Best Dog Crates for Training & Travel in 2025
Find the best dog crates for training, travel, and home use. We review top-rated wire, plastic, and collapsible crates from MidWest, Diggs, and more.
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A good dog crate is one of the most important investments you can make for your new puppy or adult dog. Whether you are crate training a rambunctious puppy, need a safe travel carrier, or want to give your dog a cozy den to retreat to, the right crate makes all the difference. We tested and compared the best dog crates of 2025 to help you find the perfect match for your dog's size, temperament, and your lifestyle.
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Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall: MidWest iCrate Double Door
- Best for Air Travel: Petmate Sky Kennel
- Best for Growing Puppies: MidWest LifeStages
- Best Premium: Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate
- Best Portable: Frisco Fold & Carry Single Door Crate
- Best Budget: Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Crate
Types of Dog Crates Explained
Before diving into reviews, understanding the different types will help you choose the right one:
Wire Crates are the most popular choice for home use. They offer excellent ventilation, visibility, and most fold flat for storage. Many come with divider panels for growing puppies.
Plastic Crates (Kennels) are preferred for travel, especially airline-approved models. They provide a more enclosed, den-like environment that some dogs find comforting.
Collapsible Crates combine the benefits of multiple types with innovative designs that fold down quickly for portability.
Soft-Sided Crates are lightweight and great for travel with well-trained dogs but are not recommended for puppies or dogs who chew.
Dr. Pelin Soylu
Veteriner Hekim
A crate should never be used as punishment. When introduced properly, a crate becomes your dog's safe space, similar to a den in the wild. Dogs are natural den animals and many actually prefer having a cozy, enclosed space to call their own.
Detailed Reviews
1. MidWest iCrate Double Door - Best Overall
MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Double Door
Sturdy double-door wire crate with divider panel, leak-proof pan, and easy fold-and-carry design. Available in 6 sizes.
- ✓Double door design for flexible placement
- ✓Includes free divider panel for growing puppies
- ✓Folds flat in seconds for storage and transport
The MidWest iCrate has been the go-to recommendation from trainers and veterinarians for years, and the latest version continues that tradition. This double-door wire crate checks every box for home use and basic training.
The dual-door design gives you flexibility in placing the crate in your home. The front and side doors allow access from multiple angles, which is particularly useful when the crate is tucked into a corner or against a wall. Both doors feature secure slide-bolt latches that prevent accidental openings.
One of the biggest selling points is the included divider panel, which lets you adjust the interior space as your puppy grows. This means you buy one crate that works from puppyhood through adulthood. The leak-proof composite plastic pan slides out easily for cleaning, and the entire crate folds flat with a convenient carrying handle for transport.
Available in six sizes from extra small (18 inches) to extra large (48 inches), there is an iCrate for every breed. The wire construction provides excellent airflow and lets your dog see their surroundings, which can reduce anxiety for some dogs.
What We Liked
- Double door design offers flexible placement options
- Free divider panel grows with your puppy
- Folds flat in seconds with easy carrying handle
- Extremely durable with secure slide-bolt latches
What Could Be Better
- Wire construction is noisier when dog moves around
- Not airline-approved for cabin or cargo travel
- Some strong chewers may bend the wire
2. Petmate Sky Kennel - Best for Air Travel
Petmate Sky Kennel Airline Cargo Pet Carrier
Airline-approved heavy-duty kennel with ventilation on all sides, secure locking system, and meets most airline cargo requirements.
- ✓Meets most airline cargo area requirements
- ✓Heavy-duty shell with 360-degree ventilation
- ✓Secure 4-point locking system for safety
If you need to fly with your dog, the Petmate Sky Kennel is the industry standard for a reason. This airline-approved kennel meets the requirements of most major airlines for cargo travel, giving you peace of mind when your furry friend needs to travel in the hold.
The heavy-duty plastic shell is built to withstand the rigors of air travel, and the wire ventilation openings on all sides ensure your dog gets adequate airflow throughout the journey. The four-point vault-style locking system keeps the two halves securely fastened together, which is a critical safety feature during handling and transport.
Inside, the kennel features a raised floor to keep your dog off the cold cargo surface and allows for air circulation underneath. The included "Live Animal" stickers and food and water cups that attach to the door help meet airline labeling and care requirements.
While the Sky Kennel is purpose-built for travel, many owners also use it as a home crate. The enclosed design creates a den-like atmosphere that many dogs find calming, and it works particularly well for dogs that get overstimulated by being able to see everything around them.
What We Liked
- Airline-approved for most major carriers
- Heavy-duty construction withstands travel handling
- 360-degree ventilation ensures adequate airflow
- Den-like enclosure reduces anxiety for some dogs
What Could Be Better
- Does not fold flat for storage
- Heavier and bulkier than wire crates
- Assembly required and can be tricky the first time
3. MidWest LifeStages - Best for Growing Puppies
MidWest LifeStages Single Door Folding Dog Crate
Durable single-door wire crate designed to grow with your dog. Includes divider panel, leak-proof pan, and protective rubber feet.
- ✓Adjustable divider panel for puppies to adults
- ✓Durable wire construction with safe rounded corners
- ✓Leak-proof removable plastic pan for easy cleaning
The MidWest LifeStages is specifically designed with growing dogs in mind. While similar to the iCrate, the LifeStages line focuses on durability and longevity, making it ideal for pet owners who want a single crate that lasts from an eight-week-old puppy to a full-grown adult.
The included divider panel is the star feature here. When your puppy first comes home, you partition the crate to a smaller size appropriate for their current body. As they grow, you simply move the divider back to give them more space. This is not just a convenience feature; it is essential for proper crate training because dogs instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area, and too much space can undermine house training.
The wire construction features safe, rounded corners and a protective black electro-coat finish that resists rust and corrosion. The leak-proof plastic pan sits below the wire floor, keeping your puppy comfortable while making accidents easy to clean up. Protective rubber roller feet prevent the crate from scratching your floors.
What We Liked
- Purpose-built to grow with your puppy to adult dog
- Rubber feet protect floors from scratches
- Easy to clean with removable leak-proof pan
- Strong wire construction with rust-resistant finish
What Could Be Better
- Single door limits placement flexibility
- Divider panel can be pushed by determined puppies
- Heavier gauge wire makes it slightly heavier
4. Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate - Best Premium
Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate
Premium collapsible crate with baby-industry safety standards, ceiling access door, puppy divider, and garage-style door. Collapses flat.
- ✓Built to baby-industry safety standards
- ✓Unique ceiling access door for easy puppy pickup
- ✓Collapses flat with one-handed operation
The Diggs Revol represents a new generation of dog crate design, and it is worth every penny for pet owners who want the absolute best. Designed by parents who applied baby-industry safety standards to pet products, the Revol eliminates many common pain points of traditional crates.
The standout feature is the ceiling access door, which makes it incredibly easy to lift a sleeping puppy in and out without disturbing them through a side door. The garage-style side door rolls up rather than swinging out, saving space in tight rooms and eliminating the door-in-the-way problem that plagues traditional wire crates.
The Revol collapses flat with a simple one-handed operation, folding down to just a few inches thick. This makes it genuinely portable despite its robust construction. The diamond-mesh wire pattern provides excellent visibility while preventing paws from getting caught, a safety concern with traditional wire crates.
Included accessories like the puppy divider, comfortable tray, and carrying handles make this a complete package. The crate meets rigorous JPMA testing protocols, the same standards applied to baby cribs and playpens.
What We Liked
- Innovative design with ceiling door and roll-up side door
- Baby-industry safety standards prevent paw catching
- Collapses flat with one hand for true portability
- Premium build quality that lasts a lifetime
What Could Be Better
- Significantly more expensive than traditional crates
- Available in limited sizes (small, medium, large)
- Premium price may not be justified for casual use
5. Frisco Fold & Carry Single Door Crate - Best Portable
Frisco Fold & Carry Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate
Lightweight, foldable wire crate perfect for travel and temporary setups. Includes divider panel and leak-proof pan.
- ✓Lightweight design for easy portability
- ✓Folds flat with convenient carry handle
- ✓Includes divider panel and removable plastic pan
The Frisco Fold & Carry is the ultimate crate for pet owners on the go. Whether you are visiting family for the holidays, heading to a dog show, or just need a portable crate for the car, this lightweight wire crate sets up and breaks down in seconds.
At just a fraction of the weight of heavier-duty crates, the Fold & Carry lives up to its name. The integrated carry handle makes it genuinely easy to transport with one hand, and when folded flat, it slides under a bed or into a closet with minimal space required.
Despite its lightweight construction, the crate is sturdy enough for everyday use with well-behaved dogs. It includes a divider panel for puppy training and a leak-proof plastic pan for easy cleanup. The single door features a slide-bolt latch that keeps the door securely closed.
This is an excellent secondary crate for travel or as a first crate for smaller breeds. However, it may not hold up to determined escape artists or heavy chewers the way heavier-duty options would.
What We Liked
- Incredibly lightweight and easy to transport
- Sets up and folds flat in seconds
- Affordable price for a quality wire crate
- Includes divider panel for growing puppies
What Could Be Better
- Not as durable as heavy-duty wire crates
- Single door limits placement flexibility
- May not contain determined escape artists
6. Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Crate - Best Budget
Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate
Budget-friendly single-door wire crate with divider panel and removable composite pan. Available in multiple sizes.
- ✓Budget-friendly without sacrificing core features
- ✓Includes divider panel for growing puppies
- ✓Folds flat for compact storage
The Amazon Basics wire crate proves that you do not need to spend a lot to get a perfectly functional dog crate. This no-frills option delivers all the essential features of a quality wire crate at a price that is hard to beat.
The single-door design keeps things simple, and the included divider panel allows you to adjust the interior size as your puppy grows. The removable composite plastic pan slides out for easy cleaning, and the entire crate folds flat when not in use.
Wire construction provides good ventilation and visibility, and the slide-bolt latch keeps the door securely closed. While the build quality is not quite as refined as the MidWest options, it is more than adequate for standard crate training and everyday use.
This is an ideal choice for budget-conscious pet parents, first-time dog owners who want to try crate training without a big investment, or anyone who needs a basic, reliable crate.
What We Liked
- Most affordable option in our roundup
- All essential features included at the low price
- Multiple sizes available for different breeds
- Amazon's hassle-free return policy
What Could Be Better
- Build quality not as robust as premium options
- Single door only with basic latch mechanism
- Pan may slide slightly on hardwood floors
Dog Crate Sizing Guide
Choosing the right crate size is critical. Your dog should be able to stand up fully without their head touching the top, turn around comfortably, and lie down stretched out. Here is a general sizing guide:
| Crate Size | Dog Weight | Example Breeds | |-----------|-----------|----------------| | 18-22" XS | Up to 12 lbs | Chihuahua, Yorkie, Toy Poodle | | 24" Small | 11-25 lbs | Beagle, French Bulldog, Corgi | | 30" Medium | 26-40 lbs | Cocker Spaniel, Bulldog, Basenji | | 36" Intermediate | 41-70 lbs | Boxer, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie | | 42" Large | 71-90 lbs | Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd | | 48" XL | 91-110 lbs | Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard |
Important Measurement Tip
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail (not tip) and add 2 to 4 inches. Then measure from the floor to the top of their head while standing and add 2 to 4 inches. Use these measurements to select the right crate, not just their weight.
Crate Training Tips
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Make it inviting. Place a comfortable bed or blanket inside, along with a safe chew toy. Toss treats inside to encourage exploration.
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Start slow. Let your dog explore the crate with the door open before ever closing it. Feed meals near and then inside the crate.
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Build duration gradually. Start with just a few minutes with the door closed and slowly increase the time.
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Never use the crate as punishment. The crate should always be associated with positive experiences.
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Stick to a schedule. Puppies should not be crated for more than their age in months plus one hour. A three-month-old puppy should not be crated for more than four hours at a time.
Dr. Pelin Soylu
Veteriner Hekim
Puppies under six months should never be crated for more than three to four hours at a time. Their bladders simply cannot hold it any longer. Adult dogs should not be crated for more than eight hours. If your work schedule requires longer periods, consider a dog walker or doggy daycare.
Final Verdict
The MidWest iCrate Double Door remains our top pick for the best dog crate in 2025. Its combination of dual-door convenience, included divider panel, easy fold-and-carry design, and reasonable price makes it the most versatile choice for the majority of dog owners.
For those who want the absolute best and do not mind the premium price, the Diggs Revol is a genuinely innovative product that solves real problems with traditional crate designs. And for air travel, the Petmate Sky Kennel is the proven, reliable choice that meets airline requirements.
Whichever crate you choose, remember that the crate itself is just a tool. Proper crate training and positive associations are what make the crate a beloved safe space for your dog.
Pro Tip
Consider getting a crate cover for wire crates to create a more den-like atmosphere. Many dogs sleep better in a covered crate because it reduces visual stimulation and feels more secure.
