Top 10 Best Dog Crates for Small Dogs (2022)

If you own a small dog, then you know that it needs proper care. Every dog will sometimes in its life get crated. Owners crate their dogs when they take them to the veterinary or while traveling. Additionally, spending some time in a crate keeps the dog calm and makes it easier for the owner to take care of it.

Are you looking for the best dog crates for small dogs but can’t make up your mind when it comes to picking one from the many available in the market? If you are, we are here to help you find the best fit for your small dog. Ideally, dog owners should get crates that not only deliver comfort but also deliver value for money.

Can’t make up your mind yet? There’s no need to worry. This post will review ten of the best dog crates on the market.

Best Small Dog Crates

Top Picks	Rating	Weight
Diggs Revol Dog Crate	4.8	25 pounds
New World Double Door Dog Crate Kit	4.8	19.1 pounds
Life Stages LS-1624DD Double Door Folding Crate	4.7	19.8 pounds
iCrate Single Door Dog Crate	4.7	17 pounds
iCrate Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate	4.7	13.8 pounds
Petsfit Travel Pet Home Dog Crate	4.6	7.5 pounds
Petsfit Portable Soft Collapsible Dog Crate	4.6	7.1 pounds
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate	4.5	7.89 pounds
2PET Foldable Dog Crate	4.5	6.82 pounds
Zampa Pet Portable Crate	4.4	4 pounds

Top Dog Crates for Small Dogs

1. Diggs Revol Dog Crate

The top pick in this review is the Diggs Revol Dog Crate. Dog owners who travel with their pets frequently might prefer this item because it is quite travel-friendly. The crate is collapsible and easy to set up, fold, and store. Besides, it features wheels and a carrying handle, thus making it easy to transport.

The crate is made of high-grade aluminum that is durable, a steel mesh wire, and reinforced plastic. Moreover, the crate includes a ceiling hatch for easy access and a removable tray for easy cleaning. It also comes with a puppy divider. The manufacturer also factors in the dogs’ safety by designing this crate with baby industry standards.

Pros

• Made of high-quality and durable aluminum
• It is collapsible
• Includes wheels and a carry handle
• It has a ceiling hatch

Cons

• Quite expensive
• A bit bulky

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2. New World Double Door Dog Crate Kit

Brand	New World
Color	Gray
Item Dimensions LxWxH	30 x 19 x 21 inches
Material	Polyester
Item Weight	19.1 Pounds

Next up is the New World Double Door Dog Crate Kit. As the name suggests, this is a two-door dog crate that dog owners can use to keep their furry friends safe. This item comes packaged as a complete kit. Besides the crate, it also comes with a gray dog bed and a polyester dog crate cover.

After receiving it, a dog owner has to assemble this crate because it comes folded in the box. The assembling process, however, is usually light. Some of the admirable features of this crate include the waterproof tray and the floor-protecting rubber rolling feet. Better yet, the bed and cover are both machine washable.

Pros

• The dog bed and polyester cover are machine-washable
• It includes a waterproof tray
• It has floor-protecting rubber

Cons

• Requires some assembly
• The cover is cheaply made

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3. Life Stages LS-1624DD Double Door Folding Crate

Brand	MidWest Homes for Pets
Color	Satin Black E-Coat
Item Dimensions LxWxH	24 x 18 x 21 inches
Material	Metal
Item Weight	19.8 Pounds

If picking the best dog crates for small dogs has not been a walk in the park for you, check out the LS-1624DD and you could finally have what you need. The crate features rounded corners that enhance the safety of the dog and safe and secure slide-bold latches that protect the dog.

The crate also includes a pan stop, which keeps the removable plastic pan in place. You will find the pan easy to clean and the crate easy to set up. Moreover, you can fold the crate down in seconds. It also includes easy-to-attach plastic handles that enhance the crate’s transportation. The LS-1624DD also comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Pros

• Easy to set up and fold down
• It has a pan stop to keep the pan in place
• Features rounded corners for safety

Cons

• The handles are a bit flimsy
• The door frame doesn’t sit quite well

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4. iCrate Single Door Dog Crate

Brand	MidWest Homes for Pets
Color	Black
Item Dimensions LxWxH	30 x 19 x 21 inches
Material	Metal
Item Weight	17 Pounds

The next item on this review is the iCrate Single Door Crate. It is an outstanding item because it comes with a free divider panel and a durable dog tray. With its carrying handle and four roller feet, pet owners can move around with this crate easily.

Moreover, this metal crate has a great design, and it is built to last. It will keep your dog safe and cozy whenever it is in it. The crate is also easy to assemble because no tools are required for the job. Additionally, it folds flat for convenient storage or transportation.

Pros

• Includes four roller feet to protect floors
• Comes with a one-year warranty
• Has a foldable and portable design
• Has a durable build

Cons

• The dog can open the top latch
• The corners are not rounded well

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5. iCrate Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate

Brand	MidWest Homes for Pets
Color	Black
Item Dimensions LxWxH	24 x 18 x 19 inches
Material	Metal
Item Weight	13.8 Pounds

Are you looking for an affordable, double door crate for your small dog? If you are, you might consider getting the iCrate Double Door Dog Crate. Besides having two doors, the crate also comes with a free divider panel for convenient adjustment. The crate also includes a durable dog tray and a one-year warranty.

Better yet, the crate includes four roller feet that protect hardwood floors when pushed about. It also comes with a carrying handle that makes it easy for you to move your pet from one point to the other. The manufacturer also includes a heavy-duty slide bolt latch that keeps the door in place. The latch guarantees the safety of the dog. Moreover, the crate is easy to assemble since you will require no tools to set it up.

Pros

• It is easy to assemble
• It includes a divider panel
• It is quite portable

Cons

• It has sharp corners
• Dogs might unlatch the crate

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6. Petsfit Travel Pet Home Dog Crate

Brand	Petsfit
Color	Grey
Item Dimensions LxWxH	35.98 x 24.02 x 22.99 inches
Material	Alloy Steel
Item Weight	3.4 Kilograms

As a dog owner, you could be looking for a dog crate that I not only lightweight but also stylish to keep your dog. If you haven’t found one yet, you might consider investing in this crate. Besides coming with a top entrance, the crate is designed with two doors for convenient entry and exit.

This is a fabric dog crate, which also has a patented alloy steel frame design. The frame enhances its sturdiness. And it is also easy to set up. The crate also features several mesh windows to create adequate ventilation and improve the dog’s breathability. Additionally, it comes with a removable and washable soft pad.

Pros

• It has a sturdy steel frame
• It has adequate ventilation
• Comes with a washable soft pad
• It is odorless and safe

Cons

• Has durability issues
• It’s mostly meant for home use

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7. Petsfit Portable Soft Collapsible Dog Crate

Size	36x24x23 Inch (Pack of 1)
Brand	Petsfit
Color	Yellow-Green Trapezoid
Target Species	Cat, Dog

Getting a dog crate is not hard because there are plenty of products out there. The hardest part is finding the right product for your small dog. Are you still struggling to find one? Well, check out this product by Petsfit. The crate is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

This is a foldable dog crate that falls in the mid-price range. And it is designed with three openings, which have lockable zippers. The crate also has a sturdy foldable steel frame, which is covered with a removable and washable soft fabric cover. The crate also comes with a one-year warranty, and it has a closed grid window to keep the kennel ventilated.

Pros

• It includes a pocket at the back for placing things
• Has a sturdy foldable steel frame
• Has a lightweight and portable design
• Has a leak-proof bottom

Cons

• Some dogs might open the zipper
• It is relatively small

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8. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate

Brand	Amazon Basics
Color	Tan
Item Dimensions LxWxH	35.83 x 24.02 x 24.02 inches
Material	Polyester
Item Weight	7.89 Pounds

Having a small dog will often require the owner to move with it from place to place. The best way to accomplish that would be by using a travel crate. And this product by Amazon Basics might prove worthwhile. The crate features a lightweight design, and it features two doors. It is also fitted with mesh windows for ventilation on four sides.

To keep dogs secure, the crate has zipper closures. It also has fastening straps that keep opened doors in place. This crate features a PVC frame and a polyester fabric, making it easy to set up. It also has a foldable design.

Pros

• It has four ventilations
• Includes fastening straps to keep opened doors in place
• It has a lightweight and portable design
• Has a foldable design

Cons

• Only suitable for crate-trained dogs
• Dogs might rip out the fabric

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9. 2PET Foldable Dog Crate

Brand	2PET
Color	Bonny Blue
Item Dimensions LxWxH	24 x 17 x 17 inches
Material	Alloy Steel
Item Weight	6.82 Pounds

Are you looking for a lightweight and foldable dog crate? Well, you might consider starting with the item listed here. The crate is suitable for taking the dog anywhere. It features a sturdy steel tube design, which is foldable. Besides, it includes a great top handle that improves the pet’s portability.

The crate also comes with a waterproof yet machine washable soft fabric cover. Moreover, it has a full-frontal zipper that dogs can hardly chew to bits. The crate also has well-designed, mesh panel windows that promote natural ventilation. Additionally, it comes with a waterproof mat and a washable fleece cushion pad.

Pros

• It has a water-resistant and washable soft fabric cover
• Has a top handle for seamless portability
• Includes a washable cushion pad
• It has adequate ventilation

Cons

• The mesh can rip easily
• Easy to break

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10. Zampa Pet Portable Crate

Brand	Zampa
Color	Grey/Black
Item Dimensions LxWxH	20 x 13 x 13 inches
Material	Alloy Steel
Item Weight	4 Pounds

Lastly, is the Zampa Pet Portable Crate. The crate features an ultra-lightweight design, making it suitable for carrying small dogs. It is suitable for indoor, outdoor, and training spaces, among other purposes. The crate’s frame is made of alloy steel, which improves its sturdiness.

The frame is then covered by a durable fabric, which has bone-shaped ventilations on the side. The ventilations provide enough natural air to the dog. Moreover, this crate folds flat, making it easy to carry. It also pops up in seconds; therefore, no assembly is required.

Pros

• The crate comes with a carrying case
• It is well-ventilated
• It has an ultra-lightweight design
• It folds flat for easy carrying

Cons

• The mesh disintegrates easily
• Dogs can open the zipper

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Types of Dog Crates / Dog Crate Options

Plastic Crates

A plastic dog crate is ideal for dogs that like to chew on the crate’s wire mesh. A plastic crate makes it difficult for these dogs to escape. And also, owners can throw away the plastic grids when they become broken.

On the other hand, some dogs might use their teeth to scratch through plastic crates in an attempt to escape. It happens especially when the dog is over-excited or has fear of aggression issues with people or other animals.

Wire Crates

Wire crates are durable and provide sufficient ventilation for dogs. They include a handle cable that attaches at both ends of an open metal grid door which swings outwards and locks into place when fully opened. This type of design allows owners easy access inside whenever they want to calm or play with their dogs.

Soft-Sided Crates

A soft-sided dog crate is mostly made out of nylon, cotton, or other sturdy fabrics. It has metal bars for support and a zipper at the front which can be used to open it up. This type of crate is ideal because they are light in weight, collapsible, and portable.

Travel Crates / Portable Dog Crates

Travel crates are designed to contain pets when traveling by air, car, or boat. They feature strong, rigid frames that provide enough support while preventing them from being folded down during transport. Moreover, many models have locking mechanisms that prevent your dog from accidentally opening the door while inside the crate.

Crates with Straps

Crates with straps help owners carry it around. Many of these models come with storage pockets and collapsible frames, which make them an ideal choice for travel.

Large Dog Crates

A large dog crate is suitable for dogs who need a lot of room to move about. They measure 48 inches or more in length, and they are built from strong materials such as wire mesh or an aluminum frame with a plastic pan floor. They provide enough space for your pets to relax, sleep, eat, and play inside the crate.

Collapsible Dog Crates

Collapsible dog crates are made from strong and durable materials such as wire mesh and aluminum. As a result, they offer enough space for your pet to lie down, play, eat and sleep comfortably. Collapsible models also come with a carrying case for easy transport.

Do dogs prefer wire or plastic crates?

It depends. Some dogs may be more comfortable in a plastic crate, while others might prefer a cage made from wire. The level of comfort or anxiety your canine companion feels will be determined by many factors. One of these factors is the size and shape of the crate. This could depend on what type of dog you have as well as their personality.

For example, a dog with a show dog personality might feel self-conscious inside a wire crate because they want to be noticed. In contrast, a shy dog that shies away from attention would feel more comfortable inside a plastic crate because it doesn’t attract as much attention.

Should you cover a dog crate with a blanket?

A crate should never be completely covered up with a blanket because this might make your dog feel like they are underground and smothered. When the dog’s view is blocked, they will start to get stressed and panic. If you want to cover the crate, you should always leave one side open so that your canine companion can see what is going on in their surroundings.

Things to consider when shopping for a small dog crate

Ventilation

You should make sure that your dog crate has enough ventilation. This is important because when there’s not enough air, your dog will suffocate and die.

Wire crates are the most popular type because they provide better ventilation compared to plastic ones. As a result, your canine friend can rest and relax inside it for hours without feeling uncomfortable or struggling to breathe due to excessive heat. They are also cost-efficient and come in a large variety of styles and designs.

Safe Space

It is important for dogs to feel safe inside the crate. If your dog doesn’t feel safe, they will keep trying to escape or they will refuse to enter it. This might cause them to end up staying outside all day long.

Anxiety inside the crate can be reduced by using a bed or blanket made of materials that are comfortable and familiar to them. The best material for this would be cotton, but other natural materials work too. It’s also advisable to place a few treats inside the corners of the crate so that your pup gets used to the smell and eventually feels hungry even when you’re not there with them.

FAQ

What is the advantage of having a dog crate?

A dog crate comes in handy to keep dogs safe and secure. Dog owners can also use crates for travel. The crates optimize the pets' comfort and safety. Moreover, they give the owner some peace of mind.

What options should I consider when buying a dog crate?

There are plenty of factors to consider when choosing a dog crate. Most importantly, small dog owners have to consider the number of doors. Most crates include multiple doors. Another important aspect is the crate's portability. It's advisable to choose a crate that's portable and easy to clean.

Which accessories can improve a small dog's comfort in a crate?

A dog's crate comfort can be optimized by dog beds, dog covers, and dog cushions.