How to Choose a Dog Crate
With so many dog crate options, which one should you choose? Before choosing a dog crate, understand the pros, cons and best uses for different types of crates.
Dog Crates
Wire Crates
Wire crates — ah, the SUV of dog crates. They’re extremely versatile for many different situations.
Pros:
- Allows plenty of ventilation, especially useful in warmer climates.
- Easy to clean.
- Folds down easily for quick storage.
Cons:
- Heavier than plastic or fabric crates.
- Determined dogs can bend small wire cage. Choose a larger cage crate to prevent dog from chewing.
- Dog is exposed. Use visual barriers, such as blankets or towels that provide security, especially around distractions, such as dog shows.
- Can easily collapse and break apart during a vehicle collision.
Best Use:
- At home use for potty training and confinement.
- Bring along on road trips.
Plastic Crates
Plastic crates are the workhorses of dog crates. They’re sturdy, dependable and a safe option for traveling.
Pros:
- Easy to clean.
- Plastic provides den-like feeling (limited visibility).
- Most are airline-approved.
- Lighter weight than wire crates.
Cons:
- When not in use, plastic top and bottom take up valuable storage space.
- Limited ventilation, especially in warmer climates.
Best Use:
- When tied down, they’re a safe option for car rides.
- Airline-approved: Not all plastic crates are airline-approved, so contact airlines before purchasing plane tickets to ensure you’re investing in the right one.
- Potty training or everyday containment.
Fabric Crates
Fabric crates are the newcomer of the dog crate world and are becoming very popular quickly!
Pros:
- Ultra light! Easily the lightest crate version.
- Easy to set up and break down.
- Easily storable (folds down).
Cons:
- Limited ventilation due to small holes in fabric.
- Structure is not very secure. Dog can easily flip crate sideways.
- Dogs can easily chew and destroy fabric.
- Same cost as wire and plastic crates, which I consider a con due to this crate’s limitations.
- Not suitable for vehicle restraint, as they will rip and tear during collisions.
- Dog is exposed. Use visual barriers, such as blankets or towels, to cover sides of fabric crate
Best Use:
- For dogs with solid crate training skills.
- Always supervise dogs while restrained in a fabric crate.
READ NEXT: Crate Training
Which dog crate is your favorite?