It is widely known that dogs love having their own space. Even the friendliest of dog breeds needs their own little oasis from time to time. The best metal dog crate is one of the easiest and most secure options to provide your Fido with this need, while being the most convenient type of kennel option for pet owners.
Because many of us like to anthropomorphize, some dog owners believe that metal dog kennels resemble jail cells for dogs, and they feel badly about leaving their pet locked in them. But the opposite is true: the best metal dog crates are comfortable for your pet and will keep him feeling safe and secure.
Canine experts, veterinarians and professional dog trainers all agree on the importance of dog crates in caring for and training dogs. They also suggest that dogs enjoy being in their own crates (see here, here, here and here). The official statement from The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (ADPT) reads:
“The Association of Professional Dog Trainers recommends the use of crates for puppies and dogs as a short-term training tool and as safety equipment throughout the dog’s life.” (source)
In this article, we'll discuss more about crate training a dog, look at the best metal dog crates in greater detail and their pros and cons. We also review ten of the metal dog crate options for their durability and affordability, including a metal dog crate that fits every breed. Here's a quick brief of top five rated ones:
| Metal Dog Crate | Price | Quality | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProSelect Empire Dog Cagea | $$$$$ | A |  |
| MidWest 42″ iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate | $$$ | A | |
| AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate | $$ | A- |  |
| MidWest Life Stages Heavy-Duty Folding Metal Dog 4.6/Crate | $$ | B+ | |
| Carlson Pet Products | $$ | B- | |
* Click on the best metal dog crate brand for more information, prices and details. Or below to read reviews.
Crate training using the best metal dog crate
If you crate train your dog properly, your pet will come to think of his metal crate as a safe haven where he can go when he needs to escape. There are multiple benefits to training your dog to be crate-friendly. You'll save your furniture from their sharp teeth, and if done properly (and humane), then dog crate training can also teach your pooch bowel and bladder control.
Most importantly, metal dog crates can save your dog's life. Until he's 100% house trained, a crate will keep your dog in a safe, secure location until you return home to watch him. He won't be able to eat anything he's not supposed to, escape when you walk through the door, or chew any electrical cords.
Metal dog crates are used for purposes of securing dogs that might attempt to escape or might be too destructive when left on their own devices. Dogs also hurt themselves in the process as they do these misdeeds, and putting them in a crate that they can’t destroy is a necessary step. Ideally, dog crates are also a dog’s den where he can go to relax and feel safe in.
Choosing the right size best metal dog crates is important. This guide will walk you through all the steps of picking the right crate for your dog. If you need help crate training a dog, take a look at this step-by-step video guide. For pet owners who have dogs pooping in a crate, this guide will be of great help. Now, let's take a look at the ten best metal dog crates and how they differ from each other.
MORE RANKINGS: Top 50 Best Dog Crates of All Time
What Is the Best Metal Dog Crate?
top 10 best metal dog crates for breeds of all sizes
1 ProSelect Empire Dog Cage
ProSelect Empire Dog Cage has a frame made from 3/4-inch 20-gauge steel, with 1/2-inch diameter steel tubing as reinforcement. This all-metal crate rests on four removable lockable casters and has a floor grate and steel tray. The medium size has these inner dimensions – 35.75” x 23.5” x 24.5”. Large size is also available.
- Metal dog crate reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
Dog owners have mostly resorted to this after having tried other cage types which their dogs chewed off overnight. They happily noted that it has been months since they had the ProSelect crate, and it has endured their dog’s abuse so far. Dogs that are placed in the ProSelect Empire Dog Crate, especially those with anxiety issues, must be properly conditioned first. In other words, this must not be their prison. Whatever their issues are, those must be addressed first and this confinement will only be a part of the treatment, not the be-all and end-all.
As far as providing an indestructible enclosure for dogs, this best metal dog crate does the job perfectly. This best metal dog crate has helped a lot especially in the cases of highly-destructive dogs, escape artist dogs, and even anxious dogs. They soon gave up when they realized there was no way they’d be able to cut a hole through this crate. They then became more focused at their training or treatment and became less obsessed with escaping or destroying the crate. Eventually, they saw this as their den and refuge, and that’s the beautiful part of it.
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Most helpful review (read the full Amazon review): “I've had this kennel for two months now. I bought it for my boxer/pit mix (46lbs) that has separation anxiety, and gets destructive when left alone while we work. He's already eaten through two wire…”
2 MidWest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate
Midwest is a slightly bigger crate than ProSelect, but weighs less than half of the latter’s weight. It’s also significantly cheaper. This crate measures 42” x 28” x 30” and has two doors with slide-bolt latches. It comes with a divider panel, plastic pan, carrying handle, and rubber roller feet. The frame and walls are made of thick, sturdy metallic wires that can be taken down and folded for easier storage and greater portability. The crate is finished with a metallic black coat, and corners are fastened using patented rounded clips. There are six other sizes, and also available are options for single door and two other colors.
- Metal dog crate reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
The crate may look lightweight, and it relatively is, but it holds up well to chewing according to owners of strong chewers. The Midwest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate very roomy, and it’s everything that the sellers say it is. Assembling it is a snap, construction is topnotch, and you just can’t beat the price. Pet owners shopped around for crates with similar material and construction and found them to be at least twice the price of this one.
This has a really nice feature that adjusts the crate’s livable area to your growing dog’s size. If you’re buying this best metal dog crate for a puppy, buy one that’s designed for a full-size adult dog of your puppy’s breed. Using the divider, start with a smaller area comfortable enough for your puppy. As your puppy grows, enlarge the space by moving the divider until such time that your dog is big enough to occupy the whole space without the divider.
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3 AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate
This metal crate is from AmazonBasics and is similarly designed but smaller in size than our number 2 product. It also features two swing-open doors with slide-bolt latches, metal wire construction, foldable style, divider panel, and removable pan. It does have reinforcing wires along the base of the two longer sides which we don’t see in the previous product. This added feature makes the base stronger and prevents paws from slipping. This best metal dog crate is available in 6 sizes and single- and double-door styles.
- Metal dog crate reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
The AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate does not come with a recommendation as to which size is best for which breeds of dogs, but you may carefully approximate the size using the measurements provided and information on your puppy’s approximate adult breed size. Dogs are sometimes uncomfortable by the sound made when they walk over the plastic pan, but that’s easily resolved by placing a bed or cushion over it.
Overall, this is a good-sized crate, sturdily built, easily installed, and conveniently folded when not in use or when transporting it. This best metal dog crate keeps the dog secure with its door and lock, but some pet owners use this as enclosure for their dog’s private space. For this purpose, they keep the doors open for the dog to come and go as it pleases. The removable pan and two doors make cleaning very easy.
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4 MidWest Life Stages Heavy-Duty Folding Metal Dog Crate
This best metal dog crate from MidWest’s Life Stages series is a similar product to those in the iCrate series. Life Stages crates use heavy-gauge steel with wire construction that’s visibly closer together than those seen in other brands and models. This has a single door, with the same slide-bolt latches and curved corner clasps as the crates in the iCrate series. Six sizes are available in both single- and double door styles. Both variations have a detachable divider panel, rubber roller feet and a removable pan.
- Metal dog crate reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
Assigning dogs their permanent and personal space gives them a sense of stability; in the same manner that constantly transferring them can cause them anxiety and uncertainty. It helps to have at least a permanent sleeping quarters for your dog that he or she can grow in, such as a crate with adjustable living space. The removable pan of the Midwest Life Stages Heavy-Duty Folding Metal Dog Crate is made of plastic and many dog owners prefer that because it’s non-corrosive.
MidWest Life Stages is such a crate – it can be widened to accommodate your growing pup or made smaller when potty-training. It’s portable, too, so your dog doesn’t need to feel insecure in a new place. This install-fold-carry type of crate makes growing and moving easier for dogs. Pet owners choose this over others for the cheaper price and the durability MidWest products are known for.
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5 Carlson Pet Products Secure and Compact Single Door Metal Dog Crate
This crate from Carlson Pet Products is constructed from the same steel wire mesh construction used by the products we’ve featured so far, except for number 1 which is made of steel tubing and flat bars. The crate is all steel, but the pan is composite plastic. There’s a single door with one latch for locking the dog in. This can be put together in less than 5 minutes. When stored or moved, it can be folded as quickly as it is set up. The assembled medium size is 30” long, 19” wide, 21” high, and is designed for dogs weighing up to 45 pounds.
- Metal dog crate reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
This is a crate that’s strong enough for well-behaved and crate-trained dogs. It works great as their sleeping area and go-to place where they could relax and rest. The Carlson Pet Products Secure and Compact Single Door Metal Dog Crate perfect for defining spaces in a shared room, for instance. Many have used it in their living room behind some furniture, and it’s perfect for a dog to spend some quiet time in. Some even put their stuff on top of the crate and it doesn’t show any sign of giving way to the weight.
However, this isn’t for large dogs that are intent on escaping or little untrained pups with destructive behavior. They’d either tear the crate apart or hurt themselves doing so, or both. It’s always best to fully assess your pet first and determine its needs before putting it inside any type of enclosure. This model and brand does not include the divider panel featured in most wire mesh crates.
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6 OxGord Paws & Pals Dog Crate Double-Door Folding Metal Wire Cage
This two-door crate is the largest in six sizes offered by OxGord, being 48” long, 29” wide, and 32” high. It comes with a split divider and a slide-out ABS plastic tray. The structure is constructed from high-tension wire mesh electro-finished with black coating. The doors are secured with two slide-bolt latches for each door. This crate arrives folded and with a handle, which is how it looks when stored or transported. Simply remove from the box, unfold, and it’s all set up – no tools necessary. Slide the tray underneath to protect the carpet or floor from any accidents and for easy cleaning.
- Metal dog crate reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
The OxGord Paws & Pals Dog Crate Double-Door Folding Metal Wire Cage crate is great for housebreaking a puppy. The split divider is useful when reducing the living space accessible to the pet. Some dog owners resourcefully used this divider as flooring for a half-step level they created on one side of the crate. They’re very proud of their creativity, which separated the dog’s bedding area from the main area where it can move, stand upright, eat, or play.
Pet owners find this crate very functional and portable especially when bringing dogs on vacations, camping, and road trips. It’s good sized but very lightweight. The crate’s lightness is often a good thing when handiness is of prime consideration. It becomes an issue though for pet owners who expect the crate to have more muscle against dogs struggling to escape. This best metal dog crate was obviously not created for that purpose, but it continues to be a favorite because of its roominess and usefulness for puppies that are being trained and supervised closely or those already crate-trained.
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7 Carlson Secure and Compact Single Door Metal Dog Crate
When it comes to crates, the wire-mesh style is preferred because it’s lighter and more ventilated than plastic wall styles are. Thus, there’s a demand for the compact Carlson Pet Products single-door metal crate. This best metal dog crate is designed for pets up to 25 pounds in weight. Fully assembled, it is 24” long, 18” wide, and 19” high. This doesn’t occupy so much room in the car, yet it defines the space for the little pup and keeps him or her comfortable through a long trip.
- Metal dog crate reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
This is the top choice of pet owners who are always on the go with their pets. The Carlson Secure and Compact Single Door Metal Dog Crate is compact but not cramped, folds and sets up quick, light yet sturdy, well-ventilated, secure and litter is easy to collect and clean. These are important considerations when staying in hotels, camps, and other places that would not have the comforts of home.
Many buyers think that this crate is really good value for money. Many flimsy wire-mesh crates flood the marketplace, so this one stands out. The downside is that it serves a limited population – small-sized pets only. Its smallness, however, seems to be a factor in its rigid quality. Since it’s small and compact, it has less sway to it.
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8 BestPet 42” Pet Wire Cage with ABS Pan
There’s plenty of room in this 42” x 27” x 30” BestPet wire-mesh kennel. It’s made of low-carbon steel wire, has double doors that lock with a latch. The edges and corner clasps are rounded to keep dogs’ hair and skin from getting snagged. There’s a slide-out tough-coated plastic pan, which is removable whether the door is open or close, for ease in cleaning. This best metal dog crate has a powder-coated finish.
- Metal dog crate reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
You can’t beat this crate for the price and plenty of room it provides. Large dogs fit in the crate just fine, with room to spare for toys, food, and sometimes another companion. With the wire-mesh make, it’s not the best idea for chewers or escapists but will work just fine for dogs trained and contented in kennel living. The double-door feature allows flexibility in positioning the BestPet 42″ Pet Wire Cage with ABS Pan in the house in terms of traffic flow and ease in arranging it with other home furniture.
Dog owners who have bought this crate mostly leave the doors open. In this case, the crate functions mainly as a dog’s own space where she or he voluntarily goes to and not a prison to escape from. Dog sitters find this useful for setting up space for dogs they’re looking after. It simplifies things and reduces clutter.
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9 New World Folding Metal Dog Crate
Small-sized wire-mesh crates, such as this one from New World Crates, can be both light and sturdy which cannot often be said of large crates. This best metal dog crate is available in 5 sizes and single- and double-door designs. A slide-bolt latch locks the doors securely. Like the previous crates we’ve seen, this has a removable pan underneath the crate.
- Metal dog crate reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
This crate will sit nicely at the car trunk when traveling with your pet, in a pet-friendly hotel room, or in the living room or bedroom at home. The washable plastic tray makes cleaning swift and easy. Since this is a small size, don’t be too confident that your pet will fit comfortable. Make the necessary measurements so there won’t be any surprises when ordering the New World Folding Metal Dog Crate. Carefully check your pet’s vital statistics when it’s standing upright, or when stretching – you wouldn’t want a very cramped crate.
Setting this up is pretty straightforward. Folding it is just as simple. It is light enough to carry and move around, thus, often purchased as a gift for elder people who own lap dogs and other small pets. Overall, this is a fuss-free, reliable, and perfect crate to own if you have a small dog.
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10 Carlson Pink Secure and Compact Single-Door Metal Dog Crate
The sturdiness and stability of this pink Carlson Pet Products dog crate belie its daintiness. This crate is made of durable steel wire mesh and has these dimensions – 24” x 18” x 19”. Like the previous crates, it has a washable slide-out plastic tray that’s also pink in color. The single door is located at the front and is secured by one bolt lock. This is made for pets weighing less than 25 pounds.
- Metal dog crate reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners
Everything about this cage translates ease and simplicity – it sets up quickly without need for tools, it folds back and locks securely for ease in transporting or storing, and the tray underneath makes collecting dirt and washing a breeze. The Carlson Pink Secure and Compact Single-Door Metal Dog Crate also happens to be easy on the eye and is not difficult to blend with existing home furniture and décor.
Fitted with a cozy bed inside, it is well-liked by dogs. According to pet owners, their dogs took to this crate much more easily than they did other crates in the past. Their dogs go to this best metal dog crate to sleep and enjoy alone time, often without being told to do so. If men had man caves, these dogs in the pink compact cage actually behave like they have their dog caves, too.
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