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The Best 5Aggregated review·14 sources·updated October 16, 2026·checked September 19, 2026

Best Dog Crates

Top 5 dog crates ranked by aggregate score from 14 published reviews.

This guide aggregates 14 published reviews across 5 products; the thinnest-sourced pick rests on 1. No publisher printed a score for the top pick — its rating is derived from what reviewers wrote. How we rank.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.
Quick answer

Petmate Vari Dog Kennel is our top pick for dog crates — an averaged 4.5/5 across 2 published reviews at about $39.99. Runner-up: MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds (~$106.53).

Read the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel review →$39.99 · Check Price on Amazon
At a glance5 products ▾
1Petmate Vari Dog KennelTop Pick
2 sourcesall derived
$39.99Best for: pet owners needing airline-approved, durable travel crates
$39.99 · Check Price on Amazon
2MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds
2 sourcesall derived
$106.53Best for: owners who want an inexpensive folding wire crate that is light to move, for dogs that do not push or chew at the panels
$106.53 · Check Price on Amazon
3Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate
1 sourceall derived
$34.92Best for: owners seeking a durable, portable wire crate with double doors
$34.92 · Check Price on Amazon
4Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate
1 source
$1,045.19Best for: owners with strong escape artists needing maximum security
$1,045.19 · Check Price on Amazon
5FDW 30 inch Double Door Folding Dog Crate
1 source
$29.99Best for: medium-sized dogs needing a portable, rust-resistant wire crate
$29.99 · Check Price on Amazon

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

The full ranking

How we rank →
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel
#1 · Top Pick
Best for: pet owners needing airline-approved, durable travel crates
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel
2 sourcesall derived$39.99as of Oct 11
▾Why it's ranked here

The Petmate Vari Kennel is a hard-sided plastic dog travel crate that meets most IATA requirements for airline cargo. Reviewers noted the heavy-duty construction, the tool-free assembly, and the built-in ventilation. It works well for large dogs and the airline-approved design is the main draw, though the bigger sizes take longer to ship and won't fit every vehicle's cargo area. Pet parents who need a durable crate for both travel and everyday use should look here.

Strengths
  • — Meets most International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements for airline travel
  • — Durable construction with heavy-duty plastic shell and metal grated door
Watch-outs
  • — XL size may not fit upright in some vehicle cargo areas
$39.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds →
MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds
#2
★ Premium Pick
Best for: owners who want an inexpensive folding wire crate that is light to move, for dogs that do not push or chew at the panels
MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds
2 sourcesall derived$106.53as of Oct 14
▾Why it's ranked here

Wirecutter names the MidWest iCrate Double Door its pick for a lighter-weight wire crate, describing it as a lighter, cheaper, less durable version of the MidWest Ultima Pro. It was the least expensive model Wirecutter tested and one of the simplest to move, and it has the same removable plastic tray and Paw Block latches as the Ultima Pro. The trade-off is strength: Wirecutter found the thinner wires made it even easier to bend the panels outward with 50 pounds of force.

Strengths
  • — One of the simplest crates to move in Wirecutter's testing, second only to the Diggs Revol
  • — Removable plastic tray and Paw Block latches, the same as on the MidWest Ultima Pro (Wirecutter)
Watch-outs
  • — Not as strong or durable as other crates Wirecutter tested; panels bent outward more easily under 50 pounds of force
  • — Wirecutter notes that some reviews complain of the crate arriving bent inside the shipping box
$106.53 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Petmate Vari Dog Kennel →
Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate
#3
Best for: owners seeking a durable, portable wire crate with double doors
Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate
1 sourceall derived$34.92as of Oct 11
▾Why it's ranked here

The Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate keeps a dog contained with a double-door design and a heavy-duty locking mechanism. It folds for travel and storage, and the metal mesh has rounded edges so nothing catches. A leak-proof ABS tray handles cleaning. Owners who want a portable kennel that lasts, indoors or out, are the fit.

Strengths
  • — Double doors with heavy-duty sliding bolt locks for secure pet containment
  • — Foldable design allows for easy transport and storage
Watch-outs
  • — Mesh gauge is not published; the listing only describes 'thick metal mesh'
  • — Limited published detail beyond the 36-inch length — no weight capacity or interior dimensions
$34.92 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Petmate Vari Dog Kennel →
Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate
#4
Best for: owners with strong escape artists needing maximum security
Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate
1 source$1,045.19as of Sep 25
▾Why it's ranked here

The Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate is built for dogs that get out of everything else, with heavy aluminum construction and a secure stainless steel slam latch. Reviewers confirmed the durability and the escape-proof design, but found assembly tough because the butterfly locks take significant force. Chewers wear through the powder coating, and the door latch bangs loudly enough to unsettle a sensitive dog. Active owners who need something reliable and portable for travel and home use are the fit; owners of very sensitive dogs should consider alternatives.

Strengths
  • — Escape-proof design built for strong escape artists
  • — Durable aluminum construction with powder-coated finish
Watch-outs
  • — Assembly requires some effort and strength for butterfly locks
  • — Powder coating may chip or fade with chewing or digging
$1,045.19 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Petmate Vari Dog Kennel →
FDW 30 inch Double Door Folding Dog Crate
#5
Best for: medium-sized dogs needing a portable, rust-resistant wire crate
FDW 30 inch Double Door Folding Dog Crate
1 source$29.99as of Oct 11
▾Why it's ranked here

The FDW 30 inch Folding Dog Crate uses rust-resistant metal wire and dual-door access to give a pet a secure spot. HomeStrand reviewers pointed to the removable leak-proof tray and the fold-flat design for storage and travel. Larger dogs are a question mark, and one reviewer warned the metal bars can pinch paws while folding. Medium-sized dogs and owners who want a portable, easy-to-clean kennel are the right match.

Strengths
  • — Dual-door access (front + side) for easy pet access
  • — Removable leak-proof plastic tray for easy cleaning
Watch-outs
  • — Metal bars may pinch paws during folding
$29.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Petmate Vari Dog Kennel →
Reviews aggregated from
PetfulThe New York TimesTopdogtipsPeopleMfmlreviewsDoggearreview

Spec comparison

5 products
vs
SpecPetmate Vari Dog KennelMidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds
Dimensions40.000 x 27.000 x 30.00030.67"L x 19.3"W x 21.46"H
WeightUp to 31.0 lb—
MaterialEcoTEC Plastic (90% pre-consumer recycled)Metal wire
Door TypeMetal gratedDouble door
Features360 Degree Ventilation, Airline Compliant, Easy to assembleRemovable plastic tray, puppy divider, Paw Block latches, carrying handle
ColorGray/Black—
Usage——

Frequently asked questions

Which dog crate should I buy?
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel is the top pick for dog crates — 4.5/5 averaged from 2 published reviews. The Petmate Vari Kennel is a hard-sided plastic dog travel crate that meets most IATA requirements for airline cargo. Reviewers noted the heavy-duty construction, the tool-free assembly, and the built-in ventilation. It works well for large dogs and the airline-approved design is the main draw, though the bigger sizes take longer to ship and won't fit every vehicle's cargo area. Pet parents who need a durable crate for both travel and everyday use should look here.
Is this dog crate guide up to date?
This guide was last re-checked in October 2026. Prices, links, and source ratings are re-verified on a rolling basis, and the ranking updates when the underlying scores change.