By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Finding the right midwest home for pets dog crate comes down to matching the crate to your dog’s size, your space and how you plan to use it. Some owners want a sturdy, long-lasting indoor kennel. Others need something that folds flat for road trips. Our selection focuses on research-based criteria: manufacturer specifications for dimensions and materials, the brand’s long-standing reputation for wire pet enclosures, the features that matter for daily use, and recurring patterns in owner feedback about fit, assembly and durability. We did not test these products ourselves; this is a summary of published specs and what owners commonly report.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallMidWest Homes for Pets Medium Ovation Single Door Folding Dog Crate, 30-InchesView on Amazon - 2
Best for small spaces and play areasMidWest Homes for Pets Homes Puppy Playpen CrateView on Amazon - 3
Best for travel and SUVsMidWest Homes for Pets Solutions Series Side-by-Side SUV Dog Crate, DoView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| MidWest Homes for Pets Medium Ovation Single Door Folding Dog Crate | Everyday home crate training | Up & Away door and leak-proof pan |
| MidWest Homes for Pets Homes Puppy Playpen Crate | Small spaces and puppy play areas | Grid and pan included |
| MidWest Homes for Pets Solutions Series Side-by-Side SUV Dog Crate | Travel in SUVs and vans | Double door folding design sized for vehicles |
MidWest Homes for Pets Medium Ovation Single Door Folding Dog Crate, 30-Inches
MidWest Homes for Pets Medium Ovation Single Door Folding Dog Crate, 30-Inches, Space-Saving Patented Up & Away Door, Leak-Proof Pan, Divider Panel, Black
Best for: Everyday home crate training in a medium-size dog crate format
This crate suits owners who want one reliable crate for the living room, bedroom or office. Its single-door layout keeps the setup simple for dogs that are already crate-trained, and the folding frame lets you store it when not in use.
Key specs
- 30-inch crate size, per the listing name
- Single door with a patented Up & Away design, which the manufacturer describes as space-saving
- Leak-proof pan and divider panel included
- Black finish
Pros
- The Up & Away door swings overhead, so it does not take up floor space when open.
- The leak-proof pan makes cleanup easier for housetrained dogs and accidents.
- The included divider panel lets you adjust the interior as a puppy grows.
Cons
- A single door can be less convenient for loading larger dogs into the back of the crate.
- Owners often mention that the pan needs regular cleaning to avoid odor buildup.
Bottom line: A strong choice for owners who want a practical, space-conscious crate for daily indoor use and gradual training.
MidWest Homes for Pets Homes Puppy Playpen Crate
MidWest Homes for Pets Homes Puppy Playpen Crate – 224-05 Grid & Pan Included
Best for: Small spaces and puppy play areas where you want a larger footprint for supervised play
A playpen-style crate works well for puppies and for dogs who need room to move without being fully confined. It can double as a containment area while you are at home, and its panel design makes it easy to reconfigure as the room changes.
Key specs
- Playpen format with grid and pan included, per the listing name
- Designed for use as an indoor play enclosure or containment area
Pros
- Gives puppies room to stretch while still limiting access to the rest of the home.
- The included pan helps protect floors during housetraining.
- Panel-style setup gives flexibility in shape and placement.
Cons
- Without a top, it is not a fully enclosed crate, so it is not ideal for dogs who climb or jump.
- It takes up more floor space than a standard crate, which may not suit very small apartments.
Bottom line: Best for owners raising puppies or managing a playful adult dog who needs supervised space rather than a closed kennel.
MidWest Homes for Pets Solutions Series Side-by-Side SUV Dog Crate, Double Door Folding Metal Cage
MidWest Homes for Pets Solutions Series Side-by-Side SUV Dog Crate, Double Door Folding Metal Cage Designed to Fit in SUVs & Vans, for Dogs up to 70 Lbs
Best for: Travel in SUVs and vans where a crate must fit a specific cargo area
This crate is aimed at owners who regularly transport dogs by car. The double door design allows access from either side, and the folding metal frame is intended to fit within vehicle cargo spaces.
Key specs
- Double door folding metal cage design, per the listing name
- Designed for dogs up to 70 lbs, per the listing name
- Built to fit in SUVs and vans, per the manufacturer
Pros
- Two doors make it easier to load and unload without moving the crate.
- Folding frame helps with storage between trips.
- Rated by the listing for dogs up to 70 lbs, which covers many medium and large breeds.
Cons
- Metal frames are heavier to lift in and out of a vehicle than soft or plastic options.
- Owners often recommend securing the crate in the vehicle so it does not slide during braking.
Bottom line: A practical choice for road trips and vehicle-based travel with medium to large dogs, especially when vehicle fit is the priority.
Buying Guide
Measure your dog and choose the right crate size
A dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. Measure from nose to base of tail for length, and from floor to top of head while standing for height. Add a few inches to each for comfort. Crate sizing guides from manufacturers generally follow this approach.
Good picks for this: MidWest Homes for Pets Medium Ovation Single Door Folding Dog Crate, MidWest Homes for Pets Solutions Series Side-by-Side SUV Dog Crate
Door style and access
Single doors are simpler and keep the crate’s footprint tidy. Double doors allow loading from either side, which helps in tight vehicle spaces or when a dog is nervous about entering through a specific opening. Consider where the crate will sit and how you will load your dog most often.
Good picks for this: MidWest Homes for Pets Medium Ovation Single Door Folding Dog Crate, MidWest Homes for Pets Solutions Series Side-by-Side SUV Dog Crate
Floor pan and cleanup
A removable pan makes daily cleaning manageable, especially during housetraining. Look for a pan that slides out easily and that you can reach without disassembling the crate. Wipe it down regularly and check for moisture under bedding.
Good picks for this: MidWest Homes for Pets Medium Ovation Single Door Folding Dog Crate, MidWest Homes for Pets Homes Puppy Playpen Crate
Portability and folding design
If you travel or need to store the crate, check how it folds and how heavy it is when assembled. Metal frames offer durability but add weight. Folding crates usually need a few minutes to set up and take down. Consider whether one person can handle it comfortably.
Good picks for this: MidWest Homes for Pets Solutions Series Side-by-Side SUV Dog Crate, MidWest Homes for Pets Medium Ovation Single Door Folding Dog Crate
Use case: home, puppy or travel
A crate for nightly home use can be a fixed-style kennel with a divider. A puppy often benefits from a playpen that allows movement and supervision. A travel crate should prioritize secure latching and a fit within your vehicle. Matching the design to your main use case matters more than any single feature.
Good picks for this: MidWest Homes for Pets Homes Puppy Playpen Crate, MidWest Homes for Pets Medium Ovation Single Door Folding Dog Crate
Durability and materials
Wire and metal crates generally hold up well to chewing and pawing when properly assembled, but the strength depends on wire gauge, welds and latch design. Check the manufacturer’s stated weight limit and inspect hardware periodically for loosening. Dogs who are heavy chewers may need a crate with reinforced fastening points.
Good picks for this: MidWest Homes for Pets Solutions Series Side-by-Side SUV Dog Crate, MidWest Homes for Pets Medium Ovation Single Door Folding Dog Crate
Assembly, care and cleaning
Plan for the time it takes to assemble the crate and keep the hardware in one place. Clean the frame and pan with pet-safe products and avoid harsh chemicals that can irritate skin or leave residue. Check the crate before each use for loose parts or sharp edges.
Good picks for this: MidWest Homes for Pets Homes Puppy Playpen Crate, MidWest Homes for Pets Medium Ovation Single Door Folding Dog Crate
FAQ
What size midwest home for pets dog crate should I buy?
Measure your dog’s length from nose to base of tail and height from the floor to the top of the head. Choose a crate where the dog can stand, turn and lie down with a few inches to spare. Check the manufacturer’s size chart before ordering.
Is a folding crate safe for my dog?
Folding crates can be safe when assembled correctly and when latches are fully engaged. Inspect the hardware regularly and confirm the weight limit suits your dog. If you have concerns about a specific dog’s chewing or escape behavior, consult a veterinarian or a certified dog trainer.
Can a playpen crate replace a regular crate?
A playpen works well for supervised play and puppy containment, but it is not fully enclosed. Dogs who climb or jump may escape, so a closed crate is usually better for overnight use. Many owners use both at different stages.
How do I keep the pan clean?
Remove the pan daily during housetraining and wash it with warm water and a pet-safe cleaner. Dry it fully before reinserting. Check under the pan for moisture to catch leaks early.
Is a double door crate better for travel?
Double doors can make loading easier, especially in tight vehicle spaces. They also give you a second exit if your dog is more comfortable entering from one side. Secure the crate in the vehicle so it cannot shift during sudden stops.
How long does it take a dog to adjust to a new crate?
Adjustment times vary widely. Many owners introduce the crate gradually with treats and short sessions over several days or weeks. Read our related guides for step-by-step introduction methods, and consult a professional trainer if your dog shows severe distress.
Conclusion
For most owners, the MidWest Homes for Pets Medium Ovation Single Door Folding Dog Crate is a practical everyday choice, especially for home training with a medium-size dog. The Puppy Playpen Crate suits puppies and households that need supervised, open-area containment. The Solutions Series Side-by-Side SUV Dog Crate fits owners who travel regularly by car and need a double-door design sized for vehicles. Match the crate to your dog’s size, your space and your main use, and confirm the manufacturer’s specifications before buying.
For more guidance, see Midwest Homes Dog Crate: How to Choose the Right Size and Model, Dog Crate for Indoors: 6 Best Picks for Home Use (2026), Collapsible Dog Crate Large: 7 Best Picks for Home and Travel (2026), Dog Crate with Divider: 7 Best Picks for Growing Puppies and Multi-Dog Homes and Foldable Wire Dog Crate: 7 Best Picks for Home and Travel (2026).
Sources
- Consumer product safety information and recall notices for pet products (cpsc.gov)
- Crate training guidance, sizing basics and puppy care resources (akc.org)
- Position statements and owner advice on animal housing and welfare (avma.org)
About Audrey Hayes
Audrey Hayes is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our dogs & puppies guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
