Puppy crating has one decisive feature: a divider panel. Without it, a crate bought for adult size gives a puppy a toilet corner and defeats house training. With it, one crate serves from first weeks to adult size. This ranking weights divider quality, pan cleaning, door access for tiny bladders at 3am, and honest size guidance over looks or premium materials.
The Best Dog Crates for Puppies (2027)
Puppy crates for 2027: divider panels, easy cleaning, and sizes that grow with the puppy instead of being replaced every few months.
The short answer
Buy the adult size with a divider. For medium to large puppies, the MidWest iCrate 36 inch single door or the LifeStages 36 inch double door are the defaults, with the Amazon Basics 36 inch as the budget version. Small puppies suit the Petmate Two-Door Top Load 24 inch for vet trips plus a wire crate at home. Skip soft and furniture crates until the puppy is reliably crate trained and past the chewing phase.
Our top picks at a glance
- MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door Folding Dog Crate, 36 InchThe default first crate: a folding wire box with a divider, at a price that leaves room for a bed and a cover.Best overall puppy crate
- MidWest Homes for Pets LifeStages Double Door Folding Dog Crate, 36 InchThe step up from the iCrate: heavier wire, two doors, and the same divider and pan system.Best puppy crate for corners
- Amazon Basics Amazon Basics Folding Metal Wire Dog Crate, Double Door, 36 InchTwo doors, a divider and a tray, in the plain black wire crate that undercuts almost everything else.Best budget puppy crate
- BestPet Folding Metal Dog Crate, Double Door, 36 Inch, BlackAnother honest budget wire crate: double doors, slide bolt latches, a tray, and a handle for carrying it folded.Best spare puppy crate
- Petmate Two-Door Top Load Kennel, 24 Inch, BlueA small hard kennel with a top door: lower a reluctant small dog in from above instead of pushing it through the front.Best small puppy carrier crate
- Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate, Small, SmokeA premium collapsible crate that sets up in seconds, rolls on wheels, and looks like it belongs in the room.Best premium puppy crate for small breeds
The picks, ranked
Every product in this lineup was picked for this use case, ranked with our strongest choices first. If a product from the wider category does not genuinely fit this scenario, it is not listed here.
| # | Product | Award | Size | Dog weight range | Model | Doors | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door Folding Dog Crate, 36 Inch | Best overall puppy crate | 36 in long, for medium-large breeds | 41 to 70 lb (maker guidance) | 1536U | 1, front, slide bolt latch | Divider panel and leak-proof pan |
| 2 | MidWest Homes for Pets LifeStages Double Door Folding Dog Crate, 36 Inch | Best puppy crate for corners | - | 41 to 70 lb (maker guidance) | 1636DDU | 2, front and side | Divider panel, leak-proof pan, rubber feet |
| 3 | Amazon Basics Amazon Basics Folding Metal Wire Dog Crate, Double Door, 36 Inch | Best budget puppy crate | - | - | 9001N-36B | 2, front and side | Divider panel and removable tray |
| 4 | BestPet Folding Metal Dog Crate, Double Door, 36 Inch, Black | Best spare puppy crate | - | - | - | 2, front and side, slide bolt latches | Divider panel, leakproof tray, handle |
| 5 | Petmate Two-Door Top Load Kennel, 24 Inch, Blue | Best small puppy carrier crate | - | Up to 15 lb | 21231 | 2, top load and front | - |
| 6 | Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate, Small, Smoke | Best premium puppy crate for small breeds | - | - | REV001AASG | - | - |
Best overall puppy crate
MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door Folding Dog Crate, 36 Inch
The default first crate: a folding wire box with a divider, at a price that leaves room for a bed and a cover.
Strengths
- Folds flat and sets up with no tools, so it moves between rooms and houses without a project
- A divider panel lets one 36 inch crate serve a growing puppy from first weeks to adult size
- A leak-proof plastic pan slides out for cleaning after accidents without tipping the whole crate
- One front door keeps the design simple, with a slide bolt latch that is easy to work one handed
Limitations
- Single door access only, so corner placement can leave you reaching around the crate
- Standard wire gauge will not hold a determined escape artist or a heavy chewer
- The pan is plastic and can crack if dragged across rough floors or chewed from inside
What owners report
Most praised
- Puppy owners say the divider made the first month of house training noticeably tidier
- It folds small enough to ride in a car boot for weekends away without a second crate
- The pan slides out for a quick rinse after accidents instead of a full crate wash
Common complaints
- Strong puppies learn to rattle the single latch louder than owners expect at night
- The wire feels light next to heavier crates once a dog starts leaning on the door
- Corner placement turns the single door into a daily reach-around frustration
| Size | 36 in long, for medium-large breeds |
|---|---|
| Dog weight range | 41 to 70 lb (maker guidance) |
| Model | 1536U |
| Doors | 1, front, slide bolt latch |
| Includes | Divider panel and leak-proof pan |
| Fold | Folds flat, no tools required |
Best for: First time crate trainers with a medium to large puppy or adult dog in the 41 to 70 lb range.
Skip if: Your dog bends wire, paws latches open, or needs a second door because of where the crate sits in the room.
Best puppy crate for corners
MidWest Homes for Pets LifeStages Double Door Folding Dog Crate, 36 Inch
The step up from the iCrate: heavier wire, two doors, and the same divider and pan system.
Strengths
- Double doors, front and side, solve the placement problem the single door iCrate cannot
- Heavier LifeStages wire and frame feel sturdier than entry level wire crates in daily use
- Divider panel and leak-proof pan are included for puppy growth and accident cleanup
- Rubber feet protect floors and keep the crate from sliding on smooth surfaces
Limitations
- Still a wire crate, so a determined chewer or escape artist can defeat it
- Heavier than the iCrate, so moving it folded is more of a two handed job
- The pan can warp with heat or heavy use and then stops sliding smoothly
What owners report
Most praised
- Corner placement owners say the side door changed the crate from awkward to easy
- The sturdier wire gets mentioned by owners upgrading from a lighter first crate
- Rubber feet earn quiet praise from renters protecting wood floors
Common complaints
- The pan warps over time for owners who wash it hot or leave it in sun
- Folded, it is bulkier and heavier to carry than the lighter iCrate
- Persistent pawing still bends the door frame on the most determined dogs
| Dimensions | 36 in L x 23 in W x 25 in H |
|---|---|
| Dog weight range | 41 to 70 lb (maker guidance) |
| Model | 1636DDU |
| Doors | 2, front and side |
| Includes | Divider panel, leak-proof pan, rubber feet |
| Fold | Folds flat, no tools required |
Best for: Medium to large dogs in the 41 to 70 lb range whose crate sits against a wall or in a corner.
Skip if: You want the lightest crate to carry, or your dog needs steel bar containment rather than wire.
Best budget puppy crate
Amazon Basics Amazon Basics Folding Metal Wire Dog Crate, Double Door, 36 Inch
Two doors, a divider and a tray, in the plain black wire crate that undercuts almost everything else.
Strengths
- Front and side doors give two placement options in a room instead of one
- Divider panel included, so the crate grows with a puppy instead of being replaced
- Removable tray and a top handle cover the cleaning and carrying basics
- Folds flat for storage between litters, moves, or travel
Limitations
- Wire and latches are functional rather than heavy, and determined dogs expose that fast
- The tray can slide or rattle if the crate is not on a level floor
- No carry case or cover is included, so travel extras are separate purchases
What owners report
Most praised
- Buyers call the side door the feature that saved an awkward hallway layout
- The divider earned praise from owners raising a puppy in a crate bought once
- Assembly reports are consistently short: unfold, clip, drop the tray in, done
Common complaints
- The tray rattles on hard floors until a mat or rug goes underneath
- Latch feel is described as adequate rather than reassuring by cautious owners
- Larger dogs leaning on the side door flex the panel more than owners like
| Dimensions | 36 in L x 23 in W x 25 in H |
|---|---|
| Doors | 2, front and side |
| Material | Metal wire, black finish |
| Includes | Divider panel and removable tray |
| Model | 9001N-36B |
| Fold | Folds flat for storage |
Best for: Budget buyers who want double door access and a divider without paying for a brand name.
Skip if: Your dog is a wire bender or a latch picker; this is a training crate, not a containment system.
Best spare puppy crate
BestPet Folding Metal Dog Crate, Double Door, 36 Inch, Black
Another honest budget wire crate: double doors, slide bolt latches, a tray, and a handle for carrying it folded.
Strengths
- Double doors and slide bolt latches cover the standard training crate feature set
- Folds in seconds with no tools, and a handle makes the folded crate easy to carry
- Leakproof tray catches accidents and slides out for cleaning
- Divider panel is part of the design, so a puppy can grow into the full 36 inch space
Limitations
- Budget wire flexes under a large or strong dog leaning on the door
- Latch quality is workable rather than premium, and owners check it twice at first
- The tray is thin plastic and can crack if the crate is dragged while loaded
What owners report
Most praised
- Second crate buyers say it does the same daily job as their pricier first crate
- The folded handle gets mentioned by owners who store it between fosters
- Puppy raisers like the divider for keeping the sleeping space small at first
Common complaints
- Strong dogs flex the door enough that owners add a carabiner for peace of mind
- The thin tray cracks for owners who drag the crate across a patio
- First impressions focus on light wire, which worries owners until the dog settles
| Dimensions | About 35 in L x 22 in W x 25 in H (from cm listing) |
|---|---|
| Weight | About 20 lb (9.07 kg, per listing) |
| Doors | 2, front and side, slide bolt latches |
| Material | Metal wire, black finish |
| Includes | Divider panel, leakproof tray, handle |
| Fold | Folds flat, no tools required |
Best for: Budget buyers who want a second crate, a travel spare, or a first crate without brand premium.
Skip if: Your dog tests latches or bends wire; spend the difference on a heavier wire or steel crate.
Best small puppy carrier crate
Petmate Two-Door Top Load Kennel, 24 Inch, Blue
A small hard kennel with a top door: lower a reluctant small dog in from above instead of pushing it through the front.
Strengths
- Top loading door solves the classic small dog standoff at the front door of a carrier
- Front door as well, so daily use does not always mean lifting the dog in from above
- At 5.2 lb it is genuinely one handed to carry, even with a small dog inside
- Hard plastic shell wipes clean and protects better in a car than a soft carrier
Limitations
- Strictly a small dog kennel; a 20 lb dog will find it cramped for anything but a short trip
- Ventilation is good but the small shell warms up fast in a hot car if left in sun
- No wheels or shoulder strap, so longer carries are a hand carry all the way
What owners report
Most praised
- Vet visit owners say the top door ended the wrestling match at the clinic door
- Its light weight gets praised by owners carrying a puppy plus a bag plus keys
- The shell cleans fast after car sickness, which soft carriers never quite do
Common complaints
- Owners of fast growing puppies outgrow it within months and resent the short life
- The top door latch feels fiddly when holding a wriggling puppy with one hand
- It warms quickly in a sunny car, so owners learn to shade it or move it
| Dimensions | 24.05 in L x 16.8 in W x 14.5 in H |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.2 lb |
| Dog weight range | Up to 15 lb |
| Model | 21231 |
| Doors | 2, top load and front |
| Material | Hard plastic shell, wire front door |
Best for: Small dogs and puppies up to 15 lb for vet visits, car trips, and first crate training.
Skip if: Your dog is over 15 lb, or you need a crate a medium dog can stretch out in for hours.
Best premium puppy crate for small breeds
Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate, Small, Smoke
A premium collapsible crate that sets up in seconds, rolls on wheels, and looks like it belongs in the room.
Strengths
- Collapses and sets up in seconds with no loose panels to lose or assemble wrong
- Wheels and handles make room to room moves a one person job even with bedding inside
- Paw safe mesh pattern and rounded edges are designed around paws and noses, not just looks
- Maker interior of 25.3 in L x 17.4 in W x 18.5 in H suits dogs up to about 17 in tall or 30 lb
Limitations
- At 25 lb it is heavy for a small dog crate, and carrying it upstairs is a real effort
- The premium price buys design and convenience, not escape proof strength
- Small size only in this listing, so medium and large dogs need a different Revol listing
What owners report
Most praised
- Owners describe setup as genuinely instant compared with folding wire crates
- The wheels get singled out by people who shift the crate between bedroom and living room daily
- It reads as furniture in photos, which matters to owners who hated looking at a wire box
Common complaints
- The weight surprises buyers who expected a portable crate to feel light
- Chewing puppies test the mesh and plastic edges sooner than wire would allow
- The price stings when a puppy outgrows the small size within a year
| Exterior dimensions | 28.5 in L x 19.8 in W x 20.6 in H |
|---|---|
| Interior dimensions | 25.3 in L x 17.4 in W x 18.5 in H (maker) |
| Weight | 25 lb |
| Dog guidance | Up to 17 in tall or 30 lb (maker) |
| Model | REV001AASG |
| Features | Collapsible, wheels, handles, puppy divider |
Best for: Small dog owners who move the crate often and want collapsible convenience without a wire box look.
Skip if: Your dog chews mesh or plastic, or you need a crate for a dog over 30 lb; this size tops out there.
Questions, answered
Should I buy a puppy sized crate or an adult sized crate with a divider?
Buy the adult size with a divider. A puppy sized crate is outgrown in months, while a divided adult crate grows with the puppy and keeps the sleeping space small enough for house training throughout. Move the divider back as the puppy grows.
How do I introduce a puppy to a crate?
Make the crate the best place in the house before closing the door: meals inside, treats inside, a comfortable bed inside, and the door open at first. Build up closed door time in short, calm stretches, and never use the crate as punishment. A puppy that chooses the crate settles faster than a puppy that is put in it.
What if my puppy toilets in the crate?
First check the space: if the puppy can toilet in one corner and sleep in another, the divider needs moving in. Then check the schedule: young puppies need frequent breaks, especially after meals, play, and sleep. Clean accidents with an enzymatic cleaner so the smell does not invite a repeat.
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