Best Dog Crates in 2019 – Top 10 Models Review by Dog Lover
While crates seem to be constricting for humans, it’s a different case for dogs. As canines are actually denned animals, they need the best dog crate to enjoy some quiet time and personal space in case your home gets too busy and loud at certain times of the day.
A crate will serve as your pet’s cozy retreat to help give him some calm space for highly stressful moments. Their crates are the best alternatives to dens that dogs tend to seek while in the wild, which offers them a safe space for naps and other activities.
Crate training is essential for puppies, but it can also be introduced to older pets with the right techniques. The most important part is to find an excellent unit that is perfectly sized for your pet and will meet all of your requirements to ensure their comfort and safety.
How To Choose The Best Dog Crate
Some people have issues in using crates for their dogs as they don’t feel comfortable in placing their beloved pet in what feels like a very limited space. What you should remember is that dogs also have their natural instincts.
They can get anxious with all of the stressors and activities inside your house, and it can result in unwanted behavior like chewing shoes, gnawing at furniture, and peeing everywhere.
Providing a retreat for them, where they can take a break from everything that’s happening around them, is a great way to look after their mental and emotional health, making it a necessary plus for fur parents.
Crates are the Best Tools for Housetraining Your Dog
Crates can also be useful tools when housetraining your dog. Getting the right crate size is the trick, though, so they won’t urinate or defecate inside. It will also teach them to go out to do their business, which will let you know when to praise and reward them following their good behavior.
So how do you choose the best dog crate? Here are some points to consider.
1. Your dog’s size
Experts say that a crate should only have enough space for your pet to cozy up and nothing else. Your fur baby should have room to lie down, stand up, turn around, and sit down without hunching or feeling cramped.
Going bigger will cause them to do their business inside the crate and you wouldn’t want that. They should do their numbers 1 and 2 outside for effective housetraining.
2. The material of the crate
There are two general types of crates for dogs:
- Metal crates are usually recommended for larger breeds and dogs that love seeing what’s happening around them. These crates have better ventilation and are excellent for pups that are still gnawing at everything. You can also easily adjust the floor area of a metal crate according to your pup’s growth, making it a more cost-effective purchase.
- Plastic crates are great for smaller breeds that also get lugged around by owners regularly. You can find models with handles on top so you can easily carry it whenever you travel with your pooch. It has limited views, though, and poor ventilation. However, most units have a removable upper part so it can also easily transform into a dog bed for the warmer months. If you want to travel by air with your dog, these crates are best suited for carrying your pet as a lot of them are approved by airlines for flights.
3. The quality and design of the crate
The product’s quality and design is the most important factor you need to consider when buying a crate. You need something that’s really sturdy, so you don’t have to worry about your pet destroying the parts or getting stuck in any of it.
4. Always read reviews
Customer feedback will still be the best tools that will help you decide whether a dog crate is the right one for your needs or not. Make sure to read up and do your research before you make a purchase.
10 Best Dog Crates – Reviews
To help you find the best dog crate for your fur baby, here are ten of the most highly recommended products in the market today.
1. New World Dog Crate
Wire crates are some of your options if you want to give your pet some personal space without shutting them off completely.
These crates are ideal for bigger dogs, as the material is sturdy enough to reign them in. It’s also equipped with a heavy-duty plastic pan that’s easily locked in place, leak-proof, and perfectly simple to clean.
If you have a large dog, wire crates are suggested by vets and other experts as the material provides ample stability and will be less likely destroyed by a big breed dog.
Some also prefer wire crates as they can be expandable, so you can ensure that your dog will have ample space as they grow bigger.
What makes this dog crate great is the fact that it is well made. When it comes to products for large dogs, you’ll want one that will not be easily bent or destroyed by your pet.
This unit meets all of those requirements, which will make you feel safe to have it at home.
Another great plus is the fact that the New World Dog Crate is collapsible. This is especially useful if you like to spend weekends with your dog in relative’s houses or if you like to go out with your pet every once in awhile.
A portable crate will make your fur baby’s safe space a lot easier to lug around and even make it easier for you to clean their area without having to make some new space for their crate.
2. AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate
Another option for a foldable metal crate is the AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate. This unit comes in different sizes, accommodating dogs of various breeds and ages.
Made with heavy duty metal and designed with narrow slats to prevent paws from going through and getting trapped, this dog crate is also one of the more popular products of this kind from Amazon.
While some may have worries from getting an AmazonBasics product, fret not. This brand is steadily proving itself as an excellent provider of whatever it is that you’ll need at home, and this particular unit has been enjoyed by numerous users.
This guarantees that your little one will be safe and sound in them, even if you’re not at home.
A great selling point of this unit is its design. Unlike other units, it has two doors: one at the front, one on the side. This provides easier mobility for your pet, especially during times of duress.
You can be sure that they’ll be able to easily access their crate without having to get extra antsy while finding their way in.
The two doors will also let your two pets share a crate. As this unit comes with a divider, you won’t have a hard time giving your two dogs some personal space in a flash.
Each can have their own entrance and cozy retreat with just one purchase, making it even more cost efficient and effective for you.
Of course, you can also choose not to have two dogs share and just use the divider to create a cozy space for your little pet as they grow. This is also a budget-friendly way to provide a cozy retreat for your fur baby.
3. Midwest iCrate Pet Crates
One issue most homeowners have when opting for metal crates is that the units tend to ruin their floorings easily.
As metal with a good deal of weight can bore down on your floors, the crate will definitely scratch and dig to your flooring material, making it unsightly and even unsafe for everyone in your household.
So, if you want to keep your floors in good condition, opting for the Midwest iCrate Pet Crates is an excellent option.
While this unit is still made from heavy duty metal that can still damage your floors, it’s different from others in its category as it has rubber feet, so the contact points between the crate and your floor will be properly cushioned.
This will prevent severe damages and scratches on your floor, letting you rest assured that both your dog and your floors are safe from each other.
This MidWest metal crate also has two doors and a free divider panel so you can definitely make the most out of it easily.
Whether you choose to let two pets share one crate for space and cost efficiency or you opt to buy a large unit for a young puppy, adjusting their space as they grow bigger, this unit is certainly a solid choice for any pet owner who wants to housetrain their fur babies.
Available in varying sizes, you can rely on this MidWest dog crate to provide a safe and cozy retreat for your pet. It’s also collapsible, making it portable and easy to transport.
4. Carlson Secure and Compact Single Door Metal Dog Crate
If you want a low-priced and straightforward dog crate, this Carlson product is a solid choice.
It’s definitely one of the most affordable metal dog crates in the market today, but it doesn’t mean that you should expect less from it.
Like the other crates on this list, this Carlson Secure and Compact Single Door Metal Dog Crate is made from high-quality metal and comes with a removable pan made of plastic. It’s easy to clean and has an all steel construction, making it ideal for bigger dogs.
It has one door at the front part of the crate and is easily collapsible for easier handling and transportation.
Designed for medium-sized dogs up to 45 lbs, this unit will provide an excellent cozy retreat for pets that enjoy having their own spot at home.
The slats are big enough to let your dog see everything that’s happening around him without endangering their limbs as they’re also small enough not to trap their paws in between the spaces.
Users particularly love that this unit is not as heavy as other metal crates. This makes it easier to collapse, move around, and set up.
You don’t even have to bother about having someone else assist you in putting up this crate as it’s easy and won’t require much effort to do so.
5. Petmate Compass Plastic Kennel
Another popular type of dog crates is plastic ones like this Petmate Compass Plastic Kennel.
Perfect for transporting your pets, especially on airplanes, this Petmate product is made and designed according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards.
This helps you guarantee that it’s a perfectly safe carrier for your fur baby, although, if you plan to travel by air with your pet, it’s still recommended to check with the airline regarding their pet policies as different airlines tend to have varying standards.
Aside from being an excellent choice for carrying your pet during travels, this Petmate product can also easily function as an everyday crate for your pet.
It’s versatility makes it an excellent option for many pet owners, as it definitely has a lot of functions, thanks to its design.
For one, it can serve as a full-fledged den for your pup. It’s great for pets who are okay with less visibility as it only has holes on its sides for ventilation and view. If your pet can handle being in rather enclosed spaces, it’s a nice choice.
Like most plastic crates, it also has a removable upper half, so you can also turn this crate into a cozy dog bed.
Since these crates aren’t well-ventilated, turning it into a bed during the warmer months may prove to be a better option for your pet’s health.
Especially if your home doesn’t have AC, you’ll want to keep your fur baby from overheating and this versatility can easily do the trick.
Sturdy, affordable, secure, and versatile, what else can you ask for in a dog crate? As it also comes in various sizes, this Petmate product can be the perfect home inside your home for all dog breeds and sizes.
6. ProSelect Easy Dog Crates for Dogs and Pets
One of the best-reviewed items online, this ProSelect metal dog crate is designed for medium-sized and heavy built dogs like Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Dalmatians, and Keeshonds among many others.
Users love the reasonable price and sturdy construction, ensuring that pets will stay inside securely and cozily.
Equipped with an easy to clean and removable plastic pan, you don’t have to worry about your pet dirtying your flooring or feeling uncomfortable from an uneven base. While it only has one door, it shuts securely, so you’re guaranteed that your pet won’t escape.
It’s also made from high-quality metal construction, so you shouldn’t worry about bending and breaking even if your pet is huge and heavy.
Another great feature of the ProSelect Easy Dog Crates for Dogs and Pets is its foldable design. You can easily collapse the sides and fold the unit into itself for easier storage or travel.
You can also set it up for use in a jiffy, so your pet won’t get antsy even when you’re in a new place.
These features will come in very handy if you like to spend nights away from home with your pet tagging along, as it makes it easy for you to bring your pet’s den wherever you go.
The best part about this metal crate is the fact that it’s available in various sizes, allowing you to choose one that will suit your pet’s needs.
Whatever your dog’s breed, age, and size may be, you’ll still find a great match from this ProSelect dog crate line.
7. Merry Products Cage
Those who worry about integrating a metal crate into their interiors can stop fretting now with the help of the Merry Products Cage.
This dog crate can easily blend into your gorgeous and well-thought out space, thanks to its crate cover that will make your dog’s cozy retreat look like a nice side table or a low console, depending on where you intend to put it.
Think of it like you’re giving your fur baby a four poster bed, as this one really comes with four posts and a top and bottom cover that makes it look like a nice cross between an actual furniture and a dog kennel.
Aside from being really clever and stylish, this dog crate is an excellent home inside your home for your pet as it is definitely sturdy and will always stay in place.
It’s also very easy to set up and makes a perfectly cozy spot for your dog as it has a top covering, letting them relax in some relative darkness.
Equipped with two doors and a detachable divider panel, you can easily let two small sized dogs share one of these crates for space and cost efficiency.
As the crate also has a wooden cover on top, you might also be able to maximize the unit by using it as a storage or surface to hold other things. Just make sure to avoid placing any liquids or anything fragile on top to be safe.
8. Petco Classic 1-Door Dog Crates
If you want a fuss-free, quality, and affordable metal dog crate for your pet, this Petco Classic product is a great choice.
It has everything you want in a crate, saving you from the hassle of looking high and low for a product that can get the job done.
As it is extremely affordable, you might be worried about the quality, but you shouldn’t. As it is sold by one of the biggest names in the pet care industry, you know that they mean business with every item that they sell.
This is why some are supremely surprised after finding out that these crates, despite their very low prices, are well-designed and made from high-grade metal construction.
The most notable thing about this dog crate is that it uses a different design for its latch. Unlike others, you’ll need to turn the lock to 90 degrees to release the latch.
This makes it difficult for pets to escape, leaving them secured inside the crate while you’re away.
Available in different sizes, bigger units also come with a divider so you can always get a big size until your dog grows into the crate. Cost-efficient, sturdy, and well-designed, this is definitely an excellent option for every pet owner.
9. OxGord Double-Door Easy Folding Metal Pet Crate for Dogs
Some people prefer plastic crates because most models actually come with handles.Also, they’re a lot lighter than metal crates, making them easier to lug around, even while your fur baby is inside.
However, some people don’t like owning a separate crate for traveling and another one as their pet’s den at home.
If this is the dilemma you’re facing, you should definitely check out the OxGord Double-Door Easy Folding Metal Pet Crate for Dogs.
A metal crate equipped with a top carrying handle, this unit can easily double as your pup’s carrying crate when you go on road trips. It’s also great for pets that tend to get hostile to veterinarians.
With a top handle, you won’t have a hard time carrying their crate, ensuring that they feel comfortable and familiar at all times, even when they get really nervous when seeing their doctor.
Designed with two doors and comes with a divider panel, this crate is also a great option for those with multiple pets.
You can buy a large unit and let two smaller dogs share. You can also just opt to buy a big one for your large breed dog and continuously use the unit as your pet gets bigger.
Made with high-quality steel and equipped with a washable and removable plastic tray, this dog crate is an excellent choice for any pet owner who wants a versatile crate that will cater to their needs.
10. MidWest Life Stages Folding Metal Dog Crate
While a lot of metal crates can be easily used for growing pets, the MidWest Life Stages Folding Metal Dog Crate is specially created for families who want to invest in a crate that their puppies can use until they get to full size.
This product is available in various sizes and comes with a divider panel, so you can effectively adjust the floor area according to your pet’s size. With a dual door design, it can also house two small dogs at the same time.
Made with heavy duty metal construction with smaller gaps and rounded edges, this product has really covered every base when it comes to keeping your pet safe and cozy.
It’s locks are designed to hold up securely, so you don’t have to worry about them getting out unsupervised wherever you may be.
A lot of reviewers also love the fact that these crates are collapsible and easy to put together.
While its weight may require some effort to wield, it’s still more of a guarantee that your pet won’t be able to get out when you don’t want them to instead of a hassle of having to carry a hefty carrier.
Final Verdict
Through thorough research, these ten items are proven to be the best dog crates available in the market today. Made from quality materials and great craftsmanship, each product guarantees exceptional performance.
They will also ensure the safety of your pet, as each one is designed with animals’ wellbeing in mind. Whatever your needs may be, you can definitely find one in this list that will suit your needs and requirements.