What to look for in a dog crate?
Pet parents look to dog crates to solve numerous problems. Dog crates are used for puppies during the house training stage, and for adult dogs during travel, or sometimes as a training tool.
While style and safety are of importance, ease-to-use comes into play with dog crates. Furniture styled crates are available at reasonable prices, with foldable dog crates another trend for the busy pet parent.
There is also the option of soft dog crates which are popular. Pet parents feel that the softer version creates a feel of comfort and security, and are more appealing. These are foldable, and are able to collapse into themselves, making it easy-to-carry. Water resistant models are available which entails a sturdy, folding steel frame and super-easy mesh door that zips up.
Pads & windows
Dog crate pads are just as important for comfort, to alleviate joint pain, and to ensure that doggo has a good night’s rest! Opulent sized mesh windows allow for the right amount of ventilation, and visibility, so as to keep dogs cool during the summer, when pet parents are outdoors.
Dog crates are usually a one-time purchase for dog parents, so durability and cost effectiveness is a must. Most crates are sold without any stocking mats, pads or crate blankets. These are necessary for crate comfort. Dog crates are available online, and at pet stores.
Read on to find out the top recommendations when it comes to affordability, travel, hard-sided design, soft-sided design, and the overall best choice.
Examining the top dog kennels
When deciding which crate to purchase, it’s best to consider which features are necessary. Comfort and safety should take preference. With all the dog crate options available, it’s hard to keep track and do a proper compare/contrast analysis. Luckily, we did the digging for you!
Midwest Homes for Pets Dog Crate | iCrate
BEST OVERALL DOG CRATE
This dog crate offers a folding double door with measurements of 42″ L x 28″ W x 30″ H. It is suitable for up to 40 pounds. This easy-to-use 2-door dog crate comes with a divider panel (free), sturdy dog tray, roller feet to make it easy to pull. It also does not scratch floors. There is a one year guarantee on this product by Midwest. The dog crate is easily bolted by two sturdy bolt latches for each door. Dogs can safely stay inside.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Portable
- Roller wheels
- Folds flat for storage
- Not complicated to set up.
- Durable design that maintains its quality over time
- Rounded corners to prevent damage to walls, and possible injury to Rex
- Double doors allows for easier use with Rex
- Cost effective
- Lighter weight with thinner wire
- Non-toxic coating
- Easy-to-clean
- Leak proof pan
Cons
- Not suitable for very large dog breeds
- Weight limits of 40 pounds
Customers feedback
This has deserved a solid 4.8 out of 5 stars rating. Customers had mostly positive reviews about this product, and commented on the easy-set–up, and how roomy the crates were.
Precision Pet – Petmate 2 Door Wire Crate
BEST AFFORDABLE DOG CRATE
This crate is easy to travel with, and folds down to 2 inches for easy-to-carry convenience. The 5-point precision lock guarantees no-escape, and super safe travel. With 2 separate gates, this 2 Door Great (Precision Lock System) Wire Dog Crate is available in numerous sizes for all dog sizes from x-small to x-large.
Available with 2 different gates for easy access, this crate is durable, easy-to-clean, and has safety as its first priority. Offering rounded corners for snag- free entries, the 5-point precision lock makes this crate a reliable and safe crate option.
Pros
- 5-point precision lock
- 2 Door
- Folds down
- Rounded corners
- Multiple sizes (small, medium, large, extra large)
- Very secure
Cons
- Wire crates can be noisy when opening gates
Customers feedback
This has an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars rating. Customers had positive reviews about this product, and commented on the easy-set–up. Customers commented on how much stronger the Precision crates were. Pet parents loved how easy the crate was to use.
Petmate Sky Kennel Dog Crate
BEST HARD SIDED DOG CRATE
This dog crate by Petmate offers a 4-way vault door. It is a crate used for travel, and the 4-way vault door prevents the door from sliding open. It is a durable crate made of plastic and wing-nuts that don’t rust or disintegrate. The interlocking door prevents dogs from escaping.
Petmate allows for 60-degree ventilation within the crate. Dogs also have visibility to the outside. This product is made from eco-friendly materials. There are also several travel accessories for Rex!
Pros
- Easy-to-Clean
- Affordable
- Ventilated
- Secure
- Travel friendly
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Sizing chart may be inaccurate
Customers feedback
This has earned a formidable 4.3 out of 5 stars rating. Customers had mostly positive reviews about this product. Customers also commented on possible sizing chart inaccuracies, and possible cracking in various places, with handles breaking off in a few cases.
Better World Pets’ Durable Den Travel Crate
BEST TRAVEL DOG CRATE
What sets this crate apart is the waterproof Oxford nylon fabric used. It’s by far superior in quality, and durable. Offering 3 times stronger mesh fabric, Better World Pets Crate endures a dog’s paws. It is not just waterproof, but super durable.
With larger windows for ventilation and visibility, this product ensures good airflow throughout the crate. Zippers are durable, and best of all, it comes with polyurethane padding to ensure comfort. Easy-to-use with shoulder carry options, or a rubber handle that is comfortable to hold. There is also a 4-strap handle.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Super easy to travel with
- Safe
- Lots of ventilation
Cons
- Not suitable for large dogs
Instructions
Customers feedback
This has earned an outstanding 4.8 out of 5 stars rating. Filled with awesome reviews! Positive reviews about the roominess, and the waterproof bedding at the bottom of crate. Pet parents loved the durability, and odorless canvas of this crate. Super easy assembly was noted as a positive too!
Arf Pets Dog Soft Kennel with Straps
BEST SOFT SIDED DOG CRATE
For dogs weighing up to 40 pounds, the Arf Pets Dog Soft Crate has three entrances. It’s a durable dog crate that is well ventilated. This crate is an easy-to-use dog crate that can be used in all seasons. Offering a waterproof base, this easy-to-clean dog crate has collapsible bars that have retractable springs. The set up for the Arf Pets Dog Crate is simple. It is also washer friendly, and safe for Rex.
Pros
- Soft comfortable mesh
- Easy-to-clean
- Washer friendly
- Waterproof base to keep Rex dry
- Visually pleasant
- Good ventilation
- Safe
- Generous size
Cons
- 40-pound limit
Customers feedback
This has earned a solid 4.3 out of 5 stars rating. Positive reviews about the spaciness, and the waterproof bedding at the bottom of crate. Pet parents loved the roominess, and the fact that it arrives 90% assembled.
Final thoughts on dog crates
Although it’s important taking time to choose the very best crate for Rex, it’s necessary to remember that the crate should not be overused. Puppies should never be left in crates for longer than four hours during the day (for help soothing doggo during night check out this article).
During the evening, it’s fine to leave them in for longer. Dogs need to stretch and walk around, and should never be confined for long periods of time in a crate. That said, consult with your veterinarian as to the best dog crate choices available for Rex!