The Best Dog Kennels
Dogs love to roam and we don't blame them. However, sometimes it's in their best interest to keep them contained. That's where kennels come into play. Dog kennels provide a secure place for your pooch to hang out when you can't keep an eye on them. Of course, we love our furry friends and want them to stay safe and comfortable. That's why we did thorough research to find the best of the best. In our search, we asked ourselves four main questions: Does it provide enough room? Is it easy to assemble and disassemble? Is it safe and comfortable for our pooch? Is the price fair? The top dog that emerged was the double-door option from MidWest Homes for Pets, which is exceptionally easy to put together. MidWest Homes for Pets also offers a covered option, which our skittish dogs especially enjoyed. Then, for our travels on the road, we found a hard plastic crate from Petmate that really fit the bill. It may not offer the same spaciousness as other options, but it's the perfect pick for car rides. Clearly, there's a lot to consider, so read on to find the right dog kennel for you and your pooch.
MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate
Safe and secure
This durable dog kennel has the features you need to make sure your dog stays safe and comfortable. The heavy-duty slide latch will prevent Buster from escaping and the sides are rounded, so there aren’t any sharp corners or edges to worry about. You can select from seven different sizes, so you’ll be able to find one that’s right for your dog. No matter which size you go with, you’ll also get a divider for your kennel. This helps you save money as your dog grows. You can simply block off part of the kennel when your puppy is small, and slowly expand it as he gets bigger. Rather than having to introduce him to a new space (which can be stressful), let his kennel be a place that he can retreat to throughout the duration of his life.
Pros:
- It’s super easy to assemble and fold up, so we were able to take it with us on trips and set it up just about anywhere.
- The pan adds an additional degree of convenience since it can be removed for cleaning off with the hose in case your dog pees or poos inside.
- We were thrilled to see all the different size options since many of us have plus-sized dogs that require plus-sized quarters.
Cons:
- The slide latch doesn’t have the traditional L-shape that can make it more secure.
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate
A collapsible kennel
If you’re bringing your pet on an adventure, you might want to bring a kennel along to serve as a safe haven for Lola. This soft-sided dog kennel from EliteField will do the trick. It folds compactly, so it won’t take up much space in the car. Then, when you arrive, you can set up in seconds, so you can quickly get your dog situated before the stress starts to set in. Plus, thanks to this one’s design, you’ll be able to keep an eye on your pooch while she’s inside. There are mesh windows on three sides, so you can look in and your dog can see out. These windows also provide ventilation, so your dog will have plenty of access to fresh air.
Pros:
- It’s another great option for travel since you can collapse it and set it up really easily.
- We like how sturdy the interior is, which adds a degree of durability to the entire crate.
- The top door comes in handy when you want to let your pooch poke their head out or access the interior without letting them out.
Cons:
- Determined dogs can scratch and gnaw their way through the net windows, so it’s not ideal for leaving unattended for long periods of time.
New Age Pet ecoFLEX
Easy on the eyes
Some dog kennels are a little unsightly, but that’s certainly not the case with this one. It’s made from non-toxic recycled plastic that looks great. In fact, it looks just like a side or end table, so it won’t look out of place in your living room; but instead of keeping magazines or newspapers inside, it’s a cozy retreat for your furry friend. This design kills two birds with one stone: you give Charlie a place to snooze in the living room without having an unsightly crate cluttering up the space. Oh, and what’s more, this dog kennel is easy to assemble and you won’t need any tools to put it together.
Pros:
- It adds a handsome wooden style to a living room.
- Dogs with anxiety may really enjoy the comfort of the interior since it’s more confined and secure than wire crates.
- Although it has wood and metal parts, the assembly is shockingly fast and requires no tools.
Cons:
- This is obviously not ideal for travel and is only intended for dogs that are already crate-trained.
Have pet, will travel
Is an airplane ride in your dog’s future? Make sure your pet stays safe and comfortable by picking up a kennel that meets airline requirements like this one. The latch is easy to open, so you can get your dog inside quickly. Once in the kennel, your pup will have plenty of access to fresh air since there are ventilation side vents. This dog kennel has other travel-friendly features as well. It’s made from durable, lightweight plastic so it’s easier to transport. Heavy-duty nuts and bolts secure the top of the kennel to the bottom so that it’ll stay in one piece throughout your travels. All in all, your dog will be as comfortable as one can be on an airplane inside a crate during the duration of the trip.
Pros:
- You can take these crates on airplanes since they meet most airlines’ cargo requirements.
- With this pick, we don’t have to worry about metal wire walls getting chewed up, since it’s made out of plastic.
- The price is a bargain for those shopping on a tight budget.
Cons:
- It doesn’t have a seatbelt loop for securing it in the car, though you can find some workarounds using the handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave my dog in a dog kennel?
One of the benefits of crate training your pet is that it provides a safe place for your dog to relax while you’re away. When your dog is used to being in the kennel, they can stay there for a few hours while you’re at work or out. However, you will need to ensure that your dog gets out regularly to stretch and use the bathroom. You don’t want your dog to feel forced to go potty in their crate.
What kind of dog kennel is best for active dogs?
If your dog has a lot of energy, you need to make sure you find a kennel that can hold up to the activity. Often, metal crates are preferred since the material is so durable. Your dog won’t be able to bite through the metal bars and escape. No matter what style you go with though, you’ll need to make sure your dog is comfortable in the crate before leaving it alone.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.