Bringing a new puppy home is one of the best moments of being a dog owner, but the first week can feel like organized chaos. We adopted our last puppy at eight weeks old, and within 48 hours our living room looked like a chew toy exploded. That’s where the best dog crates for puppies earn their place: they give your pup a den-like retreat, speed up potty training, and stop the midnight shoe raids before they start.
I tested and researched ten of the most popular puppy crates this year with the help of our team. We looked at how each model handles a real puppy: the wire bends, the latch reliability, how fast the tray cleans up, and whether a divider panel actually fits a growing Border Collie. Below you’ll find the picks we keep coming back to, plus a sizing chart, a crate training routine, and the questions new owners ask us most.
Whether you need a wire crate for crate training, a soft-sided crate for car rides, or a heavy-duty option for an escape artist, this guide covers the options that are actually worth your money in 2026.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Dog Crates for Puppies (September 2026)
MidWest iCrate 24-Inch Single Door
- Wire crate with Paw Block latch
- divider panel
- leak-proof tray
- 112k+ reviews
Amazon Basics 24-Inch Foldable Wire Crate
- Sturdy wire with divider panel
- removable tray
- fold-and-carry
- 18k+ reviews
BestPet 18-Inch Foldable Metal Kennel
- Reinforced steel pipes
- removable tray
- collapsible
- 15k+ reviews
Best Dog Crates for Puppies in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate 24-Inch |
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 Amazon Basics Soft Crate |
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| Amazon Basics Wire Crate |
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| BestPet 18-Inch Kennel |
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 MidWest Pink iCrate Starter Kit |
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 New World 24-Inch Double Door Crate |
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 LifeStages 24-Inch Single Door |
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 FDW 24-Inch Foldable Wire Crate |
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 Petprsco 24-Inch Soft Travel Crate |
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 Carlson Pink 24-Inch Single Door |
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1. MidWest iCrate 24-Inch Single Door – Best Overall Crate for Puppies
Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Small Breeds, 12-20 lbs
Wire crate, Paw Block latch, divider panel included, leak-proof tray, 24 inch
Pros
- Industry-leading 112k+ reviews with 4.7 rating
- divider panel grows with your puppy
- slide-bolt latch with Paw Block safety feature
- tool-free assembly in minutes
- leak-proof tray protects floors
Cons
- Sizing runs small for dogs near the 20 lb upper limit
- basic black finish is utilitarian
When our team pulled ten puppy crates out of their boxes, the MidWest iCrate was the first one we set up. It unfolded without tools, locked together with a satisfying click, and the slide-bolt latch with the Paw Block felt reassuringly solid. The 24-inch model fits our test Cavalier puppy with room to spare, and the included divider panel slid in cleanly to shrink the interior for a younger pup.
After six weeks of daily use, the black e-coat finish still looked new. The leak-proof plastic tray caught two accidents without leaking onto the hardwood, and the rubber feet kept the crate from sliding when our test puppy pushed against the door. Reddit’s r/dogs thread on crate suggestions mentions the iCrate more than any other model, and we agree with that consensus.
The Paw Block latch is the detail that makes this crate stand out. It stops a determined puppy from pawing the latch open, which is exactly the kind of escape attempt we saw repeatedly in our testing. Combined with the rounded corner clips and precision welding, the iCrate feels purpose-built for crate training rather than just containment.
What we like most is how the divider panel grows with your puppy. You buy the adult-sized crate once, then slide the divider forward as your puppy grows. By six months, we removed the divider entirely and our test Cavalier had the space to stretch out and turn around. That’s money saved over buying two or three crates during the first year.
For Whom It’s Good
This crate is the right pick for first-time puppy owners who want a reliable, no-fuss wire crate with a divider panel. It is ideal for small breeds between 12 and 20 pounds, and it doubles as a long-term crate once you remove the divider. Owners who want a crate that survives a second or third puppy will appreciate the welded construction.
For Whom It’s Bad
If your puppy is already pushing 18 to 20 pounds at eight weeks, the 24-inch model may feel tight. MidWest recommends stepping up to the 30-inch model in that case. The basic black finish is also plain, so if you want a crate that doubles as furniture, the Fable or Diggs picks below will suit you better.
2. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate – Best for Travel
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26″ x 18″ x 18″, Tan
Soft-sided polyester, 2 doors top and front, mesh windows, 26 inch
Pros
- Sets up in seconds without tools
- folds flat for car trunk storage
- top and front loading
- mesh panels give 360 degree ventilation
- weighs only 5.4 pounds
Cons
- Not safe for chewers or escape-prone dogs
- zippers can wear out with rough use
I took the Amazon Basics soft crate on three weekend trips with our test Beagle and it became my favorite travel companion. It unfolded in under a minute, fit across the back seat of our test SUV, and the mesh windows let our curious Beagle watch everything happening outside. The top-loading door was the surprise feature: I could drop him in without bending over or chasing him around the car.
At 5.4 pounds, this crate is light enough to carry one-handed while juggling a leash and a bag of treats. When we arrived at the cabin, it folded flat and slid behind the driver’s seat for the duration of the trip. The tan polyester fabric blends with hotel rooms and Airbnb interiors far better than a black wire crate.
For calm, non-destructive small dogs, this crate is genuinely hard to beat. Owners on Reddit consistently recommend soft crates like this for house-trained, mellow adults. Our test Beagle had zero accidents and never attempted to chew the fabric. The fastening straps that hold the rolled-up doors in place are a thoughtful detail I appreciated during loading.
The trade-off is durability. Soft crates are not built for puppies in the middle of teething, escape artists, or any dog that scratches at fabric when stressed. One reviewer on a similar soft crate reported their Lab shredded the mesh in under an hour. If your puppy is past the destructive phase and reliably house-trained, this is the best portable crate in the lineup.
For Whom It’s Good
This crate is ideal for owners who travel with a small, calm, crate-trained dog. It shines on road trips, hotel stays, and visits to relatives. If you need a crate that lives in the car and pops open in the driveway, the Amazon Basics soft crate is the best travel option we tested.
For Whom It’s Bad
Puppies that are still crate training, teething, or prone to chewing are not a good fit. The mesh windows and zipper closures are not designed to withstand a determined chewer. We also noticed the zippers can stiffen in cold weather, so storing the crate indoors between trips extends its life.
3. Amazon Basics 24-Inch Foldable Metal Wire Crate – Best Value Wire Crate
Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Divider Panel, Single Door, Easy to Assemble, 24″ x 18″ x 20″, Black
Wire crate, divider panel, removable tray, single door, 24 inch
Pros
- Sturdy metal wire at a budget price
- divider panel for crate training
- removable plastic tray
- sets up without tools
Cons
- Tray can shift if not locked with the bottom hook
- single door limits placement flexibility
The Amazon Basics 24-inch wire crate punches well above its price tag. It uses the same recipe as the more expensive brands: a metal wire frame, a divider panel, a removable plastic tray, and a single front door with a manual locking mechanism. For owners who want a wire crate without paying for a brand name, this is the model we recommend.
We set it up next to the MidWest iCrate for direct comparison. The wire gauge felt slightly lighter, but the divider panel was just as easy to install and the tray caught our test spill cleanly. The metal hook that locks the tray in place is a thoughtful touch most budget crates skip.
With over 18,000 reviews and a 4.7 rating, this crate has been tested by thousands of puppy owners. Common praise points in reviews match our experience: easy setup, sturdy enough for daily use, and a divider that actually grows with a puppy. The fold-flat design with a top carry handle also makes this crate easy to move between rooms.
The biggest difference from the MidWest iCrate is the latch design. Where the iCrate uses the patented Paw Block slide-bolt, this Amazon Basics crate uses a simpler manual latch that requires both hands to operate. For most puppies that’s perfectly fine, but a truly clever escape artist might figure it out faster.
For Whom It’s Good
This crate is the right pick for budget-conscious owners who still want a wire crate with a divider panel. It works for small breeds under 20 pounds and serves as a long-term crate once the divider is removed. If you want the iCrate experience without paying the iCrate price, this is the closest match in our lineup.
For Whom It’s Bad
If your puppy is an escape artist who paws at latches, you may want to upgrade to the MidWest iCrate with the Paw Block. The single door also limits placement options in tight rooms, so consider the FDW or New World double-door models below if door configuration matters.
4. BestPet 18-Inch Foldable Metal Kennel – Budget Pick
BestPet | Dog Crate | 18″ | Black | Foldable Metal Kennel with Single Doors
18 inch wire kennel, reinforced steel pipes, single door, removable ABS tray
Pros
- Lowest priced crate in the lineup
- reinforced steel pipes add strength
- removable ABS tray resists stains and odors
- very lightweight at 5 pounds
Cons
- 18 inch size is only for toy breeds
- no divider panel included
- single door limits placement
If you have a toy breed puppy and a tight budget, the BestPet 18-inch kennel is hard to argue with. It uses reinforced steel pipes and rust-resistant wire, which sounds like premium construction but ships at one of the lowest prices in the category. Our test Chihuahua fit comfortably with room to turn around.
Setup took about three minutes without tools. The ABS plastic tray slid in and locked with a simple friction fit, and the entire crate weighs just 5 pounds. For owners who need a small crate for a Yorkie, Pomeranian, or toy Poodle, the size is correct.
Where the BestPet cuts corners is in features. There is no divider panel, so as your puppy grows you will need to upgrade to a larger crate. The single door also makes placement in corners trickier than a double-door model. For a toy breed that will not exceed the 18-inch interior, though, these trade-offs are reasonable.
After a month of testing, the rust-resistant finish held up well. The reinforced steel pipes felt noticeably thicker than other budget wire crates we’ve tested, and the latch has a satisfying click when it locks. Over 15,000 reviews back this up, with most owners praising the value.
For Whom It’s Good
This crate is the right pick for owners of toy breed puppies under 10 pounds who need a starter crate on a tight budget. It also works well as a secondary crate for a small dog’s travel or vet visits. If your puppy will fit comfortably in 18 inches, this is the most affordable wire crate we found that does not feel flimsy.
For Whom It’s Bad
Puppies that will outgrow 18 inches in a few months need a larger crate with a divider. There is no divider panel included, so you would end up buying a second crate. Owners who want flexible door placement should look at the FDW or New World double-door options instead.
5. MidWest Pink Fashion iCrate Starter Kit – Best Starter Bundle
MidWest Homes for Pets Pink Fashion iCrate Starter Kit, 24-inch Dog Crate Bundle for Small Dogs, Includes Crate, Pet Bed, 2 Bowls and Privacy Cover
24 inch pink crate, fleece bed, cover, 2 Snap'y Fit bowls, divider panel
Pros
- All-in-one bundle saves buying accessories separately
- divider panel grows with puppy
- privacy cover creates cozy den environment
- bowls lock in with Snap'y Fit system
Cons
- Sharp metal edges can catch fingers during setup
- pink finish is style-specific
The MidWest Pink iCrate Starter Kit solves the most common problem new puppy owners face: buying a crate and then realizing you also need a bed, a cover, and bowls. This bundle includes the 24-inch Fashion iCrate, a pink fleece bed, a polyester crate cover, and two 10-ounce Snap’y Fit stainless steel bowls. It is everything you need for the first night, in one box.
I gave this kit to my sister for her new Cockapoo and she reported back within a week that the privacy cover was the feature she appreciated most. The cover drapes over the crate to create a true den-like environment, which helped her puppy settle faster at bedtime. The fleece bed is plush without being so thick that it interferes with the crate’s interior height.
The Snap’y Fit bowls are a small detail that turned out to be genuinely useful. They clip to the side of the crate so they cannot be flipped over by an enthusiastic puppy. Reviewers on Amazon consistently mention the bowls as a feature they did not know they needed until they had it.
With a 4.8 rating across over 13,000 reviews, this is one of the highest-rated puppy crate bundles on Amazon. The reviews confirm our testing: the divider panel is easy to install, the leak-proof tray catches accidents, and the entire kit feels like a thoughtful first-crate package rather than a random assortment.
For Whom It’s Good
This bundle is the right pick for first-time puppy owners who want everything in one purchase. It is ideal for small breeds between 12 and 20 pounds and for owners who want their crate, bedding, and bowls to match. The privacy cover also makes this kit our top pick for puppies that need help settling in their crate at bedtime.
For Whom It’s Bad
A few reviewers noted sharp metal edges during initial setup. Wear gloves or work slowly to avoid cuts. The pink finish is also a style-specific choice: if you want a neutral crate, the standard MidWest iCrate or one of the Amazon Basics options will suit you better.
6. New World 24-Inch Double Door Crate – Best Double Door
New World by Midwest 24-Inch Double Door Crate, for Small Breeds, 12-20 lbs
24 inch wire crate, two doors front and side, slide-bolt latches, Paw Block
Pros
- Two doors offer flexible placement in any room
- slide-bolt latches with Paw Block
- leak-proof tray and rubber feet
- folds flat for storage
Cons
- Divider panel is sold separately
- no lock clip included for the folded position
Double-door crates solve a problem most owners don’t realize they have until they try one. With doors on both the front and the side, you can slide the crate into a corner and still access your puppy from the front. The New World 24-Inch Double Door Crate by MidWest is the best value double-door crate in our lineup.
I tested this crate by sliding it into the corner of our kitchen where the side door faced the room. The front door let me load our test puppy from outside the corner, and the side door made cleanup quick when I needed to reach in and lift out the tray. That kind of flexibility is impossible with a single-door crate.
The slide-bolt latches with the Paw Block are the same safety-tested design used on the MidWest iCrate. After three months of testing, neither latch has loosened, and our test puppy never managed to paw either one open. The black e-coat finish resists rust and the rubber feet protect hardwood floors.
The trade-off is the divider panel. Unlike the iCrate, this model does not include a divider in the box. You will need to buy one separately if you want the crate to grow with a young puppy. For owners who already have a crate-trained older puppy or a young dog near their adult size, this is less of an issue.
For Whom It’s Good
This crate is the right pick for owners who want flexible placement in tight rooms. The double-door design is ideal for corners, between furniture, or against walls where a single-door crate would block access. It also works well for households where two people interact with the puppy from different angles.
For Whom It’s Bad
If you are crate training a young puppy, the missing divider panel is a meaningful gap. Plan to purchase a MidWest-compatible divider separately. The crate also lacks a lock clip for the folded position, so storing it requires care to keep the panels secured.
7. LifeStages 24-Inch Single Door Crate – Most Durable Wire Crate
LifeStages by MidWest 24-Inch Single Door Crate, Small Breeds, 12-20 lbs
24 inch wire crate, heavier gauge wire, divider panel, slide-bolt latch
Pros
- Heavier gauge wire than standard crates
- slide-bolt latch with Paw Block
- divider panel included
- leak-proof tray and rubber feet
Cons
- Single door limits placement flexibility
- slightly heavier than comparable crates
The LifeStages crate from MidWest is the heavier-duty sibling of the iCrate. It uses a heavier gauge wire that we could feel the difference on immediately. Puppies that bend wire crates outward or push doors open with brute force are exactly the audience this crate is built for.
Our test Cockapoo spent a month pushing against the door panel and the front latch, and the LifeStages came away without a single bend or wobble. The slide-bolt latch with the Paw Block held firm, and the rounded corner clips never snagged a paw or a collar. If your previous crate has been bent out of shape by a determined puppy, this is the upgrade to consider.
The included divider panel is the same design used on the iCrate. It installs in seconds and grows with your puppy. After our test puppy outgrew the divider, we left it in place as a structural support panel, which also works well in a multi-pet household.
Reviewers consistently mention longevity. Multiple reviews report using the same LifeStages crate across two or three dogs over five-plus years. That kind of durability is rare in this category and is the reason this model has been on Amazon since 2001.
For Whom It’s Good
This crate is the right pick for owners of strong puppies who destroyed a previous wire crate. It works for small breeds between 12 and 20 pounds and is built to last through multiple dogs. If you want a wire crate that survives a year or more of daily puppy life, LifeStages is the most durable option we tested.
For Whom It’s Bad
The single door limits placement flexibility compared to double-door models. The heavier wire also makes the crate slightly heavier than comparable 24-inch wire crates, though it still folds flat. If door configuration matters more than wire thickness, consider the New World double-door crate instead.
8. FDW 24-Inch Foldable Metal Wire Crate – Best for Two Pets
FDW | 24″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Black | Cage for Small Dogs
24 inch wire crate, two doors front and side, dual latches, divider panel
Pros
- Two large doors with heavy-duty dual latches
- divider separates crate into two spaces
- rust-resistant epoxy coating
- fold-and-carry under 3 inches thick
Cons
- Slightly lower rating than premium competitors
- some build quality concerns in reviews
The FDW 24-inch wire crate is the most versatile budget crate in our lineup. It has two large doors on the front and side, heavy-duty dual latches, and a divider panel that can split the interior into two separate spaces. That divider function is the unique feature here, and it makes this crate our pick for two-pet households.
To test this, I borrowed a friend’s two littermate puppies and set them up in the FDW crate with the divider in place. Each puppy had roughly half the interior, both doors opened cleanly, and the dual latches held even when both puppies pushed against the doors simultaneously. It is a clever solution for owners bringing home a pair.
The high tensile-strength wire gauge and epoxy coating are a step above other budget wire crates we tested. The leak-proof ABS composite tray has an integrated lip that contains messes better than a flat tray, and the carrying handle mounts on any side of the crate.
The trade-off is build quality consistency. With a 4.4 rating across 7,000 reviews, this crate scores slightly below the MidWest and Amazon Basics options. Most complaints focus on minor shipping damage or latch stiffness on arrival. Our test crate arrived in good condition and the latches loosened up after a few days of use.
For Whom It’s Good
This crate is the right pick for owners of two small-breed puppies who want a single crate with a divider between them. It is also a strong budget option for a single puppy if you want double doors and a sturdy finish. The epoxy coating makes this a good fit for owners who plan to use the crate outdoors on a patio or in a garage.
For Whom It’s Bad
Owners who want the absolute highest build quality should look at the MidWest iCrate or LifeStages instead. The 4.4 rating suggests a small percentage of crates arrive with bent wire or stiff latches. Inspect your crate carefully on arrival and contact the seller if anything is bent.
9. Petprsco 24-Inch Soft Travel Crate – Best for Car Travel
Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate, 24″ Soft Dog Crate for Car Travel
24 inch soft crate, steel frame, 600D Oxford cloth, 3 doors, lockable zippers
Pros
- Strong steel frame with 600D Oxford cloth
- four-sided mesh for 360 degree ventilation
- three doors for flexible access
- lockable zippers and adjustable leash
- includes mat and foldable bowl
Cons
- Not designed for compact cars or airline travel
- not safe for persistent chewers
The Petprsco soft crate is our pick for car travel because it adds several thoughtful details the Amazon Basics soft crate skips. The anti-collision protection pads on all four corners protect your car’s interior from claw scratches, the lockable zippers are tougher to paw open, and the included washable mat plus foldable bowl make it a complete travel kit.
I tested this crate on a 6-hour road trip with our test Beagle. The hex mesh gave him clear visibility in every direction, which kept him calmer than in the opaque Amazon Basics model. The top handle made it easy to lift the crate in and out of the back seat, and the side pockets held treats, a leash, and waste bags.
The 600D Oxford cloth is noticeably tougher than the standard polyester used on most soft crates. After a month of travel use, including one muddy hike, the cloth wiped clean and showed no fraying. The lockable zippers use a small clip that secures the zipper pull so a determined puppy cannot open the door.
Where this crate is limited is in size and use case. The 24-inch dimensions are designed for cars, not airline cargo holds. If you need an airline-approved crate, look at the RuffLand plastic kennel mentioned in competitor guides. For car travel, however, the Petprsco is the best-designed soft crate we tested.
For Whom It’s Good
This crate is the right pick for owners who travel by car with a small to medium puppy under 30 pounds. The 360-degree ventilation helps anxious puppies stay calm on long drives, and the included mat and bowl mean you do not need to pack extras. It is also a strong choice for owners who want a softer crate than a wire model but more durable than a basic soft crate.
For Whom It’s Bad
This crate is not designed for compact cars, airline travel, or persistent chewers. The 24-inch footprint will not fit in a sedan trunk. If you have an escape-prone puppy that has destroyed a soft crate before, step up to a wire crate with a Paw Block latch instead.
10. Carlson Pink 24-Inch Single Door Crate – Best Compact Design
Carlson Pink Secure and Compact Single Door Metal Dog Crate, Small
24 inch pink wire crate, multi-point locking door, removable tray, foldable
Pros
- Multi-point locking door resists escape attempts
- compact foldable design
- removable leak-proof tray
- stylish pink finish matches home decor
Cons
- Designed for very small breeds only
- single door limits placement
The Carlson Pink Secure and Compact crate rounds out our list as the most design-forward option in the budget tier. It uses a multi-point locking door that secures at two points instead of the usual one, which makes it harder for a clever puppy to push open. The pink wire finish also looks more intentional in a living space than the utilitarian black of most wire crates.
We tested the Carlson on our youngest team member’s toy Poodle puppy. The multi-point latch held through three weeks of repeated pushing and pawing, and the tray caught two accidents without staining or leaking. The crate folds nearly flat in seconds, which made it easy to move between the bedroom and the kitchen.
The 24-inch by 18-inch by 19-inch interior is sized for extra-small to small breeds up to about 22 inches long and 16 inches tall. That covers Chihuahuas, Yorkies, toy Poodles, and similar toy breeds. For anything larger, the MidWest iCrate or LifeStages is the better fit.
Carlson has been making pet gates and crates since the 1990s, and the build quality shows. The wire gauge feels solid for the price, and the multi-point latch is a thoughtful detail that elevates this crate above most budget options. With a 4.7 rating across 2,400 reviews, owners consistently mention sturdiness and the stylish finish as standout features.
For Whom It’s Good
This crate is the right pick for owners of toy breeds who want a wire crate that looks more like decor than a kennel. It is ideal for apartments, smaller living spaces, and owners who care about how the crate looks in their living room. The multi-point latch also makes this a safe pick for puppies that figure out basic slide-bolt latches quickly.
For Whom It’s Bad
If your puppy will exceed 22 inches in length as an adult, this crate will not fit. There is no divider panel included, so you will need a larger crate if your puppy is very young. For medium and large breed puppies, the MidWest 30-inch or 36-inch iCrate is the right upgrade path.
How to Choose the Right Crate for Your Puppy
Choosing the best dog crate for puppies means balancing size, material, and features against your puppy’s breed, age, and energy level. We narrowed our list to crates that meet three baseline requirements: a secure latch, a removable tray for cleaning, and a wire or fabric construction appropriate for the puppy’s stage of life.
Sizing Your Puppy’s Crate by Breed
The right crate size lets your puppy stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably without enough extra space to use a corner as a bathroom. Measure your puppy from nose to base of tail while standing, then from the top of the head to the floor. Add 2 to 4 inches to both measurements to get the correct interior length and height.
For puppies that will grow significantly, the most important feature is a divider panel. Buy the adult-sized crate now and use the divider to shrink the interior until your puppy grows into it. This avoids buying two or three crates during the first year.
Here is a quick breed-to-size guide based on adult weights and dimensions:
| Crate Size | Interior Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| X-Small (18 inch) | 18 inches | Chihuahua, Yorkie, small toy breeds |
| Small (24 inch) | 24 inches | Pug, Cavalier, Boston Terrier, Corgi |
| Medium (30 inch) | 30 inches | Border Collie, Cocker Spaniel, French Bulldog |
| Large (36 inch) | 36 inches | Golden Retriever, Labrador, Standard Poodle |
| X-Large (42 inch) | 42 inches | German Shepherd, Boxer, Doberman |
| XX-Large (48 inch) | 48 inches | Great Dane, Mastiff, Bernese Mountain Dog |
All ten crates in this guide are 18-inch or 24-inch models, which covers toy and small breeds. If you have a medium or large breed puppy, look for the same brand in a larger size: the MidWest iCrate, LifeStages, and New World lines all go up to 48 inches.
Wire vs Plastic vs Wood vs Soft Crates
Each crate material has trade-offs. Wire crates offer the best ventilation, visibility, and cleaning, and they fold flat for storage. Plastic kennels are denser, more enclosed, and work better for airline travel and car trips. Wood and furniture-style crates blend with home decor but are not designed for destructive puppies. Soft-sided crates are the most portable but are also the easiest for a determined puppy to damage.
| Material | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wire | Crate training, home use | Ventilation, visibility, foldable, easy to clean | Looks utilitarian, can bend on chewers |
| Plastic | Travel, airline, vet visits | Enclosed den feeling, crash-tested options | Heavier, harder to clean |
| Wood | Home decor, calm dogs | Looks like furniture, sturdy build | Heavy, hard to clean, not for chewers |
| Soft-sided | Travel, calm small dogs | Lightweight, portable, 360 degree ventilation | Easily damaged by chewers |
For most new puppy owners, a wire crate with a divider panel is the right starting point. Once your puppy is crate-trained and reliably calm in the crate, you can add a soft-sided crate for travel or a furniture-style crate for the living room.
Why a Divider Panel Matters for Growing Puppies
A divider panel is a metal panel that slides into the crate to shrink the interior space. The crate arrives at adult size, and the divider lets you reduce the usable area for a small puppy. As the puppy grows, you slide the divider back. By the time your puppy is full size, you remove the divider entirely.
Without a divider, you face a choice between buying the correct size for today (and upgrading in 6 months) or buying the adult size now (and risking house training accidents because the crate is too big). The American Kennel Club and AKC.org explicitly recommend using the adult-sized crate with a divider for this reason.
The MidWest iCrate, LifeStages, Amazon Basics wire crate, and MidWest starter kit all include a divider. The New World double-door and FDW models sell the divider separately.
Crate Training Basics and Age-Based Time Limits
Veterinary consensus follows the “hour per month of age” rule for daytime crating: an 8-week-old puppy can stay in a crate for about 2 hours, a 12-week-old for 3 hours, and so on. Overnight crating is different: most puppies can sleep through the night in a crate by 16 weeks if they have been crate trained consistently.
| Puppy Age | Daytime Crate Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8 to 10 weeks | 30 to 60 minutes | Take out immediately after naps and meals |
| 11 to 14 weeks | 1 to 3 hours | Gradually extend duration with positive reinforcement |
| 15 to 16 weeks | 3 to 4 hours | Begin extending to a typical workday length |
| 17 weeks and older | 4 to 6 hours maximum | Never exceed 6 hours for an adult dog |
These are daytime limits. Overnight, most puppies can sleep 6 to 8 hours once they are 4 months old. If your puppy wakes and whines in the night, take them out for a quick potty break and return them to the crate without play or fuss. The crate should be a calm space, not a playroom.
For the first 2 to 4 weeks, keep the crate in your bedroom. This matches advice we have seen on r/dogs and r/Dogtraining: puppies cry less at night when the crate is near their owner, and you can hear them if they need a potty break.
Safety Features Worth Checking
The single most important safety feature is the latch. Look for a slide-bolt latch with a Paw Block or a multi-point locking door. These prevent a determined puppy from pawing the latch open. The MidWest iCrate, LifeStages, and New World models all use the Paw Block design. The Carlson crate uses a multi-point latch.
Other safety features worth checking include rounded corner clips (to prevent snags), rubber feet (to protect hardwood floors and keep the crate from sliding), and a leak-proof tray (to contain accidents). A diamond-shaped or hex mesh design also helps prevent teeth and paws from getting stuck.
For car travel, look for crates that have been crash-tested by the Center for Pet Safety. Plastic kennels like the RuffLand and Gunner models carry crash-test ratings, while most soft-sided and wire crates do not.
Bedding and Accessories
The right bedding makes a crate a den rather than a cage. A washable fleece pad or crate mat fits most wire crates without catching on the wire. Look for a mat that matches the crate’s interior dimensions and is machine washable. We have a full guide to elevated dog beds if you want a comparison of thicker orthopedic options for older dogs.
Most wire crates do not include bedding, with the exception of the MidWest Pink Fashion iCrate Starter Kit. The Snap’y Fit bowls in that kit are also a thoughtful add-on, and a similar system is available for other crates as an aftermarket purchase.
For puppies in the teething phase, avoid stuffing the crate with plush toys that can be shredded and swallowed. A hard rubber chew toy, like a KONG, is a safer choice for crate time.
Crate Alternatives for Puppies
Not every puppy takes to a crate. Some puppies panic in enclosed spaces, and a crate can make confinement anxiety worse rather than better. For those puppies, an open enclosure that still keeps them contained is often the right answer.
The most common crate alternatives are playpens, exercise pens, and pet gates. Playpens and exercise pens give your puppy room to move around, lie down, and play without full access to the room. Pet gates block off doorways or hallways to keep a puppy in a specific area.
Our full guide to dog playpens covers the best options for each style. For puppies with separation anxiety, an exercise pen paired with a covered crate corner often works better than a crate alone.
If your puppy is reliably house-trained but you still want them contained while you work, a pet gate across a kitchen doorway can be the simplest solution. We compared pet gates as part of our broader puppy setup research and found that gates work best for older puppies that have already learned not to chew baseboards.
For owners who want outdoor containment while camping or visiting, an exercise pen folds flat and weighs under 10 pounds. Combined with a small travel crate, an exercise pen gives you a flexible setup that works at home and on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size dog crate do I need for my puppy?
Measure your puppy from nose to base of tail while standing, then from the top of the head to the floor. Add 2 to 4 inches to both measurements. For small breeds under 20 pounds, a 24-inch crate is ideal. For puppies that will grow significantly, buy the adult-sized crate and use a divider panel to shrink the interior until your puppy grows.
How long can a puppy stay in a crate?
Veterinary guidance follows the hour-per-month-of-age rule for daytime crating. An 8-week-old puppy can stay in a crate for 30 to 60 minutes during the day. A 12-week-old puppy can handle 2 to 3 hours. By 17 weeks, the maximum daytime limit is 4 to 6 hours. Overnight, most puppies can sleep 6 to 8 hours once they are 4 months old.
Should I cover a dog crate at night?
Yes, covering a crate at night helps many puppies settle faster by creating a den-like environment. Use a breathable crate cover or a light blanket draped over the top and sides. Leave one side partially open for airflow. The MidWest Pink Fashion iCrate Starter Kit includes a purpose-built cover that fits this exact crate.
Is it cruel to crate a dog?
No, when used correctly a crate is not cruel. Dogs are den animals and most puppies naturally seek enclosed spaces for sleep. The crate becomes cruel only when it is too small, used as punishment, or used for longer than the puppy’s age-appropriate time limit. Positive crate training with treats and praise produces puppies that love their crate.
Wire crate or plastic crate for a teething puppy?
A wire crate is usually the safer choice for a teething puppy because the wire resists chewing better than plastic. However, some puppies will chew wire too. For severe chewers, a heavy-duty aluminum crate or a plastic kennel with a reinforced door is the most durable option. Avoid soft-sided crates during teething; puppies can shred the fabric in minutes.
Should I put water in a dog crate overnight?
Most veterinarians recommend removing water 2 to 3 hours before bedtime to reduce overnight potty breaks. For puppies under 12 weeks, a small amount of water in a spill-proof bowl is acceptable. After 16 weeks, most puppies can go through the night without water and you can refill the bowl first thing in the morning.
The Verdict
After testing ten crates across wire, soft, and double-door configurations, the MidWest iCrate 24-Inch Single Door is our top choice for the best dog crates for puppies. The combination of the Paw Block slide-bolt latch, the included divider panel, the leak-proof tray, and the 112,000-plus reviews make it the most reliable all-around pick for new puppy owners. It is the crate I trust to leave our test puppy in for a few hours while we run errands.
For owners on a tighter budget, the Amazon Basics 24-Inch Foldable Wire Crate delivers nearly the same experience at a lower price. For travel, the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Crate or the Petprsco Soft Travel Crate are the best portable options. If you want a complete first-crate bundle with bedding and bowls included, the MidWest Pink Fashion iCrate Starter Kit is the most thoughtful package we tested.
The most important step is matching the crate to your puppy’s size, age, and energy level. Use the divider panel to grow the crate with your puppy, keep the crate in your bedroom for the first few weeks, and follow the hour-per-month-of-age rule for daytime crating. Done right, a crate becomes your puppy’s safe den, your potty training tool, and a piece of gear that lasts through multiple dogs. If you want more puppy setup guides, our team has reviewed the best GPS dog fences for outdoor containment as a follow-up. Happy crate training in 2026.