Best wire dog crate for everyday use and travel

Crate training is an important exercise, especially if you have to leave your dog alone at home. In most cases, a dog crate caters well to the canine’s natural instincts and is particularly useful for housebreaking, home-alone pets and traveling.  A dog crate can help in providing a safe, secluded and comfortable habitat to your pet and help in handling some behavioral issues.

There are different types of dog crates, each type with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will look at one such type of dog crate – the wire dog crates. Wire dog crates are strong, better ventilated than plastic dog crates and most of them are portable enough to be set up and taken down quickly.

So, which are the best wire dog crates available in the market?

In this article, we will look at answering exactly the same question and share some of the best wire dog crates available in the market. We will look at both the portable wire dog crates and heavy-duty metal dog crates which can also be used as kennels. We will see how these metal dog crates can be helpful for your Fido and also list the factors to consider before picking the best wire dog crate for everyday use or travel.

Also, check out our article on the best plastic dog crates if you are looking for something more portable that works for air travel as well.

Best wire dog crate list

Picture	Product	Size
	MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Wire Dog Crate	XXS: 18" x 12" x 14" XS: 22" x 13" x 16" S: 24" x 18" x 19" M: 30" x 19" x 21" L: 36" x 23" x 25" XL: 42" x 30" x 28" XXL: 48" x 30" x 33" Single/Double Door	Check Price Chewy Price
	Guardian Gear ProSelect Empire Dog Cage	M: 36” X 24” X 25” L: 41” x 28” x 32” Single Door	Check Price Chewy Price
	AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate	XS: 22” x 13” x 16” S: 24" x 18" x 20" M: 30" x 19" x 21" L: 36" x 23" x 25" XL: 42" x 28" x 30" XXL: 48" x 30" x 33" Single/Double Door	Check Price
	New World Folding Wire Dog Crate	S: 24" x 18" x 19" M: 30" x 19" x 21" L: 36" x 23" x 25" XL: 42" x 30" x 28" XXL: 48" x 30" x 33" Single/Double Door	Check Price
	OxGord Paws & Pals Folding Wire Dog Crate	XS: 20" x 13" x 16" S: 24" x 17" x 19" M: 30" x 18" x 20" L: 36" x 22" x 25" XL: 42" x 27" x 30" XXL: 48" x 27" x 30" Double Door	Check Price Chewy Price
	MidWest Life Stages Folding Wire Dog Crate	XS: 22" x 13" x 16" S: 24" x 18" x 21" M: 30" x 21" x 24" L: 36" x 24" x 27" XL: 42" x 28" x 31" XXL: 48" x 30" x 33" Single/Double Door	Check Price Chewy Price
	Petmate ProValu Wire Dog Crate	XS: 19" x 12" x 14" S: 24" x 18" x 19" M: 30" x 19" x 21" I: 36" x 23" x 25" L: 42" x 28" x 30" XL: 48" x 30" x 32" Double Door	Check Price Chewy Price
	SMONTER Heavy-Duty Metal Dog Cage	M: 38” X 26” X 32” L: 42” X 31” X 37” XL: 46” X 32” X 39” Single/Double Door	Check Price Chewy Price
	Grain Valley Impact Collapsible Dog Crate	M: 30” X 19” X 22” L: 35” X 25” X 29” XL: 41” X 25” X 29” Single Door, Collapsible	Check Price
	LUCKUP Heavy Duty Dog Cage	M: 38” X 26” X 32” L: 42” X 31” X 37” XL: 48” X 29” X 51” Double Door	Check Price
	Haige Your Pet Nanny Heavy-Duty Metal Dog Crate	M: 38” X 26” X 32” L: 42” X 31” X 37” Single/Double Door With or Without Roof	Check Price

** The size mentioned above are based on exterior dimensions. Interior dimensions would be about 1-3 inches less. Check the product details for exact interior dimensions.

What is a wire dog crate and why do you need one?

Wire dog crates are specially designed hard-case dog kennels made of steel (stainless steel or nickel-chromium coated) or any other metallic wire/slats. The wire dog crates are one of the many canine containment products that include plastic dog crates, soft-case dog carriers and outdoor dog kennels. Wire dog crates are also sometimes referred to as “metal dog crates”, “metal dog cages” or “metal dog kennels” based on their design and purpose.

Wire dog crates can be lightweight with thin metal wires and gates or heavy-duty with solid metal frame and security gates. Lightweight wire dog crates are more portable and can be folded flat and easily transported. They also have removable crate pans and dividers to adjust the crate size.

Heavy-duty metal dog crates work well as household cages or kennels. Most of the heavy-duty metal dog cages also have locking caster wheels to move them around the house.

Like other such products, wire dog crates cater well to the natural instincts of canines as their primitive natural habitat was essentially dens. These metal dog crates provide a safe and secure private space to the pet and can be useful in housebreaking, daily confinement, traveling and handling behavioral issues in pets.

Wire dog crates are different from the standard plastic dog crates in many ways mainly because of their design. Wire dog crates are open from all sides and offer less privacy to the pet and provide better ventilation than the plastic dog crates cages. This means that such crates do not trap odors and need less frequent cleaning and maintenance when compared to plastic dog crates. However, they are less escape-proof, and a Houdini dog can learn to get out of them. Moreover, most airlines no longer allow using metal dog crates for air travel.

To summarize, the major pros and cons of metal dog crates over other types of dog crates, especially plastic dog crates, are listed below:

To summarize. wire dog crates serve a distinctive purpose and can be extremely useful in house-breaking, traveling and handling some behavioral issues such as aggression and begging in dogs.

In the next sections, we will look at some of the best wire dog crates available in the market and buying advice on how to pick the best metal dog crate for your pooch.

Which are the best wire dog crates for everyday use and travel?

MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Metal Dog Crate – Best wire dog crate

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 Material: Stainless steel wire frame with a rust-resistant, durable satin-black electro-coat finish.
Design: Single or Double Door – front and side. Single heavy-duty slide-bolt latches per door. Foldable, Suitcase-style.
Size:

• XXS: 18″ x 12″ x 14″
• XS: 22″ x 13″ x 16″
• S: 24″ x 18″ x 19″
• M: 30″ x 19″ x 21″
• L: 36″ x 23″ x 25″
• XL: 42″ x 30″ x 28″
• XXL: 48″ x 30″ x 33″

Price: $ to $$ depending upon the size.
Features:

• Best-selling wire dog crate with stainless steel wire frame having a durable satin-black electro-coat finish. Made in China under MidWest Pets quality control restrictions.
• Available in single or double door design – front and side. The doors are hinged at four-six places for stability and are easily removable if desired.
• Has a single heavy-duty slide-bolt latch per door. The latch minimizes escape but is not escape proof as it is accessible from inside the crate.
• Features an approximately 1.4-inch of space between wire bars with patented rounded corner clips that greatly reduce possible sharp-points.
• Easy to assemble and disassemble without tools and comes semi-assembled. Collapsible to a 2-inch high suit-case style carrying size. The frame comes with easy-to-attach plastic handles for convenient transportation.
• Comes with a divider panel, durable plastic dog tray, carrying handle, roller feet to protect floors and an instruction manual. The dog tray is removable for cleaning and is replaceable if damaged.
• Available in seven sizes, three colors and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty. The manufacturer also offers an award-winning customer support service.
• Also available in pink Midwest iCrate color combination.

Details:

If you are looking for a portable dog crate that you can use at home, in your backyard or travel, then look no further than the best-selling MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Metal Dog Crate. The iCrate wire dog cage has been one of the most popular portable wire dog cages in the market and is suitable for pets of almost all ages and sizes – from 10 lbs. up to 120 lbs.

The best-selling MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Metal Dog Crate features a stainless steel frame with hollow steel tubes coated with a durable satin-black (or blue or pink) electro-coat finish. The coating is fully scratch-proof and rust-resistant. Like the other MidWest dog crates, the iCrate is made in China under strict quality control measures. All the materials used in manufacturing are non-toxic. The crate is extremely easy to assemble and disassemble without tools and comes semi-assembled. It is fully collapsible to a 2-inch high suit-case style carrying size. Furthermore, the crate comes with two easy-to-attach plastic handles for convenient transportation.

The iCrate metal dog crate is available in both single and double door designs. The doors are hinged at four to six places for stability and security and are removable if desired. The crate features an approximately 1.4-inches of space between wire bars with patented rounded corner clips that greatly reduce possible sharp-points. Each crate door has a single heavy-duty slide-bolt latch made of stainless steel. The latch does minimize escape but is not totally escape proof as the latch is accessible from inside the crate. In terms of overall weight, the iCrate is pretty lightweight and has roller feet to provide some clearance over the floor.

The iCrate comes with a divider panel that you can use to adjust the crate width as per your pet’s preference. It also includes a durable plastic dog tray, carrying handle, roller feet to protect floors and an instruction manual. The plastic crate tray is leak-proof to prevent any accidents from soiling the surface below and is easy to clean.

One of the best things about the MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Metal Dog Crate is that it is available in seven sizes and three colors, including the vibrant blue and pink color for small crate models. The manufacturer also offers all the accessories and replacement parts, well supported by a one-year warranty and award-winning customer support service. And it is not very costly – the costliest model is only a tad over 100 dollars.

Guardian Gear ProSelect Empire Dog Cage – Best heavy-duty metal dog cage

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 Material: Heavy-duty metal dog cage with a 20-gauge steel frame and 0.5” steel slats with multi-layer, rust-resistant hammer-tone coating. Stainless steel door latch and rivets.
Design: Single door with two latch locks. Rotating, lockable TPR and electro-plated caster wheels. Does not fold without disassembly. Virtually escape Proof.
Size:

• M: 36” X 24” X 25”
• L: 41” x 28” x 32”

Price: $$$.
Features:

• Best-selling metal dog cage made of 20-gauge super-strong epoxy-finished steel with 0.5” hollow steel tubes. The crate is coated with multiple layers of hammer-tone coating for rust-protection.
• Virtually escape-proof with two latch locks in the door. The latch locks are inaccessible from the inside and have double-latch locking.
• Equipped with four TPR and electro-plated caster wheels for easy movement around the house. All the four wheels are lockable to prevent accidental movement.
• There is approximately 1.75-inches of space between slats (0.8-inch on the bottom) with rounded corners and surfaces to prevent any injury.
• Comes with a removable 25-gauge steel crate pan that can be attached below the bottom grate. Easy to remove and clean.
• Available in two sizes and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty.

Details:

PetEdge has been an established pet gear manufacturer and their ProSelect range of pet products are quite popular in the market for hard and soft-case pet crates, cages and carriers. Their ProSelect Empire Dog Cage is probably one of the most popular metal dog crates in the market and there is a good reason for that.

The Guardian Gear ProSelect Empire Dog Cage features a heavy-duty metal dog cage made of 20-gauge steel frame with 0.50-inch steel slats coated with a rust-resistant hammer-tone coating for superior weather and water protection. The latest models have triple-welded stress points to provide extra durability and protection against wear and tear.

There is approximately 1.75-inches of space between slats (0.8-inch on the bottom grate) with rounded corners and surfaces to prevent any injury to the pet. A bigger spacing between bars means that the cage is only suitable for medium to large dog breeds such as Retrievers, Hounds, Labs and Pitbulls.

The ProSelect Empire Dog Cage has a single swing-open door that is hinged at two places. The cage is virtually escape-proof with two latch locks on the door. Each latch lock is made of 8mm. thick powder-coated stainless steel. These locks are not easily accessible from the inside and only an extremely determined, Houdini dog can open the latches from inside.

The Guardian Gear ProSelect Empire Dog Cage has a heavy-duty construction and weighs well over 75 lbs. (100 lbs. for Large). So, to allow you to move the cage easily, the crate is equipped with four TPR and electro-plated caster wheels. All the four wheels are lockable to prevent accidental movement.

One of the best features of the ProSelect Empire Dog Cage is the all-metal crate pan. The crate floor tray is made of 25 gauge, 0.5mm thick black powder-coated steel. It is extremely easy to remove and clean.

The Guardian Gear (now PetEdge) ProSelect Empire Dog Cage is available in two sizes and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty.

AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate – Value pick for the best wire dog crate

Material: Stainless steel wire frame with a rust-resistant, electro-coat paint.
Design: Single or Double Door – front and side. Two heavy-duty slide-bolt latches per door. Foldable, Suitcase-style.
Size:

• XS: 22” x 13” x 16”
• S: 24″ x 18″ x 20″
• M: 30″ x 19″ x 21″
• L: 36″ x 23″ x 25″
• XL: 42″ x 28″ x 30″
• XXL: 48″ x 30″ x 33″

Price: $.
Features:

• Value-for-money, decent quality metal dog crate with stainless steel wire frame having a rust-resistant paint. Made in China under AmazonBasics quality control measures.
• Comes in single or double door design – front and side. The doors are hinged at four-six places for stability and easily removable if desired.
• Has two slide-bolt latches per door. The latches minimize escape but are not escape proof for an active dog.
• Feature an approximately 1.5-inch of space between wire bars with rounded corners and surfaces to prevent any pet injury.
• Easy to assemble and disassemble without tools. Collapsible to a 2-inch high suit-case style carrying size. The frame secures shut and a metal-loop side handle makes transportation easy.
• Comes included with a divider panel and removable composite plastic pan, along with an instruction manual.
• Available in six sizes and backed by a one-year AmazonBasics warranty.
• Competitively priced at under 75 dollars for the biggest model.

Details:

If you are looking for a cheap value-for-money wire dog crate for household or travel and are not too worried about the dog trying to escape from it, then the AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate is the best option to consider. Priced well under 75 dollars (for the biggest 48″ model), this metal dog crate offers excellent a return on investment.

The AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate is made of high-quality stainless steel wire frame coated with a rust-resistant paint for water and weather protection. The frame wires are hollow yet sturdy, keeping the weight of the crate quite manageable. The stress-points are double, and triple welded for extra durability. The crate is made in China under the AmazonBasics quality control restrictions and manufacturing processes. The crate is available in both single and double door options.

The AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate is extremely easy to assemble and disassemble without tools. It comes semi-assembled with detailed instructions on how to configure the crate properly. Its folding suitcase-style design means that the frame folds securely to a small 2-inch high carrying size. A metal-loop side handle makes the transportation easy.

The AmazonBasics crate features two or single door options. The Double door crates have a door on the front and one on the side. The doors are hinged at four-six places for stability and durability. If you want an open crate, you can very well remove the door a little bit of effort. The crate has approximately 1.5-inches or space between wire tubes and the corners are rounded to prevent any accidental pet injury.

The crate has two slide-bolt latches per door for additional reinforcement and escape deterrence. However, since the door latches can be accessed by the dog from inside, a determined pet can unlock and escape from the crate, so you might have to apply additional reinforcements to prevent that from happening.

The AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate comes with all the necessary accessories – a divider panel that allows you to adjust the effective crate size and a removable plastic crate pan that is leak-proof and can be replaced if required. The crate is available in six sizes and suitable for dogs weighing from 15 lbs. to as much as 110 lbs. Make sure you size-up your dog before picking the right size of dog crate.

Like all other AmazonBasics pet gear, the AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate is backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty.

New World Folding Wire Dog Crate

Material: Stainless steel wire frame with black rust-resistant, electro-coat paint.
Design: Single or Double Door – front and side. Two heavy-duty slide-bolt latches per door. Foldable, Suitcase-style.
Size:

• S: 24″ x 18″ x 19″
• M: 30″ x 19″ x 21″
• L: 36″ x 23″ x 25″
• XL: 42″ x 30″ x 28″
• XXL: 48″ x 30″ x 33″

Price: $ to $$$ depending upon the size.
Features:

• Budget folding wire dog crate with stainless steel wire tubes with black rust-resistant electro-coating. Made in China.
• Available in one or two door design – front and side, with two slide-bolt latches per door.
• Features standard latch door locks that can restrict escape but are not escape proof.
• There is approximately 1.5-inch of space between wire bars with rounded corners and surfaces to prevent any pet injury.
• Easy to assemble and disassemble without tools. Collapsible to a 2-inch high carrying size.
• Comes with a plastic crate pan and instruction manual. A divider panel is NOT included.
• Available in six sizes, single or double door design and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty.

OxGord Paws & Pals Folding Wire Dog Crate

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Material: Stainless steel wire frame with black rust-resistant, electro-coat paint.
Design: Double door design (except for XSmall) – front and side. Single latch lock per door. Folds flat for transportation.
Size:

• XS: 20″ x 13″ x 16″; Single door no divider.
• S: 24″ x 17″ x 19″
• M: 30″ x 18″ x 20″
• L: 36″ x 22″ x 25″
• XL: 42″ x 27″ x 30″
• XXL: 48″ x 27″ x 30″

Price: $.
Features:

• Lightweight wire dog crate with a stainless steel wire construction. Coated with black rust-resistant electro-coat paint. Made in China.
• The crate offers two doors – one in front and one on the side (top door for XSmall model). A divider panel provides control over the crate size as the puppy grows.
• Features standard latch door locks that are not escape proof. There is approximately 1.5-inch of space between wire bars with rounded corners and surfaces to prevent any pet injury.
• Comes with a divider panel, durable plastic dog tray, carrying handle, and an instruction manual. The dog tray is removable for cleaning and replaceable.
• Comes semi-assembled and easy to assemble. Collapsible to 2-inch suitcase size with a carrying handle.
• Available in six sizes and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty.

MidWest Life Stages Folding Wire Dog Crate

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Material: Heavy-gauge stainless steel wire with black rust-resistant paint and rubberized e-coating.
Design: Single or Double Door – front and side. 5-point door latches with double latch lock per door. Folds flat for transportation.
Size:

• XS: 22″ x 13″ x 16″
• S: 24″ x 18″ x 21″
• M: 30″ x 21″ x 24″
• L: 36″ x 24″ x 27″
• XL: 42″ x 28″ x 31″
• XXL: 48″ x 30″ x 33″

Price: $ to $$ depending upon the size.
Features:

• An alternative to the iCrate wire dog crate. Made of heavy-gauge steel frame having rust-resistant coating. Heavier gauge steel and tighter wire mesh than the iCrate.
• Equipped with multi-latch locking system with one slide-bolt latch for each door. Patented rounded corner clips greatly reduce possible sharp-points.
• The crate offers two doors – one in front and one on the side. A divider panel provides control over the crate size as the puppy grows.
• Easy to assemble and disassemble. Collapsible to 3-inch high carrying size.
• Comes with a divider panel, durable plastic dog tray, carrying handle, roller feet to protect floors and an instruction manual. The dog tray is removable for cleaning and is replaceable if damaged.
• Available in six sizes and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty.

Petmate ProValu Wire Dog Crate

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Material: Heavy-gauge stainless steel wire with black rust-resistant e-coating.
Design: Double door design – front and side (top for XSmall). 5-point door latches with single latch lock per door. Folds flat for transportation.
Size:

• XS: 19″ x 12″ x 14″
• S: 24″ x 18″ x 19″
• M: 30″ x 19″ x 21″
• I: 36″ x 23″ x 25″
• L: 42″ x 28″ x 30″
• XL: 48″ x 30″ x 32″

Price: $ to $$ depending upon the size.
Features:

• Popular, mid-range wire dog crate with heavy-gauge stainless steel frame having rust-resistant black e-coat finish. Made in China.
• Equipped with 5-point precision lock system with one door lock for each door to keep the crate secures at 5 locations.
• The crate offers two doors – one in front and one on the side (top door for XSmall model). A divider panel provides control over the crate size as the puppy grows.
• There is approximately 1.5-inch of space between wire bars with rounded corners and surfaces to prevent any injury.
• Suit-case style design that folds to only 2-inches for easy transportation.
• Comes with a break-resistant polypropylene plastic crate pan, divider panel and instruction manual. The pan is removable for cleaning and replaceable.
• Available in six sizes and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty.

SMONTER Heavy-Duty Metal Dog Cage

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Material: Heavy-duty steel frame with 0.5” hollow steel slats with multi-layer rust-resistant coating.
Design: Single or Double door, with rotating, lockable caster wheels. I- or Y-shaped latch. Does not fold without disassembly.
Size:

• M: 38” X 26” X 32”
• L: 42” X 31” X 37”
• XL: 46” X 32” X 39”

Price: $$ to $$$ depending upon the size.
Features:

• Heavy-duty metal dog cage with a 0.75-inch metal frame reinforced with 0.5″ hollow steel slats. Coated with a rust-resistant hammer-tone coating.
• There is approximately 1.6-inches of space between slats (0.75-inch on the bottom) with rounded corners and surfaces to prevent any injury.
• Equipped with four rotating caster wheels for easy movement around the house. Two wheels have locks to prevent accidental movement and keep your cage securely in place.
• Latest design features bolt or Y-latches to prevent easy escape, but not totally escape proof. Use a plastic tie-down for better security.
• Comes with two plastic tray pans that can be removed and cleaned.
• Available in three sizes and multiple colors – black, silver and brown. Backed by a three-year manufacturer warranty.

Impact Collapsible Aluminum Dog Crate

Material: Powder-coated .063 aluminum body with stainless steel latches and rivets. Rust-resistant paint and coating.
Design: Single door, collapsible to an 8-inch high case. Totally Escape-proof.
Size:

• M: 30” X 19” X 22”
• L: 35” X 25” X 29”
• XL: 41” X 25” X 29”

Price: $$$$$.
Features:

• High-end, uniquely-designed metal dog crate with a rust-resistant aluminum frame and marine-grade stainless steel latches and rivets. Made in the US and 100% dog-friendly manufacturing.
• The all-aluminum crate is designed to conveniently collapse to less than 8-inch high carrying size. Equipped with spring-loaded handles for easy transportation.
• Best-in-class full-length piano hinges and security latch that is totally escape-proof. The lock is not exposed to the pet from inside the crate. No door lock is necessary.
• Designed like a plastic dog crate with 360-degree ventilation but limited exposure to help reduce separation anxiety. Suitable for pets weighing from 25 lbs. to 100 lbs.
• Available in tan color and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. More colors and door options are available directly from the manufacturer.
• Costly at over 600 dollars but designed like a Rolls Royce of dog crates. Design updated to be IATA compliant, but check before flying.

LUCKUP Heavy-Duty Metal Dog Crate

Material: Galvanized steel frame with 0.80” square steel tubes having rust-resistant coating.  Stainless steel lock and rivets.
Design: Double door – front and top (48″ comes with a spire triangle roof). 4 lockable caster wheels.
Size:

• M: 38” X 26” X 32”
• L: 42” X 31” X 37”
• XL: 48” X 29” X 51”

Price: $$$.
Features:

• Heavy-duty metal dog cage with a 0.80-inch galvanized steel frame with rust and corrosion-resistant coating. Made in China.
• Improved design comes with a patented, stainless steel locking mechanism with three solid metal lock on front door.
• There is approximately 2.0-inches of space between slats (1″ at the bottom) with rounded corners to prevent any injury.
• Equipped with four rotating caster wheels for easy movement around the house. The wheels are lockable to prevent accidental movement.
• Features a floor grate and a removable black plastic pan for easy cleanup.
• Available in three sizes and two colors – black and gray. Backed by a three-year manufacturer warranty.

Haige Your Pet Nanny Heavy-Duty Metal Dog Crate

Material: Galvanized steel frame with 0.79” square steel tubes having rust-resistant coating.  Stainless steel lock and rivets.
Design: Single or Double door with or without the roof. Foldable. 4 lockable caster wheels.
Size:

• M: 38” X 26” X 32”
• L: 42” X 31” X 37”

Price: $$$.
Features:

• Heavy-duty metal dog cage with a 0.79-inch galvanized steel frame, coated with a rust-resistant hammer-tone coating. Made in China.
• Improved design comes with a patented, stainless steel locking mechanism with 2 slide-bolt latches.
• There is approximately 2.4-inches of space between slats (0.8-inch on the bottom) with rounded corners to prevent any injury.
• Equipped with four rotating caster wheels for easy movement around the house. The wheels are lockable to prevent accidental movement.
• Features a floor grate and a removable metal pan for easy cleanup.
• Available in three sizes, with or without the roof and multiple colors. Backed by a one to three-year manufacturer warranty.

Best wire dog crates for extra large and extra tall dogs

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Most of the options that we listed above have a crate height of 30″-32″. So if you have a ginormous dog like a Great Dane and looking for a wire dog crate for such a pet, then you have the following popular options to check out:

• MidWest Homes for Pets XXL Giant Dog Crate: Best-selling wire dog crate for extra large pets. Overall dimensions of 54″x37″x45″ and available in a two-door design.
• Neocraft Companion Pet Kennel: Gazebo-style dog kennel with a fabric cover. Available in two sizes – 4.4-feet and 5.5 feet with or without the carrying tote.
• Haige Your Pet Nanny Pet Crate with Roof: The roof-type variant of the heavy-duty Haige Pet Nanny dog crate. The hut-shaped roof provides a lot more standing space to the dog. The roof has an additional gate with lock.

You could also consider getting the biggest dog crate and then not assembling the top panel to use it as a restricting pet pen.

How to pick the best wire dog crate for travel and everyday use?

For proper crate training and everyday use, you need a wire dog crate that is durable, reliable and reasonably escape proof. But with so many different options available in the market, including different models from the same manufacturer, picking the best wire dog crate can be a challenging task.

Before picking the best metal dog crate for your pooch, you need to look at the following major factors:

• Construction material
• Crate design
• Crate locking and security features
• Crate Size
• Cleaning and Maintenance
• Additional Factors and Considerations

Construction material

You should also look at the manufacturing material of the dog crate to ascertain its build quality and durability. After all you must be looking for a metal dog crates that are durable, reliable and portable.

The wire dog crates are generally made of hollow steel tubes with additional welding at stress points and metal frames. The steel tubes or slats are coated with a rust-resistant paint. The best wire dog crates have multiple layers of rust-resistant electro-pain coating, making them more durable and weather-proof. The rivets, door-hinges and latch locks are generally made of stainless steel, while the crate pan is made of leak-proof poly-plastic. Among suitcase-style portable wire dog crates, our top pick – the MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Metal Dog Crate and its heavier counterpart, the MidWest Life Stages Folding Wire Dog Crate are probably the best built. These and most other options also include a metal divider panel to allow adjustment of the crate size as the puppy grows.

When it comes to heavy-duty metal dog cages, they generally have a 15-20-gauge steel frame with 0.5-0.75-inch hollow steel slats and stainless steel rivets, latches and hinges. The crate floor is grated to provide additional ventilation if required. Some crates come with metal or plastic pans to attach to the bottom of the crate to collect any crate waste. The only exception to this is the high-end Grain Valley Impact Collapsible Dog Crate, which features a collapsible aluminum body.

Because metal dog crates are heavy (in excess of 50 lbs.), most of them come with rotating, steel-coated caster wheels to move them around the house if desired. These wheels are removable and lockable – the best crates have all four wheels lockable, while others only have two wheels lockable. In terms of the construction quality, the Guardian Gear ProSelect Empire Dog Cage is probably the best built, except for of course, the Impact Collapsible Dog Crate.

Check the construction material of the crate frame, wires, doors and other additional parts before picking the best wire dog crate or metal dog cage for your pet.

Crate design

In addition to a sturdy build and proper size, there are quite a few design features that can make a specific wire dog crate a better choice over other models.

An important design feature that you will have to think about is the number of doors – single or double that you should opt for. Double door crates are generally easy to clean and maintain, however they provide another escape route to the pet that you would have to secure. Still, our recommendation would be to go with a double door wire dog crate, especially if you have a medium to large dog, which is not aggressive enough to look for a way out of the crate. For large metal dog crates, you can easily opt for a single door crate as the bottom of the crate also provides additional ventilation and air circulation.

As discussed above, metal dog crates are open from all sides. So, you would also need to ensure that the bars or tubes are rounded off and the distance between the wires is not big enough for the pet to hurt its snout by scratching it against the openings. You may also have to get a crate cover to discourage this behavior.

Finally, if you are going to use a wire dog crate for travel as well, you would need a model that is collapsible and easy to assemble and disassemble without using tools. We found our top pick – the MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Metal Dog Crate as having the best collapsing design as it is extremely easy to collapse and expand.

Keep these design features in mind before picking the best wire dog crate or cage for your pet.

Crate locking and security features

Closely related with the standard crate design features are the crate locking and security features including the design and placement of crate locks. After all you would not want to get a dog crate that cannot confine the pet within the crate.

Most of the options that we listed use heavy-duty slide latch locks. The general rule of thumb is more the number of locks the more difficult it would be for the pet to get out. So, a crate with two latch locks per door is a better choice than a crate with a single latch lock especially for a dog which is determined to get out of the crate. Moreover, a Y-shaped latch lock is always better than a I-shaped lock, a design still followed in most of the dog crates.  Of all the options that we listed, only the Impact Collapsible Aluminum Dog Crate can be considered as a truly escape-proof crate, though a few models do offer a decent resistance for the dog to open the crate.

If you have a crate which has a lock that is accessible from the inside of the crate, then you may want to get an additional cycle lock for better security.

Check the crate locking and security features before zeroing in on the best metal dog crate for your beloved pooch.

Crate Size

Once you have zeroed in on a specific model, it is important that you pick the dog crate of the right size. Most of the options that we listed are available in multiple sizes, so you can pick one as per your dog’s breed, measured size and weight.

In order to pick the right size of crate, you would need to measure the length and height of your pet. Based on your pet’s length and height, you would need to add 4-6 inches of additional space to give enough wriggle room to the pet. Most manufacturers provide their own sizing charts like the one below, to help you pick the best wire dog crate size. It is important to remember that the interior dimensions of the crate would be at least a couple of inches less than the advertised exterior dimensions.

Always measure up your pet and pick the crate of the most appropriate size. When in doubt, pick a crate that is one size up. You can also check the following small video on how to find the right crate size for your beloved pet.

Cleaning and maintenance

To prevent any soiling or odor build-up due to an “accident”, you would need to clean the dog crate from time to time. While you can spray clean any dog crate and clean the removable plastic crate pan, for thorough cleaning you would need to disassemble the crate. Therefore, it is important to pick an option that is easy to disassemble, clean and put together, especially if you are going to have the dog crate for everyday use.

While almost all the options we listed are easy to assemble and disassemble with a little skill, some models do offer tool-free assembly. Our top picks – the MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Metal Dog Crate and AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate are two such lightweight wire dog crates. Assembling or disassembling a metal dog crate may be slightly more difficult; Still, the Guardian Gear ProSelect Empire Dog Cage is still pretty easy to assemble again after cleanup.

Based on your preferences, pick a wire or metal dog crate that is easy to assemble/disassemble, clean and maintain and has a removable plastic tray or pan.

Additional factors and miscellaneous considerations

In addition to the major factors discussed above, there are some other miscellaneous considerations that can make a particular wire or metal dog crate a better choice over other products.

One such consideration is the accessories, if any, that come with the crate. All the wire dog crates, except the New World Folding Wire Dog Crate, come with a divider panel to allow you to resize the crate as the pet grows. While it should not be a deal-breaker, check out the additional accessories included with the crate before picking the best wire dog crate for your needs. Heavy-duty metal dog crates do not come with a divider and you will have to invest in one separately if required.

Closely related to the included accessories is the availability of replacement parts. Since metal dog crates have a longer lifetime, availability of replacement plastic trays, dividers and covers is an important factor to look out for before picking the best option.

Another additional factor is the color combination in which the crate is available.  While it does not affect the usability in any way, some of the options that we listed are available in multiple color combinations, so you can pick one as per your preference.  Among heavy-duty metal dog cages, the SMONTER Heavy-Duty Metal Dog Cage scores big in this category as it is available in over three color combinations. Among lightweight wire dog crates, he best-selling MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Metal Dog Crate is available in blue and pink color combinations (only for small dog crates)

Finally, one of the most important additional consideration is the warranty and post-purchase customer service support offered on the crate by the manufacturer.  While there is nothing like an indestructible wire dog crate, the longer the warranty period, the more durable the dog crate would be.  Most travel dog crates that we listed are backed by excellent post-purchase support and warranties ranging from one year to a lifetime, so you can use such products for a long time without worrying about their durability. Just make sure you make your purchase only from authorized re-sellers and register your product after purchasing if required.

You can look at all these additional factors before finalizing the best wire dog crate or cage for your needs.

Wire dog crate covers and trays

Buy It on Chewy

With respect to crate trays, most manufacturers offer their own dog crate trays and replacement parts, so you are better off picking those instead of picking other options from the open market.

Crate covers are an important accessory to get with wire dog crates. Since such crates are almost open from all sides, crate covers can help in more than one way. They can help in calming the pets and reducing separation anxiety. Crate covers also help in maintaining temperatures within the crates by limiting the ventilation and air circulation.

Some of the best metal dog crate covers to consider are listed below. Make sure you pick one of the right size:

• Midwest Homes Crate Cover: Best-selling wire dog crate cover. Available in three colors and six sizes.
• Petsfit Polyester Crate Cover for Wire Crates: Another popular crate cover designed for single and double door crates. Available in multiple sizes and colors.
• Molly Mutt Dog Crate Cover: Premium, 100% breathable cotton crate cover with Zippered sides. Available in over 10 color combinations and five sizes.

Accessories for wire dog crates

In addition to the crate covers and trays, crate beds and water and food bowls are generally the most common accessories you would need with wire or metal dog crates.

If you are looking for budget dog crate beds, you can consider the following best-selling options:

• MidWest Deluxe Bolster Pet Bed
• Slumber Pet Sherpa Crate Beds
• AmazonBasics Padded Pet Bolster Bed

For crate food and water bowls, you can consider the following options. These bowls have smart attachments that can allow the bowl to be securely attached to the crate door.

• Petmate Double Diner Kennel Bowl
• Guardians Dog or Cat Crate Bowl Kit
• Snap’y Fit Stainless Steel Dog Crate Bowl

You would also need to consider getting a few dog potty pads, especially if you have a long trip. Check out our article on the best puppy and dog training pads for some of the best options available in the market.

Things to remember while using wire dog crates

As discussed above, wire dog crates are a useful pet containment product that can be useful in housebreaking a puppy or re-homing an adopted dog or traveling with the pet. However, improving your chances of success with metal dog crates is something that would require some tact and effort.

While covering all the information and advice on crate training and traveling with crates is beyond the scope of this article, there are a few tips you can follow. For some more detailed information and tips and tricks, you can check out some additional resources in our article on the best dog training guides. You would find The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller especially useful.

• Do consider crate training your pet, especially if you have a multi-pet household. Most dog trainers, vets and behaviorists recommend that every pet owner must at least consider crate training for their pets. The earlier you start the better and easier it would be (but not before 6-8 weeks).
• Irrespective of the type of crate you opt for, the size of the crate is extremely important. Always measure your dog and pick a crate that gives ample space for the dog to move around the crate. When in doubt size up. Most wire dog crates come with dividers, so it is easier to adjust the crate size available to the pet. Some of them also have two-door options available.
• While dog crates are excellent containment options, you should not leave your dog in it unattended for long hours. Dogs are active animals who need regular exercise and interaction. The general rule of thumb is to keep a dog no more than 6-8 hours at one time during the day. Keeping the dog any longer in the crate can make it depressed or inactive. For night time, leaving the dog in the crate is ok if your pet is comfortable with it.
• Before putting your dog in the crate, make sure it has done “its business” and does not hold or urinate/defecate in the crate. Most dogs would give you enough indications before getting into the crates. You can also consider using a dog training pad if required.
• Wire dog crates are easier for pets to escape from when compared to plastic dog crates. So, if you have a “Houdini pet”, consider getting a metal dog crate which provides a provision for additional latch locks.
• Before using a metal or wire dog crate as a pet container during travel, ensure that your pet is comfortable with the environment. Start 2-3 weeks before the trip and familiarize your canine with the crate, even if your dog is already crate trained.
• Modern regulations do not allow carrying metal dog crates on airlines. You should consider an IATA-approved plastic dog crate to use as airline carries. The general IATA pet container requirements are listed here.
• If you are using your wire dog crate as containment gear during car or vehicle travel, make sure you secure it with straps and tie-downs to avoid the movement during the drive. You would not want the dog to be uncomfortable in the crate and act as a distraction during driving.
• While wire dog crates require less maintenance than plastic dog crates, clean the crate regularly with running water to avoid odor build-up– at least once every 3 weeks or so.
• If the canine shows aggression or is continuously whining in the crate despite being crate trained, consult your vet. It may be a sign of a health or behavioral problem with the pet.

Final thoughts on the best wire dog crate for everyday use and travel

If you are a long-time pet owner, chances are you would have thought about getting a dog crate for your beloved pooch. Dog crates are an essential tool that can provide a secure and secluded personal space to the pet and help in addressing some behavioral issues. There are different types of dog crates, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

In this article, we looked at one such type of dog crates – the wire dog crates (or metal dog crates as they are often called). Wire dog crates help in restraining the pets when they are home-alone or during travel. We listed some of the best metal dog crates and wire dog crates available in the market and shared some useful buying advice.

We hope that you found this article useful and it would help you in picking the best wire dog crate for everyday use or travel. Please provide your feedback by commenting below or contacting us. Until next time, happy training your canine companion!

Image credits:Amazon.com