things simple:

• Large breeds will refer to dogs weighing more than 50 pounds
• Extra-large breeds will refer to dogs weighing more than 100 pounds

Easy-peasy.

But to make it even easier, we’ve listed some of the most common examples below .

Just remember that all breeds vary a bit and individuals of some breeds may be larger or smaller than is typical for the breed.

“Large” Breeds

• Labrador retriever
• Golden retriever
• American pit bull terrier
• Staffordshire terrier
• Siberian husky
• Doberman pinscher
• Great Pyrenees
• German shepherd
• Bernese mountain dog
• Standard poodle
• German shorthaired pointer

“Extra-Large” Breeds

• Irish wolfhound
• Scottish deerhound
• Newfoundland
• Tibetan mastiff
• Neapolitan mastiff
• Saint Bernard
• Presa Canario
• Anatolian Shepherd

Of course, there are dozens of other breeds who fall into one of these categories, but you get the idea. Nevertheless, when trying to determine the proper size dog crate for your dog, you’re better off using linear measurements.

We’ll explain how to do that below.

Determining the Proper Crate Size for Your Pooch

Finding the proper crate size for your pooch is fairly easy. Just grab your dog and a tape measure and we’ll get to work.

 Start by having your dog stand. Measure your dog from the tip of her nose to the base (not the tip) of her tail. Add 2 to 4 inches to that figure to get the proper crate length.

  Next, you’ll want to have your dog sit (a dog’s head is typically tallest when sitting). Measure the distance from the ground to the top of her head. Add 2 to 4 inches to this figure, and you have the proper height for the crate.

  These two measurements – the crate length and height – will serve as your guide to choosing the right dog crate for your pet. You don’t have to worry about the crate’s width, as most dog crates are designed with appropriate length-width ratios.

For example, if your dog is 38 inches long and 30 inches tall (while seated), she’ll need a 42-inch-long crate that is 34 inches tall. In most cases, you’ll want to focus primarily on the length of the crate when making your selection. Most large and extra-large pups will need dog crates measuring between 40 and 60 inches long.

Note that some authorities recommend adding 4 to 6 inches on top of your dog’s length when selecting the proper crate size, instead of the 2- to 4-inch guideline we prefer. This is fine if you’d prefer to scale up the crate a little bit, but understand that it is not a good idea to provide your dog with a crate that is too large. Doing so will eliminate some of the benefits dog crates provide (more on this later), so stay in the 2- to 6-inch range.

You can theoretically go overboard on the height of the crate without causing many problems, but you’ll rarely find many super-tall dog crates in practice.

Why Do You Need a Crate, Anyway?

A lot of owners consider dog crates optional, and if you put me in The Room of Absolute Truth TM , I’d probably agree that they aren’t strictly imperative.

But they are incredibly valuable and *this close* to being mandatory.

For starters, dog crates do five important things:

• They give you a place to confine your dog when you aren’t home . Many dogs become destructive when left at home alone. Others may raid the garbage can, which can be dangerous (or unpleasant, depending on the garbage can he prefers). But he’ll cause relatively little trouble while sequestered in a secure dog crate with a safe and long-lasting chew toy .
• They give your pup a safe and secure place to hang out . Nervous dogs often like the cozy confines of a cave-like crate — it often serves as a “safe space” for them. Dog crates are also great for helping dogs afraid of fireworks and thunderstorms feel safe. If you have an anxious pupperino, try putting a crate cover over the crate’s frame for a cozier atmosphere.
• They are helpful when company comes over . Visitors may find exuberant dogs a little hard to take, and even the best-behaved dogs can get in the way when you’re entertaining. But dog crates give you a safe and comfortable place to tuck your dog away when you have people over for dinner.
• They provide a space-efficient place for their bed . Most dogs appreciate having a good bed, and it is often helpful to place the bed inside the crate to minimize the amount of extra space taken up by her stuff (see our top picks for the best dog crate beds to find good options that work with the dimensions of large-sized dog crates).
• They are helpful for crate-training . Dogs don’t want to poop or pee where they sleep. Accordingly, they’ll rarely go in a crate of the proper size (read: not too large). This makes dog crates great tools for teaching them proper poop protocols for your home. Crate-training isn’t the best approach for all dogs, but it’s generally one of the best approaches to the house-breaking process.

Important Criteria You Should Seek in Any Dog Crate

No matter how big or small your pup is, you’ll want to look for a number of important criteria when making your choice. And this goes for owners considering wire dog crates, plastic dog crates, or anything in between.

Keep the following things in mind when trying to pick a high-quality crate:

The Door Must Close Securely

Dog crates that don’t close securely are pretty worthless, so you’ll want to make sure that any crate you select has high-quality latches . But beware of dog crates with exceptionally large latching mechanisms, as some dogs will learn how to open the door themselves. 

If you have an especially escape-prone pooch, you’ll probably need a crate especially designed for Houdini dogs with double latches or more advanced locking mechanisms.

The Crate Must Not Have Any Sharp Edges

Some poor-quality dog crates have rough or sharp edges, often near the welded spots where two wires meet.

You can smooth minor rough spots with a bit of sandpaper or steel wool, but dog crates with significant hazards should be avoided entirely.

Two Doors Are Better than One

While dog crates with a single door will certainly work, double-door crates are much more convenient . They not only give your dog two ways to get in or out, they give you more flexibility with regard to placement.

For example, you’ll be able to place the crate against a wall without blocking the only entrance.

Removable Pans Make Accident-Cleanup Easier

Accidents – whether of the tinkling or water-dish-spilling variety – will occur. But dog crates with a removable plastic tray are much easier to clean afterward. You won’t even have to remove your pet from the crate to do so.

Typically, removable trays are most common in metal or wire dog crates , but you may encounter a plastic model with one too.

Size-Specific Concerns: Things You Need in a Large Dog Crate

In addition to the generic criteria, you’d want to seek when selecting any crate, large dogs present a few unique challenges. Be sure to select a crate that provides as many of the following features as possible:

Wheels Are Important

Large crates are bulky and heavy, which means they’re difficult to move. Therefore, you’ll want to give special consideration to models with wheels, as they’ll be easier to slide around the house when necessary.

Rigid Models Are Strongly Preferred

While a soft dog crate can work well for a small or medium-sized doggo, large and extra-large dogs should usually be provided with a rigid crate .

You may be able to get away with a soft crate for brief periods of time (and when you’re monitoring the situation), but most large dogs will be capable of busting loose in fabric crates.

Collapsible Crates Are Convenient

Whether you want a plastic dog crate, a wooden dog crate, or a metal model, you’ll want to stick to collapsible models if you plan on taking your crate anywhere or storing it when it isn’t needed .

Also, because you’ll likely be having the crate shipped to your home, you’ll save some money on shipping by selecting one that can be collapsed and shipped in a relatively flat box.

Dividers Are Important for Puppies

It is always wisest to purchase a crate that will last for your dog’s entire life, rather than buying a small one when she’s a puppy and a larger crate once she becomes an adult dog. Instead, go ahead and buy a crate that is suitable for her adult size and use dividers to temporarily shrink the size of the interior. As she grows, you can remove a divider panel to provide access to the entire crate.

Large Crates Require Thicker Wire

The wires used for small crates may not be sturdy or rigid enough to retain their structural integrity when used in big crates. Additionally, large dogs have stronger jaws and teeth than smaller dogs do. Accordingly, you’ll always want to look for crates that feature thick, strong wire (if you opt for a wire dog crate).

Large Crates Require Sturdier Hardware

The hardware used to keep the crate together will also need to be pretty heavy-duty to prevent your pooch from busting out of her crate. This not only includes the corner connectors but the latches and hinges too.

Best Dog Crates for Large Dogs: FAQ

Still have questions about picking the right dog crate for your super-sized pupper? We’ll try to help by answering some of the most common questions owners have below!

Are plastic crates strong enough for big dogs?

Some plastic dog crates are, in fact, strong enough for big dogs. With that being said, metal dog crates are generally preferable as they’re stronger.

What is the safest dog crate?

The safest dog crate for your pet will depend on a variety of factors, but Impact’s High Anxiety Dog Crate is certainly one of the best options for large, strong, or escape-minded dogs.

Can you use soft dog crates for large dogs?

Soft dog crates are rarely strong enough to contain large dogs, but they may be a viable option for some very limited circumstances. For example, older dogs may not be energetic enough to try to break free.

Is a wire dog crate OK for a large dog?

Wire crates are sometimes the best options for big dogs. The important thing is that you stick to models that are strong enough for your muscle-bound mutt. Look for things like thick wire and high-quality welds, and also make sure that the model you choose has a secure dog latch.

Don’t Forget a Bed for Your Crate!

A crate bed can help keep your pet’s crate super comfy and make the whole thing more appealing. There are plenty of great crate beds on the market you can buy, or you can just make one yourself, as demonstrated in the video above!

Do you have a big or extra-big four-footer? What type of crate do you use? What size dog crate do you use for your floof? Would you buy it again if you had the chance? What do you think the best dog crate is for large pooches? Do you have any crate training tips to share with our readers?

Let us know all about your experience in the comments below.

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Appreciate the no-nonsense analysis and clear presentation of the product specs, thanks! Next article, adding wheels to large crates? (I’ve used appliance rollers, works but clumsy.)

Glad you enjoyed the article, RS, and your idea about adding wheels to large crates is intriguing! Thanks for the suggestion.

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The Best Dog Crate

By Kaitlyn Wells

No dog owner wants to come home to overturned trash cans or a pile of poo on the floor. A good dog crate is an essential to allay such mishaps—and help your pet thrive. This crate is a cozy and safe resting place that keeps even the most curious pooches contained while their humans are out of the house. Enlisting area rescue pooches and our own escape-artist dogs, we put 17 crates to the test. And we found the MidWest Ultima Pro Double Door Folding Dog Crate to be the best all-around crate. It’s sturdy and secure, and it comes in five sizes, each designed to last a lifetime: This crate adapts with your puppy as they grow, thanks to removable dividers.

Everything we recommend

MidWest Ultima Pro Double Door Folding Dog Crate

The best dog crate.

This crate is the sturdiest and most escape-resistant, and it folds up and transports easily. Also, it will last for the lifetime of your pet.

Buying Options

MidWest LifeStages Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate

Almost as tough and secure.

This crate often costs 30% less than our top pick, but it’s made with slightly thinner wire. It’s lighter, but it might not last as long.

Budget pick

Frisco Heavy Duty Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate

Durable but heavy to carry.

This dog crate, often available at half the price of our main pick, is sturdy and secure. But the larger design makes it more awkward to carry.

Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel

For more security or regular air travel.

With its sturdy plastic shell and secure door latch, this model is great for use at home or on a plane. But its smaller windows provide less of a view for your pup.

The MidWest Ultima Pro Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate has a tight grid of thick wire that makes it resistant to escape and damage. Its bottom pan won’t give in to claws and can’t be pushed out by paws, unlike the flimsier pans included with cheaper models. It folds up securely into a briefcase-style rectangle with solid clip-on handles, and it won’t come undone in a cacophonous crash if you grab the wrong part. Even if you are certain your dog doesn’t suffer from separation anxiety and won’t work to escape a crate, the Ultima Pro represents a sound investment in a safe space for your dog—and for future dogs as well.

The MidWest LifeStages Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate is designed with a slightly looser grid and thinner wire than other crates we tested, so it’s lighter and easier to carry. This crate is often 30% cheaper than the Ultima Pro. So if money is tight and you’re fairly certain your dog will stay calm in a crate, the LifeStages will do. However, that lighter design makes the LifeStages crate less likely to withstand long-term wear from a more-destructive dog.

The Frisco Heavy Duty Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate features thick wire that’s just as durable as that of our main pick, but this crate often costs half the price. The locking mechanism keeps dogs securely inside, and the removable tray doesn’t warp or slide out of the base after a dog has used it. But this wire crate is sold in slightly larger dimensions across sizes than other crates we tested. Overall, the Frisco dog crates are about 2 inches bigger, making them slightly heavier and more cumbersome to carry when folded up than the MidWest models we recommend.

If you need a crate that you can use to occasionally fly with a dog, or you want something that a tenacious dog is less likely to escape from at home, a solid plastic crate (sometimes called a “sky kennel”) is a good bet. Petmate’s Ultra Vari Kennel is the go-to among the dog trainers we interviewed, and it’s the best travel-friendly pick for most dogs. This crate is easy to assemble and simple to latch shut, and it has proper tie-downs for safer airline travel in a plane’s belly. (This model is not specifically designed for in-car use, though, so consider a restraint harness instead). The Ultra Vari’s secure design features only one door, rather than two on adjacent sides like on our other picks. That leaves fewer ways for your pup to escape. But if you’re using this crate at home, in a crowded room it may be harder to find a spot for it where your dog gets a good view. The crate’s narrow windows also restrict the view, which might be a concern if you’ve got a particularly curious pup—or one with FOMO.

The research

Why you should trust us, who needs a dog crate, what size dog crate should i buy, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: midwest ultima pro double door collapsible wire dog crate, runner-up: midwest lifestages double door collapsible wire dog crate, budget pick: frisco heavy duty fold & carry double door collapsible wire dog crate, also great: petmate ultra vari kennel, the competition, frequently asked questions.

As Wirecutter’s pets writer, I’ve covered everything from dog harnesses and GPS pet trackers to pet separation anxiety and training basics. I’m also a pet owner and experienced animal shelter volunteer who’s dealt with her fair share of both problematic and exceptional dog crates.

This guide builds on reporting by Kevin Purdy, a journalist and dog owner who has crate-trained his puggle Howard using a variety of crates. He’s also written earlier versions of Wirecutter’s guides to standing desks and bed frames, among others.

For this guide, we interviewed an expert dog-behavior trainer, a veterinary technician, and two of the manufacturers of crates we tested. We also read many relevant books and posts on dog training and behavior, to get input on what makes a good dog crate. 2 And we partnered with Friends with Four Paws , an Oklahoma-based pet rescue, to test out our crates with its dogs, both at home and during cross-country trips to meet their new families.

Not everyone buys or uses a dog crate, but they probably should. Everybody should at least consider a dog crate when they first bring home a dog, whether they’re puppy or full-grown, purebred or rescue. Veteran dog trainer Tyler Muto recommends a crate for each and every dog owner he works with. “If you talk to two dog trainers, the only thing you can get them to agree on is that the third dog trainer is wrong,” Muto said. “Other than that, almost every dog trainer will tell you that a crate is an essential tool for dog owners.”

At the least, crates help prevent accidents while dogs are being housebroken , and they keep dogs from accessing dangerous or unhealthy foods or objects when the owners are absent. Keeping a dog in a crate can halt the pet’s tough-to-break habit of destroying household items and furniture while an owner is away, Muto said. 1 Crates also provide a space where your dog feels safe and at home, and they allow owners to separate a dog from guests, contractors, or temptations when necessary.

Not everybody needs the same crate, however. For people who have dogs with significant separation anxiety or escape-artist tendencies, or for those who have to travel often with their dogs, a solid plastic crate may be needed. For those with dogs who fare better in a crate, or for people who need a crate only occasionally, it’s fine to use a wire crate that easily folds into a suitcase-style rectangle with handles.

People who want to use a crate regularly in a common area of the house—and who have a very crate-friendly dog with no separation anxiety—might prefer a furniture-style crate that blends in with their decor or can be used as an end table. However, over the years we’ve yet to find a model that meets our criteria for safety and security at a reasonable price, so we don’t recommend them . And though it might seem like a nice idea to use your dog’s chic crate as an end table—topped with books or a snazzy lamp—placing items on top of any crate can be dangerous should an accident occur.

Lastly, a wire crate isn’t ideal for owners who don’t plan on removing their dog’s collar each time they crate them. For a dog, wearing a collar in a crate introduces a risk of entanglement , which can result in injury or strangulation . As a result, many veterinary clinics and boarding facilities have strict collar-removal policies for dogs in their care.  At the very least, collared dogs should wear break-away or similar safety collars without tags that can get caught on the crate.

All of our dog-crate picks come in multiple sizes, so whether you’ve got a Cockapoo or a Chow Chow, you’ll likely be able to find a crate that’s the right size for your dog.

Get the most bang for your buck by choosing a crate with dimensions based on your dog’s adult size or projected adult size (if they’re still a puppy). All of our wire-crate picks have plastic dividers, to help adjust the crate space as puppies grow.

According to the Association of Professional Dog Trainers , a dog’s crate should be big enough for them to stretch out and stand to turn around without bumping their head. To find the right-size crate for your dog, note your dog’s weight, and measure their height and length from nose to tail. Manufacturers often share weight ranges or recommendations for their crates along with the dimensions. And though weight is important in gauging crate size, the measurements are key to ensuring the dog has enough room to be comfortable in the space.

For adult dogs, the APDT advises owners to add 4 inches of extra room to their measurements, and to select a crate with dimensions that size, scaling up if needed (a bigger crate is better than a smaller one). For puppies, add 12 inches to their height measurement to account for their potential adult size. Be sure to use the included dividers found in our wire-crate picks to block off the unused area, since puppies are prone to soiling in their crate if there’s a lot of extra space. (You can read more potty-training basics in How to Potty Train Your Puppy .)

The APDT has a handy chart to help guide you on which crate size might be right for your breed. If you need to buy a plastic travel crate for a puppy, keep in mind that those don’t come with dividers. In that case, it’s best to opt for a crate that fits your dog now, and then size up to a new crate as they grow.

We read up on crate training from trusted sources like the Animal Humane Society , American Kennel Club , Association of Professional Dog Trainers , and Humane Society of the United States . We also assembled a panel of Wirecutter pet owners to chat about their expectations for dog crates. Then we interviewed credentialed dog behaviorists about the role of a good dog crate. Those we spoke with included Tyler Muto, a dog trainer at K9 Connection in Buffalo, New York, who has also served as president of the International Association of Canine Professionals , and Judi Bunge, a veterinary technician at McClelland Small Animal Hospital in Buffalo.

We then sifted through hundreds of internet listings and dozens of options from our local pet stores. We learned that every crate—no matter how high its ratings or expert recommendations—was the subject of at least one review story about a dog escaping or, worse, injuring themself trying to escape. Still, at the time of our research, some crates had attracted a number of complaints about specific flaws: doors that easily bent, latches that popped open with the bump of a nose, or trays that dogs could slide out through the bottom.

We eliminated wire crates that did not come with a removable divider because this inexpensive addition makes a crate resizable as your puppy grows. We also favored wire crates that had two doors, since that design allows for more-convenient placement, especially in smaller or irregularly shaped rooms. The plastic crates we reviewed were the exception to these rules because they can be used for air travel.

With these findings, the advice of our experts, and the input of a panel of dog-loving Wirecutter staffers, we identified a small set of contenders, ranging from $60 to $250, in wire, plastic, and furniture-style crates.

In 2022, we enlisted the volunteers at Friends with Four Paws , a rescue group in Oklahoma. Prior to joining Wirecutter, I adopted my dog Sutton from this rescue, and I also consulted the group for Wirecutter’s dog beds guide . Friends with Four Paws rescues animals from municipal shelters and owner surrenders, and the group transports many of them from Oklahoma to New York for adoption. So these dogs are well suited for testing out dozens of crates that need to withstand wear and tear, and we tested the crates with dogs weighing from 12 pounds to 80 pounds.

Dog trainer Tyler Muto was a key part of our original testing for this guide. He inspected each crate and considered each for its structural strength, tamper-resistant locks, and the quality of the lining tray. He also considered how easy each crate was to collapse, set up, and clean.

Overall, a quality wire dog crate should be easy to carry in one secure bundle, and, if necessary, sturdy enough to last through multiple dogs. A good plastic crate should be much the same (though it isn’t broken down often), and it should provide the necessary security and tie-downs for air travel. A furniture crate drops most pretenses of damage resistance, but it should still be sturdy, and its looks and convenience are far more important than with wire or plastic crates.

Along with Muto’s examination, we examined and tested the crates ourselves. To verify each crate’s strength against pulling teeth or forceful paws, we used a luggage scale to apply roughly 50 pounds of pulling pressure to each cage’s door, at the center and then at a looser corner away from the latch. We set up and broke down each wire crate at least a dozen times. After latching each crate shut and attaching its plastic handle, we carried each crate to three locations to see how well it stayed together (not all of the crates did so). We pulled the plastic tray out from each crate to see how easy it was to remove and whether cleaning involved any tricks or problems. Finally, we ran our hands around the corners and edges of each crate, looking for sharp wire, plastic edges, or unfinished corners that could injure a dog or a human.

The MidWest Ultima Pro Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate is the crate to get if you want one that will last for the lifetime of your dog, and if you’re likely to have another dog (or many more) in the future. This crate comes in five sizes, the smallest being 24 inches long; the largest clocks in at 48 inches long and can suit many large breeds.

Ultimately, our testers favored this crate over all others. Friends with Four Paws secretary Kim Crawford said that the Ultima Pro “definitely felt the most reliable and heavy enough to withstand even the toughest dogs,” and Kim noted that the rescue has always liked the brand.

This crate’s wire was thicker and its grid tighter than any other reasonably priced crate we tested, and 50 pounds of pulling pressure didn’t affect it at all.​​ Our testers said the lock remained secure and was easy for them to latch and unlatch. The crate also folded fluidly down into a “suitcase” for carrying and was easy to set up again.

The Ultima Pro’s tray is removable, but only by humans, and it’s easy to clean and tough. Available in five sizes, this crate comes with a divider for use with growing puppies, and it has rubber feet to prevent scratched floors—a hidden-gem feature of the Ultima Pro. It comes with a one-year warranty for manufacturing defects from MidWest , which has been in business since 1921 and making dog crates since the 1960s.

This crate is made of thicker wire than most crates in its price range, and it’s noticeably heavier. The Ultima Pro model that measures 36 inches on its longest side weighs 38 pounds. Other best-selling double-door crates of the same size weigh 18 to 20 pounds. But unless you’d be moving your crate often and would have trouble with that weight, we think the durability of the Ultima Pro is worth it.

There’s also simply more wire on the Ultima Pro, with five crossbeams, instead of the typical three, on its shorter side. This heavier, denser grid of wire means smaller lengths of wire between joints, so the wire is harder to bend. Wire that doesn’t easily bend means the crate stays in its cube shape, and all of its latches and hooks line up as they should. Every corner and clasp on the Ultima Pro is rounded, so as to prevent injury from escape efforts. The wire has a powder-coated finish that makes it more attractive-looking than the slick, glossy wire on cheaper crates.

The lock on the Ultima Pro is not complicated, but it is reliable and difficult for dogs to manipulate. The looped-handle locking mechanism is common on wire crates, but the Ultima Pro’s thicker wire makes the closing mechanism on this crate feel satisfying and secure. And in the event of an emergency, it’s easier to get your dog out of a crate with a smooth-acting lock that’s in its proper place.

Folding up the Ultima Pro to move it is much the same as with other wire crates. Yet the crate’s sturdy nature makes this an easier task than with crates prone to bending. The collapsed crate holds together with small C-shaped clamps, and you can transport it with thick, plastic detachable handles. You need to fold the Ultima Pro in one direction in order to clamp it shut for carrying, but once it’s in its “suitcase” shape, it stays together.

The plastic tray on the bottom of the Ultima Pro is thick but not heavy, and our trainer expert thought it seemed the most likely to last. The included tray latch keeps a rambunctious dog inside the crate from sliding the tray out. In our tests, the latch remained steady when we pushed against the tray from inside the crate. That vulnerability exposes floors and carpets to damage, and a dog could get injured if they try to escape through that gap. As for cleaning, the Ultima Pro’s tray cleaned up fine with enzyme spray and dish detergent.

An included divider allows you to choose the Ultima Pro model that’s appropriately sized for the eventual full size of your dog. As your puppy grows, you move the divider to give your dog enough space to turn around but enough enclosure to deter them from using the crate as a toilet. The divider is notably thinner than the crate, though, and only rounded hooks keep it in place. If your puppy is already exhibiting anxiety or escape tendencies, you may need to obtain a more secure crate that fits their current size.

One small detail on MidWest crates, the no-scratch rubber feet on the corners, could save you a lot of heartache someday if you have hard floors. First-time dog-crate owners might not know that the plastic tray sits on top of the wire on the bottom, so the crate itself rests on its wire grid. If your dog bumps the crate around, or if you move it often, these rubber feet are a small grace you’ll hardly notice, and that’s a good thing.

The Ultima Pro’s five sizes are available on both Amazon and Chewy, and on the authorized online retailer MidWestPetProducts.com . You can also find it at many brick-and-mortar pet stores. This crate comes with a one-year warranty and a DVD on crate training (which you can watch on YouTube ). MidWest is very clear and helpful on which crate size works for which dogs, offering a useful breed/size/weight chart ; many other crate makers offer only a single weight estimate.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The flaws of this crate are directly related to its strengths. It is heavier than other crates we tested—the largest crate size is nearly 50 pounds. So if you’ve got a large dog, or you’re planning to move the crate around often, keep that in mind.

MidWest’s LifeStages Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate has the same design and company support as our top pick , the Ultima Pro. And the LifeStages crate is available in the same sizes (and one additional, slightly smaller size), from 22 inches long to 48 inches long. The only real differences, as stated by MidWest: This crate’s wire is slightly thinner, and the grid is a bit wider, with three crossbars instead of five, so the LifeStages crate weighs and costs less. Our expert trainer said that if you can find the LifeStages crate at a lower price than the Ultima Pro, he’d recommend it to most dog owners. We’ve seen the price of LifeStages crates fluctuate significantly on Amazon, sometimes costing more than the corresponding Ultima Pro size. If the Ultima Pro is out of stock in the size you need, or if the LifeStages crate is notably lower in price, it’s a solid choice.

The Frisco Heavy Duty Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate packs most of the durability of our main pick but is usually about half the price. The Frisco wire dog crate features what our testers describe as a “super solid” locking mechanism that slides nicely and remains secure when locked. The tray is easy to remove and clean, and it didn’t slide out by mistake during testing. Like the LifeStages model, the Frisco features a wider grid with three crossbars instead of the five found on the Ultima Pro. Having just three bars doesn’t mean that this crate is substantially less durable: It’s got a strong, coated steel frame. But, as our testers noted, each size of the Frisco is proportionally slightly wider and taller than the MidWest models, making the Frisco heavier and more cumbersome to carry. This wire dog crate is sold in six sizes, from 22 inches long to 49 inches long.

Not every dog thrives in a wire crate. Some dogs prefer a more-enclosed space, or they need more deterrence from attempting to escape. Some dog owners may prefer a much lighter crate, or one with added protection against accidents and wayward paws. And if you’re planning to do any air travel with your dog, an enclosed crate, or “sky kennel,” is required by the federal Animal Welfare Act and enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and airline carriers for any pet traveling as cargo (small pets can fly in-cabin in airline-friendly travel carriers ). Petmate’s Ultra Vari Kennel is a tough crate that will defeat most attempted escapes and contain accidents. It also meets most airline requirements, and it’s easy to put together, shut securely, and move around. This crate comes in six sizes, ranging from 21 inches long to 48 inches long, but only the two smallest sizes have carry handles.

Among the experienced dog handlers we spoke to for this guide, many recommended Vari Kennels by name. The metal-grated windows on these crates are tougher and more paw-resistant than the oblong holes you typically find punched into the sides of plastic crates, and their door design stands up to a lot of pressure. The interior has a groove on the floor to catch liquid, making most accidents easy to clean up. The Ultra Vari Kennel has tie-down holes, which allow owners to secure the crate in a plane’s cargo area or to loop with zip ties as needed. However, the experts we spoke to said that no crate is really safe in a car , and a restraint harness, like the Sleepypod Clickit Sport , is the safer choice.

The Ultra Vari Kennel isn’t foolproof, though. With enough force, a dog could pull inward on the door, bending it back far enough that the door’s two latching bits pop out of their plastic sockets (our expert trainer called this “taco-ing the door”). If you need the most secure crate for your dog, especially if you’re flying with it, the Petmate’s Sky Kennel model we tested has a door made of stronger metal, with a four-point lock that requires two steps to undo. However, we don’t recommend it because the crate’s shell isn’t as durable overall.

Wire crates

As stated in How we picked , we limited our search to crates that had a number of reviews, enjoyed wide availability, and offered certain features we consider to be key, such as a divider, two doors, and a slide-out tray.

We like that the Diggs Revol Dog Crate has a wide plastic frame that’s easier to set up and collapse than most of the crates we tested (so your fingers are less likely to get pinched in the steel mesh wire corners). A former Kickstarter, the Diggs Revol launched in 2018 and at the time of writing is available only in size small (for pets up to 30 pounds). It also starts at about $245 at the time of writing, so it’s three times more expensive than our current pick, the MidWest Ultima Pro Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate .

The ​​ Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate is easy to assemble, but the locking mechanism was flimsy, and our testers said a “pushy” dog could escape.

The Pet Gear The Other Door Steel Crate has a plastic frame similar to that of the Diggs Revol. It’s sold in a narrow range of sizes (27, 36, and 42 inches) and is expensive.

MidWest’s iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate has the same design, features, and warranty as its respective “better” and “best” siblings, the LifeStages and the Ultima Pro crates, but has thinner wire. It’s not a bad crate if you’re certain your dog is calm and crate-comfortable, and it’s available in eight sizes, covering more small breeds. But it’s less resistant to bending and escape. Most people should spend a little more and get the LifeStages , unless you need your crate to weigh 20 pounds instead of 30.

The AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate (discontinued) fared well in our examination and stress testing, as well as in ease of fold-down and raise-up, and carrying stability. It’s not a bad crate in any real way. But for the extra $15 or $25 (at the time of writing), we think the stronger wire and bend resistance of the LifeStages or Ultima Pro (respectively) are worth it. And the AmazonBasics crate lacks rubber feet.

Our expert trainer said a determined dog could partly raise the garage-style door of the Kong-branded Space Saving Double-Door Pet Crate (no longer available) before the safety latch could catch, which is a safety concern.

OxGord crates are popular on Amazon, sometimes holding the best-seller slot in certain subcategories. They are popular because they are inexpensive, and they are inexpensive because their wire is thin. We pulled open the door of a 36-inch double-door OxGord crate using less than 50 pounds of pressure in less than a minute. And we pushed out its bottom tray with just the pressure of our hands.

Plastic/airline kennels

The Kennel Direct Pet Crate (no longer available) costs as much as the Ultra Vari Kennel , but its door is less secure than our pick.

The lock on the Frisco Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel easily slides open with one hand, and our testers worried a determined dog could slip the lock.

Our testers said the Petmate Sky Dog Kennel features a sturdy design best suited for air travel, but it isn’t ideal for moving from room to room when at home. It wasn’t as durable as our airline pick, either.

Grreat Choice Dog Carriers (now unavailable) are a PetSmart exclusive. These plastic carriers—which are designed with a sturdy metal door, fastened together with bolts, and equipped with tie-down holes—will keep most dogs inside. We saw nothing particularly wrong with them, but they don’t have the reputation of the Ultra Vari Kennel models. And the color combination of accident-ready brown and medical-waiting-room beige doesn’t do much for whatever room you have to store your crate in.

Furniture crates

We limited our search for furniture crates to models priced $500 and less. Although we didn’t make security and strength a deciding factor for this category, we did avoid crates whose reviews contained a number of escape or dog-injury stories, and we favored crates made of solid woods rather than fiberboard.

Casual Home’s Pet Crate End Table is very cheap for this category, and you’ll probably find out why halfway through building it. If it’s solid wood, it’s very thin solid wood, especially the bars on the door and sides. One Amazon review relates how a 10-pound puppy chewed a way out . In our tests, the top of the crate developed a deep gouge during assembly. A couple of the pre-drilled holes seemed off-center, too, and after assembly the crate was uneven and prone to wobbling on two diagonal corners.

The Richell Wooden End-Table Crate comes in one color (dark brown) and two broad sizes (“up to 44 pounds” and 88 pounds). We could list many things to critique with this crate, but the dealbreaker is that it has no bottom. The manufacturer doesn’t make this clear, but the crate has only three sides, a top, and a door; you slide in a plastic tray for the bottom. The design leaves definite gaps between the tray and the walls, and the tray is flimsy enough that a dog could bend it upward.

This article was edited by Catherine Kast and Jennifer Hunter.

In particular, we read these guides from the Humane Society of the United States and the Animal Humane Society .

Dog-behavior problems like digging, chewing, and improper elimination are self-reinforcing because they feel good and soothing to the dog, but the owner is not around to correct them. Believe the authors of this guide: Out-of-crate behaviors can be very tough to modify.

What brand of dog crate is best?

In our testing, the best overall dog crate is the MidWest Ultima Pro Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate . It has a tight grid of thick wire that makes it resistant to escape and damage. Its bottom pan can’t be pushed out by paws, unlike the flimsier plastic pans included with cheaper models. And the crate folds up securely into a briefcase-style rectangle with solid clip-on handles that won’t come undone if you grab it from the wrong end. The MidWest LifeStages Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate is slightly less tough, but it’s still more resilient than most other dog crates we found. And it’s lighter than the Ultima version, so it’s easier to move around.

Are wire or plastic dog crates better?

The two materials excel at different uses. Metal crates are tougher and more paw-resistant than plastic crates, and their doors tend to stand up to more pressure. They’ll hold up well against a puppy who’ll fling their body around or a dog who may gnaw at the door. But a light plastic crate, like the Petmate’s Ultra Vari Kennel , is better suited to traveling and is also extremely hard for a pet to break out of. But it’s a bit more expensive, and it has enclosed sides, which not all dogs love.

What should I look for in a dog crate?

A crate should be durable and resistant to bending. Look for a size that’s large enough for your pet to move around in (the manufacturer will have a sizing guide you can reference). Since buying multiple crates as your dog grows can get expensive, opt for one with a removable divider so it’s adaptable from puppyhood to full-grown. Crates with two doors are also useful because they can be more conveniently placed in smaller or irregularly shaped rooms.

What is the best dog crate for a car?

An important note: We did not test for car safety. For one thing, you should never put your dog in a wire crate in the car. Every book we read and every expert we talked to reinforced this advice, sometimes without our asking. Even the strongest wire crates fared extremely poorly in the 2015 Center for Pet Safety/Subaru crash tests of travel crates . Those tests (and earlier 2013 tests) also confirmed that almost no crate under $150 will pass a crash test, and some will make a crash worse for a dog. A failing crate not only imperils your pet but also could release the pet as a projectile, potentially injuring you, as well. If you plan to travel with your dog in the car often, consider buying a Sleepypod Clickit Sport or Terrain restraint harness or upgrading to a Gunner Kennel , both of which are CPS Certified . The Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel , our recommendation for a hardshell crate for home and flying, is better than a wire crate for car trips—but it's still not as safe as either a harness or a car-specific crate.

Meet your guide

Kaitlyn Wells

Kaitlyn Wells is a senior staff writer who advocates for greater work flexibility by showing you how to work smarter remotely without losing yourself. Previously, she covered pets and style for Wirecutter. She's never met a pet she didn’t like, although she can’t say the same thing about productivity apps. Her first picture book, A Family Looks Like Love , follows a pup who learns that love, rather than how you look, is what makes a family.

Further reading

The Best Dog Nail Grinders

by Kaitlyn Wells and Susan Arendt

If your dog doesn’t mind the sound and feel of a grinder, the Dremel PawControl is cordless and quiet, and you can’t accidentally cut your pet.

The Best Dog Nail Clippers

by Susan Arendt

After testing nine models, we think the affordable, sharp, and widely praised Millers Forge Professional Nail Clip is the best way to trim your dog’s nails.

The Best Everyday Dog Leash

by Eve Batey

After taking 5 dogs on 40 walks, we found the Max and Neo Double Handle Heavy Duty Reflective Leash is the best everyday leash for most pups and their people.

The Best Dog DNA Test

by Kaitlyn Wells

The Embark Breed + Health Kit is the most accurate dog DNA test we’ve found and will help you unravel your pet’s specific breed background.

Dog Travel Crate FAQ: How to Measure, What to Bring Inside, How to Train, etc.

According to the International Pet and Animal Transportation Agency, over 4 million pets are transported via air worldwide each year. The fact that there is a whole agency around this demonstrates how vital pet travel is. If you’re going to join the number of people bringing their dog along for trips, you’re going to need a dog travel crate. Even for car trips, the longer it is, the more likely you will be to appreciate a crate.

Before you bring your dog along with you for a flight, you’ve got to make sure you know all the prerequisites for pet travel . Even the CDC (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ) accepts that your animal’s comfort is very essential, and that’s the most critical function of a travel crate for dogs. This article is here to tell you everything you need to know about travel crates before your trip.

Do you have a specific question about dog travel crates? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section.  And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page. 

Here's what we'll cover:

Do you bring a crate when traveling with a dog?

How safe is a dog traveling in a dog crate, what is the right size travel dog crate, what size pet traveling crate do i need for a 50-pound dog, how to measure a dog for a travel crate, how to train a dog to stay in a crate for travel, why does my dog go in her travel crate, where to put a dog crate when traveling, what is the lightest dog crate for air travel, what should be in a dog crate for international travel, how to secure a dog crate in a car when traveling, how to choose a dog travel crate.

The answer to this depends on the means of travel. If it’s by car, then you can get away with foregoing a crate, particularly with well-trained dogs. Longer trips will have you grateful for a crate, as it can keep restless dogs safer. However, with air travel, you will need it. Whether your dog will be staying in the cargo hold or as a carry-on, you’ll require a crate or carrier.

Having your pet travel in a dog travel crate is always safer than the alternative of having them roaming free. In a car, sudden stops can cause serious injury to your dogs, and smaller canines can get in the way while driving, which can be very unsafe. During air travel, the cargo hold may sometimes have cargo shifting around or falling. Good travel crates for dogs will protect against any of these hazards and keep your dog safe within.

This step is more important than it might seem. That’s because the International Air Transport Association (IATA) will want to ensure that the crate you have is optimally sized for your dog. A too-small kennel will squeeze on your pal and cause discomfort, and a big one will have your dog being flung around within it. Using certain formulas, you can figure out the optimal dimensions for a crate for your dog. They are as follows:

• Length: A + B/2
• Width: C x 2

The dimensions that these letters represent are explained under the question of measurement.

Getting the perfect sized crate for a 50-pound dog is more dependent on the animal’s measurements. Still, a unit designated as ‘large’ is likely to be good. However, if possible, measure your dog so you can get the exact details and a perfect fit for a travel dog crate.

To get the values indicated in calculating the right size of crate for your dog, you will need to measure your canine friend. These are the areas measured for each letter:

• From the tip of the nose to the base (not the tip!) of the tail. (A)
• From the elbow joint in the front legs to the ground. (B)
• Measure from shoulder to shoulder. (C)
• For a dog that is standing erect, a measurement from the top of the canine’s head to the ground. (D)

Simply plug in these values to the formula to find a perfect fit when looking for a large dog travel crate.

If possible, purchase a travel crate as soon as you realize that you will be traveling. This gives you the time to crate train your dog and get used to it. You’ll also be able to measure your dog and take the time to find a perfectly sized travel dog crate. The following steps can help you crate train:

• Get your pet used to the crate. You can remove the top half of the crate and place it in your dog’s favorite area. You might notice that it’ll start spending time inside the crate on its own. You can put treats and toys in there to speed up the process. Sequentially add the top after some time and the door after some more time.
• Encourage the dog to stay in the crate. Like putting treats and toys in it, you can also put their food and meal bowls closer to it gradually, and eventually inside it.
• Reward them for spending time in the crate with treats and positive words.
• Try closing the door while they are inside and eventually driving around with them.

You might notice that your dog seems to like its crate a bit too much. This might seem like a bad thing, but it stems from the natural instincts of these animals. Dogs are naturally denning animals, which means they like cozy, snug places to rest in. A crate, if perfectly sized and laid with a comfortable bed, will fit these criteria perfectly. So, you’ve done a good job if your dog loves its crate. You’ve given it a homely sanctuary! 

According to the ASPCA , the best place to put travel crates for dogs when traveling by road is in a car’s back seat. Or in the cargo section of any vehicle with one, such as an SUV or a station wagon. It should never be placed on the front seat, as airbags deploying during an accident can have serious consequences. 

If you need a lightweight crate for your carrying your dog, one made of sturdy plastic is your best bet. Plastic is lighter than metal and can be strong enough to support your pet’s weight when carried.

There are fabric carriers, but these are not very suitable for dogs kept in a cargo hold. For smaller dogs that will stay with you in the cabin, the fabric is a great lightweight option when looking at dog travel crates. So I am sure it’s possible to find something that works for you and your pup. 

If you’ve never traveled overseas with your dog, you may be lost on what exactly you need to include in its crate. Fortunately for you, I will tell you the essential things to be included in a travel crate for dogs. These are the following:

• Food and water bowls: These must be attached to the inside of the crate door. This allows the airline workers to refill water or food very conveniently. 
• Food: In the case of long flights, delays, or layovers, you can tape a pack of dog food to the top of the crate. This way, the airline workers can feed your pet if there’s any need for that. 
• A pet pad or shredded newspaper should be placed on the bottom of the crate. This will help absorb any pee or spilled water. 
• Though not an absolute requirement, tape a piece of paper with your contact information, as well as your dog’s name and possibly picture. This will be very helpful if your dog somehow escapes from its crate. 

Knowing how to secure dog travel crates if you’ll frequently be putting your pets in the cargo section or back seat of a car is essential. This will make sure the crate doesn’t move around too much in transit, which can cause injury or make your pet anxious. 

One way you can secure a small crate is to simply buckle it in with a seat belt. This won’t work for a large dog travel crate, so only consider this option for small ones. It lengthwise, pass the belt through the strap or handle, and buckle it in. 

You can buy safety straps that can be clipped onto your dog’s crate and buckled into the seat as a seatbelt would. This is a good option for large dog crates. You can also strap down by tying a safety belt to any metal brackets or safety straps available in your vehicle, typically in the cargo section. 

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The primary consideration you should have when buying a travel crate is to ensure that it is appropriately sized. Above, I showed you how to measure your dog and calculate the perfect unit’s ideal dimensions. It should not be too small or too big. 

The material it is made of is also critical. Cloth crates shouldn’t be used for air travel or for carrying for long periods. For a trip on a plane, plastic crates are always the best choice. They are sturdy, light, and are best for travel in all situations.

Thanks for the blog graphics:  Canva.com

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Dog Crate Sizes | A Quick Guide

The chart below is your Quick Guide to finding the right size crate for your dog. Search by weight, height and by breed.

Below this chart, you will find plenty of useful information related to crate sizing and buying the perfect crate.

3 Tips to Consider:

• First, size is more important than weight.
• the crate should be at least  6" (15 cm) longer than their body length and 6" (15 cm) higher than their shoulder height for adequate comfort.
• Depending on the gender and the possibility of mixed ancestry, your pet may need a crate that is larger or smaller than listed below.

Sizing Chart

* Links for crate sizes will bring you to the most appropriate Affiliate page. Pet Crates Direct will receive commissions if you purchase from our trusted affiliates .

18" - 22" * |  Extra Small *

18" - 22" (45 - 56 cm) the  Extra Small  dog crate is recommended for the following breeds  weighing up to 25 lbs (11 kg). You might also consider the 24" crate for these breeds. For Amazon Shoppers, click here .

• Affenpinscher
• Brussels Griffon
• Chiweenie  (Chihuahua | Dachshund mix)
• Japanese Chin
• Maltipoo  (Maltese | Poodle mix)
• Morkie  (Maltese | Yorkshire Terrier mix)
• Teacup Pomeranian
• Puggle  (Pug | Beagle mix)
• Russian Toy Terrier
• Teacup Yorkshire Terrier
• Toy Fox Terrier
• Yorkshire Terrier

24" * |  Small *

24" (61 cm) Small  dog crates are recommended for the following breeds  weighing up to 25 lbs (11 kg).  For Amazon Shoppers, click  here .

• Australian Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Border Terrier
• Boston Terrier
• Cavapoo  ( Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Toy Poodle mix)
• Chinese Crested
• Dandie Dinmont  Terrier
• Smooth Fox Terrier
• Jack Russel Terrier
• Italian Greyhound
• Manchester Terrier
• Miniature Dachshund
• Miniature Poodle
• Norfolk Terrier
• Norwich Terrier
• Parson Russell Terrier
• Pomsky  ( Pomeranian | Siberian Husky mix)
• Poochon (Poodle | Bichon Frise mix)
• Shichon  (Shih Tzu | Bichon Frise mix)
• Shih Poo (Shih Tzu | Toy Poodle mix)
• Silky Terrier
• Skye Terrier
• Tibetan Spaniel
• Yorkie Poo  (Yorkshire Terrier | Poodle mix)
• Zuchon (Shih Tzu | Bichon Frise mix)

30" * |  Medium *

30" (76 cm) Medium crates are recommended for the following  breeds  weighing between 26 - 40 lbs (12 - 18 kg).  For Amazon Shoppers, click  here .  Medium dogs are:

• American Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• American Water Spaniel
• Bedlington Terrier
• Boykin Spaniel
• Cairn Terrier
• Cardigan Welsh Corgi
• Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel | Poodle mix)
• Cocker Spaniel
• French Bulldog
• German Pinscher
• Irish Terrier
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Miniature Pinscher
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Redbone Coonhound
• Scottish Terrier
• Shetland Sheepdog
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Tibetan Terrier
• Welsh Springer Spaniel
• Welsh Terrier
• West Highland White Terrier
• Wirehaired Fox Terrier

36" * |  Intermediate *

36" (91 cm) Intermediate crates are recommended for the following breeds weighing between 41 - 70 lbs (18 - 32 kg).  For Amazon Shoppers, click  here .

• American Eskimo
• Australian Cattle Dog
• Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
• Basset Hound
• Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
• Brittany Spaniel
• Bull Terrier
• Chinese Shar-Pei
• English Setter
• English Springer Spaniel
• Finnish Spitz
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Norwegian Elkhound
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Segugio Italiano
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Standard Schnauzer
• Treeing Tennessee Brindle
• Yakutian Laika

42" * |  Large *

42" (107 cm) Large dog crate sizes are recommended for the following breeds  weighing between 71 - 90 lbs (32 - 41 kg).  For Amazon Shoppers, click  here .

• Airedale Terrier
• American Bulldog
• Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd | Poodle mix)
• Australian Kelpie
• Australian Shepherd
• Bearded Collie
• Belgian Sheepdog
• Belgian Tervuren
• Bernedoodle  (Bernese Mountain Dog | Poodle mix)
• Border Collie
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever
• Clumber Spaniel
• German Shorthaired Pointer
• Golden Retriever
• Goldendoodle
• Gordon Setter
• Ibizan Hound
• Irish Setter
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Labrador Retriever
• Pharaoh Hound
• Plott Hound
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Schnoodle  (Schnauzer | Poodle mix)
• Sheepadoodle  (Sheepdog | Poodle mix)
• Poodle (Standard)

48" * |  Extra Large *

48" (122 cm) Extra Large dog crates are recommended for the following  breeds  weighing between 91 - 110 lbs (41 - 50 kg).  For Amazon Shoppers, click  here .

• Afghan Hound
• Alaskan Malamute
• Belgian Malinois
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Bouvier Des Flandres
• Bullmastiff
• Catahoula Leopard Dog
• Doberman Pinscher
• Dogue De Bordeaux
• German Shepherd
• Giant Schnauzer
• Newfoundland
• Old English Sheepdog
• Siberian Husky
• Tervuren (Belgian)

54" * |  XXL *

• Anatolian Shepherd
• Great Pyrenees
• Irish Wolfhound
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Russian Bear Dog
• Scottish Deerhound
• St. Bernard

Having troubles? See our alphabetized list of dog breeds here .

More Useful Information

If you have reviewed the chart above and still have questions about selecting the right dog cages for your pet, this comprehensive guide will help you buy the best products with the right dimensions; and, appropriate dog cage, pet carrier, and kennel sizes, before you spend your money.

We do encourage owners to consult their pet professional that specializes in your dog's breed information. Buying the right dog crate sizes for your pets involves a number of important considerations. 

Why Do You Need a Dog Crate?

Pet crates are made of a plastic, aluminum, or collapsible metal material which is just big enough for your dog to stand and turn around in.

You can use it when you are not around to supervise your dog and it is constructed with the purposes of confining your dog for the dog’s safety as well as other reasons such as during traveling. 

When you have a dog, you will probably be faced with a challenge when it comes to deciding whether or not to crate your dog.

You may feel that it is unfair to crate your dog and deny it its freedom to be out and about. However, both professional trainers and veterinary doctors can attest to the fact that crating your dog has a positive impact on its well-being. So crates as dog training tools are highly recommended by professionals.

A crate allows your dog to satisfy its natural instinct to be in a den and this prevents it from experiencing problems that un-crated dogs feel.

Before you crate your dog, look into the different sizes available and choose one that will fit your dog perfectly.

Dog owners have found that crating their dogs has had a positive impact on both them and their dog's health care and some of the benefits include:

Benefits For You

Peace of mind.

The use of a crate will also prevent an instance where your dog starts to develop bad habits that could be harmful to it or your property.

If you get the right dog crate size for your dog, you can prevent harm from coming to your pet. A crate trained puppy provides more peace of mind for owners and allows for proactive puppy care, which promotes good overall dog health.

House Training

A crate is a good way to initiate house training by teaching the dog some form of routine. With the crate, you can use the confining as a way to exercise control over the patterns of your dog’s activities and in this way you can find a way to reduce the number of times that your dog stays outdoors.

It greatly helps puppy potty training crate efforts and once your dog is properly trained, you can go to bed knowing that your dog can keep itself out of danger at night and when alone in the house.

Appropriate crate sizing allows your dog to move around a little without giving them too much space where they can relieve themselves which enhances cleanliness.

Confinement

At times, your dog may be feeling anxious or over-excited and may be getting in your way. You can put your dog in the crate at such times to help it calm down from all the excitement around it.

This is especially useful during mealtimes or when there is a lot of activity in the house that may be disturbing your dog. After the excitement has cooled down, you can let him out to play.

Ensure that the size you use is not too small as this will make the dog uncomfortable.

Traveling with pets can be daunting as they may not be ready to adapt to all the changes around them. With a travel kennel, your dog can relax in the crate as you travel and it will feel safe inside its crate because the crate is a familiar environment.

Find the right dog carrier to match your traveling needs and don't forget to see whether yours requires a travel kit to make them IATA airline approved.

For Your Dog

Do you know that feeling you get where you want some time to yourself to think some things through or just rest?

Well, dogs get that too and having a crate to retreat to helps them have some form of privacy and security which they can use to rest when they are having a hard time.

It helps dogs have a place of solace to turn to when they are sick or stressed and this is important for the psychological well-being of the dog.

The right crate will have been the size of a den, enhancing the privacy of your dog. A good crate cover can further support your pet's needs.

This essential crate accessory also helps contain pet hair in and around the crate. Crate covers can be found here . 

Bowel Control

If you choose the appropriate size of crate, your pet will not have extra space to use for relieving itself.

Being in a crate will help your dog exercise control over its bowels as it will not wish to dirty its crate and it will thus wait until you let it out of the crate in order to empty its bowels.

Associating the outdoors with emptying of bowels will make it very easy for your dog to control its urge to pass urine or defecate whilst in the crate.

Involvement

When there is a lot of activity going on around the house, people tend to put the dog in another room to avoid disturbance from the dog. This can make a dog feel lonely due to its social nature and can affect its psychology.

A crate allows the dog to be with you in the room while activities are going on without feeling left out.

A dog crate also enables the dog to tag along during trips due to the convenience it provides. In this way, your pet will not be left at home alone when you go out which will have a positive impact on its well-being.

Given the highly social nature of dogs, it is important that they feel like they are part of your family and this can be done by ensuring that they spend a lot of time indoors as opposed to being left in the outdoors.

By using a dog crate to confine your dog, you can have the dog stay inside even when nobody is around to supervise it as you can be assured of its safety and it will feel that it is part of the family.

Leaving a dog in the outdoors makes it begin to exhibit some problem behaviors such as digging and barking which are caused by its isolation.

What to Consider Before Buying a Dog Crate?

Now that you have appreciated the importance of a dog crate, it is time to get down to business and choose the best one for your dog.

There are a number of factors to be considered to ensure that you purchase one that will serve your dog’s needs best.

If you travel a lot with your dog or if your dog needs a bigger crate due to its size, you can get more than one.

You can leave one in your car for use during traveling and have another crate in the house which your dog can use when it is indoors.

In this way, you will do away with the need to carry huge crates in and out of the house each time you want to travel with your dog.

The reason behind getting a crate will influence the type of crate that you will buy.

If you plan on using the crate mainly indoors, you can opt for a decorative one which does not have to be mobile.

For a crate to be used in the outdoors, go for a durable crate that can withstand varying weather conditions such that you will not have to keep replacing your dog’s crate every now and then.

If you wish to use the crate as a means of travel for your dog, look for something portable. It is advisable that you seek the help of a professional trainer who will help you make the right decision when it comes to your dog.

If you travel with your dog a lot, look for a crate which is easy to break down, light in weight and one that does not take up much space in the car.

Soft crates are the best for use during travel and you should look for crates that will protect your dog in the case of a car crash.

This is also useful in the case where you plan on taking a flight with your dog.

Many soft-sided and plastic kennels are approved for use by airlines but you should check with the airline you wish to use to confirm the specifics of air approved crates for your dog's size.

Crates come in a single door, double door and triple door models.

They each have their benefits and are suitable for particular needs. For example, a single door folding crate is an affordable option if you have a good spot for the crate that only requires a single entry.

If your chosen area for the crate needs a side door configuration, the double door is an excellent choice.

Finally, when training puppies or extra small dogs, it is often useful to have multiple door openings to tend to your puppy's every need.

For dogs with a tendency to chew or anxious dogs, do not use a soft crate which they can chew through.

Opt for a more durable, heavy duty product such as a plastic crate which can withstand the effects of chewing. However, there are dogs which can be really destructive and you should monitor your dog care within the first few weeks of crating in order to tell whether it can chew through the crate material or not.

Having a distraction in the crate such as a toy or some dry dog food or treats can help reduce the amount of chewing.

Choosing the right size reduces anxiety in dogs and makes them chew on the crate sides less.

Soft-sided and wire dog crates are very easy to set up and break down and are great choices if you do not plan to use the crate a lot.

Plastic dog crates are harder to set up and break down and can be used if you have adequate room for storage.

The temperature in the area where you live will have an effect on your choice of a crate.

For hot places, go for a wire crate as this will allow air circulation, keeping your dog cool. To protect your dog from the sun, you can place a towel on top of the crate and you can have a fan installed in the crate for added cooling.

If you live in a cold area, go for a plastic crate which prevents your dog from catching a cold.

The size of your crate will also affect the ease of storage and you should take that into consideration.

If you plan on crating your dog for a small amount of time as you run a few errands, you can use a soft-sided crate.

However, since these types of crates can easily be broken out of, you should opt for a wire crate or a plastic dog crate if you plan to leave the dog unattended for a long period of time.

It takes a few minutes for a determined dog to break free from a soft-sided crate so should you choose to get one, be sure to monitor your dog.

Types of Dog Crates

Your choice of crate will be dependent on factors such as its purpose, the size of your pet, the nature of your dog, and the amount of time that your dog will spend in the crate.

Soft-Sided Crates

These types of crates are made of soft mesh material or a material with similar features to mesh.

They come in different shapes and sizes and are a common option among dog owners as they are affordable, easy to carry due to their light weight and dogs adapt to them with ease.

They are easy to use with your dog for airline travel as most approve of these kinds of crates for use in cabins.

They are also convenient to carry around because they are not heavy and storage is easy as they are easy to collapse. A huge plus with these crates is that most dogs love them.

They are made of soft material which is not durable and it is easy for dogs to chew on them.

They are also very hard to clean and should not be used for dogs which are yet to learn how to control their bowel movements.

Plastic Dog Crate

These are sturdier as compared to soft-sided crates and they offer your dog more privacy when compared to wire dog crates.

The downside to using these crates is that they have poor ventilation and you cannot keep your dog in them for long.

They are easy to clean because of the material used and they provide your dog with the feeling of being in a den.

Approved by most airlines, you can use them when traveling with your dog. They are also very durable and cannot be damaged by dogs.

They are bulky and are hard to store because of the long process involved in breaking them down.

Though they are easy to clean, plastic absorbs odor and after a while, the crate will have a dog smell that just won’t go away.

Metal Wire Dog Crates

These are made of heavy duty metal wires and they are ideal for dogs who love to chew on things as they cannot damage the wire crate.

They are very strong and they provide your dog with visibility to its surroundings.

They allow a lot of air circulation, allowing you to leave your dog in the crate for long periods.

Their visibility allows your dog to take part in family activities.

Heavy duty wire crates from manufacturers such as Midwest are very durable, as they cannot be chewed through and they do not absorb odors, keeping them free of dog smells.

The high visibility is not ideal for reactive dogs that can get anxious easily and their heaviness makes them hard to carry.

Please note that the wire crates are made of metal which may rust with time.

Wood Crates

Of all the crates, these are the most attractive and the various shades of brown will blend in well with your decor. They are great for use in the indoors.

They are not easy to clean though and their mobility is limited due to their heaviness. Most dogs also do not respond to these crates well.

You have a lot of styles and sizes to choose from, such as a crate that doubles as an end table.

They are more expensive when compared to other crates and they can be ruined if your dog loves to chew and scratch things.

Wood also absorbs odors, which makes it have a dog odor.

Combination Crates

These crates combine the features of both metal dog crates with plastic or wooden crates and they come in different sizes.

They come equipped with wheels at the bottom to make traveling easy and they have easy access doors.

They are very hard to set up and are heavy to carry.

Popular Dog Crate Brands

These are the most popular and trusted brands that Pet Crates Direct recommends:

• Midwest Homes for Pets
• Precision Pet Products
• Prevue Pet Products
• Richell Pet
• Carlson Pet Products
• AmazonBasics
• ProSelect Empire

Give Your Dog Toys to Reduce Stress

If you feel that your dog is feeling low or anxious while in the crate, get it a few toys that it can chew on or play with.

Playing with toys is a form of exercise that enables your dog to relieve itself of stress that it may be going through.

It gives your dog a chance to use up all that stored energy and we all know how good a tired dog is. Its anxiety will go down and it will stay fit in the process.

If a lot is going on around your dog, having a toy helps it distract itself from the activities around it, helping it keep calm. At times, the crate affects the dog’s stress levels.

Being in a small crate that hinders it from stretching out can make it anxious and it is important to check the size that will work well for your dog.

Are Dog Beds Necessary?

You can have a dog bed in your dog’s crate but this will depend on the nature of your dog.

For example, some young puppies will need bedding as they are more likely to sleep better this way. Others will rip up the bedding and make a mess of it.

Before you decide to get a dog bed for your dog, start small with something inexpensive and figure out if your dog needs bedding or not.

Adult dogs who are chewers do not need added padding and can do quite well without bedding in the crate for extra materials, which typically only encourages further chewing.

When it comes to older dogs and sore dogs, bedding is necessary. Get bedding that is sturdy and in the case of older dogs, get waterproof bedding as they are likely to soil themselves.

Crate Training

So far you have learned a lot about what kind of crate you should purchase. This section will briefly discuss how to crate train your dog to maximize its benefits.

A crate can be a scary thing for a young puppy. Although some puppies will gladly enter the crate the first time they see one, others may refuse to do so.

If the puppy shows any signs of fear or discomfort towards the crate, we should never force him to interact or get closer to it.

By doing so, we’re actually worsening the fear and getting that puppy even more reluctant about entering the crate.

Instead, the puppy should be introduced to crate training in a gradual and positive manner.

We need to start with baby steps and reward any (I mean, literally any!) interaction the puppy has with the crate.

In the beginning, this could mean a brief look in its direction. If the puppy looks at the crate, you can mark (by using a clicker or a specific word) and reward that behavior.

Try to use high-value rewards, such as a yummy treat, a small piece of boiled chicken or dried liver.

When we use food to reward the puppy, we’re actually speeding up the learning process, increasing the puppy’s motivation and making the whole process much more enjoyable; generally, petting the puppy or saying “Good boy!” isn’t enough.

If he walks towards the crate or shows interest in exploring it, you should also mark that behavior and reward it.

Keep rewarding anything that he does that has anything to do with the crate (looking at it, sniffing it, moving his body towards it, taking a step in its direction, etc.).

When the puppy is comfortable being near the crate, you can throw a treat so that it falls inside it; most puppies will walk in its direction and end up entering the crate.

If he refuses to enter and ignores the treat, repeat the process, but, this time, try to place the treat closer to the door.

When the puppy enters the crate, don’t close the door or force him to stay inside it: let him come out if he wants to.

After a few repetitions, start to feed him small pieces of food when he’s preparing to exit the crate. By doing this, the puppy remains inside it and receives lots of tasty rewards for doing so.

Once the puppy feels comfortable inside the crate, you can start to close the door. First, you close the door for just a few seconds, give him a treat and then open the door. Then, you can gradually increase the time in which you keep the door closed.

If the puppy starts wining, crying, barking or trying to exit the crate, don’t open the door; if you do so, you’ll be rewarding him for behaving in such a way. Wait until he’s quiet and calm. However, if he seems really stressed and scared, open the door and let him out.

If this is the case, you have to take a few steps back and repeat the whole process. Don’t forget: crate training requires patience, so make it fun!

Dog Crate Sizes

Crates come in different sizes and getting the right size for your dog allows it to have the ability to stand and turn whilst in the crate.

The sizes of crates are suitable for extra small to large dogs.

Common Crate Dimensions

These categories are an alternative way of expressing length in inches. To get the right measurements for your dog, you can use the chart at the top of this page that will enable you to tell just how much big a crate you need.

The correct dog crate should allow your dog to stand at its full height and stretch itself while in a sleeping position without getting squeezed.

If you are getting a crate for your puppy, get one with a dividing panel which allows you to adjust the size of the crate as the puppy grows.

Avoid getting one that is too big for your dog as this will encourage it to relieve itself in one corner and relax in the other and this will make it hard for you to teach your dog to control its bowel movements.

The crate's size will affect the comfort of your dog. In choosing the perfect size for your dog, you will require to look into factors such as the purpose of your purchase as well as the amount of time that your dog will spend in the crate.

A dog crate is not a jail to your dog but rather it is a means of providing your dog with a place to seek shelter when it needs to be alone.

Get the perfect size for your dog to help it have its own den and add onto the happiness of your dog today.

Alphabetized Breed List

This list below is alphabetized and designed to provide another method of finding the appropriately sized dog kennel for your pet.