Best dog crates for every size
A crate that grows with your puppy, so you buy once: the divider-panel wire crate, plus a soft one for car trips.
By the Clean Fluff Club team. Updated October 4, 2026. About 3 minutes to read. How we picked.
Our pick
Buy one crate, not one per growth spurt: the MidWest iCrate is a folding wire crate in 6 sizes, with a divider panel so a puppy's crate grows with the puppy.
Best for: First crates and puppies who need a crate that grows with them
Best for: First crates and puppies who need a crate that grows with them
The catch: The plastic tray can slide if you don't secure it, and the wire rattles with a restless dog.
Skip it if: Your dog paces or paws at night.
The catch: The plastic tray can slide if you don't secure it, and the wire rattles with a restless dog.
Skip it if: Your dog paces or paws at night.
Why this one: A divider panel shrinks the space for a puppy, so one crate lasts. Source: Listing
The short answer
Buy one crate, not one per growth spurt: the MidWest iCrate is a folding wire crate in 6 sizes, with a divider panel so a puppy's crate grows with the puppy. Secure the plastic tray so it doesn't slide. For car trips, the EliteField soft crate folds flat.
Watch out
Don't buy a crate big enough to roam in for a puppy you're house training. If there's room to pee at one end and sleep at the other, many puppies will. Set the divider so there's just room to stand, turn and lie down.
Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down stretched out. Measure, then add a little:
The MidWest iCrate is the crate most dogs need. It comes in 6 sizes with single or double doors, includes a divider panel, folds flat, and has a plastic pan to protect the floor.
The catch: the plastic tray can slide if you don't secure it, and the wire rattles with a restless dog.
The Amazon Basics wire crate follows the same idea: divider panel, front and side doors, folds flat with no tools, slide-out tray.
Best for: A second crate for another room
The catch: The wire is thinner than premium brands and the latch is basic, so it's not for a strong escape artist.
Skip it if: Your dog works at latches. The latch is basic, and a determined dog can test the wire.
The catch: the wire is thinner than premium brands and the latch is basic, so it's not for a strong escape artist.
The EliteField is the travel crate. It's far lighter than wire, has mesh doors on the front, side and top, and folds flat into a carrying bag; a fleece bed comes with it.
Best for: Car rides, visits and calm dogs who want a cozy den
The catch: A chewer or escape artist will get through the fabric.
Skip it if: Your dog chews fabric or tries to escape. Soft sides aren't made for that; use a wire crate like the MidWest iCrate.
The catch: a chewer or escape artist will get through the fabric. Use it for calm dogs and trips, not as the everyday crate.
Wire for home and training, plastic for a dog who wants a den or flies, soft-sided for trips. Taking the crate on the road? See our car safety and seat protection picks.
Never use the crate as punishment. It has to be the place good things happen.
As a general rule, no more than 6 to 8 hours for an adult. For puppies, a common rule of thumb is age in months plus one in hours, so about 4 hours at 3 months. Exercise and a potty break before and after.
Yes, if the crate was introduced well. Put it in or near your bedroom so your dog isn't alone.
Usually the crate came too fast; go back to meals and treats inside with the door open. Drooling, panic or injuring itself to get out can mean separation anxiety, so talk to your vet or a trainer.
Buy the MidWest iCrate in your dog's adult size and use the divider for the puppy months. Choose the Amazon Basics crate for a second room and the EliteField for travel.
Bringing a puppy home? The new puppy starter kit pairs the crate with cleanup, a leash and a chew.
Our pick: MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate
Our 3 picksEach pick is matched to one job, with its catch up front and who should skip it.
