Dogs · Product picks
The Best Dog Crates
The Impact Collapsible Dog Crate is our top pick. See four crates for home, car and air travel, plus how to size one and use it safely.
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The best dog crate fits your dog, suits how you will use it, and is built to last. Our top pick is the Impact Collapsible Dog Crate, a folding aluminum crate for home and car. Below are four crates for different needs, plus how to size one.
Our picks at a glance
- Best overall: Impact Collapsible Dog Crate
- Best for car travel: GUNNER G1 Kennel
- Best for air travel: Petmate Sky Kennel
- Best for small dogs: Aspen Pet Pet Porter
The best dog crates
Dog crates
Impact Collapsible Dog Crate
Best for: Owners who want one crate for home and travel
This crate is made of aluminum with diamond-shaped openings for airflow. It sets up without tools, folds flat, and has a latch you can work with one hand. The maker no longer sells it as airline-approved, and its warranty does not cover damage done by a dog. Skip it if you need a crate for flying.
- Pro: High-grade aluminum with diamond-shaped openings for airflow
- Pro: Sets up without tools and folds flat for storage
- Pro: One-handed door latch
- Con: Not currently sold as airline-approved
- Con: Dog damage isn't covered by the warranty
Dog crates
GUNNER G1 Kennel
Best for: Dogs who ride in the car often
This is a double-walled plastic kennel with an aluminum frame and built-in tie-down points. GUNNER says the Small, Medium and Intermediate sizes earned a 5 Star rating from the Center for Pet Safety. That is the maker’s claim, so read the testing details on its page. Skip it if you want a light, open crate for the house.
- Pro: Rated 5 Star by the Center for Pet Safety in the Small, Medium and Intermediate sizes, per the maker
- Pro: Double-wall construction with an aluminum frame
- Pro: Built-in tie-down points and a door that opens from either side
- Con: Solid walls mean less see-through airflow than a wire crate
- Con: Dog damage isn't covered by the warranty
Dog crates
Petmate Sky Kennel
Best for: Dogs who will fly
This hard plastic kennel has a steel wire door, four-way ventilation and tie-down holes. Petmate says it is airline-approved and meets airline cargo specs. Rules differ by airline, so confirm with yours before you book. Skip it if you want a crate that folds flat.
- Pro: Four-way ventilation and tie-down holes
- Pro: Steel wire door
- Pro: Attachable food and water bowls
- Con: Check your airline's rules before you book
- Con: Not a folding crate
Dog crates
Aspen Pet Pet Porter
Best for: Small dogs and short trips
This carrier-style plastic kennel has a side-opening metal wire door and ventilation holes. Petmate lists a 26-inch size for dogs 15 to 25 pounds and a 36-inch size for 50 to 70 pounds. It meets many, but not all, air travel requirements. Skip it for dogs who chew on doors.
- Pro: Metal wire door that opens at the side
- Pro: Ventilation holes
- Pro: Sold in a 26-inch size for dogs 15 to 25 pounds
- Con: Only meets "many" air travel requirements, so check your airline
- Con: Not meant for dogs who chew their way out
How to choose a dog crate
Pick the right type
The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes four main types:
- Metal crates are the most durable, let in a lot of air, and suit chewers.
- Plastic crates are portable, easy to clean, and work for travel, and some are airline-approved.
- Soft fabric crates are light and often cost less. They suit small dogs but are harder to clean after accidents.
- Wood crates look like furniture, but they are heavier and harder to clean.
Get the size right
Measure your dog standing, from head to feet and from nose to tail tip. Add 3 to 4 inches to each number. Your dog should be able to sit, stand and lie down comfortably.
Don’t go much bigger. The AKC warns that a crate with too much room can lead to bathroom accidents. For a puppy, look for a crate with a divider. You buy for the adult size and move the divider as your puppy grows.
Check airflow
The AKC says a crate needs ventilation holes or mesh so your dog can breathe. Add a washable bed once your dog is past the puppy stage of using soft things as a toilet.
Think about how you will use it
For car rides, look for tie-down points and, if you can, independent crash testing. For flying, look for airline approval and then check your airline’s own rules. For the house, a folding crate is easy to store.
Safety tips
- Take off your dog’s collar in the crate. The AKC says to do this for safety.
- Don’t use the crate as punishment. Don’t leave your dog inside until they stop crying.
- Don’t crate longer than your dog can hold their bladder. The AKC says dogs should not stay in a crate longer than they are comfortable.
- Watch for stress. Pacing, shaking, scratching or biting the door, long howling or barking, and drooling are signs of panic, according to the AKC. Talk to your vet or a trainer if you see them.
- Secure the crate in the car. GUNNER notes that in a crash an unrestrained dog can become a dangerous projectile, so use a crate with tie-down points and strap it down.
- Check for damage. Stop using a crate with bent bars, cracks or a loose latch.
Common questions
What size crate does my dog need?
Measure your dog from head to feet and from nose to tail tip, then add 3 to 4 inches to each number. Your dog should be able to sit, stand and lie down comfortably, per the American Kennel Club.
Should my dog wear a collar in the crate?
No. The American Kennel Club says to take your dog's collar off whenever they are in the crate, for safety.
Which crate type is best for a dog who chews?
The American Kennel Club says metal crates are the most durable and are the best choice for chewers. Some makers also sell add-on kits for very determined dogs.
How long can a dog stay in a crate?
No longer than they are comfortable or can hold their bladder, says the American Kennel Club. Never use the crate as punishment.