Dog Crates, Kennels and Playpens

Folding, pop-up or fixed: how portable should a crate be?

Metal wire crates fold flat, give good airflow and suit house training, often with a divider panel so a puppy's space can grow. Pop-up kennels use a polyester cover over a light frame and are easy to carry for travel or a rest in the garden. Exercise playpens add a larger run from linked panels in metal or iron. Plastic kennels enclose the dog and are common for car travel. Decide where it will live most of the time, then how often it must move.

Interior size, chewing and latches

The dog should stand, turn and lie flat inside, so measure nose to tail base and add a few inches. For a growing puppy, buy for adult size and use a divider. Fabric kennels will not survive a determined chewer, so metal suits those dogs. Check latches that close firmly and cannot be nudged open from inside. Some listings in this group are harnesses, collars and leashes rather than enclosures; those are sized by neck and chest, not crate dimensions.

Questions about Dog Crates, Kennels and Playpens

What size crate does my dog need?

The dog should stand without its head touching the top, turn around and lie stretched out. Measure from nose to base of tail and add a few inches. For a puppy, buy for the adult size and use a divider panel to shrink the space.

Is a pop-up fabric kennel safe for a chewer?

Usually not. Fabric and mesh can be torn or chewed through, and a dog that escapes may swallow pieces. Pop-up kennels suit calm dogs for travel or short rests. Strong chewers need a metal crate with secure latches.

Should a crate have one door or two?

Two doors, usually front and side, give more ways to place the crate in a room or car. One door is fine for a fixed spot. Whatever the count, check that latches close firmly and cannot be nudged open from inside.