Walk into a pet shop and you will find three broad kinds of dog crate: wire, plastic and soft-sided. They look different, cost different amounts and suit different jobs. The best choice depends less on which is “better” and more on what you want the crate to do: house a puppy at home, travel in a car, go on holiday or be folded away in a cupboard. This guide compares the three on the features that matter, gives a decision table and suggests a sizing check to make before you pay.
The three types at a glance
| Feature | Wire | Plastic | Soft-sided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airflow | Excellent | Good, depends on vents | Good through mesh panels |
| Visibility | Open on all sides | Limited, more den-like | Mesh windows |
| Dividers for puppies | Common | Rare | Rare |
| Strength | Sturdy, but a strong dog can bend bars | Sturdy and hard to chew through | Weak; can be torn or unzipped |
| Weight and portability | Folds flat, heavier | Bulky, splits in two | Lightest, folds flat |
| Cleaning | Removable tray; wipe down | Rinse in two parts | Fabric needs washing |
| Travel | Fine in a car if secured; check airline rules | Often chosen for travel | Fine for short, supervised use |
| Noise | Can rattle | Quiet | Quiet |
| Price | Moderate | Moderate | Varies |
None of these is the right answer for every dog. The following sections explain each in more detail.
Wire crates
Wire crates are the usual choice for a puppy at home. The open sides give airflow and let the puppy see the family, which can help it settle. Most include a divider panel, so one crate grows with the puppy, as set out in our guide to puppy crate size and dividers. Many have two doors, a removable tray and fold flat.
Weak points: the open sides offer little privacy for some dogs, which is why owners often drape a cover over part of it; very strong or determined dogs can bend or push through cheap bars; and the metal can rattle. Check that there are no sharp edges or gaps where a paw or jaw could be caught, and that latches are secure.
Plastic crates
Plastic crates are enclosed on most sides, with vents and a metal-grill door. Many dogs like the den feel, and they are quiet and easy to clean. They are a common choice for car travel and, with the right features, for flying, though airline rules differ and should be checked directly. They are bulkier to store than wire crates, although most split into top and bottom halves.
Weak points: less airflow and visibility than wire; few have dividers, so for a growing puppy you may need more than one crate; and in warm weather they can get hot if poorly ventilated.
Soft-sided crates
Soft crates are light and easy to carry, with fabric walls and mesh panels. They suit calm, small dogs on short trips, for example to a friend’s house or an event, and they fold away. They are not for chewers, diggers or dogs that panic, since fabric and zips can be torn and swallowed. Because they are not rigid, they give less protection in a vehicle collision.
Matching the crate to the dog
| Situation | Often a good fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growing puppy at home | Wire with divider | Resizes as the puppy grows |
| Dog that likes a den | Plastic, or wire with a cover | Enclosed, quiet |
| Frequent car travel | Plastic or a secured wire crate | Sturdy; check the maker’s guidance |
| Air travel | A crate that meets the airline’s rules | Check requirements with the airline |
| Small calm dog, short trips | Soft-sided | Light and portable |
| Chewer or escape artist | Heavy-duty wire or plastic; ask a trainer | Strength |
| Multi-purpose, shared space | Wire with a cover | Flexible |
These are starting points, not rules, and your own dog’s temperament matters more than the category.
Sizing before you buy
Whatever type you choose, the size needs to be right. Measure your dog’s length from nose to the base of the tail, and its standing height from the floor to the top of the head or the tips of upright ears. Add 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) to each and compare with the crate’s inside measurements, not the outside or the “size label”. Brands do not use the same labels for small, medium and large, so measure. Our dog crate size chart and the Dog Crate Size Calculator do the arithmetic, and the Pet Measurement Converter switches between centimetres and inches.
A worked example: a dog is 80 cm long and 60 cm tall. Add 10 cm to each: 90 cm by 70 cm minimum inside. A crate with inside dimensions of 91 by 61 cm fails on height; one of 93 by 71 cm passes. The label on both might say “large”, which is why measuring matters.
Safety checks for any crate
- Ventilation. Air must flow freely, especially in warm weather and cars.
- Latches. Doors should close securely and not be openable from the inside.
- Edges. No sharp metal, cracked plastic or loose threads.
- Floor. A solid, non-slip floor with a bed for comfort.
- Stability. The crate should not tip when the dog moves.
- Wear. Replace or repair damaged parts.
For car travel, secure the crate so it cannot slide or tip, and follow the maker’s instructions. Our harness-versus-crate discussion in harness vs collar covers walking gear.
Cost and value
Prices vary by size, brand and features, and you should compare what is included: divider, tray, number of doors, warranty. A cheap crate that is replaced after a year can cost more than a sturdier one. If you are planning a puppy’s first year, include a crate in the one-off costs of the Cost of Owning a Dog Calculator and read puppy first-year costs for a checklist. A second-hand wire crate in good condition can save money, provided you clean it well and check it is sound.
Cleaning and care
Wipe wire crates and trays with a pet-safe cleaner and let them dry. Rinse plastic crates and check the vents. Wash soft crates according to the label. Wash bedding regularly. Check hinges and latches from time to time, and discard anything damaged.
Common mistakes
- Choosing by label size instead of measuring.
- Buying a soft crate for a chewer.
- Using a crate that is too big for a young puppy.
- Forgetting ventilation for car travel.
- Using a cover that blocks all airflow.
- Ignoring airline rules until the last minute.
- Not checking for sharp edges.
Questions to ask in the shop
- What are the inside measurements?
- Is a divider included, and is it secure?
- How does it fold and clean?
- What is the warranty?
- Has the design been tested for travel?
A buying checklist
Take this list to the shop or keep it open when you browse online.
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What are the inside dimensions in cm or inches? | Labels like “medium” are not standard |
| Does it include a divider, and how does it fix? | Essential for a growing puppy |
| How many doors, and which sides? | Affects placement in a room or car |
| Is the floor tray removable and easy to clean? | Accidents happen |
| How does it fold, and how heavy is it? | Storage and carrying |
| Are the edges and latches smooth and secure? | Safety |
| Is there a warranty? | Quality guide |
| What do reviews say about durability with chewers? | Real-world strength |
Where possible, see the crate in person, open and close the doors, and check how the latch feels. For online buys, check the returns policy in case the size is wrong.
Cost over time
A cheap crate that is replaced each time the puppy grows costs more than a good one with a divider. Compare the cost per year of use, not the price on the day. A wire crate with a divider that lasts the dog’s whole life may be the cheapest option. If you are planning your first-year budget, include the crate in the one-off costs of the Cost of Owning a Dog Calculator.
What happens when the dog outgrows the crate
Crates are bought for a size, and dogs change. A puppy grows into the crate over months, and a dog that gains weight can outgrow it as an adult. Check the fit every few months by measuring length and standing height again. If the dog’s measurements plus 5 to 10 cm exceed the inside size, it is time for a bigger one. Plastic crates can be passed on to a smaller dog; wire crates often fold and store flat; soft crates are cheapest to replace. A second-hand crate in good condition saves money, but clean it thoroughly and check that all parts are present and sound.
Crates for dogs with special needs
Senior dogs with stiff joints need a low entry and a thick, non-slip bed. Dogs with breathing difficulties, such as flat-faced breeds, need good airflow and a cool place, and a wire crate is often easier to ventilate than plastic. Dogs that panic in crates should not be forced; ask a trainer for alternatives such as a pen, a gated room or a bed. If your dog has a medical condition that affects movement or temperature control, ask your vet which type of crate, if any, is suitable.
A short buying summary
Before you buy, measure your dog, decide the main use, choose the type that fits, check the inside size and the divider, and read the maker’s safety advice. Keep the receipt in case the size is wrong. Then follow the training steps in our guide to how to crate train a puppy, so that the new crate becomes a place the dog likes. The best crate is the one your dog will actually use.
Final tips
Take a tape measure to the shop. Check the dog fits with the divider in place. Look at the latch, the tray and the floor. Read reviews that mention chewing, rattling and cleaning. Plan where it will go. Introduce it with treats. Replace it when it wears out. A crate is a tool for safety and rest, and the best one is the one your dog is happy to enter.
Quick summary
- Wire crates: best airflow and dividers for puppies at home.
- Plastic crates: enclosed, sturdy and common for travel.
- Soft crates: light and portable, but not for chewers or unsupervised use.
- Measure your dog and compare with the crate’s inside size, adding 5 to 10 cm.
- Check ventilation, latches, edges and stability.
- Use the Dog Crate Size Calculator before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Which type of dog crate is best for a puppy?
Wire crates with a divider suit most growing puppies, because the space can be resized. Check that the divider is secure and cannot be chewed.
Are plastic crates safer for travel?
They are enclosed and sturdy, and many are designed for travel. Check the maker's claims and any rules for the airline or vehicle you use.
Can I use a soft crate for a puppy that chews?
Usually not. Soft crates can be torn, and zips and fabric can be swallowed. Choose wire or plastic and ask a trainer.
Do wire crates need a cover?
Some dogs settle better with a cover over part of the crate. Leave ventilation, and make sure the cover cannot be pulled in.
How do I clean each type?
Wire crates have removable trays and wipe down. Plastic crates split in two and rinse. Soft crates need fabric washing following the label.
How big should the crate be?
Big enough to stand, turn and lie stretched out. Add 5 to 10 cm to the length and height and compare with the crate's inside measurements.
Is it worth buying more than one crate?
Some households keep a wire crate at home and a lighter one for travel. It depends on how you use them.
Sources
- AKC expert advice (owner guidance; practical rule of thumb)
- Manufacturer sizing guidance (general industry convention; brands differ)
Related calculators
- Dog Crate Size CalculatorFind the minimum crate size for your dog from two simple measurements.
- Pet Measurement ConverterConvert crate, collar, harness and coat measurements between centimetres and inches.
- Cost of Owning a Dog CalculatorAdd up the one-off and monthly costs of a dog to see the first-year, yearly and lifetime cost.
Keep reading
- Dog Crate Size Chart: Measure, Don't GuessA dog crate size chart built from your dog's own measurements: nose-to-tail length and standing height, with 5 and 10 cm allowances in centimetres and inches.
- Puppy Crate Size: Buy Once With a DividerHow to choose a puppy crate: buy for adult size, use a divider to shrink the space, a divider-position chart from your puppy's growing length and when to remove it.
- What Size Crate Does My Dog Need?Measure your dog's length and height, add 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) and match the result to the crate maker's inside measurements. Includes examples and puppy tips.
- Where to Put a Dog Crate at Home: A ChecklistWhere to place a dog crate: best rooms, spots to avoid, a comfort and safety checklist, how placement changes with age and a quick floor-plan method.