By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Finding the right small dog pet crate comes down to a few practical questions: how much room your dog needs to stand, turn and lie down, whether the crate has to fold for travel, and how easy it is to keep clean. This guide compares six crates that fit small breeds, roughly 12 to 20 pounds in most cases. We judged each option on size fit for small dogs, door and divider design, floor protection, portability and overall build quality, using manufacturer specifications and the patterns owners commonly describe in their feedback.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallMidwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrateView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest budget pickDUMOS 24 Inch Dog CrateView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for small kitchensFDW 24" Foldable Metal Dog CrateView on Amazon - 4
Best for growing puppiesDUMOS 36 Inch Dog CrateView on Amazon - 5
Best for a secure, quiet spaceCarlson Compact and Secure Deluxe Blue Metal Dog CrateView on Amazon - 6
Best for travelAmazon Basics Portable Foldable Metal Wire Dog CrateView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate | Small breeds, 12–20 lbs | Divider panel and leak-proof tray |
| DUMOS 24 Inch Dog Crate | Budget-conscious buyers | Single door with plastic pan tray |
| FDW 24″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Small spaces | Double door with divider |
| DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate | Puppies that will grow | Extra length with divider flexibility |
| Carlson Compact and Secure Deluxe Blue Metal Dog Crate | Dogs that need a den-like feel | Compact, secure build |
| Amazon Basics Portable Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate | Car trips and travel | Removable tray and collapsible frame |
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 breeds that need a secure, well-ventilated home crate.
This is a sensible first crate for a small adult dog or a puppy close to its adult size. The divider panel lets you shrink the interior as your dog grows or as you start house training, which keeps the space from feeling too big. Owners often mention that the latch feels solid and that assembly takes only a few minutes.
Key specs
- 24-inch length, suited to dogs in the 12–20 lb range
- Single door with secure latch
- Divider panel included
- Removable leak-proof tray
- Folding wire construction
Pros
- Divider adjusts the usable space as your dog grows
- Leak-proof tray makes cleanup straightforward
- Latch is widely described as secure
Cons
- Single door means less flexibility for loading in tight spaces
- Wire bars can be a concern for dogs that chew
Bottom line: A strong all-round choice for a small dog that needs a reliable home crate with room to adjust.
DUMOS 24 Inch 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: Budget-conscious buyers who want a basic, portable crate for indoor and outdoor training.
This single-door wire crate suits owners who need a no-frills option for a puppy or small dog. The foldable frame and plastic pan tray make it practical for weekend trips or moving the crate between rooms.
Key specs
- 24-inch size, appropriate for small dogs
- Single door
- Plastic leak-proof pan tray
- Foldable wire frame
Pros
- Simple, quick to set up
- Plastic tray is easy to slide out and wipe
- Folds down for storage
Cons
- Fewer adjustment features than divider-equipped crates
- Thinner construction may not suit strong chewers
Bottom line: A practical starter crate for a small puppy or dog when you want basic function without extras.
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: Small spaces where two access points and a divider make a difference.
The double-door layout lets you load your dog from the front or side, which helps in apartments, narrow hallways or cars. The divider and leak-proof tray add flexibility for training and daily use.
Key specs
- 24-inch size in black finish
- Double door
- Divider panel included
- Leak-proof tray
- Foldable metal construction
Pros
- Two doors make loading and access easier in tight spots
- Divider helps with house training
- Black finish blends into most rooms
Cons
- Double-door frames can feel less rigid to some owners
- Limited interior height for taller small breeds
Bottom line: Best for owners in apartments or homes with limited floor space who want flexible access.
DUMOS 36 Inch 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: Puppies that will grow into a larger small breed, or small dogs that like more room.
The longer 36-inch footprint gives a growing puppy room to stretch and sleep with a bed and water bowl, while the divider lets you limit the space during training. Keep in mind that a larger crate needs more floor area.
Key specs
- 36-inch length
- Double door
- Plastic leak-proof pan tray
- Foldable wire construction
Pros
- Extra length accommodates a bed and bowls
- Double doors add access options
- Tray is easy to clean
Cons
- Takes up more floor space than a 24-inch crate
- May be oversized for the smallest dogs without a divider
Bottom line: A good choice when a small puppy will outgrow a 24-inch crate and you have the room.
Carlson Compact and Secure Deluxe Blue Metal Dog Crate
Carlson Pet Products Carlson Compact and Secure Deluxe Blue Metal Dog Crate, Blue
Best for: Dogs that settle better in a compact, enclosed space with a den-like feel.
Carlson’s compact design is built around security and a smaller footprint. Some owners find that a dog who feels exposed in a large open crate relaxes more readily in this style.
Key specs
- Compact metal crate in blue finish
- Secure door design
- Suited to small dogs
Pros
- Compact layout suits a dog that prefers a snug space
- Secure construction is a common owner highlight
- Simple, durable metal build
Cons
- Less ventilation than open wire designs
- Fewer adjustment options such as dividers
Bottom line: Worth considering for a small dog that needs a cozy, secure crate rather than a spacious one.
Amazon Basics Portable Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate
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: Car trips, visits and anyone who needs to pack a crate up quickly.
This collapsible wire crate has a removable tray and a divider panel, and it folds for transport. Its compact 22 x 13 x 16 inch footprint suits a small dog and fits well in many vehicles.
Key specs
- Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 16 inches
- Single door
- Removable tray
- Divider panel
- Collapsible for travel
Pros
- Folds flat for storage and transport
- Removable tray simplifies cleaning
- Compact size works for small cars
Cons
- Single door limits loading options
- Shorter length may be tight for some small breeds
Bottom line: A practical travel crate for a small dog that spends time in the car or visits relatives.
Buying Guide
Interior size and fit
A crate should let your dog stand without touching the top of its head, turn around and lie down fully stretched out. For most small adult dogs a 24-inch length works, while a puppy may need a longer crate or a divider to start. Measure your dog from nose to base of tail and add a few inches for comfort.
Good picks for this: Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate, DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate
Doors and access
Single-door crates are simple and tend to be more rigid. Double-door crates let you load from either end, which helps in narrow spaces. Consider where the crate will sit and whether you will need to reach in from more than one side.
Good picks for this: FDW 24″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate, DUMOS 24 Inch Dog Crate
Dividers and adjustable space
A divider panel lets you reduce the interior as your puppy grows or as you build house-training habits. This also prevents a dog from using one corner as a bathroom and sleeping in another.
Good picks for this: Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate, Amazon Basics Portable Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate
Floor protection and cleanup
A removable leak-proof tray protects the floor and makes accidents easier to deal with. Look for a tray that slides out fully and can be wiped or rinsed. Many owners appreciate trays that lift out without tools.
Good picks for this: DUMOS 24 Inch Dog Crate, Amazon Basics Portable Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate
Portability and folding
If you plan to travel or move the crate often, check that it folds flat and locks open securely. Weight and footprint matter too. Make sure a folded crate fits in your car or closet before you buy.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics Portable Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate, DUMOS 24 Inch Dog Crate
Durability and latch security
Check the latch, door hinges and wire gauge. A strong latch matters for escape-prone dogs, and sturdier construction holds up better to chewing and daily use. Read owner feedback for comments on how the crate handles repeated folding.
Good picks for this: Carlson Compact and Secure Deluxe Blue Metal Dog Crate, Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate
Ventilation and comfort
Open wire designs allow airflow and let your dog see the room, which many owners prefer. Enclosed or compact designs feel more den-like, which some dogs find calming. Choose based on your dog’s temperament and where the crate will be placed.
Good picks for this: FDW 24″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate, Carlson Compact and Secure Deluxe Blue Metal Dog Crate
FAQ
What size crate does a small dog need?
Most small dogs do well in a 24-inch crate. The dog should be able to stand, turn and lie down comfortably. A puppy may start in a larger crate with a divider so it has room to grow without too much space for accidents.
Is a wire crate or a metal crate better for a small dog?
Both work. Wire crates offer more airflow and visibility, while more enclosed metal crates feel cozier. Choose based on your dog’s comfort and how much light and airflow your space needs.
Can I use a divider in a small dog crate?
Yes. A divider panel lets you limit the space during house training and then open it up as your dog grows. Make sure the dog cannot squeeze into the blocked-off section.
How do I clean a small dog crate?
Remove the tray, wash it with mild soap and warm water, and dry it fully before replacing. Wipe the wire or metal frame with a pet-safe cleaner. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions for any product-specific guidance.
Is a folding crate safe for a small dog?
Folding crates are designed to be used both at home and for travel. Check that the latch locks securely each time you set the crate up, and inspect hinges periodically for wear. If you have concerns about your dog’s safety in a crate, speak with your veterinarian or a certified professional trainer.
How long can a puppy stay in a crate?
Young puppies need frequent bathroom breaks and should not be left crated for long stretches. A common guideline is to limit crate time to about the number of months of age plus one, in hours, though needs vary. Talk with your veterinarian about a schedule that fits your puppy.
Conclusion
For most small dogs, a 24-inch crate with a divider and removable tray is the most practical starting point. The Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate suits owners who want a reliable home crate, while the DUMOS 24 Inch Dog Crate covers basic needs for less. Choose the FDW double-door model for tight spaces, the DUMOS 36 Inch if a puppy will grow into a larger size, the Carlson compact crate for a dog that prefers an enclosed den, and the Amazon Basics collapsible crate for frequent travel. Match the crate to your dog’s size, your space and how you plan to use it.
Sources
- General guidance on crate sizing, crate training basics and choosing a comfortable crate for dogs (akc.org)
- Consumer safety information on pet products, including guidance on latches, wire gauge and product recalls (cpsc.gov)
- Veterinary association information on animal welfare, confinement and pet housing (avma.org)
Related reading
- Pet Mate Dog Crate: Setup, Sizing and Buying Tips for 2026
- 7 Best Soft Pet Dog Crate Options for Home and Travel (2026)
- 7 Best Pet Crate Large Dog Options for Home and Travel (2026)
- Wood Dog Crate Furniture: 6 Best Picks for Indoor Use (2026)
- Wire Dog Crates: Home Use and Limits
- Wire Crate for Dog: 7 Best Picks for Home, Training and Travel
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.
