By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Choosing a dog crate for puppy use is less about finding the fanciest model and more about finding one that fits your puppy now and still works as they grow. A good crate gives your puppy a safe, den-like space, helps with housetraining and makes nighttime and short absences easier. The picks below were selected by reviewing manufacturer specifications, overall brand reputation and the patterns owners commonly describe in their feedback about fit, folding, latching, tray cleanup and durability. None of these were tested by us, so check the listing details before you buy.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallMidwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrateView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest budget pickAmazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate (24")View on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for small apartmentsDUMOS 24 Inch Foldable Puppy Dog CrateView on Amazon - 4
Best for growing puppiesAmazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate (36")View on Amazon - 5
Best for large puppiesLarge Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Light GreyView on Amazon - 6
Best for indoor-only useDONORO Dog Crates for Small Medium Size Dogs (30" L x 19" W x 21" H)View on Amazon - 7
Best for heavy-duty trainingFDW 24" Foldable Metal Dog CrateView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate | Small puppies and small breeds | Divider panel and leak-proof tray |
| Amazon Basics Small Dog Crate (24″) | Budget-conscious buyers | Removable tray and divider panel |
| DUMOS 24 Inch Dog Crate | Small apartments | Plastic leak-proof pan, indoor and outdoor use |
| Amazon Basics Double Door Dog Crate (36″) | Growing puppies | Two doors and a divider panel |
| Large Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch | Large puppies and medium dogs | Two doors and mesh windows |
| DONORO Metal Contour Dog Crate | Indoor home use | Contoured metal design with double doors |
| FDW 24″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Heavy-duty training | Double door, divider and leak-proof tray |
Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate
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: Small puppies that will stay in the 12 to 20 pound range as adults.
This is a practical starting crate for owners of small breeds who want a proven, widely available design. It suits a puppy who will be crated in a bedroom or living area and needs a secure place to rest during the day.
Key specs
- Single door
- Designed for small breeds, 12 to 20 lbs
- Folding frame with divider panel included
- Leak-proof tray
Pros
- The divider panel lets you size the space to a young puppy and expand it later.
- The leak-proof tray is easy to slide out and clean.
- Folds flat for storage or travel.
Cons
- Single door limits access options for some setups.
- Not sized for larger puppies once they outgrow the small-breed range.
Bottom line: A strong choice for owners of small-breed puppies who want a familiar, practical crate for home training.
Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate (24″)
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
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who need a basic small crate.
This crate is a sensible entry point for a small puppy. It covers the essentials: a metal wire enclosure, a removable tray and a divider panel.
Key specs
- Dimensions listed as 24″ x 18″ x 20″
- Single door
- Removable tray and divider panel
- Foldable, easy to assemble
Pros
- Simple, no-nonsense design that is easy to set up.
- Removable tray simplifies cleanup.
- Divider panel helps with sizing for a young puppy.
Cons
- Single door only.
- Wire construction may need extra bedding or covering to reduce noise and drafts.
Bottom line: A good pick for buyers who want a basic, functional small crate without extra features.
DUMOS 24 Inch Foldable Puppy Dog Crate
Single Door Metal Wire, Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Portable Indoor Outdoor Training Travel DUMOS 24 Inch Dog Crate, Foldable Puppy Small Dog Cage Pet Kennel
Best for: Small apartments and owners who want a crate that works indoors and outdoors.
The plastic leak-proof pan and portable frame make this a flexible option for smaller living spaces and occasional outdoor use with supervision.
Key specs
- 24-inch size
- Single door
- Plastic leak-proof pan tray
- Foldable for storage
Pros
- Leak-proof pan helps protect floors during housetraining.
- Portable frame is easy to move between rooms.
- Works for indoor and outdoor use.
Cons
- Single door only.
- Owners often recommend checking latch security as puppies grow stronger.
Bottom line: A good fit for apartment owners who want a portable, low-profile puppy crate.
Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate (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: Growing puppies who will need more room over time.
The 36-inch footprint and divider panel make this crate a useful choice for a puppy that will grow into a medium-size adult. The double door adds flexibility for setup.
Key specs
- Dimensions listed as 36″ x 23″ x 25″
- Double door
- Divider panel and removable tray
- Handle for carrying
Pros
- Divider panel allows the space to grow with the puppy.
- Double door makes loading and access easier.
- Handle makes short moves simpler.
Cons
- Larger footprint may not suit small rooms.
- Wire design may need covering for privacy.
Bottom line: A practical choice for owners of puppies who will eventually need a larger, adjustable crate.
Large Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Light Grey
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 puppies and medium adult dogs.
This crate is sized for puppies that will eventually be large or medium adults, and it offers mesh windows for airflow and visibility.
Key specs
- 36 x 25 x 25 inches
- Two doors
- Mesh windows
- Foldable design
Pros
- Generous interior for a growing puppy.
- Mesh windows support ventilation.
- Two doors offer flexible access.
Cons
- Large footprint requires dedicated floor space.
- Owners often mention it is heavier to move than smaller crates.
Bottom line: The right pick if your puppy is a large breed or you want a crate that will last into adulthood.
DONORO Dog Crates for Small Medium Size Dogs (30″ L x 19″ W x 21″ H)
DONORO Dog Crates for Small Medium Size Dogs Indoor Double Door Dog Kennels & Houses for Puppy and Cats, Collapsible Metal Contour Dog Cages (Brown, 30.0" L x 19.0" W x 21.0" H)
Best for: Indoor home use with a compact, furniture-like profile.
The contoured metal design and double doors suit owners who want a crate that blends into a living space while still offering secure access.
Key specs
- 30 x 19 x 21 inches
- Double door
- Metal contour design
- Collapsible frame
Pros
- Compact footprint suits smaller rooms.
- Double doors add access flexibility.
- Collapsible for storage.
Cons
- Interior height may be limiting for larger puppies.
- Owners sometimes report that the tray is less accessible than on other models.
Bottom line: Best for small to medium puppies and owners who prioritize a tidy indoor setup.
FDW 24″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate
Heavy Duty, Portable Wire Kennel with Double Door, Divider & Leak-Proof Tray | For Training, Home, Travel Indoor/Outdoor Use FDW | 24" Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Black | Cage for Small Dogs
Best for: Heavy-duty training with a focus on secure, durable construction.
This crate combines a double door, divider and leak-proof tray, making it useful for owners who expect a puppy to be active in the crate or who want a sturdier frame.
Key specs
- 24-inch size
- Double door
- Divider panel and leak-proof tray
- Foldable metal frame
Pros
- Heavy-duty framing suits energetic puppies.
- Double door improves access.
- Leak-proof tray simplifies cleanup.
Cons
- Small size is not suitable for larger puppies.
- Heavier than basic foldable models.
Bottom line: A good choice for training-focused owners of small, energetic puppies who want extra sturdiness.
Buying Guide
Size and fit for your puppy’s adult weight
Measure your puppy’s height at the shoulder and length from nose to base of tail. The crate should let your puppy stand, turn around and lie down stretched out. For a growing puppy, a divider panel lets you start smaller and expand the space. Check the manufacturer’s listed interior dimensions, not just the outside size. For guidance on fit, see Sizing a Crate for an Adult Dog and Large Size Dog Crate Dimensions: How to Measure and Choose the Right Fit.
Good picks for this: Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate, Amazon Basics Double Door Dog Crate (36″)
Door configuration and access
Single-door crates are simpler and often cheaper, while double-door crates let you load and access the crate from more than one side. Double doors can help if the crate sits against a wall. Choose a latch that a puppy cannot easily open, and check that the door closes flush.
Good picks for this: FDW 24″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate, DONORO Dog Crates for Small Medium Size Dogs
Tray and cleanup
A removable, leak-proof tray makes housetraining simpler. Look for a tray that slides out easily and fits under the wire floor or pan. Plan for quick cleanup, since puppies have frequent accidents during training.
Good picks for this: DUMOS 24 Inch Foldable Puppy Dog Crate, Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate
Portability and folding
If you travel or move the crate between rooms, look for a frame that folds flat and a handle for carrying. Foldable crates store easily, but check that the locking mechanisms hold firmly when the crate is set up.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics Small Dog Crate (24″), Large Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch
Durability and construction
Metal wire crates generally offer good airflow and visibility, but heavier-duty frames hold up better to chewing and pushing. Check the gauge of the wire if listed, the strength of the welds and the quality of the latch. Puppies often test crates, so a sturdy build matters.
Good picks for this: FDW 24″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate, Large Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch
Ventilation, visibility and comfort
Some puppies settle better when the crate is partly covered for privacy, while others need to see the room. Mesh windows and open wire panels both provide airflow. Avoid placing the crate in direct sun or drafts, and add a washable bed sized to the interior.
Good picks for this: Large Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch, Amazon Basics Double Door Dog Crate (36″)
Intended use: home, travel or both
A crate used mainly at home has different needs than one for car or air travel. For home training, prioritize tray access and interior space. For travel, check that the crate is secure, folds for storage and has adequate ventilation. Always confirm airline or vehicle requirements before you travel. For more detail, see Travel Dog Crates: Car and Air Travel Rules.
Good picks for this: DUMOS 24 Inch Foldable Puppy Dog Crate, DONORO Dog Crates for Small Medium Size Dogs
FAQ
What size dog crate for puppy should I buy?
Choose a crate that lets your puppy stand, turn around and lie down stretched out. If your puppy will grow large, a crate with a divider panel lets you start smaller and expand the space as they grow.
Can a puppy outgrow a crate quickly?
Yes, many puppies grow fast. Using a divider panel or buying a crate sized for their expected adult weight can extend how long the crate works for you.
Should a puppy crate have a tray?
A removable tray makes cleanup easier during housetraining. Choose a leak-proof tray that slides out smoothly and is easy to sanitize.
Is a wire crate or plastic crate better for puppies?
Wire crates offer good airflow and visibility and often fold for storage. Plastic crates can feel more den-like and may suit travel. For a deeper comparison, see Plastic Dog Crates: Uses for Home and Travel and Wire Dog Crates: Home Use and Limits.
How long can a puppy stay in a crate?
Puppies need frequent bathroom breaks and social time, and young puppies cannot hold their bladder for long. Ask your veterinarian for guidance on your puppy’s age and needs, and see Dog Crate Training Puppy: A Week-by-Week Guide for New Owners for a structured plan.
How do I introduce a puppy to a new crate?
Start with short sessions, keep the door open at first, and pair the crate with treats and calm praise. For a step-by-step approach, see Potty Training Dog Crate: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Puppy Owners.
Do I need bedding in a puppy crate?
A washable bed or blanket can make the crate more comfortable, but puppies sometimes chew bedding. Start with a simple, washable option and remove it if your puppy shreds it. See Making a Dog Crate Comfortable and Safe for more.
Conclusion
For most owners, a basic, well-built dog crate for puppy use with a removable tray and divider panel covers the essentials. The Midwest iCrate suits small-breed puppies, the Amazon Basics double-door model works well for growing puppies, and the Large Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch fits larger breeds. Budget buyers may prefer the Amazon Basics small crate, while apartment owners may favor the DUMOS model. Match the crate to your puppy’s expected adult size and your daily routine, and check manufacturer specifications before you buy.
Sources
- Breed information, size categories and general puppy care guidance (akc.org)
- Consumer safety information on pet products and recall notices (cpsc.gov)
- Guidance on housetraining, crate use and puppy behavior (aspca.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.
