Dog Crate at PetSmart: How to Choose, Size and Set One Up (2026)

By Audrey Hayes

Updated November 2026

Buying a dog crate at PetSmart is a practical choice for many owners, since you can look at sizes and materials in person before you commit. This guide walks you through how to choose the right dog crate at PetSmart, measure your dog correctly, check the details that matter in the store, and set the crate up so your dog actually uses it. By the end, you should be able to walk in with a clear size, material and budget tier in mind and leave with a crate that fits your dog and your home.

Step 1: Measure Your Dog Before You Shop

Most crate problems start with the wrong size, so measure first. Crates are sold by interior dimensions, and the label often lists length, width and height in inches. Your dog needs enough room to stand up, turn around and lie down stretched out, but not so much room that they can use one corner as a bathroom and another as a bed.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Dog Beds for Crate Training: 6 Best Picks for Every Need (2026).

• Length: Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, then add 2 to 4 inches.
• Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the head or the tips of the ears when they are standing upright, then add 2 to 4 inches.
• Width: Measure at the widest point of the body, usually the shoulders or rib cage, then add 2 to 4 inches.

Write these numbers down and bring them with you. For puppies, see the sizing section below, because you will likely need a crate that grows with them.

Step 2: Choose the Right Crate Type

PetSmart typically carries several crate styles, and each one suits a different situation. Knowing the differences helps you narrow the shelf quickly.

If you are mainly using the crate at home for training and sleep, a wire model is usually the most practical choice. If you plan to fly or take long car trips, look at plastic models with airline-compliant labeling. For more on the trade-offs, see Wire Dog Crates: Home Use and Limits and Plastic Dog Crates: Uses for Home and Travel.

Step 3: Check the Details in the Store

Once you have a few candidates, handle them. Store displays are a good chance to check things that are hard to judge online.

1. Door latch: Open and close it several times. It should click shut firmly and not pop open when you bump it.
2. Wire spacing and welds: Look for tight, well-welded joints with no sharp edges or exposed wire ends.
3. Floor and tray: A removable tray makes cleaning easier. Check that it slides out without catching.
4. Divider panel: Many wire crates include one. You can use it to limit space for a puppy and enlarge it as they grow.
5. Assembly: Ask staff whether the crate comes pre-assembled or requires tools. Folding models should lock open and closed securely.

If you are shopping for a quieter home setup, pay attention to how the crate sits on the floor and whether the feet or base can be padded. For a deeper look at noise, see Sound Deadening Dog Crate Picks Compared for Quiet Homes (2026).

Step 4: Size the Crate for Your Dog’s Age

Puppies need a different approach than adult dogs. A crate that is too large lets a young puppy sleep at one end and eliminate at the other, which undermines housetraining. The usual solution is a crate with a divider so you can adjust the usable space. Expand it as the puppy grows, and move to a properly sized crate once they reach adult size.

For adult dogs, the goal is a crate that fits the measurements from Step 1 with a little room to spare, not a crate sized for a much bigger dog. If you have a large breed, check the largest sizes carefully before you assume the store has what you need. Guidance on fit is covered in Sizing a Crate for an Adult Dog and Size of Large Dog Crate: 5 Best Picks Compared for Big Dogs (2026).

Step 5: Set Up the Crate Correctly at Home

Buying the crate is only half the job. Where you place it and what you put inside will shape how your dog feels about it.

Choose the right location

Put the crate in a quiet but not isolated spot, such as a corner of the living room or near your bedroom. Avoid direct sun, drafts and spots right beside outside doors. Dogs are social, and most do better when they can still see and hear the household.

Add bedding and comfort items

Use a bed that fits the crate with room to move, and consider a washable cover. Add one or two safe chew toys. Remove loose bedding or toys your dog is likely to shred or swallow, especially for puppies and heavy chewers.

Introduce the crate gradually

Leave the door open at first and toss treats inside. Let your dog walk in and out freely. Once they are comfortable, add a short closed-door period while you stay in the room, then build up gradually. A simple daily schedule can help you plan this, as explained in Schedule for Crate Training: A Step-by-Step Daily Plan for Puppies and Dogs.

Use the crate for housetraining

For puppies, the crate works best as part of a routine. Take your puppy out after waking, after eating, after play and before bed. Each trip outside should be a calm, quick walk to the potty spot. Our guide on Potty Training Dog Crate: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Puppy Owners covers this in detail.

Recommended gear

These items are commonly used alongside a crate and can make setup easier. Choose by size and need rather than by brand alone.

• Crate pad or bed sized to the interior: A snug, washable pad keeps the crate comfortable and easier to clean. View on Amazon
• Crate divider panel: Useful for puppies, letting you adjust the usable floor space as they grow. View on Amazon
• Crate-safe chew toy: A durable, well-sized toy gives your dog something appropriate to chew while in the crate. View on Amazon

Common mistakes

• Buying too big for a puppy. Without a divider, puppies often learn to soil one end of the crate.
• Using the crate as punishment. If the crate always means trouble, your dog may avoid it. Keep it a positive place.
• Leaving the crate door open for too long during training. Gradual closed-door time builds confidence; sudden long stays can cause stress.
• Ignoring signs of distress. Constant barking, frantic pawing or injuries from the wire mean the setup or the duration needs changing.
• Skipping the measurements. Guessing from the box picture often leads to a crate that is too small or too large.

Tips for a smoother purchase

• Bring a tape measure and your dog’s measurements written on paper.
• Ask staff whether the size you want is in stock, since some sizes sell out quickly.
• Check the return policy before you open and assemble the crate.
• If your dog is a strong chewer or escape artist, prioritize latches and welds over looks.

FAQ

Does PetSmart sell dog crates in several sizes?

Yes, PetSmart typically carries crates in multiple sizes and styles, often ranging from small to extra-large. Availability varies by store and season, so call ahead if you need a specific size.

How do I know if a crate is big enough for my dog?

Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down stretched out without touching the walls. Measure length, height and width, then compare them to the crate’s interior dimensions listed on the label.

Should I buy a puppy-sized crate or a crate for the adult size?

Many owners buy an adult-sized wire crate with a divider. This lets you limit the space for a young puppy and expand it over time, which supports housetraining.

Are wire crates or plastic crates better?

Wire crates offer better airflow and visibility, which suits home use. Plastic crates tend to feel more den-like and are often used for travel. The right choice depends on how and where you plan to use it.

How long can my dog stay in the crate?

Adult dogs should not be crated for long stretches during the day. Puppies need frequent bathroom breaks, so they cannot hold it for long. Guidelines vary by age and health, so ask your veterinarian for advice tailored to your dog.

Can I use a crate for travel?

Yes, but check the crate’s construction and any airline requirements before flying. Look at the guide on Travel Dog Crates: Car and Air Travel Rules for more information.

What should I put in the crate?

A snug, washable bed and one or two safe chew toys are usually enough. Avoid loose bedding, small toys or anything your dog could swallow.

My dog cries in the crate. What should I do?

Crying often means the training pace is too fast or the crate is not yet associated with positive experiences. Go back to shorter sessions and reward calm behavior. If the distress continues or is severe, consult a professional trainer or your veterinarian.

Conclusion

Buying a dog crate at PetSmart is easiest when you come in with measurements, a clear idea of the crate type you need, and a plan for how your dog will use it. Check latches, welds and dividers in person, and choose a size that fits your dog now or can grow with a divider. Set the crate up in a calm spot, introduce it gradually and keep it a positive place for rest.

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.