Dogs, being denning animals by nature, find comfort and security in the best dog crates. Along with the best dog bed, a crate creates a safe and cosy sanctuary that promotes their wellbeing and reduces stress. Dog crates have a practical benefit too, namely stopping your Beethoven from being at large around the house while you're not home.
When we first get a dog or puppy, it can be daunting to leave them at home alone. Whether you're training them or just keeping them comfy in your home, a dog crate can be a good choice to know your pup is safe and sound. From large wire crates to plastic adjustable options, there are loads of dog crates for home and travel crates for cars too. When it comes to our dogs, we know we want the absolute best for them. From Pets at Home to Amazon Basics and beyond, there's something for every budget.
Best dog crates at a glance
• Best overall dog crate: Ellie-Bo Dog Puppy Cage 30-inch – View on Amazon UK
• Best Amazon Basics dog crate: Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Tray – View on Amazon UK
• Best Wayfair dog crate: Pet Cage by PawHut – View on Wayfair
So, choosing a dog crate doesn't have to be so hard as long as you know what size and material to go for. You want enough space inside so that your doggy can move around, as well as room for a bed to lay down and rest. With this in mind, go for something bigger – especially if they're a puppy – so that they can grow into it. Think of it as an indoor dog kennel and a dog house where your pet can enjoy some paws for thought.
So, with this in mind, you'll want to find the best dog crate for you and your pet. Check out our favourite options below.
Best dog crates
Best overall dog crate
Description
If you're looking for a simple dog crate for home use that does that job and isn't too expensive, this Ellie-Bo dog cage is our top for all-around features. Foldable with an anti-chew bottom tray, this will keep your pup safe and sound with enough room for a bed for them to sleep in.
Customer review: "We have just bought this crate for our eight week old miniature schnauzer pup and are so far impressed by the sturdiness and all-round quality of it. The base is made of plastic and feels good quality and the cage itself doesn't rattle or as noisy as we'd expected it to be. We are really pleased with this product and would definitely recommend it."
Pros
- Simple and effective
- Easy to store
- Good for transport
Cons
- Maybe not suitable for bigger dogs
Best Amazon Basics dog crate
Description
This 106.7cm indoor Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate features double front and side door entry. Made of durable metal wire with reliable manual locking mechanisms, it folds flat for portability and storage. The crate includes a divider, sturdy base tray and top handle. Ensure your dog can stand up and turn around comfortably by measuring from nose to hind end and from head to floor. Then, 10cm for optimal crate height and length.
Customer review: "Medium was getting too small for my pup so ordered this one. IDEAL! She has plenty of room now and won't grow out of it. Well made and easy to erect. Pup loves it and goes out of her own free will when she wants a sleep."
Pros
- Easily foldable for travel and storage
- Double entry for easy access
- Lots of sizes available
Cons
- Can be tricky to put together
Best Wayfair dog crate
www.wayfair.co.uk
Description
If you're looking for a dog crate that's more suited to the interior, this pet cage by PawHut is sturdy and looks a lot nicer than other dog crates. With a table top, you can blend it into the furniture while keeping your pooch safe at home. Also, available in brown.
Customer review: "Love this cage, ordered as my old one was a little on the small side for my two chihuahuas, not only is this a lot bigger it was really easy to assemble on my own and it looks lovely! Such a good price too!"
Pros
- Looks more aesthetically pleasing
- Dual functions
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Only suitable for small dogs
Best dog crate playpen
Description
Dog crates can also work well as play pens if you want a space for your pup to lounge around in without getting into the rest of your home. This dog playpen is easily assembled, made of plastic mainly so you can easily clip it together and also use it outside if you want to train your pooch.
Customer review: "Couldn't believe how big it was. What I like about this is it folds very easily. Bought for Shitzu pup eight weeks old. He's taken to this house extremely well. Brilliant to fold to take in the garden or in a different room. Extremely easy to put together. Very pleased with this item."
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Lots of room for your pet
Cons
- Not as durable as steel cages
Best Pets at Home dog crates
www.petsathome.com
Description
Pets at Home is a go-to shop for pet supplies, so it's no surprise they have a top option for dog crates. This option is rust-resistant and has triple-lock protection, so you know it's a durable choice to invest in.
Customer review: "Good solid quality with no sharp edges. Perfect for my new puppy to grow with."
Pros
- Rounded corners and finished edges for sleek design
- Sturdy and durable
- Versatile door entrance
Cons
- May seem quite large
Best dog crate for style
www.wayfair.co.uk
Description
Want to have a pet cage that merges perfectly into your household furniture? This Landis Pet Cage from Archie & Oliver is sleek and stylish, for those who don't have too much space in their home.
Customer review: "Great piece of furniture with the added bonus of being a cage. So well built and gorgeous quality."
Pros
- Merges easily into furniture
- Anti-rust for durability
- Adjustable
Cons
- Not as big as other options
Best Argos dog crate
www.argos.co.uk
Description
Double doors allow you to access your pet easily and efficiently. This crate from Argos is a top choice if you're looking for stability as well as having space for a bed. Perfect for medium-sized dogs.
Customer review: "Bought for my Jackapoo pup, a great size that he will not outgrow when he reaches full size. He sleeps in it every night and is very happy in there. Bought a cosy bed for the bottom and put a blanket over the top so he feels secure. Easy to assemble, great price."
Pros
- Collapsible
- Good for medium-sized dogs
- Good for travelling
Cons
- Mattress not included
Best XXL dog crate
Description
Looking for a crate that will fit an extra large dog? This Wowsubli Dog Crate XXL goes up to 42 inches so that even the largest of dogs can fit in.
Customer review: "So easy to put up and put down, when up its sturdy all in all a very good crate. My dog loves it and he has plenty of growing room."
Pros
- Perfect for larger dogs
- Good for growth
- Multifunctional doors
Cons
- Not suitable for small dogs
Best soft shell dog crate
Description
Crates don't all have to be made of steel or plastic, like this Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate which has a soft shell. This is suitable for travelling as well as indoors, making it multifunctional.
Customer review: "We're using this as a crate for our Jack Russell Terrier to sleep in and it's great. Great size and the dog seems happy and comfortable which is all you'd want. Lightweight and it would be easy to pack away for travel purposes. Really happy."
Pros
- Efficient ventilation
- Lightweight
Cons
- May be harder to clean
Best sloping dog crate
Description
Looking for a crate that's easily added into your car boot? This sloping puppy crate makes it easy to fit in the back without compromising your car. It also works as an indoor cage and is easily folded for transportation.
Customer review: "Pleased with the crate, the sloping walls mean it fits in the boot easily. Our cocker spaniel puppy has plenty of room to sit up and turn around when in it."
Pros
- Suitable for car and indoor use
- Fold away for storage and transport
Cons
- Not the comfiest option for your dog at home
FAQs: Best dog crates
What can I use dog crates for?
If you've already had a puppy and had a dog around your family before, it's likely that you have already considered a dog crate at least once. There are loads of reasons why dog parents want to invest in a cage or crate for their pet.
Before we get into the options of the best dog crates and what you can use them for, remember that excessive cage use and confinement are not the best idea for your pet. All dogs need regular exercise, play and feeding so you'll want to make sure you're keeping your dog healthy with regular walks and allowing them to roam in your house when it's not necessary to put them in a cage.
Training: When your pup is growing up or you're working on behavioural training, a cage can be a great way to help your dog learn. Using puppy pads in conjunction with a dog cage can also really help your dog understand toilet training.
Pet areas: Sometimes you don't always want your pet around the whole house, so dog crates can help to keep your pooch under control. If you're away from the house for a little while or want to keep your dog in one space while you're sleeping, these crates can keep your and your pet's nerves under control as they can have their own space to enjoy.
Travel and transport: Although we're thinking about keeping dogs in crates at home, many of these options double up as handy travel support if you need to take your pooch on long drives or you're moving home. Just pop in the back of your car so that your dog isn't climbing all over your car.
How do I introduce my dog to a crate for the first time?
There are benefits to crate training your dog. It makes traveling with your dog a lot less stressful, if they are at ease in their crate. Also, dogs are denning animals, so having a safe and comfortable crate gives your pet a sanctuary. It gives you security too, if you have to leave your dog home alone or if you have visitors where it's unsuitable for animals to be around.
Start crate training early, ideally around 8-16 weeks of age. Make the crate inviting by putting bedding or a favourite blanket inside. If your dog is anxious they may feel comfortable with an anti-anxiety bed. Also, use treats and reward positive interactions with the crate. Finally, be patient and adopt a gradual introduction to the crate.
Battersea have a step-by-step guide on how to crate train your dog.
Caitlin Casey is a Senior Beauty & Fashion Products Writer for Take a Break Pets. When not out and about, you can catch her reading books at home with her two cats.