The Best Collapsible Dog Crates
For dog lovers, there are handy accessories, and then there are must-have ones. A collapsible dog crate falls in the latter. Because of their convenience, they're ideal for anything from traveling to tiny home living. Designed to be lightweight and breathable, they're also excellent as an outdoor kennel in a pinch. And although they're typically best for dogs who are crate trained and don't chew, there are metal frame options with chew-proof walls. Read on for a deep dive into all things collapsible dog crates.
What To Look For
When searching for the best collapsible crates for your pup, our primary focus was on durability, convenience, and ventilation. After all, keeping your pup safe is key, and all three of those points are vital for safety. For example, Amazon Basics 2-Door collapsible dog kennel has excellent ventilation and tough seams, and it easily folds for storage or travel. But when it comes to keeping a more rambunctious dog contained, the soft sides won’t stand a chance against aggressive biting. That’s why we also included New World Pet’s Enhanced dog crate. Although it is a collapsible dog crate, this one comes with tough, chew-proof metal sides. Have a look at our favorites below.
Amazon Basics 2-Door Collapsible Dog Kennel
Break it down
Although this collapsible dog crate is designed to keep Fido comfortable while traveling, that’s not its only use. In fact, we like it for home use, too. It pops up in a matter of seconds, making setup easy and hassle-free. We also love how sturdy the zippers are, not to mention the durable, reinforced seams.
Pros:
- This is ideal for travel days, as the entire crate weighs less than 10 pounds.
- Thanks to extra ventilation on all four sides, this crate works well for warmer climates.
Cons:
- We wish that there were built-in carrying straps or handles.
Beatrice Home Fashions Portable Pop-up Travel Kennel
Packable for your pooch
This kennel is ideal for a calm pup who prefers their own space but doesn’t require a heavy-duty crate. That’s because, although it’s durable, this pop-up kennel isn’t made for dogs who like to chew. What it does have, however, is superior ventilation, roll-up windows, and plenty of breathability. For low-maintenance pups, it’s perfect.
Pros:
- Thanks to its compact size, this crate works especially well in small spaces.
- The entire crate folds in on itself and fits in a packable storage pouch, which is included.
Cons:
- Although this does have reinforced seams, it isn’t ideal for larger dogs or dogs who chew.
Le Sure Collapsible Dog Crate for Small Dogs
Small but mighty
Although smaller dogs tend to require less space overall, it never hurts to have a collapsible crate at the ready. And even though this crate is small, there’s a lot to love. Featuring claw-proof mesh windows and reinforced corners, this is excellent for a more anxious pup. We also appreciate the multiple storage pockets and carrying handles, making traveling with your pup even easier.
Pros:
- The side opens fully, allowing the crate to turn into a dog bed.
- The breathability of this crate means that it works well as an outdoor option.
Cons:
- We wish that this crate came in larger sizes for larger dogs.
New World Pet Products MidWest Homes Enhanced Dog Crate
A chew-friendly choice
For dogs who have a little extra anxiety and a propensity to destroy soft crates, this collapsible metal one is a safe and extremely durable option. Made of carbon steel wire mesh and a tough plastic for the bottom tray, this crate may be collapsible, but it’s about as sturdy as it gets.
Pros:
- This does not require any tools for assembly, making it acceptable for travel as well.
- The bottom plastic tray is completely leak-proof.
Cons:
- The metal does not provide any shade, so this crate is best for indoor use.
A 4 Pet Pop Up Dog Crate for Car
You can keep Pup safe while navigating the roads thanks to this collapsible crate that buckles directly into a vehicle’s seat. Featuring soft sides, mesh ventilation, and a hook for keeping your dog secure, this crate is virtually escape-proof, making everyone traveling in the vehicle that much safer, too.
Pros:
- The interior is lined with water-resistant PVC, which is ideal for pet drool and doggy accidents.
- We love that the crate is easily removable from the vehicle, making the whole system ideal for the indoors, too.
Cons:
- Although warping can happen, it is fairly easy to get the necessary shape back.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you begin crate training your puppy?
For best results, it’s ideal to begin crate training your puppy starting at about eight weeks old. Although it may be tempting to cuddle your new puppy at all times, a well-adjusted dog actually needs its space. Because dogs like cave-like areas, a crate is the perfect safe space for a dog. That doesn’t mean you have to stop cuddling all the time, but providing that space for them is essential to a happy dog.
How long should you keep your puppy in a crate?
For newly crate-trained puppies, you’ll want to keep them in their crate for a max of three hours at a time. As they get older, they can handle longer times in their crate on occasion.
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