Last updated: June 24, 2026 — PetCarePicks Editorial Team | Related: Dog Beds Guide
A crate is not a cage—it is a den. Dogs are den animals that seek enclosed spaces for security. A properly sized crate reduces separation anxiety, prevents destructive behavior, and serves as a safe travel carrier. Based on analysis of crate sizing from AKC guidelines and verified buyer reviews on durability and escape incidents.
The dog must be able to: stand up without ears touching the top, turn around in a full circle without hitting sides, and lie down stretched out on their side. Measure your dog: length from nose to base of tail + 4 inches = minimum crate length. Height from floor to top of head (or ears if erect) + 3 inches = minimum crate height. A crate that is too large defeats the den-like security that makes crating work—the dog uses one end as a bathroom if the space allows separation. The included divider panel in the MidWest crate solves this by reducing interior space for puppies that grow into the crate.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.6/5 from 15,000+ reviews)
Price: ~$45 • Folds flat • Divider included
View on Amazon →The MidWest crate is the standard for a reason: double doors (front and side) mean the crate works in more room configurations, a removable plastic pan slides out for cleaning, the entire crate folds flat in 30 seconds for storage or travel, and the divider panel adjusts the interior size as a puppy grows. Buy the 36-inch size for a Labrador, 30-inch for a Beagle, 24-inch for a French Bulldog. The wire gauge is adequate for non-destructive dogs; determined chewers can bend the door bars and escape (see the ProSelect Empire below).
The Revol's defining feature is the side door that slides up like a garage door—it does not swing outward and hit furniture or walls. This allows the crate to be placed flush against a wall or in a corner. The heavy-duty wire frame is powder-coated (safer than chrome plating that dogs can chew off and ingest). Included puppy divider, removable tray, and a handle on top for carrying. At $195, it is expensive for a wire crate, but the garage-door mechanism and screwdriver-only assembly (no thumbscrews that loosen over time) make it the best-looking crate that doubles as an end table.
For dogs that have destroyed standard wire crates: the ProSelect Empire uses 0.5-inch diameter steel tubes (vs 0.25-inch on standard crates), reinforced welds at every joint, and a lockable latch that requires opposable thumbs (dogs cannot operate it). The weight is significant—a 36-inch model weighs 55 lbs. This crate is not portable. It is a permanent installation for dogs with separation anxiety that express it through destruction. Based on buyer reviews, the Empire has a near-zero escape rate, but buyer feedback notes: "if your dog escapes this, your dog is Houdini reincarnated."
At 5 lbs, the EliteField soft crate pops up like a camping tent in 10 seconds and folds into a flat carrying case. Three mesh doors provide ventilation and access. This is for dogs that are already crate-trained and do not chew or scratch at enclosures—determined dogs shred the mesh in under 5 minutes. Best use: hotel rooms, visiting family, and car travel where weight and packed size matter. Not for: unsupervised crating, dogs with separation anxiety, or as a permanent home crate.
The Vari Kennel is IATA-compliant for airline cargo travel. The two-piece plastic shell bolts together with included hardware (you supply a Phillips screwdriver). Ventilation on all four sides. The wire door has a center squeeze-latch that cannot be opened by the dog from inside. For airline travel: the crate must be large enough for the dog to stand and turn around without touching the top or sides (IATA regulation). Most airlines require a water bowl attached to the door (sold separately, $8). Write "LIVE ANIMAL" and an arrow indicating upright orientation on the top and sides in permanent marker. Zip-tie the door shut after the airline inspection—airline staff will cut the zip ties at the destination.
Disclosure: PetCarePicks is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Crate sizing guidelines from AKC and ASPCA crate training protocols.