By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Shopping for a folding wire dog crate usually comes down to three things: whether the crate fits your dog and your space, whether it folds down small enough to store or carry, and whether it is sturdy enough to last. This list compares seven widely sold models against those criteria. We looked at manufacturer specifications, brand track record with wire crates, and the patterns that owners tend to mention in reviews about latching, tray durability, assembly and how stable the crate feels once it is set up. None of these picks were tested by us; the notes below reflect published details and common owner feedback.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallAmazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single DoorView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for small kitchensDUMOS 36 Inch Double Door Metal Wire Dog CrateView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for small and medium puppiesMidwest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate Folding Dog CrateView on Amazon - 4
Best for extra-large dogsFDW 48" Heavy Duty Foldable Metal Dog CrateView on Amazon - 5
Best for two-door accessAmazon Basics Portable, Easy to Assemble Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate, Double Door 36"View on Amazon - 6
Best budget pickAmazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate, Single Door 36"View on Amazon - 7
Best for flexible sizingCAPHAUS Foldable Dog Crate Wire Metal Dog KennelView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
How We Chose
Each crate was judged on five points: whether the stated dimensions suit a realistic dog size, whether the frame folds without tools or with minimal steps, whether a removable leak-proof tray is included, whether a divider panel is included for puppies, and what owners commonly say about long-term durability. Models from brands with a long record of wire crate sales were given more weight than unknown labels, though brand alone does not guarantee quality.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics 22 in Single Door Wire Crate | Small dogs and travel | Compact 22 x 13 x 16 in footprint |
| DUMOS 36 Inch Double Door Crate | Small kitchens and puppies | Two doors and leak-proof pan |
| Midwest 30-Inch iCrate | Medium breeds, 21–40 lbs | Divider panel and secure latch |
| FDW 48″ Foldable Dog Crate | Extra-large dogs | Heavy-duty frame and double door |
| Amazon Basics 36″ Double Door Crate | Households needing two access points | Double door with handle |
| Amazon Basics 36″ Single Door Crate | Budget-minded buyers | Single door with divider panel |
| CAPHAUS Foldable Wire Dog Crate | Owners wanting size options | Single or double door configuration |
Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door
Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door, Divider Panel, Collapsible for Travel, 22 x 13 x 16 in, Black
Best for: Small dogs and travel
This crate suits owners with toy or small breeds who need a lightweight, easy-to-carry crate for car trips, hotel stays or a bedroom corner. Its compact size keeps it manageable when folded.
Key specs
- Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 16 in
- Single door
- Removable tray and divider panel
- Foldable, collapsible frame
Pros
- Small footprint fits tight spaces
- Removable tray is simple to clean
- Folds down for storage
Cons
- Too small for most adult medium or large dogs
- Single door limits access options
Bottom line: A good first crate for a small dog or a travel crate for a companion that stays small. Not a fit for growing breeds.
DUMOS 36 Inch Double Door Metal Wire Dog Crate
Double Door Metal Wire, Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Portable Indoor Outdoor Training Travel DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Puppy Small Medium Foldable Dog Cage Pet Kennel
Best for: Small kitchens and puppies
Owners who want a crate that can be placed in a kitchen or utility room will appreciate the double door, which allows loading from either side. A leak-proof pan helps during house training.
Key specs
- 36-inch length
- Double door
- Plastic leak-proof pan tray
- Foldable metal wire frame
Pros
- Two doors give flexible access
- Pan tray protects floors from accidents
- Folds flat for storage
Cons
- Owners often mention that assembly takes some patience
- Thin wire gauge may not suit strong chewers
Bottom line: A practical choice for puppies or small adult dogs in a shared living space where two doors make daily use easier.
Midwest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate Folding Dog Crate
Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble Midwest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs
Best for: Small and medium puppies
Midwest iCrate is one of the most widely recognized names in wire crates. The included divider panel makes it useful for growing puppies, since you can limit space early on and expand it as the dog gets bigger.
Key specs
- 30-inch size
- Single door with secure latch
- Divider panel included
- Leak-proof tray
- Labeled for dogs in the 21–40 lb range
Pros
- Divider panel supports puppy training
- Well-known brand with a long history in crates
- Sturdy latch that owners often praise
Cons
- Single door only
- Too small for dogs much above the stated weight range
Bottom line: The right pick for an owner with a medium-weight puppy or adult dog who wants a proven brand and a built-in divider.
FDW 48″ Heavy Duty Foldable Metal Dog Crate
Heavy Duty, Portable Wire Kennel with Double Door, Divider & Leak-Proof Tray | For Training, Home, Travel Indoor/Outdoor Use FDW | 48" Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Dark Black | Cage for XL Dogs
Best for: Extra-large dogs
At 48 inches, this crate is one of the longest options on this list. It is aimed at large and giant breeds and at owners who want a crate that can be used for training and indoor or outdoor settings.
Key specs
- 48-inch size
- Double door
- Divider panel and leak-proof tray
- Heavy-duty metal frame
Pros
- Large interior suits XL breeds
- Double door adds flexibility
- Foldable for storage
Cons
- Heavy when unfolded and difficult to move alone
- Requires a larger floor area
Bottom line: Best for owners of large dogs who have floor space to spare and want a crate that will not feel cramped as the dog grows.
Amazon Basics Portable, Easy to Assemble Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate, Double Door 36″
Amazon Basics Portable, Easy to Assemble, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, Handle, 36" x 23" x 25", Black
Best for: Households needing two access points
This 36-inch model adds a second door, which can make loading easier in narrow spaces or let you open the crate from the side for daily use. The handle helps when moving it between rooms.
Key specs
- 36 x 23 x 25 in
- Double door
- Divider panel and removable tray
- Carry handle
Pros
- Two doors make access simple
- Handle helps with moving
- Removable tray is easy to clean
Cons
- Owners sometimes mention thin latches
- Assembly may take longer than expected
Bottom line: A solid choice for a medium or large dog where a second door would simplify daily routines.
Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate, Single Door 36″
Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36" x 23" x 25", Black
Best for: Budget-minded buyers
This single-door 36-inch crate offers the same basic frame and divider approach as its double-door sibling, at a lower-complexity configuration. It suits owners who need a functional crate without extra features.
Key specs
- 36 x 23 x 25 in
- Single door with divider panel
- Removable tray
- Foldable and collapsible frame
Pros
- Simple design that is easy to assemble
- Divider helps with puppy sizing
- Easy to clean tray
Cons
- Single door limits placement options
- Wire gauge may not suit determined chewers
Bottom line: A sensible budget-oriented pick for a medium dog or puppy that is not a heavy chewer.
CAPHAUS Foldable Dog Crate Wire Metal Dog Kennel
CAPHAUS Foldable Dog Crate Wire Metal Dog Kennel w/Leak-Proof Pan & Protecting Feet & Divider Panel, Single or Double Door, Small, Medium & Large Dog Crate Indoor Cage, 30” w/Single Door
Best for: Owners wanting size options
CAPHAUS sells this crate in small, medium and large sizes with single or double door configurations. That range makes it a useful option for owners who expect their dog to change size or who want to pick the exact dimensions for a specific room.
Key specs
- Available in multiple sizes
- Single or double door
- Leak-proof pan and divider panel
- Protective feet to guard flooring
Pros
- Multiple size and door options
- Protective feet help protect floors
- Divider panel supports puppy training
Cons
- Brand is less established than some competitors
- Check the exact size carefully before ordering
Bottom line: A flexible option for owners who want to match the crate to a specific dog and space.
Buying Guide
Size and Fit
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail and from floor to the top of the head while standing. A crate should let your dog stand, turn around and lie down stretched out. Puppies can use a divider panel to limit space, but avoid oversized crates that let a puppy soil one corner and sleep in another.
Good picks for this: Midwest 30-Inch iCrate and Amazon Basics 36″ Single Door Crate
Door Configuration
Single-door crates are simpler and often cheaper to find, but double-door models make loading easier and allow placement against a wall without blocking access. If the crate will sit in a narrow hallway or corner, the second door can make a real difference.
Good picks for this: DUMOS 36 Inch Double Door Crate and Amazon Basics 36″ Double Door Crate
Frame Strength and Wire Gauge
Thicker wire and welded joints generally hold up better against pushing, scratching and chewing. Look at the stated frame material and read owner comments about wobble or bent panels. A crate for a strong chewer should be assessed more carefully than one for a calm adult dog.
Good picks for this: FDW 48″ Heavy Duty Crate and Midwest 30-Inch iCrate
Folding and Portability
Check how the crate folds: some models collapse with a few latches, while others require more steps. If you travel often, prioritize a lighter frame and a crate that folds into a compact shape for a car trunk. Confirm the folded dimensions, not just the set-up size.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics 22 in Single Door Crate and CAPHAUS Foldable Wire Dog Crate
Tray and Cleanup
A removable leak-proof tray protects flooring and makes cleanup faster. Pull-out trays that slide easily are more convenient than fixed bases. Look for trays that can be washed without disassembling the entire crate.
Good picks for this: DUMOS 36 Inch Double Door Crate and Amazon Basics 36″ Single Door Crate
Divider Panels for Puppies
A divider lets you adjust the usable space as a puppy grows, which helps with house training. Set the crate small enough that the puppy cannot use one end as a bathroom, then expand gradually over several weeks.
Good picks for this: Midwest 30-Inch iCrate and CAPHAUS Foldable Wire Dog Crate
Use Case and Placement
Decide whether the crate will live in one room, move between rooms or travel in a car. Indoor crates benefit from stable placement and a cover; crates used for travel should be secured so they do not slide. Crate training works best when the crate is in a space where the family spends time.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics 22 in Single Door Crate and FDW 48″ Heavy Duty Crate
FAQ
Is a folding wire dog crate safe for all dogs?
Wire crates can be a good option for many dogs, but they are not right for every dog. Strong chewers or dogs that push hard on the door may need a heavier-gauge crate or a different style. If your dog has a history of injuring itself in crates, consult a veterinarian or a certified professional trainer before choosing a model.
How do I know what size crate to buy?
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail and add a few inches for comfort. Your dog should be able to stand, turn and lie down comfortably. Puppies can start in a smaller crate with a divider, then move to a larger one as they grow.
Can I use a folding wire crate for travel?
Yes, many owners use folding wire crates for car trips and short stays. Secure the crate so it does not slide during transit. For air travel, check the airline’s specific crate rules, since they often require a hard-sided or specially approved container.
How do I clean a wire dog crate?
Remove the tray and wash it with mild soap and warm water, then dry it completely. Wipe the wire frame with a pet-safe cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals that could leave residue your dog might lick.
Do folding wire crates come with trays?
Many do, and the tray is usually removable. Confirm this in the product listing before buying, since tray design varies between models and sellers.
How long should a dog stay in a crate?
Adult dogs generally should not be crated for more than several hours at a time without a break. Puppies need more frequent bathroom trips. A crate is a training and rest tool, not a substitute for exercise and social time.
Conclusion
For most households, the Amazon Basics 22 in crate suits small dogs and travel, while the Midwest 30-Inch iCrate is a strong choice for medium puppies that will need a divider. Owners with large dogs should look at the FDW 48″ model, and those who want two doors may prefer the DUMOS or Amazon Basics double-door options. Measure your dog and your space first, then compare the frame strength, tray design and folded dimensions before you buy.
Sources
- Consumer safety guidance and recall information for pet products, including crates and enclosures (cpsc.gov)
- Crate training basics, sizing advice and general guidance on choosing a dog crate (akc.org)
- Veterinary perspective on animal housing, confinement and welfare considerations (avma.org)
Related reading
- Wire Dog Crates: Home Use and Limits
- Wire Collapsible Dog Crate: 6 Best Picks for Home and Travel (2026)
- Folding Travel Dog Crate: 6 Best Picks for Car and Flights (2026)
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.
