Best Dog Crates and Kennels: Travel and Home Use
Dog crates serve multiple essential functions in a dog’s life—they provide a safe den-like space for relaxation, a containment tool for house training, a secure travel environment, and a management tool for preventing destructive behavior when unsupervised. Choosing the right crate involves balancing size, material, portability, and ventilation for the specific needs of your dog and household. The two primary crate types each offer distinct advantages.
Wire crates from brands like MidWest Homes for Pets and PetSafe offer excellent ventilation, visibility, and fold-flat portability. The MidWest iCrate is one of the most popular wire crates, featuring a double-door design that allows flexible placement, a divider panel that lets the crate grow with a growing puppy, and a composite plastic pan that is removable for cleaning. Wire crates collapse flat for storage and transportation, making them suitable for home use and travel. They work well for dogs that prefer to see their surroundings and are not prone to breaking through bars.
Plastic crates, such as those from Petmate and Gunner, provide a more enclosed, den-like environment that can be calming for anxious dogs. The Petmate Vari Kennel is an airline-approved plastic crate designed for air travel, featuring ventilation on all four sides, a door that locks securely, and a recessed handle for easy carrying. Plastic crates maintain temperature better than wire crates and offer more privacy for dogs that prefer darkness when resting. Gunner crates are engineered for automotive crash safety, with impact-resistant rotomolded construction that can withstand forces exceeding military standards.
Soft-sided crates from brands like Kurgo and EliteField offer lightweight portability for travel and temporary use. These crates feature mesh panels for ventilation and visibility, fold into carry bags for transport, and are suitable for calm, well-trained dogs who will not attempt to escape. Soft-sided crates are not appropriate for dogs that are prone to chewing, as the fabric and mesh can be easily damaged. They are best used for hotel stays, visits to friends and family, and other temporary situations.
When selecting a crate, the dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Crates that are too large may defeat house training purposes, as dogs may designate one end as a sleeping area and the other as a bathroom. Crate covers can provide additional security for anxious dogs by blocking visual stimuli. Most dogs benefit from positive crate training—making the crate comfortable with bedding, feeding meals inside, and offering treats for entering—rather than being forced into confinement.