Looking for the best dog crates to keep your furry friend safe, comfortable, and happy? We’re sharing our 15 favorites here! You don’t want your dog’s crate to feel like a punishment for your pooch. Their crate is like their own home; it’s their safe, private space within your home and on the move, so it needs to feel that way.
The best dog crates provide enough light, ventilation, and comfort to make sure that a crate is a comfortable place for your dog. A comfortable, welcoming crate will also make crate training your dog much easier. Proper crate training may make a dog better behaved overall, as you can keep them on a regular sleep schedule.
So, if you’re looking for a crate for your beloved dog, look no further. This article will break down the best dog crates on the market.
Top 15 Dog Kennels & Crates Comparison Chart
We’ve put together a simple chart featuring the top 15 best dog kennels, crates, and portables. They’ve been sorted by purpose (indoor, outdoor, or travel), material, and price. Click around and see if you can find the perfect fit for your favorite companion.
| Image | Enclosure Type | Purpose | Material | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Suncast DH250 Deluxe Dog House | Outdoors | Plastic |  |
 | Yaheetech Tall Metal Playpen Kennel | Outdoors | Metal | |
 | Aleko Pet System Dog Kennel | Outdoors | Metal | |
 | Advantek Gazebo Modular Outdoor Dog Kennel | Outdoors | Metal | |
 | Lucky Dog Uptown Welded Wire Kennel | Outdoors | Metal | |
 | IRIS Plastic Pet Playpen with Door | Indoors | Plastic | |
 | Paws & Pals Extra Large Dog Crate | Indoors | Metal | |
 | MidWest Homes iCrate Indoor Pet Crate | Indoors | Metal | |
 | Casual Home Pet Crate End Table | Indoors | Wood | |
 | Internet's Best Wooden Dog Crate | Indoors | Wood | |
 | Petnation Port-A-Crate Indoor/Outdoor Pet Home | Travel | Fabric | |
 | Suncast Deluxe Pet Travel Carrier | Travel | Plastic | |
 | Aspenpet Pet Porter | Travel | Plastic | |
 | Petmate Sky Kennel Dog Crate | Travel | Plastic | |
 | EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate | Travel | Fabric | |
Top 5 Best Dog Kennels for Outdoors
If you live where the weather is fair and you spend a lot of time outdoors, it really makes sense to get your dog a kennel. Check out our top picks for the best dog kennels of 2021 below.
1. Suncast DH250 Deluxe Dog HouseThe Suncast DH250 Dog House is the quintessential dog house we’ve all seen at some point in suburbia. What we really dig about this dog kennel is the fact that it is very easy to put together and isn’t overly expensive. Snap together assembly means you’ll have the job done in less than in hour or so. Unless you want to spend a whole weekend building a wood dog house from scratch, this is a great alternative.
This dog kennel measures 27 x 35 x 30 inches (W x D x H) and uses durable vinyl. Rest assured that it will stand the test of time and hold up well against rain and the like. A fair price and quality construction make this our top pick for the best dog kennel.
2. Yaheetech Tall Metal Playpen Kennel
The Tall Metal Playpen by Yaheetech is a unique modular option for keeping your pups safe and contained. It features premium powder-coated iron panels for a durable and stylish finish. It’s been designed with your pet’s safety in mind and utilizes rounded corners and ground stakes for extra protection.
With 16 panels in total, this modular playpen can be put together and assembled in a variety of ways. Need a round, square, or rectangular playpen? It’s no problem with this exceptional pen by Yaheetech.
3. Aleko Pet System Dog Kennel
The Aleko Pet System Dog Kennel is a great choice for larger dogs or when durability is desired. Steel bars with wire mesh offers a classic look and incredible strength to keep your dogs safe and sound.
Setup is a breeze thanks to the unique locking system that enables you to clasp the modular panels together with ease. A large interior combined with water-resistant coating and safety features offers the perfect kennel for all seasons.
4. Advantek Gazebo Modular Outdoor Dog Kennel
The Advantek Gazebo Outdoor Dog Kennel features a pleasing galvanized steel frame and a canvas top for a pen that is as unique as it is functional. 8-sided octagon design with a single door access drop-down window for easy feeding provides plenty of space and comfort. Ready to assemble in a matter of minutes with no tools or extra equipment necessary!
5. Lucky Dog Uptown Welded Wire KennelIf you’re not a fan of vinyl, this dog kennel is constructed with heavy duty welded steel. The wire is welded together and then coated with a weatherproof adhesive that’ll stay standing for years through rain, snow, sun, sleet, and other debris. It’s more than twice as expensive, but it is much larger than Suncast’s outdoor kennel and can fit a couple dogs.
This unit also comes with a waterproof cover that can be strapped down snuggly over the top using elastic cords to provide an umbrella of sorts for your dog. It is one of the best selling kennels on the market right now, and is our vote for the best wire dog crate for outdoors.
Top 5 Best Dog Crates for Indoors
Indoor dog crates are great for many purposes! As long as the dog isn’t staying in the crate for extremely long periods of time, they don’t mind having their own napping place (mix in regular walks and that will be one happy dog!). It may not be as comfy as the couch, but dogs understand and get used to having their own little space within the home. Putting some blankets and even a dog bed in the crate will keep them nice and cozy.
6. IRIS Plastic Pet Playpen with DoorThis is ideal for use in the home and is arguably the best dog playpen available. It is like a children’s playpen but designed specifically for pets. It is suitable for puppies up to medium-sized dogs. The flexible design means you can shape it to fit your space. The plastic is durable enough to withstand some chewing.
7. Paws & Pals Extra Large Dog CrateHave you decided that metal is the best dog crate material for your needs? You will be spoiled with this choice! It is one of the best metal dog crates on the market. This is an incredibly durable crate, even among other metal ones. The metal is specially treated to be waterproof so it will resist full washing as well as any accidents your pooch may have.
It is quick to put up and take down, folding up easily for storage. It is also small enough that it can be used for travel. It comes with a divider, which makes it one of the best dog crates if you have multiple small dogs. You can keep them separate and out of trouble on the road. Alternatively, if you have one big dog, this is a top pick among owners as the best large dog crate.
8. MidWest Homes Indoor Pet Crate
The MidWest iCrate doesn’t come with any fancy bells and whistles, but it provides exactly what you need in a metal dog crate. It is durable and easy to assemble and take apart. This means that it can be easily stored when not in use. It comes in a variety of sizes, meaning you’ll be able to find the perfect fit whether you have a chihuahua or a Great Dane. Our pick for the best large dog crate!
With two doors, you can orient it whichever way you wish within a car or in a corner of your home. I bought this metal dog crate for my little English Bulldog and she loves it! While she, of course, would prefer our bed, the fact of the matter is she sheds way too much to be allowed that luxury! She sleeps in this iCrate every night. What I appreciate about this crate is that it is easily foldable so it can be transported without too much trouble.
9. Casual Home Pet Crate End TableThis isn’t exactly a metal crate; it’s made of hardwood. But it is certainly heavy and made to stay in one place: right in your living room! The major selling point of this crate is the aesthetics. It doubles as an attractive end table, making it one of the best dog crates if you’ve got a small space and need the dual function.
This model is designed for smaller dogs. You can find similar crates for larger pooches, but need to make sure that your aesthetic choices don’t override your dog’s comfort. The functionality and build quality propelled this to our top pick for the best wood dog crate.
10. Internet’s Best Wooden Dog Crate
The Internet’s Best Wooden Dog Crate might really be the internet’s best dog crate! Featuring a stunning wooden design with wire mesh, this crate doesn’t sacrifice on looks or comfort. Large interior that houses a cushioned bottom and numerous safety features keeps your dog safe and sound. With the option to choose between an espresso or white design, you’ve can get a dog crate that matched your home decor perfectly. One of the best soft dog crates for style and convenience!
Top 5 Best Travel Dog Crate
Here are our top picks for portable dog crates for cars and traveling. Plastic crates are great for both travel and at home. They’re versatile and durable. Nevertheless, some cloth models are growing in popularity, and some dog owners choose them over the plastic models.
11. Petnation Port-A-Crate Indoor/Outdoor Pet HomeIf you are not a fan of the plastic portable dog crates, checkout this fabric model. It is top rated as one of the best soft dog crates out there. This will keep your dog comfortable and feeling safe even if they are heading to the dreaded vet. This is also our top pick for the best puppy crate.
This fabric dog crate has a lightweight steel frame to ensure that it doesn’t lose its shape when being carried. It has mesh built into the sides for excellent ventilation and light, and the fabric is durable and water-resistant. The all-fabric build plus putting a little blankey will make your dog feel right at home.
12. Suncast Deluxe Pet Travel Carrier
The Suncast Deluxe Pet Carrier is a fantastic option for air or car travel. The durable plastic shell is ultra-safe and secure and will keep your dog cozy for hours at a time. It comes with water and food storage tray for added convenience and easy-access storage compartments for simple stowing. Plus, assembly is a snap thanks to the simple clasping design. With specifications that match U.S. airline standards, this is absolutely the best dog crate for travel on our list.
13. Aspenpet Pet PorterThis is a great travel carrier for small dogs and puppies and is our top pick for the best puppy crate. The plastic is highly durable and light enough to be carried easily. The Pet Porter is also our top pick for the best plastic dog crate. There are panels on the sides to provide your pooch with extra ventilation and light, making being taken in the crate a much more comfortable experience.
14. Petmate Sky Kennel Dog CrateIf you’ve got a bigger dog, this is a great option and our pick for the best plastic dog crate. The plastic is heavy-duty enough that large, heavy dogs can be carried without you having to worry about the plastic bending or breaking. It can withstand some heavy chewing, too. It’s ventilated, and even has clips so you can attach food and water dishes. These great little extra features plus the build puts this carrier up there among the best dog carriers out there.
15. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog CrateIf you’re on the hunt for the best travel dog crate, this is worth a gander. The EliteField 3-Door Foldable Soft Crate is the best fabric dog crate when it comes to giving your pooch as much fresh air and light as possible. With completely mesh sides, they’ll feel like they’re not in a crate at all. It’s lightweight and easy to transport. However, if you’re looking for durability, look elsewhere. A dog who likes to chew will make short work of this crate.
Types of Dog Crates
There is no single best dog crate material, so it all depends entirely on how you plan on using the crate. In fact, some pet owners have different crates for when the dog is at home and when it is traveling.
Categories
The most popular categories of dog kennels and crates are outdoor, indoor, and portable models.
- Outdoor. For some dog owners, in warmer climates and larger breeds, it makes sense to purchase an outdoor dog kennel. Dogs like to be outside and the fresh air doesn’t do them any harm! For example If you are often outside working in the garden it can be nice to have a kennel to put them in if they are not taking kindly to the leaf blower or lawn mower.
- Indoor. Indoor dog crates are used at home. It provides the dog with their own little space and—if they are fond of creating chaos when you are away—prevents them from doing damage. Some folks will purchase a foldable indoor crate and use it for their dog at home and on the go instead of buying both a carrier and a crate.
- Portable. The best dog crate for car travel is going to be a little different than the best indoor dog crate. Travel crates are more compact, lighter, and easy to fit in a car. Sometimes manufacturers will go with a foldable design too.
Build
The three common construction types of dog crates are metal, fabric, and plastic.
- Metal. Metal crates are far more durable and sturdy than other types of crates. As long as you include some blankets or even a dog bed, it will still be comfortable. Plus, if your dog loves to chew, and even the best bully sticks can’t curb their urge, a metal crate will be safe from damage. They are also ideal for larger dogs. The downside of metal crates is that they are heavy, so depending on the size of the crate and of your dog, they may not be as good for travel.
- Fabric. Fabric crates are light and soft. They are generally made to be carried, but likely won’t be much good for home use. They also tend to be more aesthetically pleasing.
- Plastic. Plastic crates are the middle ground between metal and fabric. A bit heavier than fabric but still light enough to carry, plastic crates are good to travel with. Heavy-duty plastic should also be resistant to most chewing.
- Wood. Some of the newer and top-of-the-line crates are crafted using either solid wood or a blend of wood and other materials. This results in an elegant design that has a luxury feel to it, without sacrificing on durability or comfort.
We’ve shown you some of the best dog crates, whether for indoor, outdoor, or travel use. Whichever you choose- metal, fabric, plastic, or wood- you’re sure to get the best dog crate for keeping your dog happy and comfortable. No matter what kind of crate you get, make sure that you do your best to make it comfortable for your dog.
