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Can You Stack Dog Crates? A Guide to Safety, Stackable Options, and Alternatives for Multi-Dog Households
If you share your home with more than one dog, you’ve probably faced the “crate space” puzzle. Can you stack dog crates to save room without making things unsafe?
Yes, but only with the right kind of crates. Stack the wrong ones, and you’re asking for bent bars, wobbly towers, and stressed-out dogs.
Let’s break down what’s safe, what’s not, and the best ways to give your pups the comfort and security they deserve without turning your home into a doggy skyscraper.
The Short Answer: Are Dog Crates Stackable?
Can you stack dog crates? You can, but most shouldn’t be stacked.
The only dog crates that can handle the job safely are purpose-built stackable dog crates. These are designed for professional setups like kennels and vet clinics. Standard wire or plastic crates don’t have the strength or structure to hold another crate on top.
The trick is knowing which crates are made for stacking and how to set them up safely if you decide to go vertical.
When Stacking is an Absolute ‘No’ (Standard Wire Crates)
If your pet crate looks like a typical wire cage from the pet store, don’t stack it. Standard wire crates and plastic travel kennels might look sturdy, but they’re not built to carry weight.
Try stacking them, and you’ll risk bent bars, collapsed sides, or worse, a hurt pup underneath. Even if it looks balanced, all it takes is one nudge from a playful tail or a bump while cleaning for the whole thing to tip.
Wire crates are great for ventilation and visibility, but stacking them is like standing on a folding chair to reach the top shelf. It works for a second, then ends badly.
The Exception: Purpose-Built Stackable Dog Crates
There’s one clear exception: purpose-built stackable dog crates. These are heavy-duty and made for exactly this reason.
Think stainless steel or commercial-grade crates with reinforced corners, locking feet, and interlocking designs. Some are labeled as stackable dog crates for large dogs and are common in grooming salons, vet offices, and breeding facilities.
If you’re shopping for stackable dog crates for sale, look for features like steel construction, latches that lock into place, and easy-to-clean trays. Those small design details make a big difference in keeping your dogs safe and secure.
4 Major Safety Concerns of Stacked Dog Crates (Why Not to DIY)
Before you grab the toolbox, let’s talk about why stacking crates at home isn’t as easy or as safe as it looks on Pinterest.
Even well-meaning pet owners can overlook a few major risks when trying to build double-stacked dog kennels or DIY multi-crate systems. Here are the most common (and dangerous) mistakes to avoid.
1. Structural Failure and Collapse Risk
Most dog crates simply aren’t strong enough to handle extra weight. The bars bend, the latches loosen, and before long, you’ve got a collapse waiting to happen.
Stacking regular wire or plastic crates often ends with damaged equipment or worse, injured dogs. If your setup involves heavy dogs or uneven flooring, that risk increases even more.
2. Sanitation and Hygiene Issues
When stacking crates, you have to think vertically about cleanliness. Any mess from the top crate, like spilled water, fur, or waste, can easily fall into the crate below.
That’s a fast track to bacteria, bad smells, and one very unhappy lower-level dog. Commercial kennels use special trays to prevent this problem, but most home setups don’t.
3. Restricted Airflow and Light
Airflow matters more than most people realize. When crates are stacked, the bottom one often gets less ventilation and light.
That can make it stuffy and uncomfortable, especially in warmer climates or small rooms. Dogs need circulation to stay calm and cool, and stacking can easily block that natural flow.
4. Risk of Injury from Falls, Escapes, or Falling Objects
Even with a sturdy setup, dogs in the upper crate are at higher risk. They might jump, paw at the sides, or shake the crate, throwing the balance off.
Some pet owners use stacked dog crates with stairs, but if the stairs aren’t secured or if your dog gets a burst of energy, accidents happen fast. Safety always beats convenience here.
How to Stack Dog Crates Safely (Recommended Methods)
If you’re determined to go vertical, you can still do it safely with the right setup. These methods focus on support, balance, and your dog’s comfort.
Option 1: Purchasing Purpose-Built Stackable Crates
The safest and simplest option is to buy purpose-built stackable crates. These come with interlocking corners, sturdy bases, and locking systems that hold everything in place.
They’re designed for professional use and tested to handle vertical pressure. Stainless steel crates are a popular pick; they’re strong, easy to clean, and built to last. While they cost more upfront, you’ll save on vet bills and repairs down the road.
Option 2: The Crate-Support Method (Safe DIY Stacking)
If you love a good DIY project, there’s a safer way to do it. Build a solid wooden or metal frame between the crates to act as a divider.
This crate-support method ensures the top crate doesn’t rest directly on the bottom one. It’s more like a bunk bed with a sturdy platform in between. The key is stability, no gaps, no wobbles, and no weight directly on the lower crate.
Essential Rules for Securing All Crates
No matter which method you use, securing your setup is crucial.
Attach crates or supports to a wall with heavy-duty brackets or straps. Check the locks, hinges, and panels often for signs of wear. Keep the floor level, and make sure nothing can tip or slide if a dog moves suddenly.
These small safety checks prevent big problems later.
Alternatives to Vertical Stacking for Space-Saving
Not a fan of stacking? You’re not alone. Many dog owners prefer safer, more creative ways to save space. Here are a few that actually work.
1. Joining Crates Together Horizontally
You can connect dog crates together side by side or end to end instead of stacking. This creates a shared wall between crates and keeps all your dogs on the same level.
It’s especially useful for larger breeds: think a double dog crate for 2 large dogs that gives each dog room without losing structure or safety.
2. Furniture-Style Dog Crates and Built-In Kennels
For something more polished, check out dog crate furniture like Bowsers Moderno Double Door Wooden Dog Crate. These double as side tables, benches, or storage units while keeping your dogs cozy inside.
Custom furniture-style crates or multi-unit designs can fit multiple dogs without the height risk. They look great, stay stable, and blend right into your home decor.
3. Space Efficiency with Smaller Dogs
If you have small dogs, you don’t need to stack at all. A small dog crate can easily fit under a table, next to a couch, or in a hallway nook.
Smarter placement often saves just as much space as vertical stacking without the safety concerns.
Prioritizing Your Dog’s Safety and Comfort
Stacking dog crates can work, but only with purpose-built designs or strong DIY support systems. Regular wire or plastic crates should stay single-level.
If space is tight, consider horizontal setups, double dog crates for 2 large dogs, or stylish crate furniture instead.
No matter how clever your design, your dog’s comfort, airflow, and safety come first. When your pets feel safe, your home feels calm, and that’s worth more than any square foot you could save.
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