MidWest Dog Crates: Home and Travel Solutions
Crates are one of the most essential tools in dog ownership — used for house training, safe confinement, travel, and providing a den-like space where dogs feel secure. Among crate manufacturers, MidWest Homes for Pets (often sold under the “iCrate” brand) is one of the most widely used and reviewed brands in the market. Let’s examine what makes these crates popular and where they fall short.
Product Range Overview
MidWest offers several crate styles to suit different needs:
- Wire crates (iCrate) — The brand’s most popular line, featuring foldable wire panels with a plastic pan base
- QuietTime crates — Wire crates with fabric covers for a den-like environment
- Gated exercise pens — Expandable enclosures for larger confinement areas
- Travel crates — Hard-sided plastic crates designed for car travel and airline use
The wire crate lineup is what most people think of when they hear “MidWest crate,” and it’s the product line with the most owner feedback available.
Wire Crates: Design and Features
MidWest wire crates are known for their practical design. They feature a two-door configuration (front door and side door) that allows flexible placement in different rooms. The fold-and-carry handle makes them relatively portable, and the included divider panel lets you adjust the crate size as a puppy grows — a feature that saves owners from buying multiple crates.
The plastic pan base is easy to clean and provides a solid floor that’s more comfortable than wire-bottom alternatives. Many owners add a crate pad or blanket on top for extra comfort.
Assembly is straightforward — most owners report setting up the crate in under five minutes with no tools required. The folding mechanism is reliable and makes storage easy when the crate isn’t in use.
Build Quality and Durability
MidWest crates occupy the mid-range of the durability spectrum. They’re sturdier than the cheapest wire crates on the market but not as heavy-duty as premium brands like Midwest’s own “Ultimate” line or competitors like MidWest’s own “Guardian” series.
The wire gauge is sufficient for most dogs, but owners of powerful chewers or large, strong breeds sometimes report bent wires or damaged latches over time. The locking mechanism is generally reliable, though a small number of owners have experienced issues with latches failing on particularly determined escape artists.
Rust resistance is a mixed point. The wire coating holds up well in normal indoor use, but some owners in humid climates report rust developing on the wires after a year or two of use. Keeping the crate in a dry area and wiping it down periodically can help prevent this.
Size Options
MidWest wire crates come in standard sizes:
- 22 inches: Dogs up to 15 lbs
- 30 inches: Dogs up to 25 lbs
- 36 inches: Dogs up to 40 lbs
- 42 inches: Dogs up to 70 lbs
- 48 inches: Dogs up to 90 lbs
The divider panel is particularly useful for puppy owners. Starting with a crate sized for the dog’s adult weight and using the divider to reduce the space prevents the dog from using one end as a bathroom, which is a common house training issue with oversized crates.
Travel and Outdoor Use
While the wire crates are primarily designed for indoor home use, many owners transport them in vehicles for trips to the vet, dog parks, or family visits. The folding design makes them car-friendly, though they take up significant trunk space.
For airline travel, MidWest’s hard-sided travel crates meet most airline requirements, but owners should always verify specific airline policies before purchasing. The wire crates are not suitable for air transport.
Price and Availability
MidWest crates are widely available at pet stores, online retailers, and big-box stores. Prices typically range from $40 to $100 depending on size, placing them in the affordable-to-mid-range category. This accessibility is part of why they’re so popular — they offer solid functionality without a premium price tag.
Final Verdict
MidWest dog crates offer excellent value for the average dog owner. They provide reliable construction, practical features like the divider panel and dual doors, and wide availability at reasonable prices. They may not be the best choice for extreme chewers or show-dog competition use, but for everyday house training, home confinement, and occasional travel, they’re a dependable workhorse of a crate. Pair one with a comfortable crate pad, and most dogs will happily adopt it as their personal space.