Best Dog Crates
A crate is a bed, a den and a safety tool. The right one depends on the job: house training a puppy, holding a dog who breaks out of everything, riding in the car, or sitting in your living room without looking like a cage.
Updated October 27, 2026. Research by The Pet Gear Lab team.
Disclosure: Some links on this site are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Picks are labeled Research pick because they come from published testing and owner reports. How we pick.
The short answer
The MidWest LifeStages Double Door Folding Crate is the best dog crate for most homes: it has two doors, a divider panel for growing puppies and folds flat. For dogs that break out of wire crates, the Impact High Anxiety Crate is the heavy-duty pick. For car travel, the Gunner G1 Kennel holds Center for Pet Safety certification.
Key facts
- The AKC says to measure your dog standing, nose to tail tip and head to floor, then add 3 to 4 inches to each number.
- The San Francisco SPCA says a crate should be no bigger than your dog needs to stand, turn around and lie down.
- Tufts’ Your Dog newsletter warns that makers can claim crate safety without sufficient proof, so check the Center for Pet Safety’s certified list.
- MSPCA-Angell’s behavior team says not to crate a dog with diagnosed separation anxiety, since the dog may get hurt trying to escape.
No single crate does all of those well. A folding wire crate is cheap and easy to live with, but a strong, anxious dog can bend or escape one. A crash-tested travel kennel is built for the car, but it is heavy. A furniture crate looks good, but most are not made for chewers.
So we sorted the picks by job. Measure your dog first, then pick the crate that fits the way you will use it.
Quick picks
Best overall wire crate and best for puppies, for most dogs and most homes
Best plastic, airline-style, for a cozier den that can also travel
Best heavy-duty, escape-resistant, for strong dogs that break out of wire crates
Best for car travel, crash-tested and certified by the Center for Pet Safety
Best soft crate for travel, for calm, crate-trained dogs on overnight trips
Best furniture-style, for small to medium dogs that do not chew
How to choose
Measure your dog, not the label. The AKC says to measure your dog standing, from the top of the head to the floor and from the nose to the tip of the tail. Add 3 to 4 inches to each number. Weight charts on boxes are rough guides only.
Do not buy too big. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down. The San Francisco SPCA says a crate should be no bigger than that, or a dog may use one end as a bathroom. For a puppy, the AKC suggests buying for adult size and using a divider panel to block off the extra space.
Match the material to the dog. The AKC sums up the trade-offs. Wire crates are the best choice for dogs who chew, with good airflow and visibility. Plastic crates are durable, easy to clean and can double as travel carriers. Wood crates look best but cost more and are harder to clean. Soft crates are light and fold small, but suit small dogs that do not chew.
Be honest about escape risk. If your dog has bent bars, pried a door or hurt itself trying to get out, a standard wire crate is the wrong tool. Look at a heavy-duty crate, and talk to your vet or a behavior professional. MSPCA-Angell’s behavior team says not to crate a dog with diagnosed separation anxiety, since the dog may get hurt trying to escape.
Treat “crash-tested” with care. There is no federal standard for pet travel crates. Tufts’ Your Dog newsletter warns that makers can claim safety “without sufficient proof.” The Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a nonprofit, runs independent crash tests and keeps a short list of certified crates. If a crate is not on that list, treat crash claims as marketing.
Check the airline yourself. Plastic kennels are often sold as “airline friendly.” Rules vary by airline, and some need extra metal hardware or labels. Confirm with your carrier before you buy.
Crate training and safe use
A crate only works if your dog sees it as a safe place. Here is what the AKC, humane societies and a veterinary hospital’s behavior service agree on.
- Go slowly. The AKC’s step-by-step guide, written by a certified trainer, says to “take it slow and heap on the rewards.” Close the door only once your dog walks in happily. Change one thing at a time, such as how long the door stays shut or how far you walk away.
- Never use it as punishment. The AKC, the San Francisco SPCA and the Houston Humane Society all say this. MSPCA-Angell adds that you should never force a dog into the crate.
- Take off the collar. The AKC says to remove your dog’s collar in the crate, because “collars can become a danger if they get stuck in the bars.”
- Do not reward whining. The AKC says not to open the door while your dog whines. Wait for a few seconds of quiet. The exception is a puppy at night who may need a potty break.
- Keep sessions reasonable. The AKC says a dog should not be crated longer than it can hold its bladder, and that puppies should not be crated all day. MSPCA-Angell suggests a larger pen with water and a potty spot if you will be gone more than three or four hours.
- Give safe things to do. MSPCA-Angell suggests a safe chew toy or a stuffed, frozen food toy. The AKC suggests lick mats and hidden treats.
- Watch for distress. The San Francisco SPCA says to stop if your dog is hurting itself trying to escape. The AKC says panic or constant crying may point to separation anxiety and calls for a professional trainer or behavior consultant.
What to know about these picks
We have not tested these crates. Our main independent sources are Forbes Vetted’s July 2026 crate roundup, where an editor used several crates at home; Rover’s January 2024 crate guide and its hands-on Fable review; K9 of Mine’s two-year test of the Impact High Anxiety Crate; GearJunkie’s November 2025 Impact review; CNN Underscored’s long-term Gunner G1 review; and Whole Dog Journal’s soft crate comparison (updated 2024). Crash claims come from the Center for Pet Safety’s certified list.
Some sources are a few years old, and crates change. Wirecutter’s crate guide was blocked when we tried to read it. We could not find a current Spruce Pets or Consumer Reports crate test to read. Reviewed (USA Today) and PetsRadar roundups were used for background only, since most of their picks were not tested hands-on.
The plastic pick has the thinnest evidence in this guide. We found no hands-on independent test of the Petmate Ultra Vari, only roundup picks and owner reviews, and we say so in its card.
Specs come from maker pages or Chewy listings. We do not list prices, since they change often.
Specs compared
| Pick | Best for | Material | Sizes | Doors and latches | Crash rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest LifeStages Double Door Folding Crate | Best overall, puppies | Folding wire, plastic pan | 6 sizes, 22 to 48 in | 2 doors, slide-bolt latches | MidWest wire model failed CPS test |
| Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel | Best plastic, airline-style | Plastic | 36 in fits 50 to 70 lb (Chewy) | Wing nuts; airline kit sold extra | Not on CPS certified list |
| Impact High Anxiety Crate | Best heavy-duty, escape-resistant | Aluminum | 30 to 48 in | Paddle latch plus 4 extra latches | Not crash-rated (GearJunkie) |
| Gunner G1 Kennel | Best for car travel | Double-walled body | S, M, Intermediate, Large | Reversible door, key lock | CPS certified: S, M, Intermediate |
| EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Crate | Best soft, travel | Soft: steel frame, mesh doors | Not listed | 3 mesh doors, locking zippers | Not for car use (Whole Dog Journal) |
| Fable Signature Crate | Best furniture-style | Bentwood, metal or acrylic gate | Medium: dogs up to 50 lb (Rover) | Sliding gate | Not listed |
Specs from maker pages, Chewy listings and the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) certified list, October 2026. CPS certification for the Gunner G1 requires strength-rated tie-down straps; check the listing.
The picks in detail
Home Dogs Research pick
MidWest LifeStages Double Door Folding Crate
Best overall wire crate, best for puppies
Verdict: The best first crate for most homes: two doors, a divider for puppies and a design that folds flat.
What it does well: Forbes Vetted named it the best dog crate overall. The editor’s family has used it for over two decades with three dogs and says the frame “barely shows any signs of wear.” Forbes also says it “folds completely flat in seconds.” Dogster’s puppy crate roundup made it the best value pick. MidWest lists six sizes from 22 to 48 inches, a divider panel, a leak-proof plastic pan and slide-bolt latches with a locking tip. The two doors give you more choices for where it fits in a room.
The downsides: Forbes calls the look “basic” and says larger sizes are heavy and awkward to move alone. Some Chewy reviewers say the door is stiff, and one received a crate missing its carry handle. Like most folding wire crates, it is not built for escape artists. A Reviewed writer’s 90-pound pointer broke out of a similar MidWest folding crate. CPS crash tests found a MidWest wire kennel failed in a crash even with reinforced straps, so do not count on it in the car.
Skip it if: your dog has escaped a wire crate before, or you mainly need a car crate. If you want a cheaper single-door option, MidWest’s iCrate is the same basic design. Rover picked it for puppies, though it notes the doors “may bend if under too much pressure.”
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Home Dogs Research pick
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel
Best plastic, airline-style
Verdict: A sturdy, enclosed plastic kennel that many dogs find den-like, with the weakest test evidence of our six picks.
What it does well: Rover named it the best plastic crate in its 2024 guide. Reviewed lists it as a heavy-duty plastic option that “meets most airline cargo regulations.” Chewy’s listing says it meets USDA and IATA requirements for shipping live animals and has ventilation on all sides. Owners on Chewy rate it well for cleaning and durability, and one who added Petmate’s airline kit said their dog stayed “safe and secure” on a flight home. The AKC notes plastic crates are easy to clean and can double as travel carriers.
The downsides: Rover says “a few modifications are needed” to make it airline-ready. Chewy’s Q&A says it ships with plastic wing nuts, and Petmate sells an airline kit separately. Reviewed notes that users “have reported quality issues.” On a discontinued Chewy listing for the giant size, one owner said the handle “snapped into pieces.” Rover says it is made from recycled materials, but we could not confirm that on Chewy or find Petmate’s own product page. It does not appear on the CPS certified crate list.
Skip it if: your dog chews plastic, or you need a crash-tested crate for the car.
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Home Dogs Research pick
Impact High Anxiety Crate
Best heavy-duty, escape-resistant
Verdict: The heavy-duty pick with the most hands-on testing behind it, if your dog defeats ordinary crates.
What it does well: K9 of Mine’s managing editor used the 40-inch-plus size for nearly two years with two 90-pound dogs, both with some separation anxiety. He wrote that it “has worked flawlessly each and every time.” GearJunkie’s testers called it “extremely secure,” and one tester’s Belgian Malinois “never managed to work a latch loose” on long road trips. Forbes Vetted named it the best crate for high-anxiety dogs, and Rover listed it as its heavy-duty pick. Impact builds it from aluminum with a paddle latch plus four extra latches, in sizes from 30 to 48 inches.
The downsides: It is one of the most expensive crates in this guide. K9 of Mine says “this crate is expensive,” and Forbes calls it heavy and not made to move often. GearJunkie found assembly “tedious” and said the hardware “can loosen.” Impact claims “No dog breaks out. Period.” That is a maker claim, not a test result. Impact’s page also lists warranty terms for dog damage that conflict with each other, so read them before you buy. GearJunkie notes it is not crash-rated.
Skip it if: your dog is calm in a wire crate, or you need a crate rated for car crashes. And remember that MSPCA-Angell says not to crate a dog with diagnosed separation anxiety. A stronger crate does not treat the anxiety, so talk to your vet.
See it at Impact Dog Crates Not an affiliate link
Home Dogs Research pick
Gunner G1 Kennel
Best for car travel, crash-tested
Verdict: The best-documented crash-tested crate, as long as you buy a certified size and use the right straps.
What it does well: The Center for Pet Safety lists the G1 in Small, Medium and Intermediate sizes as certified travel crates when used with strength-rated anchor straps. CPS gave the Small a 5-star rating as both a crate and a carrier. CNN Underscored used the G1 for over a year with two puppies and called the crates “incredibly durable and versatile.” Forbes Vetted named it the best crash-tested crate. Gunner lists a double-walled body, a reversible door with a key lock and backup latches, and a drain plug for cleaning.
The downsides: CNN’s reviewer opened that section with “It’s heavy and bulky,” and two crates took up most of a compact SUV’s cargo space. Gunner lists the Intermediate at 48 pounds empty. The Large size is not CPS certified. Certification depends on Gunner’s tie-down straps, which are sold separately, and CPS says it does not cover the Small’s cold-weather door option. Gunner calls its door “escape proof,” but we found no independent escape test, and its warranty does not cover damage your dog causes. Gunner says it can meet airline rules but tells owners to check with each airline. Gunner’s page showed every size as sold out when we checked.
Skip it if: your dog needs the Large size and you want certification, or you cannot lift a heavy kennel in and out of the car.
See it at Gunner Not an affiliate link
Home Dogs Research pick
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Crate
Best soft, travel
Verdict: The best-reviewed soft crate for trips, but only for calm dogs who are already crate trained.
What it does well: Whole Dog Journal compared eight soft crates with the writer’s own dogs and gave this one its top score of 4 paws, calling it the standout. Forbes Vetted named it the best portable crate. The editor has used it “for years” for overnight stays, and Forbes says it “sets up in seconds without tools.” Rover gave it a Verified Review. EliteField lists a steel frame, mesh doors on the front, side and top, and a carry bag and fleece bed.
The downsides: Whole Dog Journal says soft crates are only for dogs already reliably crate trained, since puppies can claw and chew through mesh. It also faulted this model’s zippers, which could not be secured closed, though Chewy now lists locking zippers on the front and side doors. One Chewy owner said a chewing dog destroyed the zippers within an hour. Whole Dog Journal also warns against soft crates in the car, since crash forces “could potentially catapult a dog” through the mesh.
Skip it if: you have a puppy, a chewer or an anxious dog, or you need a crate for car travel.
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Home Dogs Research pick
Fable Signature Crate
Best furniture-style
Verdict: The best-tested furniture crate for small and medium dogs who do not chew.
What it does well: Rover’s blog manager used it with a young Samoyed for over 120 days of crate training and with a senior Shiba Inu. After one chew session she said “the walls held strong.” She also praised “how quiet and versatile it is” as a side table. Forbes Vetted named it the best design-minded crate. Apartment Therapy’s writer used it with a 25-pound mix and said getting him to use it “took hardly any training at all.” Fable lists a bentwood body, a sliding gate in metal or clear acrylic, and airflow holes, with assembly taking about 20 minutes.
The downsides: Rover lists it as “not chew-proof or damage resistant” and not ideal for puppies. Rover also found you cannot easily leave food or water inside, and that sizes run small. Apartment Therapy notes the medium “takes two people to lift,” and Fable sent that writer a free crate to review. Forbes says the finish can scratch quickly. Fable says it is not escape-proof, warns of a choking risk for dogs whose heads are close to the window size, and sells the crate as final sale. We could not read Fable’s size chart, so measure before you buy.
Skip it if: your dog chews, panics when crated or is over about 50 pounds. Rover lists the medium for dogs up to 50 pounds.
See it at Fable Not an affiliate link
Questions people ask
What size crate does my dog need?
Measure your dog standing, nose to tail and head to floor, then add 3 to 4 inches, as the AKC suggests. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down, but not much more.
How long can a dog stay in a crate?
No source we read gives a fixed hour limit. The AKC says no longer than your dog can hold its bladder, and never all day for a puppy. Build time up slowly.
Is there such a thing as an escape-proof dog crate?
Some makers say so, but those are claims. Heavy aluminum crates like the Impact have the best hands-on record in the testing we read. If your dog is injuring itself to get out, talk to your vet before you buy a stronger crate.
Sources and further reading
- Forbes Vetted, “The 6 Best Dog Crates, According To Pet Experts And Dog Owners” (July 2025, updated July 2026)
- Rover, “The 11 Best Dog Crates in Every Type” (January 2024)
- Rover, “Review: The Fable Dog Crate Combines Style and Comfort” (January 2023, updated October 2023)
- Apartment Therapy, Fable Crate review (March 2022)
- K9 of Mine, “Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate Review: A Two-Year-Long Test” (March 2024, updated June 2025)
- GearJunkie, Impact Dog Crates review (November 2025)
- CNN Underscored, Gunner G1 Kennel review (date not shown)
- Whole Dog Journal, “Soft-Sided Dog Crates: Best and Worst” (2017, updated February 2024)
- Dogster, “7 Best Crates for Puppies in 2026” (July 2026)
- Reviewed, “The Best Dog Crates” (updated July 2024)
- Center for Pet Safety, certified products list
- Center for Pet Safety, Gunner Kennel G1 Small certification (tested 2017)
- Center for Pet Safety, 2015 crate crash test study
- Tufts Your Dog (Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine), “Is Your Dog’s Car Harness, Travel Crate, or Carrier Crash-Test Certified?” (date not shown)
- AKC, “How to Choose the Best Crate for Your Dog” (updated February 2026)
- AKC, “Safe and Stress-Free Crate Training: A Step-by-Step Guide” (updated October 2026)
- AKC, “How to Crate Train A Puppy” (updated 2018)
- MSPCA-Angell, “Crate Training” behavior handout (undated)
- San Francisco SPCA, “Crate Training Your Adult Dog” (undated)
- Houston Humane Society, “Crate Training Tips from HHS” (October 2016)
- MidWest Homes for Pets, LifeStages crate page
- Impact Dog Crates, High Anxiety Crate
- Gunner, G1 Kennel
- Fable, Signature Crate
- Chewy listings and owner reviews for the LifeStages, Ultra Vari and EliteField
Product details change. Confirm the model, size and availability on the retailer page before you buy. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice.
Keep reading
- Best Crash-Tested Dog Car Harnesses and Crates: Center for Pet Safety certified harnesses, crates and carriers
- Best Slow Feeder Dog Bowls: bowls that slow down fast eaters
- Best Orthopedic Dog Beds: supportive beds for older and large dogs
- All dog gear and every buying guide
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