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Wire dog crates

Cozy spots for long naps.

6 items picked for everyday life with your pet, with shipping estimates on every item.

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All wire dog crates

Little essentials. Lots of love.

6 products

Shop wire dog crates: folding metal crates with single or double doors, double-lock latches, removable plastic trays and soft pads, in sizes from around 24 inches up to 43 inches. This page narrows our Dog Crates range to the open wire style, which is the most popular choice for crate training puppies and for dogs that like to see what is going on. Below is how to choose the size, why door layout matters, and when a wire crate is not the right crate.

Why choose a wire crate

Wire crates are open on every side, so air moves freely and your dog can see and hear the household. The AKC notes that some dogs prefer this, while others settle better in a darker, den-like space, which you can create by draping a breathable cover over part of a wire crate.

They also fold flat in seconds for storage or travel, are simple to clean thanks to the slide-out tray, and are usually the most affordable crate for the size. That combination is why most trainers start puppies in a wire crate.

Getting the size right

The AKC's rule is that a crate should be just big enough for your dog to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. A crate that is too big lets a puppy use one end as a bathroom. Measure your dog standing, nose to the base of the tail and floor to the top of the head, then add about 2 to 4 inches to each.

For a puppy, buy the crate for its adult size and use a divider panel to shrink the space while it grows. As a rough guide, 24 inches suits small dogs, 30 to 36 inches medium dogs, and 41 to 43 inches larger breeds; always check against your dog's own measurements.

One door or two

Single-door crates are simple and slightly cheaper. Two-door crates, with one door at the end and one on the side, give you far more choice about where the crate goes, so it can sit against a wall, in a corner or beside your bed with the door facing the room.

Look at the latches too. Double-lock mechanisms, with a slide bolt at the top and bottom of each door, are harder for a clever dog to nose open. A door that rattles or swings back on the dog can make it wary, so check it closes smoothly.

When to choose a heavy duty crate instead

Wire crates suit most dogs, but not all. Dogs with separation anxiety or determined escape artists can bend thin wire, push out a tray, or hurt their mouths on the bars. If your dog has broken out of a crate before, a reinforced crate from our Heavy Duty Dog Crates page is the safer choice.

Never leave a collar with tags on a dog inside a wire crate, since tags can catch on the bars. And never crate a dog for longer than it can comfortably hold its bladder; the AKC suggests a dog walker or daycare for long days.

Crate training basics

Make the crate a good place. Put a soft pad and a chew toy inside, feed meals near and then inside it, and leave the door open so your dog can wander in. Close the door for short periods while you are in the room, then build up time slowly.

Never use the crate as punishment. If your dog whines, wait for a moment of quiet before letting it out, so it learns that calm opens the door. Most puppies accept a crate within a week or two of short, positive sessions.

What size wire crate does my dog need?

Measure your dog standing, nose to tail base and floor to head top, and add 2 to 4 inches. The crate should let it stand, turn around and lie down, with little extra space.

Are wire dog crates safe?

Yes, for most dogs. Remove collars with tags before crating, check for bent wires, and choose a heavy duty crate for dogs that chew bars or try to escape, since they can injure their teeth.

Should I cover my dog's wire crate?

Many dogs settle better with a breathable cover over the top and sides, which makes the crate feel like a den. Leave the front open for airflow, and do not cover it in a hot room.

Is a two-door crate better?

A two-door crate is more flexible, because you can place it against a wall or in a corner and still open it from the front or side. That makes it easier to fit the crate into your room.

Can I use a divider in a wire crate?

Yes. Many wire crates take a divider panel, so you can buy the adult size and shrink the space for a puppy. Move the divider back as your puppy grows.