The 6 Best Dog Crates, Tested by Our Pups

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsAdd to CartWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Add to Cart

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People; Jessica Juliao

Person looking inside the Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

People; Jessica Juliao

No matter how much walking, fetching, and cuddling they do with their owners,most dogswill have to go in a dog crate at some point.Whether you’re puppy training, traveling, or need to ensure your pooch is safe and secure while you’re away from home, you’ll be glad to have a good kennel on hand.We tested 20 kennels first-hand, including travel-friendly, collapsible, heavy-duty, and furniture-style models. Every pup will need something slightly different, but we stand behind these high-quality crates.These are the best dog crates that PEOPLE Tested.Our Top PicksBest Overall:SALEPetmate Pet Kennel at Amazon$67$50Jump to ReviewBest for Large Dogs:MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate at Amazon$73Jump to ReviewBest for Travel:Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel at Amazon$105Jump to ReviewBest Soft-Sided:Amazon Basics Soft Dog Travel Crate at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Collapsible:Diggs Revol Dog Crate at Amazon$475Jump to ReviewBest Wood:Merry Pet Pet Crate and Gate at Amazon$150Jump to ReviewBest Dog Jacket:Little Beast Super Duper Reversible Parka Vest at Revolve$88Jump to ReviewBest Dog Bowl:Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Cooling Mat:Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Automatic Pet Feeder:Whisker Feeder Robot at Amazon$299Jump to Review

No matter how much walking, fetching, and cuddling they do with their owners,most dogswill have to go in a dog crate at some point.

Whether you’re puppy training, traveling, or need to ensure your pooch is safe and secure while you’re away from home, you’ll be glad to have a good kennel on hand.

We tested 20 kennels first-hand, including travel-friendly, collapsible, heavy-duty, and furniture-style models. Every pup will need something slightly different, but we stand behind these high-quality crates.

These are the best dog crates that PEOPLE Tested.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:SALEPetmate Pet Kennel at Amazon$67$50Jump to ReviewBest for Large Dogs:MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate at Amazon$73Jump to ReviewBest for Travel:Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel at Amazon$105Jump to ReviewBest Soft-Sided:Amazon Basics Soft Dog Travel Crate at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Collapsible:Diggs Revol Dog Crate at Amazon$475Jump to ReviewBest Wood:Merry Pet Pet Crate and Gate at Amazon$150Jump to ReviewBest Dog Jacket:Little Beast Super Duper Reversible Parka Vest at Revolve$88Jump to ReviewBest Dog Bowl:Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Cooling Mat:Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Automatic Pet Feeder:Whisker Feeder Robot at Amazon$299Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALEPetmate Pet Kennel at Amazon$67$50Jump to ReviewBest for Large Dogs:MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate at Amazon$73Jump to ReviewBest for Travel:Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel at Amazon$105Jump to ReviewBest Soft-Sided:Amazon Basics Soft Dog Travel Crate at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Collapsible:Diggs Revol Dog Crate at Amazon$475Jump to ReviewBest Wood:Merry Pet Pet Crate and Gate at Amazon$150Jump to ReviewBest Dog Jacket:Little Beast Super Duper Reversible Parka Vest at Revolve$88Jump to ReviewBest Dog Bowl:Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Cooling Mat:Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Automatic Pet Feeder:Whisker Feeder Robot at Amazon$299Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALEPetmate Pet Kennel at Amazon$67$50Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALEPetmate Pet Kennel at Amazon$67$50

Best Overall:

SALE

Best for Large Dogs:MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate at Amazon$73Jump to Review

Best for Large Dogs:MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate at Amazon$73

Best for Large Dogs:

Best for Travel:Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel at Amazon$105Jump to Review

Best for Travel:Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel at Amazon$105

Best for Travel:

Best Soft-Sided:Amazon Basics Soft Dog Travel Crate at Amazon$50Jump to Review

Best Soft-Sided:Amazon Basics Soft Dog Travel Crate at Amazon$50

Best Soft-Sided:

Best Collapsible:Diggs Revol Dog Crate at Amazon$475Jump to Review

Best Collapsible:Diggs Revol Dog Crate at Amazon$475

Best Collapsible:

Best Wood:Merry Pet Pet Crate and Gate at Amazon$150Jump to Review

Best Wood:Merry Pet Pet Crate and Gate at Amazon$150

Best Wood:

Best Dog Jacket:Little Beast Super Duper Reversible Parka Vest at Revolve$88Jump to Review

Best Dog Jacket:Little Beast Super Duper Reversible Parka Vest at Revolve$88

Best Dog Jacket:

Best Dog Bowl:Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl at Amazon$50Jump to Review

Best Dog Bowl:Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl at Amazon$50

Best Dog Bowl:

Best Cooling Mat:Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat at Amazon$50Jump to Review

Best Cooling Mat:Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat at Amazon$50

Best Cooling Mat:

Best Automatic Pet Feeder:Whisker Feeder Robot at Amazon$299Jump to Review

Best Automatic Pet Feeder:Whisker Feeder Robot at Amazon$299

Best Automatic Pet Feeder:

Best OverallPetmate Pet KennelPHOTO: Amazon$67$50 at Amazon$42 at WayfairView on ChewyStar QualitiesComfortable, ergonomic handleSturdy steel gatesCan be used on the go or at homeRed FlagsDoesn’t have a pull-out tray for cleaningEarning perfect scores in all our tests, our top choice is the Petmate 2-Door Top-Load Kennel. This dog crate is easy to set up — no tools required. Just attach the top to the base, and you’re good to go. It’s user-friendly, too. The spring-loaded latches keep your pet secure, and thanks to their “easy-squeeze” design, the front and top doors open without a fuss. With a comfortable ergonomic handle, this kennel is also a breeze to carry.As for durability, color us impressed. The Top Load Kennel has a heavy-duty thermoplastic frame and sturdy steel grates. We threw a sandbag at it and pulled the door with 33 pounds of force, and it held up beautifully.It doesn’t have a pull-out tray, but this crate is small enough that wiping it clean is no problem. The other thing to note is that while there are two sizes available, the larger option can only accommodate pets up to 15 pounds. With that said, if you have a smaller breed, we think this is an excellent choice for traveling and at-home use.Dimensions:24 x 17 x 14.5 inches, 19.5 x 13 x 10 inches |Weight:3.8-6.43 pounds |Material:Thermoplastic, steel |Closure:Spring-loaded latchesPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best OverallPetmate Pet KennelPHOTO: Amazon$67$50 at Amazon$42 at WayfairView on Chewy

Best OverallPetmate Pet Kennel

Best Overall

Petmate Pet Kennel

PHOTO: Amazon

Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

$67$50 at Amazon$42 at WayfairView on Chewy

Star QualitiesComfortable, ergonomic handleSturdy steel gatesCan be used on the go or at homeRed FlagsDoesn’t have a pull-out tray for cleaning

Star QualitiesComfortable, ergonomic handleSturdy steel gatesCan be used on the go or at home

Comfortable, ergonomic handle

Sturdy steel gates

Can be used on the go or at home

Red FlagsDoesn’t have a pull-out tray for cleaning

Doesn’t have a pull-out tray for cleaning

Earning perfect scores in all our tests, our top choice is the Petmate 2-Door Top-Load Kennel. This dog crate is easy to set up — no tools required. Just attach the top to the base, and you’re good to go. It’s user-friendly, too. The spring-loaded latches keep your pet secure, and thanks to their “easy-squeeze” design, the front and top doors open without a fuss. With a comfortable ergonomic handle, this kennel is also a breeze to carry.

As for durability, color us impressed. The Top Load Kennel has a heavy-duty thermoplastic frame and sturdy steel grates. We threw a sandbag at it and pulled the door with 33 pounds of force, and it held up beautifully.

It doesn’t have a pull-out tray, but this crate is small enough that wiping it clean is no problem. The other thing to note is that while there are two sizes available, the larger option can only accommodate pets up to 15 pounds. With that said, if you have a smaller breed, we think this is an excellent choice for traveling and at-home use.

Dimensions:24 x 17 x 14.5 inches, 19.5 x 13 x 10 inches |Weight:3.8-6.43 pounds |Material:Thermoplastic, steel |Closure:Spring-loaded latches

PHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Hands closing door of Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

Hand grabbing the handle and lifting the Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

Hands open door of Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

Person adjusting upper door of Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

Hands closing door of Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

Hand grabbing the handle and lifting the Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

Hands open door of Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

Person adjusting upper door of Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

Best for Large DogsMidWest Homes for Pets iCratePHOTO: Amazon$73 at Amazon$79$72 at WalmartView on ChewyStar QualitiesConvenient folding designIncludes a pull-out pan for easy cleaningEasy to set up and take downRed FlagsDoor warped slightly when we pulled on itAvailable in eight sizes to accommodate pups up to 110 pounds, the iCrate is a great choice for larger breeds. Earning perfect scores for setup, user-friendliness, ease of cleaning, and overall value, this sizable kennel was simple to put together. All you do is unfold it, then when you want to put it away, just fold it back up.While it seems stable enough, we knocked off a point for durability since it wobbled a little when we threw sandbags at it. Also, the door warped a tiny bit when we pulled at it. During testing, we found that the doors on this simple and practical dog crate opened and closed effortlessly. We also appreciated the leak-proof pan, which slides out for easy-peasy cleaning. This kennel isn’t the most portable simply due to its large size, but it does have a convenient carrying handle.Dimensions:18 x 12 x 14 inches (extra extra small), 22 x 13 x 16 inches (extra-small), 24 x 18 x 19 inches (small), 30 x 19 x 21 inches (medium), 36 x 23 x 25 inches (medium/large), 42 x 28 x 30 inches (large), 48 x 30 x 33 inches (extra-large), 54 x 47 x 45 inches (extra extra large) |Weight:7.1-78.7 pounds |Material:Metal |Closure:Side-bolt latchesPHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best for Large DogsMidWest Homes for Pets iCratePHOTO: Amazon$73 at Amazon$79$72 at WalmartView on Chewy

Best for Large DogsMidWest Homes for Pets iCrate

Best for Large Dogs

MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate

Dog inside Amazon MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate

$73 at Amazon$79$72 at WalmartView on Chewy

Star QualitiesConvenient folding designIncludes a pull-out pan for easy cleaningEasy to set up and take downRed FlagsDoor warped slightly when we pulled on it

Star QualitiesConvenient folding designIncludes a pull-out pan for easy cleaningEasy to set up and take down

Convenient folding design

Includes a pull-out pan for easy cleaning

Easy to set up and take down

Red FlagsDoor warped slightly when we pulled on it

Door warped slightly when we pulled on it

Available in eight sizes to accommodate pups up to 110 pounds, the iCrate is a great choice for larger breeds. Earning perfect scores for setup, user-friendliness, ease of cleaning, and overall value, this sizable kennel was simple to put together. All you do is unfold it, then when you want to put it away, just fold it back up.

While it seems stable enough, we knocked off a point for durability since it wobbled a little when we threw sandbags at it. Also, the door warped a tiny bit when we pulled at it. During testing, we found that the doors on this simple and practical dog crate opened and closed effortlessly. We also appreciated the leak-proof pan, which slides out for easy-peasy cleaning. This kennel isn’t the most portable simply due to its large size, but it does have a convenient carrying handle.

Dimensions:18 x 12 x 14 inches (extra extra small), 22 x 13 x 16 inches (extra-small), 24 x 18 x 19 inches (small), 30 x 19 x 21 inches (medium), 36 x 23 x 25 inches (medium/large), 42 x 28 x 30 inches (large), 48 x 30 x 33 inches (extra-large), 54 x 47 x 45 inches (extra extra large) |Weight:7.1-78.7 pounds |Material:Metal |Closure:Side-bolt latches

PHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate set up inside next to dog dishes

person lifting MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate by handle

hand sliding tray out of the bottom of the MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate

person adjusting door of MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate

MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate set up inside next to dog dishes

person lifting MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate by handle

hand sliding tray out of the bottom of the MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate

person adjusting door of MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate

Best for TravelPetmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog KennelPHOTO: Petmate$105 at AmazonView on Cabelas.comView on Petmate.comStar QualitiesInterlocking grateMeets the oversized cargo requirements for most airlinesSmaller models have carrying handlesRed FlagsBase isn’t the easiest to cleanHave a trip coming up? Go with the Petmate Sky Kennel. This crate is easy to assemble and user-friendly, with a sturdy design and an interlocking grate. Though we believe it would require super-dog strength to bust through the door, the metal did warp slightly when we pulled on it with about 68 pounds of force. The base is mostly flat, but there’s no pull-out tray, so it might be tough to clean every last crevice.This travel-friendly dog kennel comes in four sizes to accommodate pets up to 90 pounds and meets oversized cargo requirements for most airlines. The smallest two models have carrying handles, but the larger ones will need to be moved to a cart. Some pet owners may prefer a wheeled design, but all in all, we think this is a solid pick for trips.Dimensions:24.5 x 18.25 x 19.5 inches; 32 x 22.5 x 12 inches; 36 x 19 x 27 inches; 40 x 27 x 30 inches |Weight:2.2-7.5 pounds |Material:Plastic, steel |Closure:Interlocking doorPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best for TravelPetmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog KennelPHOTO: Petmate$105 at AmazonView on Cabelas.comView on Petmate.com

Best for TravelPetmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel

Best for Travel

Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel

PHOTO: Petmate

Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel

$105 at AmazonView on Cabelas.comView on Petmate.com

Star QualitiesInterlocking grateMeets the oversized cargo requirements for most airlinesSmaller models have carrying handlesRed FlagsBase isn’t the easiest to clean

Star QualitiesInterlocking grateMeets the oversized cargo requirements for most airlinesSmaller models have carrying handles

Interlocking grate

Meets the oversized cargo requirements for most airlines

Smaller models have carrying handles

Red FlagsBase isn’t the easiest to clean

Base isn’t the easiest to clean

Have a trip coming up? Go with the Petmate Sky Kennel. This crate is easy to assemble and user-friendly, with a sturdy design and an interlocking grate. Though we believe it would require super-dog strength to bust through the door, the metal did warp slightly when we pulled on it with about 68 pounds of force. The base is mostly flat, but there’s no pull-out tray, so it might be tough to clean every last crevice.

This travel-friendly dog kennel comes in four sizes to accommodate pets up to 90 pounds and meets oversized cargo requirements for most airlines. The smallest two models have carrying handles, but the larger ones will need to be moved to a cart. Some pet owners may prefer a wheeled design, but all in all, we think this is a solid pick for trips.

Dimensions:24.5 x 18.25 x 19.5 inches; 32 x 22.5 x 12 inches; 36 x 19 x 27 inches; 40 x 27 x 30 inches |Weight:2.2-7.5 pounds |Material:Plastic, steel |Closure:Interlocking door

PHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Person measuring the top of the Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel

Person lifting one end of the Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel off the ground

Person measuring the top of the Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel

Person lifting one end of the Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel off the ground

Best Soft-SidedAmazon Basics Soft Dog Travel CratePHOTO: Amazon$50 at Amazon

Best Soft-SidedAmazon Basics Soft Dog Travel Crate

Best Soft-Sided

Amazon Basics Soft Dog Travel Crate

Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate

$50 at Amazon

Star QualitiesHas a machine-washable coverEasy to close zipperHas a collapsible designRed FlagsDoesn’t have a carrying handle

Star QualitiesHas a machine-washable coverEasy to close zipperHas a collapsible design

Has a machine-washable cover

Easy to close zipper

Has a collapsible design

Red FlagsDoesn’t have a carrying handle

Doesn’t have a carrying handle

Amazon’s Soft-Sided Dog Crate clocked perfect scores for setup, ease of use, durability, and overall value. The lightweight, foldable design is made of polyester, and the two mesh doors have zipper closures plus velcro straps for when you want to keep them open. While the collapsible design is convenient for storage and transport, it would be more portable if it had a carrying handle or strap.

Dimensions:25.98 x 18.11 x 18.11 inches (small), 21.3 x 29.9 x 21.3 (medium), 36 x 24 x 24 (large), 42 x 31 x 31 inches (extra-large) |Weight:5.4-10.5 pounds |Material:Polyester |Closure:Zipper

PHOTO: People / Tamara StaplesPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel (soft-sided, for travel)

Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel placed in front of two other crates

tester rolling back the closure of the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel

tester holding up the front closure of the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel

person holding open the front of the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel

Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel (soft-sided, for travel)

Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel placed in front of two other crates

tester rolling back the closure of the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel

tester holding up the front closure of the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel

person holding open the front of the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel

Best CollapsibleDiggs Revol Dog CratePHOTO: Amazon$475$442 at AmazonView on Diggs.pet$475 at Chewy

Best CollapsibleDiggs Revol Dog Crate

Best Collapsible

Diggs Revol Dog Crate

Diggs Revol Dog Crate

$475$442 at AmazonView on Diggs.pet$475 at Chewy

Star QualitiesConvenient carrying handleIncludes built-in wheelsEasy to setup and keep cleanRed FlagsOne of the heaviest crates we tested

Star QualitiesConvenient carrying handleIncludes built-in wheelsEasy to setup and keep clean

Convenient carrying handle

Includes built-in wheels

Easy to setup and keep clean

Red FlagsOne of the heaviest crates we tested

One of the heaviest crates we tested

The Diggs Revol Crate was also a hit in the Lab. Made of aluminum, steel, and heavy-duty plastic, this high-end kennel looks and feels super luxe — just top it off with acooling dog bed. It’s available in four sizes to accommodate most small to medium/large breeds. No assembly is required, and it collapses and folds back out in mere seconds. It has remarkably smooth door hinges, and a removable tray makes cleaning a breeze.

Dimensions:25 x 17 x 19 inches (small), 35 x 23 x 24 inches (medium), 41 x 28 x 31 inches (intermediate), 45 x 31 x 33 inches (large) |Weight:25-50 pounds |Material:Aluminum, steel, plastic |Closure:Plastic latch, ceiling hatch

Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate (collapsible) placed in front of other crates

tester collapsing the Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate (collapsible)

close up of the top of the Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate (collapsible)

Tester removing the floorboard of the Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate (collapsible)

Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate (collapsible) placed in front of other crates

tester collapsing the Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate (collapsible)

close up of the top of the Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate (collapsible)

Tester removing the floorboard of the Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate (collapsible)

Best WoodMerry Pet Pet Crate and GatePHOTO: Amazon$150 at Amazon$150 at Walmart$150 at ChewyStar QualitiesMultipurpose design converts into a gateExtremely durableAttractive designRed FlagsNot as mobile as other cratesIf you’re interested in a more upscale design that blends in with your furniture, consider the 2-in-1 Pet Crate from Merry Products. While you won’t need any tools to set it up, the pins were a little tricky to insert. Still, this wooden kennel was easy enough to assemble once we got the pieces lined up.The multipurpose design can also be used as a pet gate, and converting it from one to the other was pretty simple. It’s definitely strong enough to prevent a dog from escaping, but larger breeds might be able to knock it over in the gate configuration. This kennel has a removable tray-style bottom, making it easy to clean. While it’s relatively heavy and not very maneuverable, we’d recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality indoor crate that won’t be an eyesore.Dimensions:32.5 x 22.5 x 23.5 inches (medium), 40 x 28 x 31.5 inches (large) |Weight:17.7-55.5 pounds |Material:Wood, metal, plastic |Closure:LatchPHOTO: People / Jessica JuliaoPHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best WoodMerry Pet Pet Crate and GatePHOTO: Amazon$150 at Amazon$150 at Walmart$150 at Chewy

Best WoodMerry Pet Pet Crate and Gate

Best Wood

Merry Pet Pet Crate and Gate

Merry Pet 2-in-1 Configurable Pet Crate and Gate

$150 at Amazon$150 at Walmart$150 at Chewy

Star QualitiesMultipurpose design converts into a gateExtremely durableAttractive designRed FlagsNot as mobile as other crates

Star QualitiesMultipurpose design converts into a gateExtremely durableAttractive design

Multipurpose design converts into a gate

Extremely durable

Attractive design

Red FlagsNot as mobile as other crates

Not as mobile as other crates

If you’re interested in a more upscale design that blends in with your furniture, consider the 2-in-1 Pet Crate from Merry Products. While you won’t need any tools to set it up, the pins were a little tricky to insert. Still, this wooden kennel was easy enough to assemble once we got the pieces lined up.

The multipurpose design can also be used as a pet gate, and converting it from one to the other was pretty simple. It’s definitely strong enough to prevent a dog from escaping, but larger breeds might be able to knock it over in the gate configuration. This kennel has a removable tray-style bottom, making it easy to clean. While it’s relatively heavy and not very maneuverable, we’d recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality indoor crate that won’t be an eyesore.

Dimensions:32.5 x 22.5 x 23.5 inches (medium), 40 x 28 x 31.5 inches (large) |Weight:17.7-55.5 pounds |Material:Wood, metal, plastic |Closure:Latch

Merry Pet 2-in-1 Configurable Pet Crate and Gate, Medium (furniture style, convertible to gate) assembly

tester assembling the Merry Pet 2-in-1 Configurable Pet Crate and Gate, Medium (furniture style, convertible to gate)

Merry Pet 2-in-1 Configurable Pet Crate and Gate, Medium (furniture style, convertible to gate) assembly

tester assembling the Merry Pet 2-in-1 Configurable Pet Crate and Gate, Medium (furniture style, convertible to gate)

While you’re shopping for dog crates, you might also want to pick up some additional PEOPLE-Tested products for your pet. Our recommended picks go through rigorous testing from our editors, independent testers, and their furry friends.

Little Beast Super Duper Reversible Parka Vest$88 at RevolveYeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl$50 at AmazonView on Yeti.comView on Publiclands.comArf Pets Dog Cooling Mat$50 at Amazon$42$30 at Walmart$30 at PETCOWhisker Feeder Robot$299 at Amazon$299 at Litter-robot.com

Little Beast Super Duper Reversible Parka Vest$88 at Revolve

Little Beast Super Duper Reversible Parka Vest

Super Duper Reversible Parka Vest

$88 at Revolve

Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl$50 at AmazonView on Yeti.comView on Publiclands.com

Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl

Yeti Boomer 8 Dog Bowl

$50 at AmazonView on Yeti.comView on Publiclands.com

Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat$50 at Amazon$42$30 at Walmart$30 at PETCO

Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat

Arf Pets Dog Cooling MatBest

$50 at Amazon$42$30 at Walmart$30 at PETCO

Whisker Feeder Robot$299 at Amazon$299 at Litter-robot.com

Whisker Feeder Robot

Whisker Feeder Robot

$299 at Amazon$299 at Litter-robot.com

What to Know About Dog Crates

Dog Size

The first thing to consider when buying a dog crate or kennel is the size of your dog. Crates come in many sizes to accommodate pets weighing anywhere from four pounds to upwards of 150 pounds. Check the dimensions to make sure your dog will fit, then look at the brand’s recommended weight limit to ensure it’s the proper size.

Portability

If you need something for trips, vet appointments, or competitions, a conventionaldog penwon’t work, as portability is key. Many dog crates have carrying handles, and some larger models feature built-in wheels. For plane travel, be sure to check the airline’s oversized cargo guidelines or carry-on requirements if you’re bringing your pet to the cabin. Our best pick for travel,Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel, meets most airline cargo specifications.

If you’re going on a road trip or picking up your pooch from another location, a collapsible dog crate will be easier to pack. And generally speaking, lighter-weight models are better for on-the-go use.

Durability

Cleaning

Lastly, the dog crate should be easy to clean. Many models, like theDiggs Revol Dog Crateand theMerry Pet 2-in-1 Configurable Pet Crate and Gate, have pull-out trays you can remove and wash as needed (in case ofdog foodor treat spills). Some soft-sided crates have removable, machine-washable covers. If yours has neither of these features, you’ll have to wipe it clean from the inside or potentially hose it down if the materials are waterproof.

After researching today’s best dog crates, we chose 20 models with varying styles, features, and price points to see how they stack up.

PEOPLE / Jessica Juliao

Best Dog Crates

Frequently Asked QuestionsYou’ll want to find a dog crate that your pet can fit into comfortably. Take your dog’s measurements — height and length — to find the minimum crate size. Then add additional room for your dog to comfortably lay down and walk around without crouching.Both plastic and metal are good materials for dog crates, so what it really comes down to is how you plan to use the crate. Metal crates provide more visibility and ventilation for your dog. They are also generally sturdier and less expensive than plastic crates overall. However, plastic crates are easier for travel as they are lighter weight and are better able to control accidents.A crate can be a safe space for an anxious dog or a puppy as they get used to their new home. To make it even more comfortable, make sure to include a softdog bedor blanket in the dog crate as well as aspecial toyto make it feel even more comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ll want to find a dog crate that your pet can fit into comfortably. Take your dog’s measurements — height and length — to find the minimum crate size. Then add additional room for your dog to comfortably lay down and walk around without crouching.

Both plastic and metal are good materials for dog crates, so what it really comes down to is how you plan to use the crate. Metal crates provide more visibility and ventilation for your dog. They are also generally sturdier and less expensive than plastic crates overall. However, plastic crates are easier for travel as they are lighter weight and are better able to control accidents.

A crate can be a safe space for an anxious dog or a puppy as they get used to their new home. To make it even more comfortable, make sure to include a softdog bedor blanket in the dog crate as well as aspecial toyto make it feel even more comfortable.

Theresa Hollandis a writer covering a variety of topics from beauty and fashion to home and pets. For this article, she consulted our testing insights where we evaluated 20 dog crates on criteria including comfort, security, and travel-friendliness for pups of all sizes.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com