Dog crates come in several designs, and each suits some dogs and situations better than others. A wire crate is airy and folds flat; a plastic crate feels enclosed and is often accepted for air travel; a soft-sided crate is light for car trips with a calm dog; heavy-duty crates are built for dogs that chew or escape; furniture-style crates blend into a living room. This guide compares the main types and explains which situations each suits. It draws on welfare guidance from the RSPCA, Humane World for Animals and the ASPCA, and on IATA travel container requirements; we have not tested crates ourselves.
Comparison at a glance
| Type | Ventilation and view | Portability | Cleaning | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wire | Excellent airflow and visibility | Folds flat; heavy for large sizes | Removable tray | Home use, puppies (often with divider) | Some dogs prefer more enclosure (add a partial cover); paws or jaws caught in gaps on poorly made crates |
| Plastic (hard-sided) | Vents on sides; more den-like | Light to moderate; does not fold | Easy to wipe; splits in two | Travel, dogs that like enclosure | Check airline rules if flying; warmer in hot weather |
| Soft-sided | Mesh windows | Very light, folds | Fabric may be washable | Calm, crate-trained dogs; short trips | Not for chewers or escape artists; not a crash-protection device |
| Heavy-duty (metal) | Varies | Heavy | Tray or open floor | Strong dogs, persistent chewers | An escape-proof crate does not solve anxiety; see below |
| Furniture-style | Varies | Not portable | Depends on materials | Permanent home den that doubles as a side table | Chewable wood; ventilation |
| Travel crates | Designed for vehicles or airlines | Portable | Wipeable | Car and air travel | Airline acceptance rules; securing in vehicles |
Wire crates
Wire crates are the most common home crate. They fold flat for storage, give dogs a full view of the room and allow plenty of airflow, which helps in warm homes. Many come with a divider panel, useful for growing puppies. Look for strong welds, smooth edges, secure latches (two doors can help with room layout) and a removable tray that cannot be pulled into the crate and chewed. Some dogs settle better when the crate feels more enclosed; a breathable partial cover helps. See wire crates.
Plastic crates
Plastic crates have solid walls with vents, which many dogs find den-like and calming. They are the usual style for air travel because they can meet airline container rules. IATA’s container formula, for example, sets minimum internal dimensions so the animal can turn around normally while standing, stand and sit erect and lie in a natural position, and requires containers 10% larger for snub-nosed breeds. Airlines publish their own rules on materials, ventilation and hardware, so check with the airline before buying for a flight. See plastic crates.
Soft-sided crates
Soft crates are light, fold small and suit calm dogs who are already crate trained, for short trips, visits or hotel stays. They are not suitable for dogs that chew, scratch or try to escape, which can quickly damage mesh and zips. A soft crate is not designed to protect a dog in a vehicle collision. See soft-sided crates.
Heavy-duty crates
Heavy-duty crates use thicker steel and stronger latches for powerful dogs or persistent chewers. Before buying one for a dog that is trying to escape, consider why. The ASPCA explains that dogs with separation anxiety can make extreme escape attempts that result in self-injury, including broken teeth and damaged nails, and that for some dogs a crate adds stress. A stronger crate may contain the dog without addressing the distress. If your dog panics in a crate, consult your veterinarian and a qualified behaviour professional. See heavy-duty crates.
Furniture-style crates
Furniture crates look like side tables or cabinets and suit homes where the crate will stay in a living area permanently. Check that wooden parts are not easy to chew, that ventilation is adequate on several sides and that the interior dimensions fit your dog, since thick panels reduce inside space. See furniture-style crates.
Travel crates
For car travel, a crate should be secured so it cannot slide or tip; for air travel, it must meet the airline’s container rules. The RSPCA advises against travelling with a puppy in its adult-sized crate, since a crate that is too large gives little support during movement. Never leave a dog in a parked car. See travel crates.
Choosing the type for your dog
| Situation | Types to consider |
|---|---|
| New puppy at home | Wire crate with divider |
| Dog that likes a cosy den | Plastic crate, or wire with a partial cover |
| Frequent flyer | Plastic crate that meets the airline’s rules |
| Calm dog, short trips | Soft-sided crate |
| Strong chewer (not anxious) | Heavy-duty crate |
| Permanent living-room den | Furniture-style crate |
Sizing is critical whichever type you choose: see how to size a dog crate. Training is covered in how to crate train a dog.
If you are unsure, start with the type that suits your home and add a travel crate later if you need one.
Frequently asked questions
Wire or plastic: which is better?
Neither is better for every dog. Wire suits home use and warm rooms; plastic suits travel and dogs that settle better in an enclosed space. Some owners have both.
Are crates cruel?
Used correctly, welfare organisations describe crates as a safe den and a training aid. Misused, for punishment or for long periods without breaks, they harm welfare. The RSPCA says it is never acceptable to shut a dog in a crate all day while you go to work.
All type guides are under Dog Crate Types.
