Choose a wire crate for use at home, especially for a growing puppy, because many include a divider panel, good visibility, a removable tray and a fold-flat design. Choose a plastic kennel when you want an enclosed den-like space or a carrier for trips. Choose a soft-sided crate only for a calm dog that will not chew or scratch its way out, and for light, occasional use. Size, latches and cleaning matter more than the label.
Bottom line
Match the type to the job: wire for home, plastic for an enclosed space or travel, soft-sided for light use with a calm dog. Size from the maker’s chart using your dog’s measurements, and for a puppy choose a crate with a divider so it can grow with the dog. Check latches, the tray and how it cleans. Questions about how long and when a dog should be crated belong with your vet or a qualified trainer.
Wire crates
Wire crates are the common home choice. The open sides let a dog see out and let air through, many fold flat for storage, and most have a removable plastic tray that slides out for cleaning. Many have two doors, which gives you flexibility in where to put the crate. Check for a divider panel, which lets you shrink the usable space for a puppy and move it out as the dog grows. Inspect the welds, the spacing between bars for your dog’s size, the strength of the latches and whether the tray fits flush. Wire crates can be noisy when a dog moves, and a fitted cover is sold separately by some makers.
Plastic kennels
Plastic kennels are enclosed on the sides with ventilation openings, and usually split into two halves held together by hardware. They suit dogs that prefer a closed space, and they are the type often used for transport. If you plan to fly with your dog, airline rules on crate construction, size and labeling vary by carrier and route, so check the airline’s own pet policy and read the broader guidance in our dog travel guide. They are bulkier to store than wire crates, though many nest apart. Check the door latch, the ventilation openings and how the halves lock together.
Soft-sided crates
Soft-sided crates are fabric over a frame, light and easy to carry, and they suit a calm dog on a visit, a camping trip or a hotel stay. They are the weakest option for a dog that chews, scratches or pushes at the sides, and zippers are the usual failure point. Many are not designed for unsupervised use with an anxious or determined dog, so read the maker’s guidance on dog behavior and use. Check the frame, the zipper quality, the floor and whether the fabric can be washed.
Sizing a crate
Do not size by breed label or age alone. Use the maker’s size chart and your dog’s measurements, and check the crate’s interior dimensions, not just the outside. A crate generally needs room for the dog to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably; the maker’s own chart will say how it recommends sizing. Choose a crate that suits the adult dog for a puppy and use a divider to limit the space. A crate that is too large for a young puppy defeats its purpose, while one that is too small for an adult is uncomfortable. For puppy planning, see our puppy first-year checklist.
Placement matters too. A crate placed in a quiet area of the house, out of direct sun and away from cold air currents and heating vents, is likely to suit a dog better than a spot in a busy corridor. Check the floor under the crate: a wire crate on a hard floor can slide or scratch it, and a mat or rug under the tray helps. A crate pad or washable bed can make the space comfortable, but check that the pad fits the interior without bunching, and look for one that can be removed and washed. If your dog chews bedding, ask your vet or trainer what is suitable rather than guessing.
Comparing the three types
| Factor | Wire | Plastic | Soft-sided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Home, growing puppy | Enclosed space, travel | Light, occasional use |
| Ventilation and view | Open on all sides | Vent openings, enclosed sides | Mesh panels |
| Divider panel | Often available | Check the listing | Check the listing |
| Portability | Folds flat, heavier | Bulky, hard-sided | Lightest |
| Cleaning | Removable tray | Wipe or hose; separate halves | Washable fabric, seams hold dirt |
| Weak point | Latches, noise | Door hardware | Zippers, chewing |
Think about the whole life of the crate too. A puppy crate used with a divider may be replaced by a bigger one later, while a crate bought for the adult size lasts longer if you use the divider properly. Cleaning habits matter: a tray that lifts out and a smooth interior make a daily wipe-down realistic, and that keeps the crate pleasant to use.
Check the details that fail
- Latches: they should close firmly and be one your dog cannot work open. Test them in the store or on arrival.
- Edges and corners: run a hand along the interior for sharp welds or rough seams.
- Tray and floor: a tray that warps or does not seat properly lets mess escape.
- Doors: a door on the side you need, with a latch you can use one-handed.
- Folding hardware: check that fold-flat crates re-assemble without effort.
Where to look
These are search links. Listings change, so rely on the maker’s size chart, latch details and return terms.
Affiliate links: these open Amazon search results, and we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Check the maker’s size chart, latch details and care notes on the listing you choose.
Using a crate in a car is a separate question. Our guide to dog seat covers and hammocks explains why covers are not restraints, and the crate’s own manual and your vehicle manual say how, and whether, it may be secured in a vehicle.
Sources and verification
This is editorial guidance on crate types, not a test of any crate and not training advice. No size charts, weight limits or airline rules are quoted here; check the crate maker's sizing guide and your airline's current rules. Sizing, latch details and care instructions come from the maker, airline requirements come from the airline, and travel use of a crate depends on the crate’s own manual and your vehicle manual. Questions about crate training and how long a dog may be crated belong with your vet or a qualified trainer. We list no prices.
Frequently asked questions
Which type of dog crate is best?
It depends on the use. Wire suits home and growing puppies, plastic suits an enclosed space or travel and soft-sided suits light use with a calm dog.
How do I choose the right crate size?
Use the maker’s size chart and your dog’s measurements, and check interior dimensions. The crate generally needs room for the dog to stand, turn around and lie down, and a divider can limit space for a puppy.
Do I need a divider panel?
It is useful for a puppy that will outgrow a crate, since you can shrink the usable space and move the divider as the dog grows. Check whether the model includes one.
Can I use a soft-sided crate for a chewer?
Usually not. Soft-sided crates depend on fabric and zippers, which a dog that chews or scratches can damage. Read the maker’s guidance on use.
Is a crate safe in the car?
Not automatically. Check the crate’s manual and your vehicle manual on how, and whether, it can be secured, and ask for the test report if a seller claims crash testing.