The Best Small Dog Crates
If you want your dog to have a safe, comfortable space to call home while you're away, crate training is an excellent option. And for the tiniest pets, small kennels are a necessity. The tight quarters help pups calm down and encourage them to rest. They also keep them from getting into trouble unsupervised. Below, we present the best small dog crates so you can quickly spot the version that suits your specific needs.
What To Look For:
Taking safety, comfort, and convenience into consideration, we gathered and reviewed the best small dog crates on the market today. We looked into the details both large and small to make it easy for you to find your perfect fit. For example, if you are looking for style and safety standards equal to those found in baby products, the Diggs Revol will be right up your alley. And if you’re into traveling conveniently and comfortably, the lightweight, soft-sided kennel from EliteField may be your top choice. Read on to learn more about each of these products as well as the rest of our favorite picks.
Midwest Homes for Pets iCrate Small Dog Crate
Strong and simple
This Midwest Homes for Pets kennel is popular for good reason. It’s durable and collapsible, making it easy to move around wherever you go. It comes with a comfortable, leak-proof liner, which pulls out for quick clean-ups, and a divider tray in case you need to make the inside smaller in the training stages. Roller feet on the bottom keep hard floors safe and the latch bolt ensures your pup won’t be able to escape while you’re away from home. Single and double-door styles, as well as various sizes, are available to choose from, making it easy to suit the needs of both your pup and your living space.
Pros:
- The installation process is extremely simple. Just fold and secure — no tools necessary.
- The price is reasonable for such a well-built product.
Cons:
- It’s important to supervise your dog in this crate if they aren’t yet trained, as it can become unfolded if they are rough inside.
Diggs Revol Collapsible Small Dog Crate
Luxurious relaxation
If you’re looking for a high-end product for your pup, this kennel might be it. It’s designed with baby standards, ensuring there are no sharp edges or tight spaces to hurt your pet. It has a front door and ceiling hatch for easy access, as well as a leak-proof, removable tray for quick clean-ups. The body is made of durable plastic and the walls are made of aluminum — both of which are strong and lightweight. The entire crate folds up for travel purposes with a one-handed, patent-pending mechanism, too.
Pros:
- The puppy divider makes sure you only have to buy one crate, even if your dog grows significantly while using it.
- The peace of mind the high weight capacity provides —up to 180 pounds of pressure in the center of each wall— is priceless for pet parents.
Cons:
- The price is a bit high, but the innovative features are worth it to many.
EliteField Folding Soft Small Dog Crate
Soft and secure
If your pup prefers soft sides, this collapsible crate is ready to call home. It’s extra-tall to give your pet a spacious feel, and it has three doors for your convenience. One door is located on top for sunlight when you’re spending time outdoors. The crate is well-ventilated, available in many colors, and durable. The cover is removable and washable. It folds up to just three inches high and it also has a built-in handle, padded carrying straps, and accessory pockets for on-the-go use.
Pros:
- The waterproof pad is comfortable and easy to keep clean when spills or accidents occur.
- The setup process goes quickly, making it that much easier to travel with your pet.
Cons:
- Soft-sided crates like this one aren’t typically a good fit for dogs who like to chew.
Midwest Homes for Pets Travel Small Dog Crate
Grab and go
This kennel doubles as a safe space in your home and as a travel carrier, so you don’t need to purchase separate products — and so your pup can bring the comfort of home with him wherever you go. It’s well-ventilated and easy to clean, thanks to the hard plastic interior. Its patented assembly process is easy to finish without tools, and the price point is much more affordable than the average small dog crate on the market today. Several colors and sizes are available to choose from, and the manufacturer even provides a graphic with dog breeds to help you choose the size that will fit your pet for life.
Pros:
- You can slide a small dog bed inside of this crate for added comfort.
- The plastic build is lightweight and easy to bring with you for travel.
Cons:
- Puppies need to be crate-trained before using this to ensure the door stays in place.
EcoFlex Stylish Small Dog Crate
Fashion, meet function
If you’re not a fan of the look of regular small dog crates, this end table/kennel combination from EcoFlex is worth considering. It’s made of recycled polymer wood composite material, which is durable and waterproof to protect against potential accidents and water bowl spills. The spindles are stainless steel, adding style and strength. The entire product is easy to assemble with no tools required and the top is removable for easy cleaning.
Pros:
- The style works well as a living room end table or bedroom bedside table.
- The various finishes make it easy to match the woodwork in your home.
Cons:
- This isn’t the best fit for pups who chew on furniture.
How can I choose the right size crate for my dog?
The size of the crate you choose depends on the size of your dog. Some products have easy charts that list kennel size by breed, while others require you to measure your pup’s height and length on your own. You should choose a version that lets your dog sit up and lay down, but without much extra space. Crates are meant to be compact relaxation spots without room to run around.
How can I use a crate for the first time with my dog?
If you are just starting to crate train, make it a positive experience. Leave the kennel door open, put a cozy bed or blanket inside, and give your pup treats when they enter fully. Encourage them to rest in the crate several times each day. Only when they are fully comfortable in the crate will you start to close the door for growing periods. This prevents ramming into the doors, accidental escapes, and injuries from nervous or upset pups.
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