Best Dog Crate for Puppies (2026): Top Picks

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Dog Crate for Puppies: Top Wire and Plastic Crates with Dividers for Stress-Free Training

A well-chosen crate gives a puppy a safe den, speeds up house-training, and prevents destructive behavior. For most owners, the best options are sturdy wire crates with adjustable dividers or lightweight plastic crates that create a cozy den, offering durability, ventilation, and easy cleaning. We compared five widely available crates across build quality, divider flexibility, and cleanup to find the right pick for every puppy and budget.

The Best Dog Crates for Puppies: Our Top Picks

After comparing wire and plastic designs across size options, divider systems, and door layouts, three crates rose to the top for most puppy owners:

• Best overall: MidWest iCrate 30-Inch Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider — a growth-adjustable wire crate that lasts from puppy through adult.
• Best plastic/travel den: Petmate Sky Kennel 28-Inch Airline-Compliant Plastic Crate — a quiet, enclosed den that also flies.
• Best budget: Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Divider (24") — the lowest-cost way to get a divider-equipped wire crate.

Features to look for in a puppy crate

• Adjustable sizing – A divider or removable panel lets you resize the crate as your pup reaches adult dimensions.
• Ventilation – Wire construction or ventilation slots keep airflow steady, reducing anxiety.
• Secure latches – Slide-bolt or enhanced-security latches prevent escape but are easy for adults to open.
• Easy cleaning – Removable trays or smooth plastic interiors simplify spot-cleaning after accidents.
• Portability – Fold-flat frames and built-in handles make transport and storage hassle-free.

Why crate training matters Crate training establishes a predictable routine, which helps puppies learn bladder control. A crate should be just large enough for the puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, so a divider that shrinks the interior keeps the den from feeling like an open room. Consistent crate use also gives the pup a designated quiet zone, which can curb chewing and barking and smooth the transition to solo play. Selecting a crate that meets these criteria sets the foundation for a happy, well-behaved dog.

How We Chose the Best Dog Crates for Puppies

We evaluated each crate on the factors that matter most in real puppy life. First, durability: we looked at wire gauge, bar spacing, latch design, and shell construction to judge how each crate would hold up to a rowdy chewer. The heavier-gauge MidWest LifeStages and the double-wall Petmate Sky Kennel clearly out-build the lighter budget wire crates here.

Second, ease of cleaning: every pick we recommend uses a leak-proof, removable plastic pan or a smooth wipe-clean plastic interior, because accidents are inevitable during house-training and seams that trap moisture make cleanup miserable.

Third, ventilation and comfort: wire crates like the iCrate and Amazon Basics offer open sightlines and steady airflow that many puppies find reassuring, while the plastic Petmate Sky Kennel trades some airflow for solid, den-like walls that help anxious or den-loving pups settle. We weighed each crate's ventilation against how enclosed and secure it feels.

Fourth, divider functionality and sizing: four of our five picks ship with an adjustable divider panel so a single crate can grow with the puppy. As a general rule, buy for the dog's expected adult size and use the divider to shrink the interior while the pup is small, leaving just enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down. Matching the crate to your puppy's temperament, your living situation, and your travel needs is what makes the difference between a stressful setup and a stress-free one.

Wire Dog Crates vs. Plastic Crates: Which is Best for Puppies?

When it comes to selecting a crate for a new pup, the material you choose can shape everything from training speed to comfort level. Wire crates shine with airflow and visibility, while plastic crates excel at creating a den-like hideaway. Below we break down the strengths and drawbacks of each, then give guidance on the scenarios where one type outperforms the other.

Pros of Wire Dog Crates

• Excellent ventilation – The open bars keep air circulating, which helps puppies stay cool during summer months or in homes without climate control.
• Clear sightlines – Puppies can see you and the surrounding room, reducing anxiety for dogs that dislike being completely hidden.
• Easy to reconfigure – Most models include a divider panel, so the interior can shrink while the pup is small and expand as it matures, extending the crate's usable life.
• Durability for chewers – Metal construction tolerates gnawing better than thin plastic, and heavier-gauge models like the MidWest LifeStages resist bending.

Cons of Wire Dog Crates

• Noise – The metal pan and bars can rattle when a puppy bumps into them, which may disturb light sleepers.
• Less cozy – The open design can feel exposed for dogs that crave a snug den, potentially slowing crate-training progress for shy pups.
• Potential for pinch points – If a latch or hinge loosens, it can create spots that need regular inspection.

Pros of Plastic Crates

• Den-like enclosure – The solid walls mimic a natural burrow, giving many puppies a sense of security that can speed up house-breaking.
• Portability for travel – Plastic crates like the Petmate Sky Kennel are airline-compliant and easy to secure in a car.
• Quiet operation – No rattling bars, so they're well suited to apartment living or nighttime use.
• Simple cleaning – A smooth interior wipes down quickly after accidents.

Cons of Plastic Crates

• Limited airflow – In warm rooms the more enclosed environment can become stuffy, so watch the temperature during long stays.
• Less adaptable – Plastic kennels like the Sky Kennel have no divider, so the footprint cannot be resized and you may outgrow the crate sooner.
• Can crack under heavy chewing – Persistent gnawing can damage the plastic, especially on thinner models.

When to Choose Each Type

• Pick a wire crate if your puppy is a vigorous chewer, you live in a hot region, or you need a crate that can be re-sized as the pup grows. It is also a solid choice for training sessions where you want the pup to stay alert to your cues.
• Opt for a plastic crate when your dog prefers a cozy, enclosed space, you travel frequently or fly, or you need a quiet crate for nighttime use.

Whichever material you choose, look for a divider (on wire crates) or buy the closest size to your dog's adult footprint (on plastic kennels), so a single crate can carry the puppy from a few months old up to full size. Matching the crate material to your puppy's temperament and your living situation will keep the training experience stress-free for both of you.

The Importance of Crate Size and Divider Functionality

Choosing the right crate starts with a simple measurement: have your puppy stand on a flat surface, then measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail and from the floor to the top of the head. Add roughly two to four inches to each dimension; this extra room lets the puppy turn around and sit up without feeling cramped. A crate that is a few inches short can cause a puppy to paw at the walls and lose interest in the den, while a crate with the right clearance encourages relaxed lounging.

Why does size matter beyond comfort? Puppies grow rapidly, and a crate that is too small can restrict movement and heighten anxiety. Conversely, an oversized crate may feel like an open room, defeating the den-like security that a properly sized space provides. The goal is a snug fit that still lets the dog stand, turn around, and lie down.

Dividers solve the growth dilemma without forcing you to buy a new crate every few months. An adjustable crate divider lets you shrink the interior space as the puppy matures, then slide it back when the dog reaches its adult size. This flexibility means a single crate can serve a puppy from eight weeks up to full size, saving both money and closet space. Every wire crate on our list, from the budget Amazon Basics 24-inch model up to the intermediate MidWest LifeStages, ships with a divider panel for exactly this reason.

A concrete example: buy a 30-inch iCrate for a puppy that will mature into a medium breed, install the included divider near the front while the pup is small, then move it back as the dog grows. This approach eliminates the stress of outgrowing a crate and keeps training consistency intact. For plastic kennels without a divider, such as the Petmate Sky Kennel, size to the adult dog and add soft bedding to keep a young puppy cozy in the meantime.

The Top 5 Dog Crates for Puppies Reviewed

1. MidWest iCrate 30-Inch Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider

Best for: most puppy owners who want one growth-adjustable wire crate for house-training.

The 30-inch iCrate is our overall pick because it does the essentials well at a reasonable price. It is sized for medium breeds around 21-40 lbs (MidWest sells the iCrate line in 18-48" versions), and the included divider panel lets you resize the interior as the puppy grows, so one crate can last from puppy through adult. The single-door folding wire design assembles with no tools, folds flat in seconds, and includes a leak-proof removable plastic pan plus a secure slide-bolt latch and rubber roller feet to protect your floors. The honest trade-off: its roughly 1.5-inch bar spacing and lighter gauge sit below heavy-duty models, and the metal pan and bars can rattle if a restless puppy bumps them.

Pros:

• Included divider means one crate lasts from puppy through adult size
• Excellent ventilation and clear sightlines reduce puppy anxiety
• Folds flat in seconds for storage or travel with no tools

Cons:

• Wider ~1.5" bar spacing and lighter gauge than heavy-duty models
• Metal pan and bars can rattle if a restless puppy bumps them

2. MidWest LifeStages Intermediate Double Door 36-Inch Folding Dog Crate

Best for: owners of medium-to-large breed puppies who want a sturdier, longer-lasting double-door wire crate.

If you know your puppy will grow into a bigger dog, the 36-inch LifeStages is worth the step up from the iCrate. It uses tighter ~1-inch bar spacing and a heavier gauge for a more rigid, heavier-duty build that tolerates rowdier chewers. Double-door access makes it easier to place in a room and reduces stress during training, and the included divider panel shrinks the interior for potty training while the pup is small. You also get a leak-proof removable pan, a carry handle, rubber feet, and enhanced-security latches on both doors. The honest con: it is noticeably heavier and bulkier to move than the iCrate, and it costs more than budget wire crates.

Pros:

• More rigid, heavier-duty build tolerates rowdier chewers
• Two doors ease placement and reduce stress during training
• Divider plus intermediate size grows with medium/large pups

Cons:

• Noticeably heavier and bulkier to move than the iCrate
• Higher price than budget wire crates

3. Petmate Sky Kennel 28-Inch Airline-Compliant Plastic Dog Crate

Best for: puppies that prefer a cozy, enclosed den, or families who fly.

The Sky Kennel is our top plastic pick and the crate to choose if your pup settles better with solid walls around it. Its heavy-duty double-wall plastic shell creates a quiet, den-like space that can speed up house-breaking, while 360-degree ventilation slots on all sides keep some airflow moving. The 28-inch size suits pets around 15-30 lbs (Petmate offers 18-48" sizes), and the kennel is IATA airline-compliant with an easy-squeeze latch door, tie-down holes, a clip-on food and water cup, and ID plus LIVE ANIMAL stickers; it is made in the USA. The smooth interior wipes clean quickly after accidents. The honest con: there is no divider, so it cannot be resized as the puppy grows, and it offers less airflow than a wire crate in warm rooms.

Pros:

• Solid walls create a quiet, secure den that speeds house-breaking
• Airline-compliant and durable for car and cargo travel
• Smooth interior wipes clean quickly after accidents

Cons:

• No divider, so it can't be resized as the puppy grows
• Less airflow than a wire crate in warm rooms

4. Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate

Best for: apartment dwellers and owners who travel or store the crate often.

The Frisco Fold & Carry is the pick to grab if portability is your priority. It is a double-door collapsible wire crate offered in 30", 36", 42", and 48" sizes, all of which include a divider panel to grow with the puppy. It folds flat with adjustable carry handles for travel, uses a removable plastic base pan for easy cleanup, and wears a protective black electro-coat finish with no-tool assembly. Value-priced for a double-door crate and widely available, it is a practical everyday choice. The honest con: it is lighter-duty than heavy-gauge crates, so determined chewers can bend the bars, and the plastic pan can slide if the retaining hooks are not seated properly.

Pros:

• Fold-flat design with handles makes transport and storage easy
• Two doors plus divider add flexibility for small spaces
• Widely available and value-priced for a double-door crate

Cons:

• Lighter-duty than heavy-gauge crates; determined chewers can bend bars
• Plastic pan can slide if the retaining hooks aren't seated

5. Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Divider, Single Door (24")

Best for: first-time owners crating a small-breed puppy on a tight budget.

The Amazon Basics wire crate is the cheapest way to get a divider-equipped crate, which makes it a sensible starter for small breeds. The 24 x 18 x 20-inch single-door model (sizes run 22-42") includes a divider panel to resize for a growing puppy, plus a removable plastic tray with a hook to keep it from sliding out. It is foldable and collapsible, assembles without tools, and its black-finish steel-wire construction offers good airflow and visibility for training small pups. The honest con: the thinner-gauge wire and latches feel less robust over time, and the small 24-inch size is outgrown quickly by medium and large breeds, so buy a larger size or a sturdier crate if your pup will grow big.

Pros:

• Lowest-cost way to get a divider-equipped wire crate
• Collapses flat and assembles without tools
• Good airflow and visibility for training small pups

Cons:

• Thin gauge wire and latches feel less robust over time
• Small 24" size is outgrown quickly by medium/large breeds

Puppy Crate Comparison Table

Price Ranges and What to Expect at Different Price Points

When you start budgeting for a puppy crate, the market splits into a few clear tiers for both wire and plastic styles.

Budget wire crates such as the Amazon Basics 24-inch model and the MidWest iCrate are lightweight and assemble in minutes, and both include a divider so the crate grows with a small-breed pup. The trade-off is thinner-gauge wire and latches that feel less robust over time.

Mid-range options add either a second door or a den-like plastic shell. The Frisco Fold & Carry and the double-door MidWest LifeStages give you two access points plus a divider, while the Petmate Sky Kennel trades the divider for solid, airline-compliant walls. These crates cost more but hold up better and offer more flexibility for placement and travel.

Larger sizes matter if your puppy will grow into a big dog: each of these lines is sold in 42-48" configurations, so you can buy once for the adult footprint and rely on the divider (on the wire models) to keep the interior snug while the pup is small.

Value-for-money snapshot: If you want one crate to carry the puppy through adulthood, the MidWest iCrate offers the best balance of price, ventilation, and a built-in divider. For medium-to-large breeds, step up to the sturdier MidWest LifeStages. Choose the Petmate Sky Kennel if your dog prefers a den or you fly, and reach for the Amazon Basics crate when budget is the deciding factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I leave my puppy in a crate?

A common guideline is about one hour per month of age, and never more than about four consecutive hours during the day. For example, a 12-week-old pup should be crated for roughly three hours at a stretch, with regular bathroom breaks, playtime, and meals in between. Longer periods can lead to anxiety and accidents, so it is best to treat the crate as a short-term safe haven rather than a full-day kennel.

What size crate should I get for my puppy?

Measure your puppy's adult height at the shoulders and add two to four inches for the interior height; the length should be roughly the adult nose-to-tail measurement plus a few inches. The practical approach is to buy for the dog's full-grown size and use an adjustable divider to shrink the space while the pup is still small. A 30-inch crate like the MidWest iCrate, with its divider installed, suits many medium breeds from puppyhood through adulthood, while a 24-inch model such as the Amazon Basics crate fits small breeds.

Can I use a crate for potty training?

Yes. Crate training is one of the most reliable methods for housebreaking because dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area. The key is to keep the crate just large enough for the puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down, with no extra room for a bathroom corner, which is exactly what a divider panel achieves. Pair the crate with a consistent schedule: take the puppy out first thing in the morning, after meals, after play, and before bedtime.

Are wire or plastic crates better for puppies?

It depends on your puppy and your situation. Wire crates like the MidWest iCrate offer better airflow, clear sightlines, and a divider so the crate grows with the pup, which suits chewers and warm rooms. Plastic crates like the Petmate Sky Kennel create a quiet, enclosed den that can help anxious pups settle and are airline-compliant for travel, but they lack a divider and offer less ventilation.

Do I really need a crate with a divider?

If your puppy will grow much larger than its current size, a divider is worth it. It lets a single crate serve the dog from eight weeks to full adulthood by keeping the interior snug during house-training, then expanding as the pup matures. Four of our five picks, including both MidWest models, the Frisco, and the Amazon Basics crate, include a divider panel. Plastic kennels like the Sky Kennel do not, so for those you buy closer to the adult size and add bedding while the pup is small.

What features make crate cleaning easier?

Look for a leak-proof, removable plastic pan or tray, which every crate on this list has, and a smooth interior with few seams to trap moisture. Wire crates with a slide-out pan and a hook to keep the tray from sliding, like the Amazon Basics model, let you lift the pan out and wipe it down quickly. The Petmate Sky Kennel's smooth double-wall interior also wipes clean fast after accidents.

Can I use a crate for airline travel?

Only crates that meet airline requirements should be used for flying. The Petmate Sky Kennel is IATA airline-compliant, with a secure easy-squeeze latch door, tie-down holes, and a clip-on food and water cup, which makes it the travel-ready pick on this list. Standard folding wire crates are convenient for car trips and home use but are generally not intended for cargo air travel, so always confirm your airline's specific requirements before booking.

Article Update Log

Last reviewed: July 2026. If you spot something out-of-date, let us know.

• July 2, 2026 – Full refresh: rebuilt the roundup around five currently available, verified crates (MidWest iCrate 30", MidWest LifeStages 36", Petmate Sky Kennel 28", Frisco Fold & Carry, and the Amazon Basics 24" wire crate). Replaced generic comparison tables with linked, named products; aligned all price bands with current street prices; and updated the buying guide and FAQ.

We will keep tracking new product releases, safety standards, and user feedback to ensure this guide remains accurate and useful for puppy parents.