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Dog Crates

Heavy-duty dog crates built to last, not the wire crate from the big-box store: rugged travel kennels from Dakota 283, aluminum crates from Zinger (including airline-approved models), furniture-style crates from Bowsers and New Age Pet, and clear crate-to-gate systems from Hiddin. Most crates run about $350 to $1,000, and kennel banks for breeders and pros run higher.

Choose by how you'll use the crate (at home, in a truck or SUV, on a plane, or as furniture), then by your dog's size. Measure your dog standing, from nose to the base of the tail and from the floor to the top of the head, and compare those numbers with each crate's interior dimensions. Need a pad, cover or fan? Shop crate pads, covers and accessories.

Not sure which one fits? A real pro will help you measure and pick the right size.Call 737-215-3211 Text a Pro

1. Shop by size or use

2. Compare · 21 options

How to choose a dog crate

Three things decide which crate is right: how you'll use it, your dog's size, and the material.

1. Choose by use

UseBest typeBrandsShop
At home, everydayFurniture-style crate, or a clear crate that converts to a gateBowsers, New Age Pet, HiddinFurniture crates
Truck or SUV travelImpact-resistant travel kennel you can strap downDakota 283 (G3, T1 Low Profile, 2D, Hero), ZingerTravel crates
Air travelAirline-approved aluminum crateZinger Airline ApprovedAirline approved
Several dogs, kennels and breedersStackable aluminum crates or cage banksZinger, LakesideStackable crates

2. Size it to your dog

Measure your dog standing, from the nose to the base of the tail, and from the floor to the top of the head or ears. Add a few inches to each and compare with the crate's interior dimensions: your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. For travel, a snugger fit is safer than an oversized crate. Shop by size: small, medium, large and extra large.

3. Pick the material

Aluminum (Zinger) is light, strong and stackable, with airline-approved options. Rotomolded plastic (Dakota 283) is tough, ventilated and easy to hose out, which makes it a favorite for trucks and hunting dogs. Wood and furniture finishes (Bowsers, New Age Pet) blend into your living room. Clear acrylic (Hiddin) keeps sightlines open and converts to a gate.

4. Finish it out

Add a crate pad or mat sized to the interior floor, a cover for shade and calm, a ventilation fan for hot trucks, and ratchet straps to tie a travel kennel down. Shop crate pads, covers and accessories.

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Dog Crates FAQs

What size crate does my dog need?

Measure your dog standing, from nose to the base of the tail and from the floor to the top of the head, then add a few inches to each. Compare with the crate's interior dimensions: your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down. Not sure? Text a pro at 737-215-3211 with your dog's measurements and breed.

Aluminum vs plastic vs wire: which crate is best?

Aluminum is light, very strong and stackable. Rotomolded plastic is impact-resistant and easy to clean, so it's ideal for vehicles. Wire crates are inexpensive but bend and rattle, and determined dogs can escape them. For travel or strong dogs, choose aluminum or rotomolded.

Is this crate airline approved?

The Zinger Airline Approved Aluminum Cage is built for air travel. Airlines set their own rules for crate size, ventilation, hardware and labeling, so check with your airline before you fly and choose the size it requires for your dog.

Can you stack dog crates?

Yes, with crates built for it. Zinger aluminum crates and Lakeside cage banks are designed to stack, which suits kennels, breeders and multi-dog households. See our stackable dog crates.

How do I secure a crate in a truck or SUV?

Strap the crate to the vehicle's tie-down points with ratchet straps so it can't slide or tip, and keep it out of direct sun with good airflow. Dakota 283 sells a ratchet strap and a ventilation fan for its kennels; see crate accessories.

Will a crate pad fit my crate?

Measure the crate's interior floor and choose a pad that matches. We carry pads and mats made for Dakota 283 and Bowsers crates as well as universal sizes. Text us your crate model and we'll confirm the fit.

How much does a heavy-duty dog crate cost?

Most of our crates run about $350 to $1,000. Dakota 283 kennels start around $356, Zinger aluminum crates around $400, and multi-unit kennel banks for breeders and pros cost more.

Still have a question? Text a pro at 737-215-3211 or send us a message.