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In-depth review

MidWest LifeStages Double Door 36 Inch Dog Crate Review (2027)

The LifeStages 36 inch double door is the heavier wire crate most homes actually need. Our research-based verdict on its doors, wire, and pan.

TGBy TrueGear Research TeamIndependent editorial teamLast updated How we researchResearch-based assessment · Dog Crates
Specs verified against manufacturer docs
No paid placements
Independently funded by readers
Updated 2026-11-01
MidWest LifeStages Double Door 36 Inch Dog Crate Review (2027) featured graphic
MidWest Homes for Pets LifeStages Double Door Folding Dog Crate, 36 Inch

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.

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Our verdict

The LifeStages 36 inch double door is the wire crate to buy when the iCrate feels almost right. Two doors solve placement, heavier wire survives stronger dogs and longer use, and the divider and pan system stays exactly as useful as on the iCrate. It costs more and weighs more, and it still will not hold an escape artist, but for the broad middle of medium to large dogs it is the most complete wire crate in this guide. Owners who buy it after outgrowing a lighter crate usually wish they had started here.

What we like

  • 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

What to watch out for

  • 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: MidWest Homes for Pets LifeStages Double Door Folding Dog Crate, 36 Inch

Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.

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

Who it is for

Medium to large dog owners who want a sturdy folding wire crate that works in corners and against walls.

Two doors change the house, not just the crate

A crate lives in a room, and rooms have walls, doors, radiators, and furniture that do not move for a dog. The side door turns a crate that would face a wall into a crate that works, and it lets owners place the crate in a corner without losing access. That sounds small until the alternative is dragging a crate out every morning and night. Owners in smaller homes cite the side door more than any other feature, which tells you how much placement matters in real houses.

Heavier wire, honestly graded

LifeStages wire is noticeably sturdier than entry wire in hand and in use: less flex when a dog leans, less rattle when a dog shifts, and a longer life before the frame shows wear. It is still wire, and a determined dog will still bend it given time and motive, but the threshold is higher, and most family dogs never reach it. The weight that comes with heavier wire is the honest cost: folded carries are heavier, and stairs with it are a two handed job.

Pan and feet, the quiet details

Rubber feet protect floors and stop sliding, which renters and wood floor owners notice immediately. The leak-proof pan handles accidents, but it is the part most likely to age first: heat, sun, and heavy washing can warp it until it stops sliding smoothly. Treat the pan as a replaceable part, keep a spare in mind for long term use, and the crate itself will outlast several pans.

Key specifications

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

Also consider

Research-based assessment. TrueGear has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.

Questions, answered

LifeStages or iCrate for a first crate?

For open floor placement and a calm dog, the iCrate is enough and cheaper. For corner placement, a stronger dog, or a crate that will see years of daily use, the LifeStages is the better first buy and usually the cheaper long term buy, since it is less likely to be replaced.

Does the LifeStages fold flat?

Yes, it folds flat with no tools, like the iCrate. It is heavier folded, so carrying it any distance is more work, but storage between uses is just as simple.

Can I replace a warped pan?

Yes, replacement pans for MidWest crates are widely sold in the matching size. Measure the crate size, not just the pan, when ordering, since pans differ by crate length and model family.

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