Travel Dog Crates Reviews

Is your dog chewing up shoes and destroying your furniture? You might want to consider a crate! While crate training is key for puppies, it may also be a good choice when your little pup isn’t so little anymore. It creates a little indoor escape for dogs and becomes a home within your home. Find out why dog crates can be a great option for dogs of any age and read our review of the various types of crates available. We’ve even picked out the best dog crate for each category.

The Importance of Dog Crate Training

You’ve probably heard that dogs are den animals, and that they look to their crate for comfort in times of stress. A crate, approached correctly, provides this den-like structure within your own home, giving your pup a safe place to sleep, retreat, and maybe even eat. For more on the process of crate training, visit our article,

Types of Dog Crates

You may be thinking: How many types of crates can there actually be? The truth is: A LOT! Not all dog crates are created equal though, and you’ll want to make sure you choose the type that’s best for your life, and your dog. The main types of dog crates are:

Wire Dog Crate

Wire crates are well-ventilated, and often portable (though they can be a bit heavy). They’re a great option for dogs that like to see their surroundings, need a little extra air-flow, and aren’t escape artists. While they aren’t the most attractive options, and can be noisier than other types of crates, wire crates are also easy to clean, and offer removable panels so your puppy can grow into the space. You can also find some which are collapsable for easy transport.

Best Wire Dog Crate

Midwest Life Stages Double-Door Folding Metal Dog Crate ($49.99 ) – This versatile metal crate with adjustable divider offers front and side access, bolt latches, and comes with a one-year warranty. This is the one that a couple of our team members use for their pups.

Plastic Dog Crate

Plastic dog crates are also not the most attractive kennel option, however they’re great for dogs that like a little more privacy and seclusion when they sleep. But, they’re not as well-ventilated or as easy to clean as the wire crate. Plastic crates have a cozy vibe and are difficult for dogs to escape from. Plastic crates are also great for air travel and are easy to store when they’re not in use (the top half comes off so you can easily stack the two halves).

Best Plastic Dog Crate

Petmate Two-Door, Top-Load Kennel ($36.99 ) – Two-door construction on this plastic crate provides easy access for your pup, while steel and plastic combine to provide safety and strength.

Soft-Sided Dog Crate

There are a several pluses for soft-sided crates: they’re lightweight, great for travel, and store easily. However they’re really only an option for smaller dogs. They’re also more difficult to clean, can be easy for curious pups to escape from, or destructive pups to chew through.

Best Soft-Side Dog Crate

Petnation Port-a-Crate ($48.72 ) – Lightweight, portable, and made of tightly woven mesh fabric surrounded by an extra-strong steel frame, this crate sets up and folds down in seconds.