By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Choosing a wire crate for dog use comes down to a few practical questions: how big your dog will be as an adult, whether you need one door or two, how easily the crate folds for storage or travel, and whether the floor tray will catch accidents without leaking. This guide compares seven folding metal crates sold on Amazon US. Each one is judged on size range, door layout, divider panel availability, tray design and how well owners tend to report it holds up over time. Nothing here is based on personal testing, so treat the picks as a research-based shortlist and check the dimensions against your own dog before you buy.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallDUMOS 36 Inch Dog CrateView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for small kitchensDUMOS 24 Inch Dog CrateView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for medium breedsMidwest 30-Inch iCrateView on Amazon - 4
Best for XL dogsFDW 48" Foldable Metal Dog CrateView on Amazon - 5
Best for large dogs on a budgetFDW 42 Inch Dog CrateView on Amazon - 6
Best budget pickAmazon Basics 36-inch Foldable Wire Dog CrateView on Amazon - 7
Best for travel and tight spacesAmazon Basics 22-inch Single Door Foldable Wire Dog CrateView 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 divider and leak-proof pan |
| Midwest 30-Inch iCrate | Medium breeds, 21–40 lbs | Divider panel and secure latch |
| FDW 48″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | XL dogs | Double door with divider and tray |
| Amazon Basics 36-inch Foldable Wire Dog Crate | Budget-conscious buyers | Removable tray and double door |
| FDW 42 Inch Dog Crate | Large dogs | Double door with divider and plastic tray |
| DUMOS 24 Inch Dog Crate | Small dogs and tight spaces | Single door with leak-proof pan |
| Amazon Basics 22-inch Single Door Foldable Wire Dog Crate | Travel and small dogs | Single door, collapsible design |
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: Best overall
This crate suits owners who want one wire crate that can handle crate training from puppyhood through adulthood for small and medium dogs. The double door layout lets you use the front or side opening depending on room setup.
Key specs If you want more background, see Dog Crates: Wire, Plastic and Furniture-Style Crates.
- 36-inch length
- Double door design
- Foldable metal frame
- Plastic leak-proof pan tray
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Pros
- Double doors give flexible placement in a room
- Pan tray is designed to contain accidents
- Portable enough for occasional travel
Cons
- Wire spacing may not suit very small puppies that can slip through
- Assembly takes more time than a single-piece crate
Bottom line: A strong all-round choice for owners who want one crate for training and home use with a size that fits most small and medium dogs.
Midwest 30-Inch iCrate
Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble Midwest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs
Best for: Best for medium breeds
Designed for medium dogs in the 21 to 40 pound range, this crate is a common pick for owners who want a well-known brand name and a divider panel to size the space as the dog grows.
Key specs
- 30-inch length
- Single door
- Included divider panel
- Leak-proof tray
- Secure latch
Pros
- Divider panel supports growing puppies
- Secure latch is a frequent point of praise in owner feedback
- Foldable for storage
Cons
- Single door limits placement options
- Not suited to large or heavy-chewing adults
Bottom line: Good for medium-sized dogs who need a secure, adjustable crate and whose owners do not need two doors.
FDW 48″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate
Heavy Duty, Portable Wire Kennel with Double Door, Divider & Leak-Proof Tray | For Training, Home, Travel Indoor/Outdoor Use FDW | 48" Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Dark Black | Cage for XL Dogs
Best for: Best for XL dogs
This is the largest crate on the list and is aimed at owners of XL and giant breeds who need room to stand, turn and stretch comfortably.
Key specs
- 48-inch length
- Double door design
- Divider panel included
- Leak-proof tray
- Foldable metal construction
Pros
- Enough floor space for XL breeds
- Double doors and divider add flexibility
- Tray helps with cleanup
Cons
- Heavy and bulky to move or store
- Needs a dedicated floor area in most homes
Bottom line: The right choice when your adult dog is XL and you have space for a large footprint.
Amazon Basics 36-inch Foldable Wire Dog Crate
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: Best budget pick
Owners who want a dependable, no-frills wire crate for home use with a removable tray and double doors often choose this model.
Key specs
- 36 x 23 x 25 inches
- Double door
- Divider panel
- Removable tray
- Carry handle
Pros
- Removable tray is easy to clean
- Double doors and divider are useful for training
- Simple assembly
Cons
- Thinner wire gauge than premium crates
- Latches may need periodic checking
Bottom line: A sensible option for small to medium dogs when you want core features without paying for extras.
FDW 42 Inch Dog Crate
FDW Dog Crate for Large Dogs 42 Inch Folding Metal WirePet Cage Double Door W/Divider Panel Indoor Outdoor Kennel Leak-Proof Plastic Tray,Black
Best for: Best for large dogs on a budget
A good fit for large dogs who need more length than a standard medium crate, with double doors and a divider for flexible sizing.
Key specs
- 42-inch length
- Double door design
- Divider panel
- Plastic leak-proof tray
- Indoor and outdoor use
Pros
- Good length for large breeds
- Divider panel supports sizing down for puppies
- Foldable for storage
Cons
- Large footprint in small rooms
- Owners sometimes report the tray fits loosely
Bottom line: A practical middle option for large dogs who do not need the full 48-inch length.
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: Best for small kitchens
This compact single-door crate suits small dogs and puppies, and works well in apartments or kitchens where floor space is limited.
Key specs
- 24-inch length
- Single door
- Foldable metal frame
- Leak-proof pan tray
- Indoor and outdoor use
Pros
- Small footprint for tight spaces
- Single door keeps the layout simple
- Foldable for easy storage
Cons
- Too small for medium or large adult dogs
- No divider panel included
Bottom line: Best for small dogs and puppies who will not outgrow the crate quickly.
Amazon Basics 22-inch Single Door Foldable 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: Best for travel and tight spaces
This compact, collapsible crate is aimed at owners with small dogs who need a crate they can carry in a car or fold away between trips.
Key specs
- 22 x 13 x 16 inches
- Single door
- Divider panel
- Removable tray
- Collapsible frame
Pros
- Compact size for cars and small spaces
- Collapses for storage
- Removable tray simplifies cleaning
Cons
- Only suitable for very small dogs
- Limited headroom for taller breeds
Bottom line: A travel-friendly pick for very small dogs whose owners need something compact.
Buying Guide
Size and fit
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail and add a few inches. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down with its legs stretched. For puppies, a divider panel helps you adjust space as they grow. For detailed steps, read How to Size a Dog Crate: Measure Your Dog Correctly and Sizing a Crate for an Adult Dog.
Good picks for this: DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Midwest 30-Inch iCrate
Door layout
Double-door crates give you flexibility in where you place the crate, while single-door models are simpler and often cost less in design. Choose the layout that matches your room setup. Making a Dog Crate Comfortable and Safe covers placement tips.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics 36-inch Foldable Wire Dog Crate, FDW 48″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate
Floor tray and cleanup
A removable, leak-proof pan makes cleanup faster and protects the floor. Look for a tray that slides out easily and fits snugly. Potty Training Dog Crate: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Puppy Owners explains how a tray fits into house training.
Good picks for this: DUMOS 24 Inch Dog Crate, FDW 42 Inch Dog Crate
Wire gauge and durability
Heavier wire and welded joints hold up better to chewing and pushing. Thin wire can bend under a determined dog. Owners often report that heavier-duty crates feel more stable over time, so match the build to your dog’s strength.
Good picks for this: FDW 48″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate, Midwest 30-Inch iCrate
Foldability and portability
If you travel or store the crate between uses, check how it folds and how much it weighs. Compact crates are easier to carry, but very small ones may not suit larger dogs. Wire Collapsible Dog Crate: 6 Best Picks for Home and Travel (2026) covers collapsible options in more depth.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics 22-inch Single Door Foldable Wire Dog Crate, DUMOS 24 Inch Dog Crate
Use case: home, training or travel
For home training, a crate with a divider and secure latch matters most. For travel, compactness and a sturdy latch are priorities. Check the rules that apply to your trip with Travel Dog Crates: Car and Air Travel Rules.
Good picks for this: Midwest 30-Inch iCrate, Amazon Basics 22-inch Single Door Foldable Wire Dog Crate
Care and cleaning
Wipe the wire frame and tray regularly with a pet-safe cleaner and check latches and joints for loosening. Replace worn pads or bedding as needed. For comfort and hygiene tips, see Dog Crate Materials Compared: Wire, Plastic, Fabric.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics 36-inch Foldable Wire Dog Crate, DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate
FAQ
Is a wire crate for dog use safe for puppies?
Yes, when sized correctly and with a divider panel to limit space. Make sure wire spacing is narrow enough that your puppy cannot get a paw or head through. Check the crate regularly for loose parts.
How big should a wire crate be for my dog?
Your dog should be able to stand, turn and lie down comfortably. Measure from nose to base of tail and add a few inches, then compare against the listed dimensions.
Can a wire crate be used outdoors?
Many wire crates are labeled for indoor and outdoor use, but they should be placed in shade and protected from rain and extreme temperatures. Never leave a dog outdoors unsupervised for long periods.
Do wire crates need a cover?
A cover can help a dog feel more secure and reduce visual stimulation, but make sure it does not block airflow. Use a breathable fabric and check that it does not hang low enough for a dog to chew.
How do I clean a wire crate?
Remove the tray and bedding, wipe the frame and tray with a pet-safe cleaner, rinse and dry thoroughly before reassembling. Check latches and joints during cleaning.
Are foldable wire crates strong enough for adult dogs?
Foldable designs can be sturdy, but strength depends on wire gauge, welds and latch quality. Choose a model whose weight rating and build match your adult dog’s size and strength. If your dog is a strong chewer or digger, consult a professional trainer or veterinarian for advice.
Conclusion
For most owners, the DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate is a strong all-round choice for small and medium dogs. Owners of XL dogs should look at the FDW 48″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate, while large-dog owners on a tighter budget may prefer the FDW 42 Inch Dog Crate. Puppies and very small dogs suit the DUMOS 24 Inch Dog Crate or the Amazon Basics 22-inch Single Door Foldable Wire Dog Crate, especially for travel. Measure your dog first, then match the size, door layout and tray to how you plan to use the crate.
Sources
- General guidance on crate sizing, crate training and dog housing (akc.org)
- Safety information on pet products and recall notices (cpsc.gov)
- Veterinary guidance on animal welfare and confinement (avma.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.
