Choosing suitable dog kennels is no simple task when you want to give your dogs the most effective training tool and the comfiest home. While there are three main types of kennels in the market for selection, it is always best to consider your needs first before buying.
If you want better mobility and airline-approved crates, then plastic kennels are the way to go. This option also provides much-needed protection for smaller dogs in cold weather. Other than that, fabric kennels are excellent for an extra homey feel, more breathability and super lightweight. For lots of airflow with adjustable cage size for your growing little friend, metal crates would be ideal.
Here are my top 10 picks for these types of dog kennels which can highly appeal to your demands.
1. Carlson Pet Products SECURE AND FOLDABLE Single Door Metal Dog Crate:
Our first contender is the Carlson Secure and Foldable metal dog crate 6003 DS, a very affordable choice among the available dog kennels in the market. This dog crate is true ‘a bang for your buck’ at just over 30 dollars for the regular size at 30L x 19W x 21H.
What makes this so special is that the kennel offers an all-in-one solution. Perfect if you are looking for a budget product with a sturdy build, great durability, mobility, and strong security for small to extra-large sized dogs with different cage sizes.
The material is strong steel all throughout, making it tough to break but easy to set up and maintain. There is no rattling or squeaking during the simple assembling process. The removable and washable bottom can also come in very handy for cleaning purposes.
The cage inside is spacious for small to medium-sized dogs to freely stretch out and roll around. However, it is not at all heavy that you can easily bring it along on your travels. What’s even better is that it can be folded flat, giving even more mobility and convenience.
For security, the dog crate comes with a built-in bolt locking system installed on a single door, preventing your dog from trying to unlock with their paws. No more playing outside without my watch!
One thing I would warn about this crate is that very strong dogs may be able to bend the bars. Pay attention to this if you think your dog is the athletic type or there are other aggressive dogs in your house. While this may be a drawback, but really, what more do I want from a price this good?
To conveniently keep your dog sleeping place clean, I think these washable dog beds are worth considering.
2. AmazonBasics Single Door & Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate:
Next on the list is the AmazonBasics metal dog crate 9001-36B in the $40 price range for medium sized dog kennels at 36L x 23W x 25H inches, promising a comfortable training environment for your dog.
Despite being a bit costlier than the Carlson crate, the AmazonBasics makes it up with more versatile constructions. Besides offering a wide range of sizes from small to extra-large, you can also choose between single versus double-door, with the latter being a few bucks more expensive.
The most prominent feature here is the Divider Panel, which is used to modify the cage size to perfectly accommodate growing puppies. If the cage is too large, puppies may go potty on one side of it and sleeping on the remaining side, so this function is implemented to avoid that. You can just move the divider once the puppy becomes larger.
Its double-door design is two swing-open doors with an added door on the side apart from the usual door. This function not only enables a hassle-free cleaning process when you can reach every nook and cranny inside the cage but also makes it much easier to attend to your pet’s needs. Each door is secured by 2 side-bolt latches.
Like the Carlson crate, this one is a cinch to set up, collapsible and convenient for carrying or traveling. But unfortunately, the AmazonBasics dog crate does not improve much from Carlson’s material durability as aggressive dogs can also damage its metal wires. Then again, the quality and functionality to match its price.
3. MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate | iCrate Single Door & Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crates
The MidWest Homes dog crate 1542DDU is a celebrity-caliber in the world of moderately priced dog kennels with its explosive popularity and praise-worthy values. The medium size option is 42L x 28W x 30H inches.
Comes with all variety of sizes and double/single-door options like the AmazonBasics, MidWest Homes top it off with floor-friendly “roller” feet and especially a 1-year warranty. During the one year after purchase, you can have peace of mind about the product’s usability.
There is nothing that the previous two products can do that MidWest Homes crate cannot do. It has the Divider Panel to adjust the cage size for pet’s physical development, high-duty slide-bolt latches for firm security. It is simple and quick to assemble the crate, cleaning-friendly with double door and a pan stop, carriable with folding feature along easy-to-attach plastic handles.
But there is one thing that MidWest Homes has but others don’t: Rounded corners. Have you ever gotten scratches or bleedings from sharp metal edges? I have and this little functional design is a true life-savior. This keeps me from all the unexpected little injuries and feels worried free about my pet getting hurt.
Once again, this crate’s durability cannot withstand strong forces from tough pets, but you have nothing to fear if your dog is gentle like mine. Other than that, the crate can last for very long with fair maintenance.
4. Lucky Dog Uptown Welded Wire Kennel
“What’s with this ridiculous price?” – You might be thinking. But hold on! I will let you know exactly why the Lucky Dog Uptown Welded Wire Kennel CL 60548 would worth a look, even if it is far out of your initial budget plan.
Now, this rich kid is true to its name – Lucky Dog, as any dog stays in one of these top-quality dog kennels can relish the fresh air flow in an extremely roomy space. Although the kennel is best to be placed in the outdoor areas of small residential areas and offices, locating it indoors is also feasible. It has 3 size options with the medium one being 6H x 4L x 4W feet.
Truly for professional use, the kennel is constructed with heavy-duty stainless-steel adding powder layer of rust-and-deterioration resistant coating. Welds are carefully joint to ensure no sharp edges. Besides, latch & lock gate makes it easy for entering and exit and can be locked using a strong padlock.
Not just that, setting up the kennel should not be a problem as its hardware is cleverly designed for painless installation without requiring any tools. For easy cleaning, the kennel legs are intentionally raised by 1.5” so that you can clear all trash from the floor.
The package comes with a waterproof cover that would snug in perfectly with the kennel’s top. It not only provides full protection from rain and UV rays for your pets but also has anti-ripping or anti-fading features.
As you can see, for all these amazing functions it’s hard not to consider the Lucky Dog kennel favorably. Of course, this promotes no mobility for traveling as I don’t want to bring along something this bulky but is undoubtedly a solid choice for your pets at home if you can manage the cost.
5. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate, Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home, Multiple Sizes and Colors Available
Moving into the middle of the list, we are now looking at one of my favorite fabric dog kennels – the EliteField Soft Dog Crate SDC-3024B in the $60 tier. The stylish design with many color options and a smooth but durable material will help your dog feel right at home. This is also my preferred choice for puppies or small dogs.
The middle size is 30L x 21W x 24H inches, leaving enough space for pets to stretch out comfortably. As for almost any fabric kennels, there is zero difficulties to set up, fold down, move it around, providing 100% portability. The attached handle and carrying straps are a plus.
The sturdy frame keeps the crate in firm shape even when being carried. In addition, I love how it has three mesh doors (front, top, side) for even more daylight and improved ventilation. The two side pockets would come in real handy when you need to put in any of your pet care things.
When you want to clean the bedding or cover, just gently remove them by pulling the zips. EliteField also throws in a free carrying bag and fleece bed to make your dog’s sleeping place soft and cozy. And this product has a guarantee of up to 2 years and a money back policy so you can get fully refunded if the crate turns out faulty.
As much as I adore this EliteField dog crate, I am not confident that it can keep your dogs inside and help training it more effectively than the metal dog crates as the security can be a bit lacking. However, it should not be a concern for gentle and little dogs.
6. ESK COLLECTION Blue 45″ Pet Puppy Dog Playpen Exercise Pen Kennel 600d Oxford Cloth
Loving fabric dog kennels but want a larger size? why not read up on this spacious ESK Collection Exercise Playpen FEFA789398577898.
Cheap and optimal for dogs that hate being locked up in a cramped place, this is a practical pick for houses with a bit ampler space. Even though it is much more budget friendly than large metal dog kennels, medium-sized dogs will probably enjoy this more if they are homebodies and prefer playing indoors.
This fabric crate is round shaped and only produced in two sizes with a bigger size at 48” diameter and 25” height. There are four colors available including red, pink, black, and blue. Its 8-panel design enables easy installation and taking down.
Not to mention it has waterproof oxford cover that would keep the crate long-lasting. The mesh is designed for maximum breathability, letting your dog play inside the pen freely. The high-quality top zippers should be tough enough to prevent non-aggressive dogs from escaping.
What I would do with this Esk Collection playpen is layering a fluffy blanket on the crate bottom, preparing a cushiest and snugly king-sized bed for my lazy dog. Hopefully leaving a few toys inside the playpen would encourage him to exercise a bit.
Unfortunately, despite how durable the fabric is, it can be ripped apart by naughty dogs that love scratching with their long nails. So, make sure that your dogs do not tend to destroy things and have their nails carefully trimmed. It would be a good idea to do the same for all the fabric playpen.
If you’re a busy dog parent, these waterproof dog beds might be what you need.
7. 2-Door Training Retreat Wire Kennel
If you still prefer metal crates over fabric ones, I will introduce you the Petmate Training Retreat Wire Kennel 21953, a fearsome competitor to the Carlson dog crate.
This can be called a slightly upgraded version of the Carlson crate functionality-wise, but sold at a similar price. Petmate added a double door system, a divider panel, rust-resistant coating while also have a removable bottom tray, and folding ability for storing or transporting. Basically, all the functions that I would ever really need.
The function that truly makes this one of the best dog kennels is that there is absolutely no assembly needed for setting up, just unfold it, put in the bottom pan and you are all done. Another highlighted feature is the 5-point door lock system, eliminating all the unwanted gaps between the frame structure and the door, enhancing the security rating of the overall crate.
Nonetheless, this crate only comes in 4 sizes with all of them being relatively small compared to the mentioned metal crates. The largest option is only at 36″L x 23″W x 25″H, making it limited to smaller dogs, big ones will not fit in or have a very rough time inside. This also explains why the price is lower due to less needed materials.
Another thing that makes me a bit worried is that the bars can be a bit far from each other, making it possible for dogs with very small paws to have theirs get stuck in between. Therefore, even when this crate is for small-scale pets, it is best that you should check their paw size before purchasing this Petmate dog kennel.
8. Petmate Sky Kennel
Oh, we are finally looking at a plastic kennel! Though the Petmate Sky Kennel 500’s price is pretty much on the higher end, you will be pleased with the security values you get.
One outstanding feature of this pet crate is its highly secured design with a 4-way vaulted door installed with interlocking system ensuring no dog can forcefully open it. An extra gift is the heavy-duty plastic material that your pets cannot bend or break albeit a few light scratches on the surface.
With four sides embedded with wire vents, the crate offers 360-degree ventilation with continuous air flows from all sides, increasing visibility and keeping your pet healthy. The wing-nuts are the high-quality non-corrodible type, helping the cage last longer.
The cage has six size options ranging from 21″ to 48″ for all sizes of pets. Even though it is not as roomy as metal and plastic crates, this would still be comfortable enough for your pets and would provide better protection from harsh weather.
The ‘Live Anime’ and ID stickers came along with the package is a huge plus for lovers of animal-related stuff like me. What I love even more is that they give us a free clip on a bowl with two sides for food and water to attach on the front door, so neat for feeding your dogs.
Despite how the design makes it easy to carry this along on travels, even on airplanes as this Petmate Sky kennel should meet the requirements for the most parts, I am a bit concerned about cleaning the inside of the cage. Some corners will be hard to reach when it is not as open like the other kennels.
9. Midwest Exercise Pen/Pet Playpens | 8-Panels Each w/ 5 Height Options Ideal for Any Dog Breed
If you think all the above dog kennels have too many functions deemed unnecessary, let’s get back to basics with another metal type – the Midwest Homes Exercise Pen 552-30.
In contrast to the above metal kennels, this model is probably not so great for training your pets but instead, it gives a safe space for them to roam around and do some good exercises. This dog playpen is very basic in the designs with only 8 wire panels that can be clipped together to form an open-air cage without neither bottom nor roof.
There are 5 sizes offered with the medium option has each panel at 30H x 24W inches, making an enclosed area of around 16 square feet. You can assemble the panels together easily without tools with the included thumb-snaps and corner stabilizers. This design also makes it simple to adjust the area size when you can add or take out a panel.
So yes this basically keeps your dog inside the desired area instead of putting them in a closed cage, great to keep your pets healthy and active. What’s cool is that you can utilize this function in some creative ways like making it an extension to a metal pet crate by attaching the two together, creating a mini playground for your dog’s house.
While I would love to place this Midwest playpen outdoors in addition to another crate for indoor use, those who don’t have a yard can conveniently locate it right inside your house. Whether outdoors or indoors, the anti-rust coating should make this a reliable option for a long-lasting open-space kennel.
But of course, dogs can jump over the panels so you should make sure that their maximum jumping height cannot overcome the panels. Also, I wish they had provided a more solid solution to how pets can knock the whole structure over. You may keep the playpen stable outdoors with ground anchors, but there are no anchors for indoor use. And the outdoor ground anchors are actually not all that sturdy.
10. Advantek Original Pet Gazebo Outdoor Dog Kennel with Reversible Cover
Last but not least, the Advantek Gazebo dog kennel 23200 not only keeps your dog in one place but also acts as a superb umbrella protecting your dog from environmental harms outdoors.
At a pretty high price, this particular cage is constructed into a 5 ft. x 5 ft. x 5 ft. octagon design, aiming to provide maximum shelter from damaging elements such as heavy winds, UV rays, dust, rain, and even snow. The umbrella-shaped roof is helping up by 8 equally sized panels made from anti-rust steel.
One special feature that should be noticed is the reversible polyurethane roof, which none of the listed dog kennels has. It has one side painted with a color of your choice and the other side is white to reflect heat when needed. There are bungee loops used to hold on the reversible roof.
I am amused that they named the four different color choices in such creative ways like Dark Forest, Beach Sand, Aztek Gold, and Desert Sunset. Sound stylish, don’t they? And those cool names nicely reflect how pretty the colors actually look.
Another noteworthy function is the spring-loaded pet-proof lock with an extra tight locking mechanism to prevent your dogs from opening it. On top of that, the Advantek dog kennel has a one-hand drop-down window that would let you put food inside. I also find the assembling process extremely quick, within only 10 minutes and no tools required.
While most functions are on point, I think adding more strength to the steel frame would have made this a wonderful purchase. The material is thinner than I expected for the price paid, making it a bit risky to house big strong dogs inside as they may damage the bars. Still, this is another great item to consider.
Conclusion
Like people, a good dog deserves all the love, and with that is a good home. I believe the best home is somewhere we can feel most relaxed with. That’s why buying dog kennels are about understanding what your beloved pets want and need, and willing to give them the best possible home. I hope my review has helped you make the best purchase decision for your pets.
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