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?