8 Best Crates For Puppy in 2026

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The best crate for most puppies is the MidWest iCrate 30-Inch Single Door Dog Crate, thanks to its built-in divider panel that adjusts the space as your pup grows. For flexible placement options, the DUMOS 36 Inch Double Door Dog Crate is our Best Double Door Design, and the Amazon Basics 36-Inch Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate is our Best Budget Pick.

Picking the wrong crate means your puppy might outgrow it in weeks, or you end up with one too large that undermines house-training. Size, durability, and ease of cleaning aren’t just nice-to-haves, they directly affect how quickly your puppy settles in.

We researched specifications, manufacturer details, and patterns in owner feedback to narrow the field to eight reliable options. This guide covers the key factors to consider and highlights a crate for every common need.

Top 8 Crates For Puppies in the Market

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The Best Crates For Puppies, Reviewed

#1Best Overall

MidWest iCrate 30-Inch Single Door Dog Crate

MidWest iCrate 30-Inch Single Door Dog Crate
Dog Weight Range21-40 lbs
MaterialSturdy metal wire with e-coat finish
Included AccessoriesDivider panel, leak-proof tray, rubber feet, carry handle
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What We Like

  • Divider panel lets crate grow with puppy
  • Slide-bolt latch with Paw Block prevents escapes
  • Leak-proof tray with rubber feet for floors
  • Tool-free assembly and carry handle for portability

Trade-offs

  • Single door limits placement options in tight spaces
  • At 17 lb, it's heavier than some 24-inch crates

If your dog weighs between 21 and 40 pounds, the MidWest iCrate 30-Inch Single Door Dog Crate is sized for breeds like French Bulldogs, Welsh Terriers, and Dachshunds. The included divider panel lets you shrink the space for a puppy and expand it as the dog grows, which supports crate training over time. Safety features include a slide-bolt latch with Paw Block to prevent escapes and rounded corner clips that reduce snags, while the leak-proof tray and rubber feet protect floors from accidents and scratches. Assembly requires no tools, and the carry handle makes moving it from room to room simple.

The single door limits where you can place the crate if you need access from both sides. At 17 pounds, it’s portable enough to move around the house but heavier than some smaller crates. For someone who wants a durable metal crate that adapts to a puppy’s changing size, this design offers good value without extra purchases.

Best for: Puppy owners who want a single crate that adapts from puppyhood to adult use with a secure latch and durable build. Not ideal for those who need a double-door crate for corner placement or a lightweight option for frequent travel.
#2Best Double Door Design

DUMOS 36 Inch Double Door Dog Crate

DUMOS 36 Inch Double Door Dog Crate
Dimensions36.6 x 22.6 x 24.2 in
Door Count2 (front and side)
Tray TypePlastic, leak-proof, removable
Divider PanelIncluded
Folded ThicknessUnder 3 inches
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What We Like

  • Double doors for flexible placement
  • Rounded corners reduce injury risk
  • Removable deep-lip tray prevents leaks
  • Folds flat under 3 inches for storage

Trade-offs

  • At 36.6 inches, too large for tiny spaces
  • Metal wire offers less privacy than covered crates

A 36-inch length with two full-size doors means you can put this crate against a wall or in a corner and still have easy access from whichever side works best for your room. The double-door design provides front and side access for ventilation and interaction, and each door has a heavy-duty sliding bolt latch to keep your pet secure. The included divider lets you adjust the interior space as your puppy grows, so you can use one crate through multiple growth stages. Rounded corners reduce the risk of injury from sharp edges, and the black coated wire is durable and easy to clean.

The trade-off is size: this is a 36-inch crate, so it suits medium breeds or larger puppies, not the tiny lapdog crowd. For smaller dogs, the Homey Pet 24-inch model is a more compact option. But for a growing dog that will need more room, the DUMOS gives you space to adjust the divider as your pet grows. The whole cage can be cleaned by wiping, and the removable tray catches messes before they reach your floor. Just know that the open wire design means your dog can see through the crate; if they prefer a darker space, you can add a crate cover separately.

Best for: Puppy owners who want flexible door placement and a divider to adjust crate size as the dog grows. Not ideal for owners of toy breeds or those who prefer a fully enclosed, furniture-style crate.

Product photos

#3Best Budget Pick

Amazon Basics 36-Inch Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate

Amazon Basics 36-Inch Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate
Dimensions36 x 23 x 25 inches
Weight22.1 pounds
DoorsFront and side
DividerAdjustable panel included
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What We Like

  • Double doors for flexible placement
  • Foldable design with carrying handle
  • Adjustable divider panel for growing puppies
  • Removable tray secured by metal hook

Trade-offs

  • Weighs 22.1 pounds, heavier than some single-door models
  • 36-inch size fits pets under 32 inches long and 21 inches wide

The adjustable divider panel lets you customize the interior space as your puppy grows, so you can use the same crate from training to full size. The foldable design and top handle mean you can stash it in a closet or carry it to another room without tools or instructions.

At 22.1 pounds, it is heavier than the 30-inch single-door model from MidWest (17 pounds). If you plan to move the crate room to room or take it on car trips often, that MidWest is lighter to carry. But for a home base where your corgi or cocker spaniel will sleep and train, the Amazon Basics gives you two doors and a divider.

Best for: Budget-conscious owners of medium-breed puppies who want a double-door crate with a growth-adjusting divider. Not ideal for frequent travelers who need the lightest possible crate.

Product photos

#4Best Leak-Proof Tray Design

Homey Pet 24 Inch Small Dog Crate

Homey Pet 24 Inch Small Dog Crate
Dimensions23.8 x 16.9 x 20.6 in
Weight15.0 lb
Door Count2 (front + side)
Tray FeatureLeak-proof, locking tray
Coat TypeNano coating (rust/peel/scratch resistant)
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What We Like

  • Rust/peel-resistant nano coating
  • Two doors with four slide-bolt latches
  • Folds flat in 30 seconds, no tools

Trade-offs

  • Pink color limits décor flexibility
  • No divider panel included for puppy training

A locking tray that stays put under the floor grid means you can clean up accidents without the tray sliding out or staining the floor underneath. That single detail makes this crate a practical pick for house-training a small puppy, especially one still figuring out bladder control. The nano coating resists rust, peeling, and scratches better than basic painted wire, so the pink finish should hold up through repeated wipe-downs and the occasional chew attempt. Two large doors with four slide-bolt latches give you easy access from front or side, and the low thresholds help a wobbly puppy step in without drama.

A tray that doesn’t leak and a crate that won’t rust out after a few wet cleanups are this model’s strengths. And unlike the MidWest iCrate, there is no included divider panel to shrink the space as a puppy grows. That means you may need to buy one separately if you want to use it for crate training from eight weeks onward. Still, it is a well-thought-out option for toy breeds under 20 inches long.

Best for: Owners of small puppies who prioritize easy cleanup and a durable, rust-resistant finish over portability. Not ideal for buyers who need a crate that grows with a puppy via a divider panel.

Product photos

#5Best Lightweight Travel Crate

KindTail PAWD Collapsible Puppy Crate

KindTail PAWD Collapsible Puppy Crate
Weight10.7 pounds
Dimensions (assembled)21 x 16 x 15.75 inches
Max dog weight12 lbs
MaterialBPA-free ABS plastic
Collapsed height3.5 inches
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What We Like

  • Folds flat in seconds without tools
  • Weighs just 10.7 pounds for easy carrying
  • BPA-free, non-toxic hard plastic construction
  • Sleek design blends with home decor

Trade-offs

  • Only fits dogs up to 12 pounds
  • Not built for escape artists or chewers
  • Small interior limits puppy growth room

The KindTail PAWD Collapsible Puppy Crate weighs only 9 pounds and folds to just 3.5 inches thick, so you can easily carry it to the car and store it in a closet when not in use. It sets up in seconds without tools, giving your small pup a familiar den at a friend’s house or hotel. The hard ABS plastic is BPA-free and non-toxic, with no sharp edges to worry about. Its sleek pattern helps balance airflow and light, making it blend into your home decor better than a typical wire crate.

Size is the main limitation: it tops out at 12 pounds, which means a medium-breed puppy will outgrow it fast. The plastic construction also won’t stop a determined chewer or an escape artist the way a metal crate like the MidWest iCrate might. If you need a crate that doubles as a training tool for a larger breed or a secure lockup for a persistent Houdini, look elsewhere. But if your pup is small, your trips are frequent, and you value a crate that stows under the seat when not in use, this is a travel-friendly option in the guide.

Best for: A small-puppy owner who travels often and wants a lightweight, fold-flat crate that blends into home decor. Not ideal for larger breeds, heavy chewers, or owners needing a long-term growth crate.
#6Best High Tensile-Strength Crate

FDW 24-Inch Foldable Metal Dog Crate

FDW 24-Inch Foldable Metal Dog Crate
Dimensions24 x 16 x 19 inches
Weight9.0 pounds
MaterialHigh tensile-strength wire
DoorsDouble door with dual latches
TrayLeak-proof ABS composite
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What We Like

  • Leak-proof tray with integrated lip
  • High tensile-strength wire gauge
  • Folds to less than 3 inches thick

Trade-offs

  • No tool-free assembly; requires folding flat for storage.

The lightweight design means the crate is relatively light, which might allow it to slide on smooth surfaces if a dog pushes hard. Compared to the MidWest model that weighs 17 pounds and has a larger footprint, this FDW model is more portable but less stable for a dog that hasn’t learned to settle. It’s a good fit for owners of small dogs who need a crate that travels easily, but not for larger breeds or dogs that tend to shove their crate across the floor.

Best for: Owners of small dogs who need a lightweight, portable crate for travel or multi-room use. Not ideal for larger breeds or dogs that tend to shove their crate across the floor.

Product photos

#7Best Furniture Style

rechgosh 24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture

rechgosh 24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture
Dimensions24 x 16.5 x 16 inches
Weight12.6 pounds
Max Dog Weight20 pounds
MaterialWood top + thickened metal wire
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What We Like

  • Furniture-style wood top doubles as side table
  • Ventilated wooden base for summer cooling
  • Four use modes: training, crating, free-range, whelping
  • Low threshold design protects small dog joints

Trade-offs

  • At 16 inches tall, too short for taller small breeds
  • Single door limits placement flexibility in tight spaces

A 24-inch length and 16-inch height mean this crate fits only dogs under 20 pounds, so it targets the smallest end of the puppy spectrum. The wooden top turns the crate into a functional nightstand or entry table, which is the whole point of the furniture-style approach. That ventilated wooden base keeps air moving underneath in summer, and you can drop in a soft pad when winter hits. Four modes, puppy training, crating, free-range, and whelping, let you adapt the setup as your dog’s needs change. For someone who wants the crate to blend into a living room or bedroom rather than scream pet store, this is the most intentional design in the guide.

A 16-inch height limits your breed options. A growing corgi or beagle will outgrow it fast, while the single door means you cannot slide it against a wall and still access the cage from both sides. But if you have a toy breed or a puppy that will stay under 20 pounds, the rechgosh gives you a piece of furniture that does not look like a cage and does not need to be replaced when the seasons change.

Best for: Owners of toy breeds or puppies under 20 lbs who want a crate that doubles as living-room furniture. Not ideal for medium-breed puppies that will outgrow the 16-inch height.
#8Best Value With Cover

DONORO Double Door Dog Crate with Cover

DONORO Double Door Dog Crate with Cover
Dimensions30 x 19 x 21 inches
Weight17.7 pounds
Doors2 (front and side)
IncludesCover, tray, handle
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What We Like

  • Includes a waterproof crate cover
  • Double doors for front and side entry
  • Two slide-bolt latches per door
  • Leak-proof removable tray

Trade-offs

  • 30-inch length limits use to small/medium puppies
  • Cover is hand-wash only
  • No divider panel for growing puppies

A 30-inch crate with a matching cover included out of the box means you don’t have to shop for accessories separately or guess at fit. That makes this kit a practical shortcut for anyone who wants a covered crate from day one, especially for a small or medium puppy who needs a den-like space to feel secure. The double doors give you flexibility in tight rooms, and the two heavy-duty slide-bolt latches per door add a layer of security that matters when a pup is still learning to settle down.

This crate lacks a divider panel, which many owners use to shrink the space as a puppy grows and avoid potty accidents inside. The MidWest iCrate in the same size range includes one, so if you’re crate-training a young puppy over several months, that panel can save you hassle. For an older small dog or a puppy that will max out under 30 inches in length, the DONORO’s all-in-one kit is a cleaner, ready-to-use setup.

Best for: Puppy owners who want a ready-to-use crate with a cover included and two entry points for flexible placement. Not ideal for owners who need a divider panel for long-term crate training.

How We Evaluated Crates For Puppies

Our evaluation focused on what matters most during the first year of a puppy’s life: adaptability, security, and cleanup. We analyzed product specs, manufacturer documentation, and expert round-ups alongside common themes in owner feedback to separate the practical from the merely popular.

The four criteria that carried the most weight were size adjustability, build quality, portability, and safety features. A divider panel is critical for crate training. Latches that hold and trays that don’t leak matter for build quality. Portability depends on fold-flat designs and reasonable weight. Safety features include rounded corners, non-toxic materials, and secure ventilation.

This guide synthesizes product information so you can make a confident choice without buying three crates to find the one that works.

What To Look For In Crates For Puppies

Choosing the right crate means balancing your puppy’s adult size, your home layout, and your travel habits. The best crate is one your puppy actually likes spending time in.

Focus on a crate with a divider panel, secure latches, a leak-proof tray, and a weight you can carry. Prioritize safety and adjustability over aesthetics, you can always add a cover later.

Size and Adjustability

A crate that fits your puppy now will be too small in three months. Look for a model that includes a divider panel so you can block off extra space during house-training and slide it back as your dog grows. This single feature turns one crate into a long-term solution.

Security and Latch Design

Puppies are escape artists. Slide-bolt latches with a paw block, like the one on the MidWest iCrate, prevent a clever pup from sliding the bolt open from the inside. Double-door models offer placement flexibility and an extra set of latches for peace of mind.

Material and Portability

  • Wire crates offer the best ventilation and visibility for most puppies.
  • Plastic crates are lighter and better for travel but can feel more enclosed.
  • Furniture-style crates double as decor but are heavier and harder to move.
  • Check the folded thickness if you plan to store or transport the crate regularly.

A crate that weighs under 15 pounds and folds flat in seconds is worth the investment if you travel with your puppy.

Crates For Puppies Compared

The table below compares all eight crates side-by-side so you can see at a glance which one matches your puppy’s size, your budget, and your lifestyle.

ProductDimensions (LxWxH)WeightDoor Count
MidWest iCrate 30-Inch Single Door Dog Crate31.1 x 20.2 x 21.5 inches17.0 pounds1
DUMOS 36 Inch Double Door Dog Crate36.6 x 22.6 x 24.2 inN/A2
Amazon Basics 36-Inch Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate36 x 23 x 25 inches22.1 pounds2
Homey Pet 24 Inch Small Dog Crate23.8 x 16.9 x 20.6 in15.0 lb2
KindTail PAWD Collapsible Puppy Crate21 x 16 x 15.75 inches10.7 poundsN/A
FDW 24-Inch Foldable Metal Dog Crate24 x 16 x 19 inches9.0 pounds2
rechgosh 24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture24 x 16.5 x 16 inches12.6 poundsN/A
DONORO Double Door Dog Crate with Cover30 x 19 x 21 inches17.7 pounds2

Frequently Asked Questions

What size crate should I get for my puppy?

Measure your puppy’s adult breed size and choose a crate long enough for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A crate with a divider panel lets you start with a smaller space for house-training and expand it as your puppy grows.

Should I get a crate with one door or two?

Single-door crates are lighter and often more secure, but they limit where you can place the crate. Double-door crates give you flexibility to position the crate in a corner or against a wall while keeping the door accessible. Choose based on your home layout.

How do I crate train my puppy?

Introduce the crate gradually with positive reinforcement, treats, toys, and short supervised sessions. Never use the crate as punishment. For a full breakdown of the process, our crate training guide walks through each step from day one.

What kind of bedding is safe for a puppy in a crate?

Thick, washable crate pads or mats provide comfort without posing a chewing hazard. Avoid fluffy bedding or blankets with loose threads until your puppy is past the heavy-chewing stage. A removable, leak-proof tray underneath protects your floor.

Can a wire crate be used for a puppy that chews?

Wire crates offer good ventilation and visibility, but a determined chewer can bend or damage thin wire. If your puppy is a heavy chewer, consider a high-tensile-strength wire crate like the FDW 24-Inch model, or a hard plastic travel crate that offers no purchase for teeth.

The Bottom Line

The MidWest iCrate 30-Inch Single Door Dog Crate is the best overall pick for most puppy owners. Its divider panel, secure slide-bolt latch, and leak-proof tray cover the essentials from house-training through adulthood without needing a second crate.

If your budget is tighter, the Amazon Basics 36-Inch Foldable Metal Wire Crate delivers double doors and an adjustable divider at a lower cost. For small-breed owners who want a crate that blends with furniture, the rechgosh 24 Inch Small Dog Crate Furniture offers a wood top that works as a side table.

The single most important buying factor is the divider panel. Without it, you either start with a crate too large for training or buy a second crate later. Every other feature, doors, weight, finish, is secondary to getting a crate that adapts to your puppy’s growth.