7 Best Dog Crates & Kennels for 2026: Tested for Safety, Comfort & Durability
A good crate is a safe haven, not a cage. We tested crates of all types - wire, plastic, heavy-duty, furniture-style - to find the best for every dog size and temperament.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
When I first brought Milo home as a puppy, I thought crates were cruel. A cage for your dog? It felt wrong. But then I learned what every experienced dog owner knows: a properly used crate is a den - a safe, private space where your dog can relax without being on guard.
Milo took to crate training like a champ (he still naps in his crate with the door open). Rocky uses his for travel. And Luna - who hates loud noises - retreats to hers during thunderstorms voluntarily.
I tested 10 crates across four categories: wire, plastic (airline-approved), heavy-duty (for escape artists), and furniture-style (for owners who want aesthetics). Here’s what actually works.
Quick Picks
| Category | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry | $54.99 |
| Best for Air Travel | Petmate Sky Kennel | $58.99 |
| Best Heavy-Duty | ProSelect Empire Dog Cage | $199.99 |
| Best Furniture Style | Scurry Cozy Home Pet Crate | $179.99 |
How We Tested
I tested each crate with all three dogs: Milo (crate training puppy), Rocky (well-adjusted adult), and Luna (anxious dog who uses her crate as a safe space). Criteria: assembly time (minutes), ease of cleaning, portability, security of latches, and each dog’s willingness to enter the crate voluntarily (measured by how often they chose to nap inside with the door open during the 2-week test period per crate).
Detailed Reviews
1. MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry
Price: $54.99 | Check Price on Amazon →
Best for: Everyday home use - the standard for crate training and daily crating
The MidWest iCrate is the Honda Civic of dog crates: reliable, affordable, and everyone has one. It folds flat in seconds (great for storage or travel), has a dual-door design (front and side), and includes a free divider panel so you can adjust the space as your puppy grows. I’ve owned two of these across three dogs and never had a single issue. The build quality is consistent - the wires don’t bend, the tray slides out easily for cleaning, and the assembly is tool-free.
⚠️ Caveat: Not for escape artists or strong chewers - determined dogs can bend the wires. The tray is thin plastic and can crack if a heavy dog jumps on it. No handle for carrying (awkward to move when assembled). The included divider can be tricky to install securely.
Verdict: The standard for a reason. Perfect for 80% of dog owners. Reliable, affordable, and easy to use. For most dogs, this is all you need.
2. Petmate Sky Kennel
Price: $58.99 | Check Price on Amazon →
Best for: Air travel - FAA-approved and the most travel-friendly option
I flew with Rocky across the country last year, and the Petmate Sky Kennel was on every airline’s approved carrier list. It’s made of heavy-duty plastic with a steel wire door, ventilation on all four sides, and a raised interior to keep your dog off the tarmac. The ‘live animal’ sticker and ‘this end up’ arrows are molded right into the plastic. The assembly is simple - just the two halves snap together with included hardware. Rocky traveled comfortably and the kennel came out of baggage claim with nothing but minor scuffs.
⚠️ Caveat: Bulky when assembled - takes up significant floor space. The plastic can crack in extreme cold. Not for escape artists (latch is plastic). Assembly/disassembly requires a screwdriver. Some airlines have specific size requirements - check before buying.
Verdict: The standard for air travel. If you fly with your dog, buy this. For home use, wire crates are more practical.
3. ProSelect Empire Dog Cage
Price: $199.99 | Check Price on Amazon →
Best for: Escape artists, strong chewers, and dogs with separation anxiety who damage crates
This is the crate you buy when you’ve already bought three crates. A friend’s German Shepherd had destroyed two wire crates (bent bars, broken tray) before the ProSelect. The bars are thicker (3/8-inch steel, 1-inch spacing), the latch is a secure drop-pin system, and the whole thing is welded - not bolted. The construction is industrial. It’s heavy (55+ lbs), but it’s also literally chew-proof. This crate will outlast your dog.
⚠️ Caveat: Very heavy and awkward to move. Expensive - $200 is a serious investment. No divider panel (you need to get the right size upfront). The tray is metal but thin - some dogs can bend the corners. Aesthetic: it looks like a dog prison.
Verdict: If you have a determined escape artist, stop wasting money on flimsy crates and buy this once. It’s overkill for normal dogs but essential for the troublemakers.
4. Scurry Cozy Home Pet Crate
Price: $179.99 | Check Price on Amazon →
Best for: Owners who want a crate that doesn’t look like a crate - furniture aesthetics
The Scurry Cozy Home looks like a side table. Metal grille on the front, wood-grain top, clean lines. It sits in my living room and guests have literally asked ‘what’s that cabinet for?’ before I opened the door and a dog came out. The interior is surprisingly spacious - fits a 30-inch wire crate’s worth of space inside a 24-inch furniture footprint. The top is strong enough to hold a lamp or plant. It has two locking latches (one on each side) for security.
⚠️ Caveat: Only one door (front), which is inconvenient for some setups. No dividers for growing puppies. The wood veneer can scratch - put a protective mat on top if using it as a table. Poor ventilation on the sides (only the front is open). Heavy and difficult to move.
Verdict: Best looking crate by far. If aesthetics matter and your dog is well-behaved in a crate, this is the way to go. But skip it for escape artists or heavy chewers.
Other Products We Tested
- AmazonBasics Wire Crate: Almost identical to MidWest for $5 less. Slightly thinner wire. Fine for small dogs, skip for large breeds.
- EliteField Soft-Sided Crate: Great for travel and camping. Collapses to a disc. $69. Not for dogs who like to chew through things.
How to Choose a Dog Crate
- Get the right size - Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Measure from nose to tail (add 4 inches) and from floor to top of head. For growing puppies, use a divider panel.
- Wire vs plastic vs heavy-duty - Wire is best for everyday home use. Plastic is best for travel. Heavy-duty is for escape artists. Furniture-style is for aesthetic-conscious owners.
- Crate training basics - Never use the crate as punishment. Feed meals inside the crate. Start with short intervals (5 minutes) and gradually increase. The crate should be a happy place.
- Placement matters - Put the crate in a family area (not a basement or garage). Dogs are pack animals - being isolated defeats the purpose of a safe space.
FAQ
Is crate training cruel?
No - when done properly. Dogs are den animals by nature. A crate becomes a safe space, not a prison. The key: never use it for punishment, never leave a dog crated for more than 4-6 hours (adult dogs), and always provide water if crated for more than 2 hours.
What size crate does my dog need?
Large enough to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. For the iCrate: 22-inch (toy breeds), 30-inch (Corgi/Beagle), 36-inch (Border Collie), 42-inch (Labrador), 48-inch (Great Dane). When in doubt, size up and use the divider.
Can my dog sleep in a crate at night?
Absolutely - many dogs prefer it. Milo sleeps in his crate with the door open every night. Once crate trained, the crate becomes the dog’s bedroom. Just make sure it’s comfortable (add a bed or blanket) and in your bedroom or nearby if the dog is new.
Final Verdict
For most owners, the MidWest iCrate is the right choice - reliable, affordable, and easy to use. If you travel by air, add the Petmate Sky Kennel. If you have an escape artist, save yourself the frustration and buy the ProSelect Empire once. And if your living room aesthetic matters, the Scurry Cozy Home proves you don’t have to choose between function and style.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price you pay or our editorial recommendations.
Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your pet’s diet or health routine.