Table of Contents
Many owners don't like the idea of crate training their canine companion. They think of it as restraining their dog in a cage. Quite the opposite, crate training can actually be a very beneficial tool for you and your pet and will give her a comfortable space that is all hers. These best crates for dogs are all good options, but you'll have to make your choice based on your dog's individual needs.
Dogs are denning animals. Wild dogs create dens, and our domesticated dogs still have that natural instinct as well. They want a small space that offers the same comfort and safety that a den in the wild would give them. That's one of the many reasons that dog crate training is so beneficial.
Crate training your dog will also be a huge help when it comes to house training her. Dogs will not go to the bathroom where they sleep, so a crate helps to train them to hold it while inside. Also, if your pet is in a crate when you're not home, it will prevent him from destroying your belongings.
RANKINGS: Top 50 Best Dog Crates of All Time
5 Best Cheap Crates for Dogs
Most cost-effective, good-quality dog crates
1Midwest iCrate Pet Crates
This double-door pet crate is rated number one among customers. Because it can fold down to a portable size, it is one of the best crates for dogs available for on-the-go pet owners. This crate from Midwest is available in many different sizes and with a divider panel, making it ideal for pets of any size. The slide bolt latch ensures that your dog will be safe and secure, and the removable, washable plastic pan makes accidents a breeze to clean in no time.
- Cheap dog crate reviews: Read reviews of other pet parents
The durable satin-black electro-coat finish and rounded corners are both practical and attractive. This crate remains in great shape after years of multiple dogs, moves, and daily general use. Although it is the most expensive on this list of the best crates for dogs, it is worth every penny to most customers due to its strength and durability (be sure to price check – it is typically cheaper online than in stores).
Midwest iCrate Pet Crates are sturdy and have been used with pets ranging from toy-sized to the largest breeds. Dog owners appreciate that no tools are required for assembling, making it easy to use as soon as it arrives on the doorstep. This is one of the highest-rated dog crates on the market!
Some dogs are able to escape from this crate, whether by sneaking out through the gap between the cage and the door or actually unlatching the slide bolt. Several of the dogs who have attempted to escape have sustained injuries as a result. Other issues with this crate seem to be due to manufacturing defects, such as less-than-perfect coating over the metal or bent metal bars.
PROS:
|
CONS:
|
Most helpful dog owner’s review (read the full Amazon review): “It sure is a good thing I checked amazon.com for dog creates before spending almost twice as much at a major pet store! This crate is perfect in every way. It's very well made and the price can't be beat…”
2Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate
If your dog manages to escape from most crates on the market, this one may be the best option for you, as it features two slide-bolt door latches for increased security. This crate from AmazonBasics also has mini dividers near the bottom perimeter in an attempt to prevent paws from slipping through the open spaces. The crate folds flat and has a handle, making it ideal for both storage and portability.
- Cheap dog crate reviews: Read reviews of other pet owners
This is one of the best crates for dogs because it is available in three sizes and includes an adjustable divider panel for growing puppies. Customers are generally happy with the strength and durability of this crate. It is especially simple to fold, transport, and assemble, and it can easily fit in the trunk of most cars.
This crate has one of the lowest prices on the market, as it is noted to be one-quarter of the price of similar quality products available in stores. The sturdy metal construction of the AmazonBasics Single-Door Folding Metal Dog Crate will last for many years. Since the included divider allows it to grow with your puppy, you're likely to have this crate throughout the life of your dog.
Some pet owners have noticed that their dogs can bend the crate bars, and others say that the bars seem to be flimsy when compared with other crates. Customers with dogs who have a difficult time adjusting to being created seem to be the main source of negative feedback, as these dogs put the most effort into escaping. Be sure to check which size would best fit your dog, as some reviews mention the crate is bigger than they were expecting.
PROS:
|
CONS:
|
3BestPet 2-Door Pet Wire Cage
This extra-large crate is available in three different colors – black, blue, and pink. It has a tray that can slide out when the door is still closed. This cage from BestPet measures 42” (L) x 27” (W) x 30” (H), weighs 38 pounds, and is easy to transport. Folding down and setting up are both simple, as all of the pieces easily snap into place.
- Cheap dog crate reviews: Read reviews of other pet owners
There are two doors, which is a great feature for those who may be tight on space, ensuring dogs can enter or exit no matter where the crate is placed. Two locks on each door make it difficult for even the sneakiest of pets to escape, safeguarding your furniture and floors while you are away. This crate is listed at a great price, especially for its durability and size (some dog owners even refer to it as a “condo” for their pooch).
Customers have been so happy with the BestPet 2-Door Pet Wire Cage that they tend to purchase this multiple times over moving on to other similar products. Because of the size, many dog owners feel comfortable leaving more than one dog in the cage at a time without feeling they are too crowded. This may be helpful for pets with separation anxiety.
As with other cages, this crate cannot seem to hold some dogs that tend to have issues being crated or haven’t already been kennel trained. Some say it is lighter than expected, which may make it a better option for those who travel. The removable tray is an issue for some, as their pets constantly kick it out while they are crated.
PROS:
|
CONS:
|
4Petmate Two Door Top Load Pet Kennel
The two-door feature and carrier design of this kennel makes it stand out from the rest of the best crates for dogs. This Petmate product is one of the best crates for dogs that are small. It is available in two sizes – up to 10 or up to 15 pounds. Doors are located on the top and front of the carrier, allowing for easy access no matter the situation.
- Cheap dog crate reviews: Read reviews of other pet owners
Pet owners may choose from four colors: rose, white, blue, and tan. It is made from steel and plastic for enhanced strength and safety, and it meets most airlines’ travel requirements. There is a small tray in the cage for treats or water as well.
Customers are happy with the durability of the best crates for dogs, many saying this one is more “heavy duty” than they thought it would be. The top loading feature makes it especially easy to load a cat, which can be more than difficult through a standard front door. Although the top handle is attached to the top door, pet owners say the door stays securely shut, and there is no cause for concern.
The Petmate Two Door Top Load Pet Kennel may be too small for extremely large cats and many dogs (though some say they can fit two cats comfortably in it with no problem). It is also heavier than most of the other similar style best crates for dogs, which doesn’t seem to be a problem for most because of the high quality and overall sturdiness of the product. The ease of the top loading door is somewhat compromised because the door does not stay open by itself, which may be a problem if it takes both hands to hold your pet.
PROS:
|
CONS:
|
5OxGord PT-CG-20 Double-Door Folding Metal Pet Crate
This heavy-duty, solid metal pet crate by OxGord is available in six sizes, all featuring two doors and a divider. It is simple to put together (no tools required) and specially designed to be stored practically anywhere when not in use. It collapses to less than four inches tall. The doors have a slide-bolt latch for easy locking, and the rounded corners and coating on the metal ensure animals won’t hurt themselves on any sharp metal.
- Cheap dog crate reviews: Read reviews of other pet owners
The largest size of this crate is extra, extra large, with the capability of fitting two dogs that are over 100 pounds each! Despite the large size, it is easy to set up and move around. This is just one of the many reasons it made our list of the best crates for dogs.
The smaller gauged wires make the cage too flimsy for some dogs but perfect for owners who have dogs that are already kennel trained. The OxGord PT-CG-20 Double-Door Folding Metal Pet Crate is very lightweight and folds down or sets up in mere seconds.
The handle that makes the crate easy to transport causes a problem for some; as they say, it doesn’t stay on. The wire is thinner than some other brands, which makes some customers question the quality of the crate. Some dogs may be able to actually bend the wires and/or push open the side of the crate that does not have a door. As with most other best crates for dogs, pets that have issues being kenneled seem to get out with enough effort.
PROS:
|
CONS:
|
Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions at no cost to you from the links on this page. This did not affect our assessment of products. Read more here and find full disclosure here.
