Does the thought of leaving your furry best friend alone fill you with worry? You want your dog to be safe and comfortable, even when you cannot be right there beside them. Finding the perfect dog kennel can feel like a huge task. There are so many sizes, materials, and styles out there! It’s tough to know which one truly fits your dog’s needs and your home.
Choosing the wrong kennel can lead to stress for both you and your pup. Maybe it’s too small, hard to clean, or just not secure enough. We understand those headaches! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down everything you need to know to pick a kennel that becomes a safe, cozy haven for your dog.
Keep reading to discover the best features to look for, how to choose the right size, and tips for making crate training a success. Get ready to find the ideal home-away-from-home for your loyal companion!
Top Dog Kennel Recommendations
- IDEAL FOR 71-90 LB DOGS: Measures 42.5 x 28.5 x 30.5 inches – perfect for Australian Shepherds, Boxers, Golden Retrievers & similar breeds. For dogs near 90 lbs, consider sizing up to our 48-inch model so they have plenty of room to get comfortable.
- WE DON'T CUT CORNERS, WE PERFECT THEM: Precision welding, rounded corner clips & slide-bolt latch with Paw Block mitigate snags, cuts & escapes. With rigorous safety testing, iCrate provides peace of mind knowing your dog is safe while you're away.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy metal wire design with a protective black e-coat finish, the iCrate resists rust and everyday wear. Complete with leak-proof tray, rubber feet, carry handle, and tool-free assembly, it's ready for years of use.
- SUPPORTS CRATE TRAINING: A divider panel lets the crate grow with your dog, from puppy kennel to full-size crate. Large openings and low thresholds ease the crate training process and help your dog feel more at home.
- LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.
- IDEAL FOR 41-70 LB DOGS: Measures 36.5 x 23.25 x 24.75 inches – perfect for Bulldogs, Beagles, Whippets & similar breeds. For dogs near 70 lbs, consider sizing up to our 42-inch model so they have plenty of room to get comfortable.
- WE DON'T CUT CORNERS, WE PERFECT THEM: Precision welding, rounded corner clips & slide-bolt latches with Paw Block mitigate snags, cuts & escapes. With rigorous safety testing, iCrate provides peace of mind knowing your dog is safe while you're away.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy metal wire design with a protective black e-coat finish, the iCrate resists rust and everyday wear. Complete with leak-proof tray, rubber feet, carry handle, and tool-free assembly, it's ready for years of use.
- SUPPORTS CRATE TRAINING: A divider panel lets the crate grow with your dog, from puppy kennel to full-size crate. Large openings and low thresholds ease the crate training process and help your dog feel more at home.
- LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.
- 【Upgraded Reinforced Double Lock Design】The front door of the metal dog kennel is convenient for pets to get in and out, the top door can be opened to allow you to interact with and feed your pets. Upgraded door locks on the front and top securely lock the door in place, keeping your dog safely inside their pet house.
- 【STURDY & SAFE CONSTRUCTION】 Premium Safety for Your Pet: Built with a heavy-duty metal frame and fortified by multiple layers of rust-resistant coating, this heavy duty dog crate ensures long-lasting durability and protection. The design safeguards your pet’s health while providing a secure space for daily use. Whether for rambunctious puppies or full-grown dogs, this crate’s robust structure withstands wear and tear, giving you peace of mind that your furry friend is safe and comfortable.
- 【Easy to Install and Move】360-degree lockable rolling casters allow you to easily move the indestructible dog crate around your home, or keep your dog cage securely in place. The large dog crate is already partially assembled. You just screw the parts together
- 【Easy To Clean】Comes with two removable bottom trays, The durable slide-out tray that comes with the dog crate can catch fallen any soiling, helping you clean out the kennel quickly and easily.Two removable trays simplify cleanup—simply slide them out, rinse, and replace.
- 【VERSATILE REMOVABLE DIVIDER】 Flexible Space for Growing Pets: The included divider transforms the dog crate into two separate zones, ideal for housing multiple puppies or creating distinct eating and sleeping areas for a single pet. Remove it to unlock a spacious interior perfect for larger dogs. This adaptable design grows with your pet, offering long-term value and customization to suit their evolving needs.
- 30-inch dog crate for pets under 26 x 17 inches (LxH), like a Beagle, Dachshund, Shih Tzu, or Chihuahua
- Durable metal wire construction with manual door locking mechanism for secure containment
- Sets up quickly and folds down flat for easy transport or compact storage; top handle for comfortable carrying
- 1 door and a divider for adjusting the internal space
- Removable plastic base tray for easy cleaning
- IDEAL FOR 21-40 LB DOGS: Measures 30.5 x 19.25 x 21.5 inches – perfect for French Bulldogs, Welsh Terriers, Dachshunds & similar breeds. For dogs near 40 lbs, consider sizing up to our 36-inch model so they have plenty of room to get comfortable.
- WE DON'T CUT CORNERS, WE PERFECT THEM: Precision welding, rounded corner clips & slide-bolt latch with Paw Block mitigate snags, cuts & escapes. With rigorous safety testing, iCrate provides peace of mind knowing your dog is safe while you're away.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy metal wire design with a protective black e-coat finish, the iCrate resists rust and everyday wear. Complete with leak-proof tray, rubber feet, carry handle, and tool-free assembly, it's ready for years of use.
- SUPPORTS CRATE TRAINING: A divider panel lets the crate grow with your dog, from puppy kennel to full-size crate. Large openings and low thresholds ease the crate training process and help your dog feel more at home.
- LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.
- 36-inch dog crate for pets under 32 x 21 inches (LxH), like a Corgi, Brittany, Cocker Spaniel, or French Bulldog
- Durable metal wire construction with manual door locking mechanism for secure containment
- Sets up quickly and folds down flat for easy transport or compact storage; top handle for comfortable carrying
- 2 doors (front and side) and a divider for adjusting the internal space
- Removable plastic base tray for easy cleaning
- Unbeatable Strength & Chew-Proof Security: This outdoor dog kennel is built with welded galvanized iron pipe—stronger than traditional wire mesh—to resist bending, chewing, and escape. Reinforced with ground stakes and a heavy-duty frame, it provides a fortress-like enclosure that keeps large breeds safely contained and protected
- Smart Double-Lock Door & Feeder: Enjoy peace of mind with our enhanced double-lock dog enclosure door, designed for maximum security and a premium look. The convenient 360-degree swivel feeding hatch lets you refresh food and water without entering, making daily care cleaner and easier
- All-Weather Roof & Reinforced Shelter: Engineered to withstand sun, rain, and snow, this outdoor kennel features a reinforced top structure and a durable grey roof with secure strap fastening. Your pet stays dry, shaded, and comfortable in any season, making it a reliable dog run for year-round use
- Spacious 10x14FT Interior for Active Pets: With generous room to roam, rest, and play, this large dog cage comfortably accommodates Great Danes, Shepherds, or multiple small animals. The tall, open design ensures freedom of movement, turning your yard into a safe and happy retreat
- Quick Assembly & Anchored Stability: Designed for hassle-free setup, panels connect easily with minimal screws and fittings. Ships in 3 boxes (may arrive separately) and includes ground stakes to anchor the kennel firmly against wind and digging—so your pet’s new space is ready in no time
- SAFE AND DURABLE: Dog kennel is designed with rounded corners to eliminate sharp edges, prevent injuries caused by collisions and scratches, and reduce sharp points to protect the floor, ensure a safe use for you and your pet. And the durable metal wire construction with protective, long-lasting black coat finish, is good for pet trainning, resting and playing.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Dog crate bottom comes with a plastic removable tray that features a deep lip design to prevent overflow, that will not stain, warp, corrode or retain pet odors, you can cover the pad or wipe off pet's feces, and just slide it out when you need to clean. Meanwhile, the whole cage can also be cleaned by wiping to saving you time.
- SINGLE-DOOR DESIGN: The single-door access offers a spacious entry point for proper ventilation and easy interaction with you. Featuring a large door opening and low threshold, it allows your pet to easily enter and exit the crate. The door is equipped with a heavy-duty sliding bolt latch to securely lock it in place, ensuring your pet's safety.
- FOLDABLE and PORTABLE: The crate with collapsible design that conveniently folds into a flat less than 3" thick, can be assembled quickly, also with the rust-resistant finish makes it be an ideal choice for home and travel, it's easy to store and transport, comes with the attachable carrying handle strong and reliable.
- PETS PARTITION PLATE: The cage includes a partition plate, it's easily secure and disassemble, also it's easy to adjust the size of the internal living area where your pet grows. If you have 2 pets, you can assign the activity area by their size.
The Ultimate Dog Kennel Buying Guide
Choosing the right dog kennel is important. A good kennel gives your dog a safe, comfortable place to rest. It can also help with house training. This guide will help you find the perfect home for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check these important features:
- Size Matters: The kennel must let your dog stand up, turn around easily, and lie down fully stretched out. Too small is uncomfortable. Too big can make house training harder.
- Door Security: Look for strong latches. You do not want your dog opening the door by accident. Double latches offer extra security.
- Ventilation: Good airflow is a must. Kennels need wire sides or plenty of ventilation holes to keep the air fresh.
- Portability/Assembly: Think about where you will use the kennel. Some fold flat easily for travel. Others are heavy-duty and stay put.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The materials used greatly affect how long the kennel lasts and how safe it is.
Improving Quality:
- Thick Metal: Heavy-gauge steel or aluminum resists bending and chewing.
- Durable Coatings: Powder-coated finishes resist rust and make cleaning easy.
- Solid Floor Pans: Removable metal or heavy plastic pans make cleanup simple when accidents happen.
Reducing Quality:
- Thin Plastic: Cheap plastic can crack easily, especially in cold weather or under strong sunlight.
- Flimsy Latches: Weak plastic or thin metal latches break quickly.
- Sharp Edges: Always check for rough spots or sharp wires that could hurt your dog. Poor construction creates hazards.
Important Materials Explained
Dog kennels come in three main types of material:
- Wire Kennels: These are very common. They offer excellent visibility and airflow. They are great for indoor use and travel if they fold. They are easy to clean.
- Plastic Crates (Travel Kennels): These are sturdy and good for keeping the weather out. They are often used for air travel because they offer more protection from bumps. Ensure the plastic is high-quality so it does not shatter.
- Wooden Kennels: These look nicer inside a house. They offer better insulation from noise and temperature changes. However, wood can absorb odors if not sealed well, and some dogs might chew them.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the kennel changes what you need to buy.
Indoor Crate Training:
For training puppies inside, a wire kennel with a divider panel is ideal. The divider lets you make the space smaller initially, growing it as the puppy grows. This helps prevent the puppy from using one end as a bathroom.
Traveling and Outdoors:
If you travel often, choose a lightweight, foldable metal crate or a heavy-duty plastic travel kennel. For outdoor use, make sure the material resists rain and sun damage. A good outdoor kennel needs a waterproof roof or must be placed under cover.
Anxiety and Safety:
Some dogs get anxious in open wire crates. For these dogs, a solid plastic crate or a wooden crate might feel more den-like and comforting. Always prioritize safety over looks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Kennels
Q: What is the right size kennel for my dog?
A: Measure your dog from nose to the base of the tail. Add about 4 to 6 inches to that measurement for length. The height should allow your dog to stand without hitting its head.
Q: Do I need a divider panel?
A: Yes, especially for puppies. A divider lets you adjust the space as your puppy grows. This is very important for successful house training.
Q: Are plastic kennels safe for puppies?
A: Yes, high-quality plastic kennels are safe and offer great protection. Just make sure the door latches are very secure, as some puppies learn to push soft plastic doors open.
Q: How often should I clean the kennel?
A: Clean up accidents immediately. You should fully wash the floor pan and bedding at least once a week to keep things sanitary and odor-free.
Q: Can I use a kennel outside all the time?
A: It depends on the kennel. Wire kennels need shade and protection from rain. Plastic kennels handle weather better, but your dog still needs protection from extreme heat or cold.
Q: What is the difference between a crate and a kennel?
A: Often, the words are used the same way! Generally, “crate” refers to the wire or plastic box used for training or travel, while “kennel” can mean a larger outdoor shelter or a permanent structure.
Q: Should the kennel have a carpet or bedding?
A: Yes, soft bedding makes it comfortable. However, if your dog chews or rips bedding, remove it until they are reliably trained. A safe, heavy blanket is a good starting point.
Q: What if my dog tries to escape by chewing the wire?
A: This means the quality is too low, or the dog is highly anxious. Look for kennels made of thicker metal tubing. If anxiety is the issue, consult a trainer or try a more enclosed plastic crate.
Q: How do I make the kennel feel less scary?
A: Never use the kennel as punishment. Feed your dog meals inside it. Toss high-value treats in there. Cover the sides with a blanket to make it feel like a cozy den.
Q: Are expensive kennels always better quality?
A: Not always. Focus on the material thickness, latch strength, and good ventilation, rather than just the brand name or price tag. Good features matter more than high cost.