The 5 Best Dog Crates for Puppies
A puppy crate has two jobs that pull in opposite directions: it needs to feel manageable on day one, yet still fit a fast-growing dog a few months later. I would choose the adult-size wire crate with a movable divider for everyday training, then think separately about a carrier for vet trips. Measure the puppy standing and turning, and plan regular breaks; a crate is a resting space, not somewhere to leave a young dog all day.
The MidWest iCrate is my starting point because its divider makes that growth problem easier. Petmate's hard-sided carrier is the better travel choice, Amazon Basics offers a cheaper divided wire crate, and Precision adds a second door for awkward room layouts. The soft Amazon Basics folds for occasional trips, but it belongs behind rigid options for a puppy that chews. I have ranked the products by what each solves, not by how cute a color looks online.
Our top 5 dog crates for puppies
Swipe to compare price, rating and best use →
| Product | Price | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
01 MidWest Homes for Pets MidWest 30-inch iCrateDetails ↓ | $35.72 | 4.7/5Amazon | Best for growing puppies |
02 Petmate 24-inch two-door carrierDetails ↓ | $53.95 | 4.6/5Amazon | Best hard travel carrier |
03 Amazon Basics folding wire crateDetails ↓ | $41.39 | 4.7/5Amazon | Best low-cost wire crate |
04 Precision Pet two-door 24-inch crateDetails ↓ | $104.99 | 4.6/5Amazon | Best two-door wire layout |
05 Amazon Basics folding soft crateDetails ↓ | $47.22 | 4.3/5Amazon | Best fold-flat travel crate |
01 — MidWest Homes for Pets
Best for growing puppiesMidWest 30-inch iCrate
The 30-inch iCrate includes a divider and removable pan, so the usable space can grow with a medium-breed puppy. Its single front door keeps the footprint simple beside a sofa or bed. I would check the expected adult height before ordering: 30 inches is a size, not a universal puppy solution.
It leads because the divider directly answers the most common first-crate mistake. Petmate below travels better, but a hard carrier is less convenient as an adjustable everyday training space.
View on Amazon ↗Medium-breed puppies growing into one home crate.
Your dog's adult size exceeds the listed 30-inch crate.
What I like
+Divider and folding wire frame.
What to weigh
−One door limits placement options.
- ProductType
- dog crate
02 — Petmate
Best hard travel carrierPetmate 24-inch two-door carrier
Petmate's 24-inch rigid carrier opens at the front and top. That top opening can make a vet visit less awkward with a small, reluctant puppy, and the hard shell is easier to wipe down than fabric. It is a travel-size carrier; check the animal's height and airline rules rather than assuming the word crate means it will last through adulthood.
Second place reflects a different job from the MidWest. I would choose it first for a small puppy's car and vet trips, while keeping the divided wire crate ahead for daily home training.
View on Amazon ↗Small puppies needing a rigid travel carrier.
You need a growing-dog home crate with a divider.
What I like
+Front and top access.
What to weigh
−Fixed interior size limits useful life.
- ProductType
- dog crate
03 — Amazon Basics
Best low-cost wire crateAmazon Basics folding wire crate
This Amazon Basics wire crate has a divider panel and removable tray at a lower offer than several alternatives here. It suits a first-time owner who wants the functional training layout without paying for a premium frame. Inspect the latch, wire edges and tray fit when it arrives, especially if your puppy pushes at the door.
Third place is a value choice. It covers the main divider requirement, but the MidWest is my clearer default for a daily crate; the cheaper option becomes more attractive when the exact size and current offer line up.
View on Amazon ↗Budget-conscious owners wanting a divided wire crate.
Your puppy is an escape artist or forceful chewer.
What I like
+Divider and removable tray at a modest offer.
What to weigh
−Basic door and frame hardware.
- ProductType
- dog crate
04 — PRECISION PET
Best two-door wire layoutPrecision Pet two-door 24-inch crate
A second door makes a real difference when the crate must sit against a wall or in a tight bedroom corner. This 24-inch Precision Pet wire model lists two access points and a removable pan. It is aimed at smaller dogs, so measure the expected adult body length before treating it as a lifetime purchase.
Fourth place is about room layout rather than overall superiority. I would move it above the single-door MidWest for a cramped space where side access is essential, but its smaller format and higher offer narrow the audience.
View on Amazon ↗Small-breed homes needing flexible door placement.
Your dog will outgrow a 24-inch crate quickly.
What I like
+Two-door access in a compact wire frame.
What to weigh
−Smaller size and higher cost.
05 — Amazon Basics
Best fold-flat travel crateAmazon Basics folding soft crate
The soft-sided Amazon Basics crate folds down for a car trip or a stay with family, and its fabric walls are easier to carry than a wire cage. I would only use it with a puppy already comfortable settling in a crate. Fabric seams and mesh are poor defenses against persistent chewing or clawing.
Fifth is intentional: portability is valuable, but it does not make this a safer first unattended home crate. Buy it as a second crate for supervised travel, not as the only place a new puppy sleeps.
View on Amazon ↗Calm puppies on occasional supervised trips.
Your puppy chews, scratches or escapes crates.
What I like
+Lightweight folding form.
What to weigh
−Fabric and mesh are vulnerable to damage.
Price information
Amazon price and availability checked Oct 18, 2026, 12:01 AM Lisbon time. Prices and availability are subject to change; the information shown on Amazon.com at purchase applies.
Our process
How we picked.
We compare five relevant products for different needs, using documented specifications, clear use cases and practical trade-offs. Our goal is to make the differences clear and help you choose with confidence.
- 01Relevance
Each product must fit the guide’s intended use, audience and requirements.
- 02Specifications
We compare the key product details that meaningfully affect the buying decision.
- 03Use case and fit
We compare the intended use, configuration and practical fit of every selected product.
- 04Strengths and limitations
We explain where each option performs best and the compromises to consider.
Good questions
FAQ — Dog Crates for Puppies
01Should a puppy crate be large enough for an adult dog?+
Yes, if the model includes a secure divider. Buy for expected adult size, then reduce the usable space while the puppy is small. Confirm the actual interior dimensions.
02Can a soft crate replace a wire crate for a puppy?+
A soft crate is easier to carry but its fabric and zips are vulnerable to chewing and scratching. Use a sturdy wire or hard-sided option for routine unattended rest.
The short answer
Start with the MidWest 30-inch iCrate.
I recommend it for medium-breed puppies growing into one home crate. Choose something else if your dog's adult size exceeds the listed 30-inch crate.
View on Amazon ↗Keep looking
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