By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Choosing a dog crate for indoors is about more than fitting your dog inside. You need a crate that stays put on hard floors, looks acceptable in a living room, lets your dog stand, turn and lie down comfortably, and is sturdy enough to handle daily use. The six picks below were selected by comparing manufacturer specifications, overall brand reputation and the patterns owners commonly describe in their feedback, with a focus on size range, material, door layout, tray design and indoor practicality. None of these were personally tested.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallDUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Puppy Small Medium Foldable Dog Cage Pet KennelView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest budget pickMidwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate Folding Dog Crate with Divider PanelView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for medium dogs with a dividerFDW 36" Foldable Metal Dog Crate, Heavy Duty Portable Wire KennelView on Amazon - 4
Best for large dogs36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate, Portable and Foldable Dog Kennel with 2-DoorView on Amazon - 5
Best for small living roomsGreesum 3-in-1 Wooden Dog Crate Furniture, Side Table & Kennel with CushionView on Amazon - 6
Best for escape-prone dogsFeandrea Heavy-Duty Foldable Dog Crate with Locking Wheels, Double DoorsView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate | Puppies and small-to-medium dogs | Double door with leak-proof pan tray |
| Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate | Small breeds, 12–20 lbs | Divider panel and secure latch |
| FDW 36″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Medium dogs needing a training setup | Double door, divider and tray |
| 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate | Large or medium dogs | Two-door mesh design with 36-inch length |
| Greesum 3-in-1 Wooden Dog Crate Furniture | Owners who want a crate that blends in | Doubles as a nightstand or end table |
| Feandrea Heavy-Duty Foldable Dog Crate | Dogs that test latches and bars | Locking wheels and fixed escape-proof bottom |
DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Puppy Small Medium Foldable Dog Cage Pet Kennel
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: Overall indoor use with puppies and small-to-medium dogs
This is a practical all-around choice for owners who want a wire crate that works indoors and also travels. Its double-door layout suits crate training, where you may want access from either side of the room.
Key specs
- 36-inch crate size as stated in the listing
- Metal wire construction
- Double door
- Leak-proof plastic pan tray
- Foldable frame
Pros
- Double doors make it easier to position in a room
- Removable tray simplifies cleanup
- Foldable design stores away when not in use
Cons
- Wire bars are visible, which some owners find less decorative
- Thin wire may not suit determined chewers or diggers
Bottom line: A strong first choice for puppy owners and small-to-medium dogs who need a flexible indoor crate.
Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel
Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Small Breeds, 12-20 lbs
Best for: Budget-conscious owners of small breeds
Midwest’s iCrate line is widely known among owners of small dogs. It is a simple, functional option for toy and small breeds that do not need a large footprint.
Key specs
- 24-inch size as stated in the listing
- Single door with secure latch
- Divider panel for adjusting interior space
- Leak-proof tray
- Folding wire construction
Pros
- Divider lets you grow the space with a puppy
- Compact footprint suits apartments
- Simple assembly, as described by many owners
Cons
- Single door limits placement flexibility
- Not suitable for dogs above the listed weight range
Bottom line: Best for small breeds in the 12–20 lb range who need an affordable, space-saving indoor crate.
FDW 36″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate, Heavy Duty Portable Wire Kennel
Heavy Duty, Portable Wire Kennel with Double Door, Divider & Leak-Proof Tray | For Training, Home, Travel Indoor/Outdoor Use FDW | 36" Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Black | Cage for Medium Dogs
Best for: Medium dogs needing a complete training setup
This crate is built for owners who want a heavy-duty wire kennel with a divider and tray included, suitable for both home training and occasional outdoor use.
Key specs
- 36-inch size as stated in the listing
- Double door
- Divider panel
- Leak-proof tray
- Black metal finish
Pros
- Divider helps with age-based sizing during training
- Double doors add layout flexibility
- Heavy-duty description suits active medium dogs
Cons
- Metal frame is heavier to move than fabric alternatives
- Black finish shows dust and pet hair in some homes
Bottom line: A good fit for medium dogs in a training phase who need a sturdy, divided crate.
36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate, Portable and Foldable Dog Kennel with 2-Door
Dog Crate,36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate for Large or Medium Dogs, Portable and Foldable Design of Dog Cage, Perfect for Travel or Home Use, Dog Kennel with 2-Door and Durable Mesh Windows, Light Grey
Best for: Large and medium dogs that need headroom and length
Dimensions matter most for larger dogs. This crate offers a 36-inch length and 25-inch height, giving most medium and large dogs room to stand and turn.
Key specs
- 36 x 25 x 25 inches as stated in the listing
- Two doors
- Mesh windows for airflow and visibility
- Foldable design
- Light grey finish
Pros
- Generous length suits medium and large dogs
- Mesh windows improve airflow indoors
- Light grey finish blends into most rooms
Cons
- Large footprint needs dedicated floor space
- Fabric-style panels may not suit heavy chewers
Bottom line: Pick this if your dog has outgrown smaller crates and you have room for a full-size indoor setup.
Greesum 3-in-1 Wooden Dog Crate Furniture, Side Table & Kennel with Cushion
Double Door Wood Pet Crate for Indoor Use — Doubles as Nightstand or End Table, Includes Soft Cushion & Chew-Resistant Build Greesum 3-in-1 Wooden Dog Crate Furniture, Side Table & Kennel with Cushion
Best for: Small living rooms where the crate needs to look like furniture
Wooden crate furniture is popular with owners who do not want a wire cage in the main living area. This model is designed to double as a side table or nightstand.
Key specs
- Wood construction
- Double door
- Includes soft cushion
- Chew-resistant build as described in the listing
- Functions as a side table
Pros
- Blends with living room décor
- Gives a second use for floor space
- Cushion adds comfort for resting
Cons
- Less airflow and visibility than wire crates
- Not ideal for dogs who chew hard or scratch at doors
Bottom line: Best for calm adult dogs in homes where a crate must double as furniture.
Feandrea Heavy-Duty Foldable Dog Crate with Locking Wheels, Double Doors
48" Dog Cage with Locking Wheels, Escape-Proof Fixed Bottom, Removable Tray, Easy-Clean Dog Kennel for Home Training, Black Feandrea Heavy-Duty Foldable Dog Crate, 5-Minute Quick Setup, Double Doors
Best for: Escape-prone dogs and owners who move crates around the house
This 48-inch crate focuses on security and mobility. The fixed bottom and locking wheels are designed to keep it stable and reduce escape attempts.
Key specs
- 48-inch size as stated in the listing
- Locking wheels
- Fixed escape-proof bottom
- Removable tray
- Double doors
Pros
- Locking wheels keep the crate in place once positioned
- Fixed bottom helps deter digging escapes
- Removable tray simplifies cleaning
Cons
- Large size needs significant floor space
- Heavier than basic folding crates
Bottom line: Best for owners of persistent escape artists who have room for a large, secure indoor crate.
Buying Guide
Crate size and fit
Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down fully extended. Measure your dog from nose to base of tail and add a few inches for length, and measure height from floor to top of head or ears while standing. For puppies, a divider lets you size the crate to their adult size over time. For more detail, see Sizing a Crate for an Adult Dog.
Good picks for this: Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate, FDW 36″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate
Material: wire, mesh, plastic or wood
Wire crates offer airflow and visibility and are common for indoor training. Fabric or mesh panels are lighter but may not stand up to chewing. Wood furniture crates blend into living spaces but generally offer less ventilation. Read Wire Dog Crates: Home Use and Limits to weigh the trade-offs.
Good picks for this: DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Greesum 3-in-1 Wooden Dog Crate Furniture
Door design and layout
Double-door crates let you place the crate against a wall and still access it from the open side. Single-door models are simpler and often cheaper but limit positioning. Check that latches are secure and that door panels do not flex when your dog leans on them.
Good picks for this: FDW 36″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate, 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate
Tray and cleanup
A removable, leak-proof tray makes accidents and wet bedding easier to manage. Look for trays that slide out without tools and can be rinsed or wiped down. This matters most during house training and after illness.
Good picks for this: DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Feandrea Heavy-Duty Foldable Dog Crate
Durability and escape resistance
Check bar spacing, weld quality and frame thickness as described by the manufacturer. Dogs that chew or dig may need a fixed bottom and heavier-gauge construction. Owners often report that flimsy latches are the first point of failure, so inspect latches regularly.
Good picks for this: Feandrea Heavy-Duty Foldable Dog Crate, FDW 36″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate
Portability and storage
If you move the crate between rooms or store it when guests visit, a folding frame helps. Consider the weight of the crate when assembled and whether you can lift it alone. Folding crates typically collapse flat but may still need a dedicated storage spot.
Good picks for this: DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate
Appearance and placement
Indoor crates sit in visible areas, so color and style matter. Neutral finishes like light grey and wood tones tend to blend in better than bright metal. Place the crate away from drafts, heaters and direct sun, and keep it in a spot where your dog can still see household activity.
Good picks for this: Greesum 3-in-1 Wooden Dog Crate Furniture, 36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate
FAQ
What size dog crate for indoors should I buy?
Choose a crate where your adult dog can stand, turn and lie down comfortably. For puppies, a crate with a divider can grow with them. Always confirm the interior dimensions in the listing before buying.
Are wire crates good for indoor use?
Wire crates are commonly used indoors because they offer airflow and visibility. They are not ideal for every dog, especially heavy chewers, so consider your dog’s habits.
Can a wooden crate be used for dog training?
Yes, though wooden furniture crates often provide less ventilation than wire models. They suit calm dogs who are not destructive. Monitor your dog’s behavior and temperature during use.
Should I put a tray in an indoor dog crate?
A removable tray helps manage accidents and makes cleaning easier, especially during house training. Keep bedding dry and check the tray regularly.
How long can a dog stay in a crate indoors?
Adult dogs should not be crated for long stretches without breaks. Puppies need more frequent bathroom trips. A veterinarian or certified trainer can advise on a schedule suited to your dog’s age and health.
Is a crate safe for my dog?
A crate should be sturdy, free of sharp edges and sized correctly. Check latches and welds regularly. If your dog shows signs of distress in a crate, consult a veterinarian or certified professional trainer before continuing.
Conclusion
For most owners, the DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate offers a flexible starting point with double doors and a removable tray. Budget-focused owners of small breeds may prefer the Midwest iCrate. Medium dogs in training do well with the FDW divided crate, while large dogs need the 36x25x25 model. Owners who want furniture-style pieces should consider the Greesum wooden crate, and those dealing with escape attempts may find the Feandrea crate most secure. Match the crate to your dog’s size, habits and your room layout.
Sources
- Crate training basics, sizing guidance and everyday use tips for dog owners (akc.org)
- Consumer product safety information, including recall notices and safety standards for pet products (cpsc.gov)
- Veterinary guidance on animal welfare and responsible confinement of pets (avma.org)
Related reading
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.
