Best crate for your dog: top picks for home, travel, and training

Quick picks

• MidWest Life Stages Double Door Folding Dog Crate – Best all around wire crate for most dogs. Sturdy, easy to fold, and comes with a divider so it can grow with your puppy without overspending.
• Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate – Best stylish crate for apartments and small spaces. Looks better than basic wire crates, folds easily, and has smart safety details for families with kids.
• Impact High Anxiety Heavy Duty Dog Crate – Best crate for escape artists and power chewers. Built like a tank with secure latches and ventilation, ideal if your dog has broken out of wire crates before.
• Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier – Best plastic crate for travel and airline use. Durable, secure, and widely accepted for air travel when outfitted to your airline’s rules.

In-depth reviews

MidWest Life Stages Double Door Folding Dog Crate review

The MidWest Life Stages is the classic folding wire crate that works for most dogs and most homes. It is a strong choice if you want one crate that can handle puppyhood through adulthood without spending a fortune. The included divider lets you adjust the living space as your dog grows, which helps with house training and keeps the crate from feeling too big at first.

This crate comes in multiple sizes and offers single or double door options. The double door version is worth it for most people because you can place it against a wall or sofa and still have an easy entry point. The removable plastic tray slides out for cleaning, and the whole crate folds flat for storage or travel in the trunk of a car.

Compared with the Diggs Revol, the MidWest crate looks more utilitarian but costs much less and offers more size options for large breeds. It is not escape proof though, and heavy chewers or anxious dogs can sometimes bend wires or work basic latches loose. If your dog has a history of breaking out, the Impact High Anxiety crate is a better, though far more expensive, choice.

What you will like: Affordable, widely available sizes, adjustable divider for growing puppies, double doors for flexible placement, and easy folding design. It is a practical workhorse crate that suits most average, non-destructive dogs.

Keep in mind: Not designed for strong escape attempts, can rattle a bit if your dog moves around a lot, and it is not the prettiest option if you care about decor.

Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate review

The Diggs Revol crate is designed for people who dislike the look and feel of traditional wire crates. It has a cleaner, furniture-friendly design with rounded corners, solid panels with ventilation slats, and a top hatch that lets you drop in treats or lift a small dog out without opening the side door. It is ideal for apartment dwellers, small homes, or anyone who wants a crate in their main living space without it screaming “dog cage.”

One of the standout features is its smooth, pinch-free folding mechanism. The crate collapses and sets up with a simple twist and lift motion, and built-in wheels let you roll it from room to room. For families with kids, the softer edges and protected latches feel safer than cheap wire crates that can pinch little fingers.

Against the MidWest Life Stages, the Diggs Revol wins on looks, portability inside the house, and safety features, but it costs significantly more and currently comes in fewer sizes. For very large breeds or budget conscious buyers, the MidWest is a more practical pick. For small to medium indoor dogs who spend a lot of time crated near the family, the Revol’s comfort and style can be worth the price.

What you will like: Attractive design, kid friendly rounded edges, easy fold and roll setup, top access hatch, and overall higher quality materials. It feels more like a piece of pet furniture than a cage.

Keep in mind: Premium price, limited size range especially for giant breeds, and heavier than basic wire crates if you plan to move it in and out of the car often.

Impact High Anxiety Heavy Duty Dog Crate review

The Impact High Anxiety crate is for a very specific type of dog and owner. If your dog has already escaped from or seriously bent a standard wire crate, this heavy duty aluminum crate is one of the few that can reliably contain them. It is built with thick metal panels, small ventilation holes, and industrial grade latches that are very difficult for dogs to manipulate.

This crate is a strong investment for dogs with separation anxiety or intense escape behavior that could lead to injury in flimsier crates. It is also popular among working dog handlers and people who travel frequently with strong, determined breeds. Despite its serious construction, the aluminum body is lighter than comparable steel crates and resists rust.

Compared with the MidWest and Diggs crates, the Impact High Anxiety model is overkill for the average family dog and far more expensive. It also looks more industrial and belongs in a utility room, kennel area, or garage rather than as a living room showpiece. But if you have already dealt with broken wires, damaged teeth, or dangerous escapes, this crate can actually save money and stress over time.

What you will like: Extremely secure, durable, and escape resistant. Ventilated but enclosed design can help nervous dogs feel more denlike safety, and the aluminum build is sturdy without being impossibly heavy.

Keep in mind: Very high price, heavier and bulkier than standard crates, and not necessary for most mild mannered dogs. You will likely need a separate, lighter crate or harness setup for everyday car rides.

Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier review

The Petmate Sky Kennel is a classic hard plastic crate that works for both home and travel, especially for air travel when configured correctly. Its solid shell, metal door, and ventilation openings on the sides balance security with breathability. Many airlines accept this style of crate, though you must always check and follow your specific carrier’s requirements for bolts, dishes, and labels.

For nervous or easily overstimulated dogs, the more enclosed feel of a plastic crate can be calming compared with open wire crates. It also contains messes better if your dog gets carsick or has an accident during travel. The crate separates into two halves for storage and has tie down points for added security during transport.

Against the MidWest Life Stages, the Sky Kennel has fewer size options and is not as convenient to fold away between uses, but it is a better pick if you plan to fly with your dog or need a more denlike space. Compared with the Impact High Anxiety crate, the Sky Kennel is far more affordable, though not as escape proof for truly determined dogs.

What you will like: Airline friendly design, solid sides that can help anxious dogs relax, secure hardware, and durable construction that stands up to repeated travel.

Keep in mind: Bulkier to store, less open airflow than wire crates, and you may need to upgrade hardware or add accessories to meet strict airline rules.

How to choose the right crate size and style

Before you pick a specific model, it helps to narrow down crate size and style. A properly sized crate lets your dog stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but it should not be so large that they can use one corner as a bathroom and another as a bedroom. If you are buying for a puppy, plan for their adult size and use a divider to adjust space as they grow.

Measure your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail, then add a few inches for comfort. Do the same from the ground to the top of their head or ears when standing. Use the larger of these measurements to match the manufacturer’s sizing chart. When in doubt between two sizes, choose the bigger one if you have an adult dog, or the smaller with a divider if you have a puppy.

Next, choose a crate type that fits your dog’s temperament and your lifestyle:

• Wire crates like the MidWest Life Stages provide excellent airflow and visibility. They are good for most dogs who enjoy seeing what is going on around them and for homes where you want flexibility in placement and folding.
• Plastic crates like the Petmate Sky Kennel offer a more denlike feel and are better for travel and nervous dogs who like a cozier space.
• Heavy duty crates such as the Impact High Anxiety model are specialty tools for serious escape artists or strong working breeds.
• Premium or furniture style crates like the Diggs Revol blend better with decor and often add smart convenience features, but cost more.

Match your crate to your main use. If your dog spends most weekdays crated while you work from home, comfort, visibility, and easy cleaning should top the list. If you travel by plane or have a determined chewer, safety and compliance matter more than looks.

Crate training tips for a happier dog

Even the best crate will not help if your dog is terrified of it. Crate training should teach your dog that the crate is a safe, positive place, not a punishment box. Plan to introduce it slowly over several days instead of closing the door the first time you set it up.

Start by setting up the crate in a quiet but social spot, like a corner of the living room. Prop the door open and drop treats just inside, then farther back, so your dog chooses to step in. Feed a few meals in the crate with the door open so it becomes associated with good things. Add a comfortable mat and a favorite toy once your dog enters willingly.

When your dog seems relaxed going in and out, begin closing the door for very short periods while you sit nearby. Gradually increase the time, then add short absences. Keep early sessions brief and end them before your dog gets upset so they build a history of calm experiences.

A few key guidelines:

• Do not use the crate as punishment. If you send your dog there only when you are angry, they will learn to dread it.
• Limit time inside. Most adult dogs can handle around four to six hours during the day, fewer for young puppies. Nighttime is usually easier once they are settled and have been to the bathroom.
• Give bathroom breaks and exercise. A well exercised dog who has just gone outside will rest more calmly than one who is full of energy.
• Watch for distress. Panting, drooling, nonstop barking, or attempts to chew the bars can signal anxiety that needs slower training or professional help.

If your dog continues to panic in the crate despite gradual training, talk with a trainer or veterinarian. For some dogs, especially those with severe separation anxiety, you may need a combined plan that includes behavior modification and possibly medication along with a safer, more secure crate.

Final thoughts

If you want one reliable crate for an average family dog, the MidWest Life Stages Double Door Folding Dog Crate is the most practical starting point. For a high visibility crate that looks good in your living room, the Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate earns its premium price in safety and style. If you live with a true escape artist, the Impact High Anxiety Heavy Duty Dog Crate offers security that cheaper models cannot match, while the Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier remains a proven choice for travel and airline use.

Think first about your dog’s size, temperament, and how you plan to use the crate day to day. Once those pieces are clear, choosing among these top picks becomes much easier.

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FAQ

How big should my dog’s crate be?

Choose a crate that lets your dog stand up without crouching, turn around comfortably, and stretch out on their side. It should not be so large that they can use one end as a bathroom and the other as a bedroom. For puppies, buy for their expected adult size and use a divider panel to shrink the space at first, then expand it as they grow.

Is it cruel to crate a dog at night?

Used correctly, crating at night is not cruel and many dogs actually sleep better in a cozy denlike space. The key is to introduce the crate gradually and pair it with positive experiences so your dog feels safe there. Make sure your dog has had a chance to go to the bathroom and had some exercise before bed, and keep the crate in a quiet, comfortable area where they can rest.

Wire vs plastic crates: which is better?

Wire crates provide more airflow and visibility, which suits social dogs and warm homes, and they fold flat for easy storage. Plastic crates feel more enclosed and can be calming for some anxious dogs, and they are often required or preferred for airline travel. For most indoor use, a wire crate like the MidWest Life Stages works well, while a plastic crate like the Petmate Sky Kennel is better if you travel frequently or your dog prefers a darker den.

Can a dog stay in a crate while I am at work?

Adult dogs can usually handle about four to six hours in a crate during the day, provided they get bathroom breaks, exercise, and interaction before and after. Young puppies need more frequent breaks, sometimes every one to three hours, depending on age. If you work long days, consider a dog walker, doggy day care, or a safe gated room instead of relying on a crate alone.

What should I put in my dog’s crate?

Most dogs do well with a comfortable crate pad or mat, a safe chew toy, and possibly a blanket if they are not prone to overheating or chewing fabric. Avoid leaving anything that can be easily torn apart and swallowed, such as loose plush toys or beds with zippers and stuffing for strong chewers. For puppies in the middle of house training, you may want a simpler, easy to wash mat until you are confident about their bladder control.

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