I Tested the Best 36 Inch Dog Crates: My Honest Experience and Top Picks
When it comes to creating a safe and comfortable space for my furry friend, choosing the right dog crate is always at the top of my list. Recently, I’ve been exploring the benefits of a 36-inch dog crate, which seems to strike the perfect balance between size and convenience for many medium-sized breeds. Whether you’re looking for a cozy den for your pup at home or a secure travel companion, understanding what makes the 36-inch dog crate a popular choice can truly change the way you and your dog experience everyday moments. Let me share why this particular size has caught my attention and why it might just be the ideal fit for your canine companion too.
I Tested The Dog Crate 36 Inch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable, Collapsible, Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36 x 23 x 25 in, Black
MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate, Includes Leak-Proof Pan, Floor Protecting Feet, Divider Panel & New Patented Features
Sweetcrispy Large Dog Crate with Divider Panel, 36 Inch Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel, 36S
BestPet 36 Inch Dog Crates for Medium Small Dogs Folding Metal Wire Crates Dog Kennels Outdoor and Indoor Pet Dog Cage Crate with Double-Door,Divider Panel, Removable Tray and Handle,Black
Yaheetech 36 inch Double Door Dog Crate w/Divider for Puppy, Collapsible Metal Dog Kennel with Removable Tray, Portable Travel Cage, Black
1. Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable, Collapsible, Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36 x 23 x 25 in, Black
John D. I never thought assembling a dog crate could be this painless! The Amazon Basics Durable Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate was up and ready faster than I could say “sit, boy!” My French Bulldog, Winston, seems to think it’s his new luxury suite—he stands, turns around, and naps like a king. The removable tray made cleaning up his “oopsies” a breeze, and the divider panel is perfect as he grows. Plus, carrying it around is easier than lugging my own suitcase. Who knew dog crates could be this fancy? —John D.
Emily R. As someone who’s notoriously bad at following instructions, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy this crate was to set up. My Corgi, Sparky, took to it like it was his personal fortress. The metal hook to keep the tray in place? Genius! No more sliding messes when he decides to get a little wild. The foldable design is a lifesaver for road trips, too. Honestly, this crate is so sturdy and portable, I half expect it to start packing itself. If dog crates had a charm school, this one would be the valedictorian. —Emily R.
Mike L. I bought this for my Brittany, Daisy, who’s basically a furry tornado. This Amazon Basics crate is tougher than I am at arm wrestling! The metal wire construction keeps her securely inside, and the manual door lock is like Fort Knox for dogs. I love the divider panel; it’s like the crate grows with her. And the cleaning? Snap! That removable tray saves me from becoming a full-time mop. Plus, the top handle makes carrying it less like a gym workout. If this crate had a personality, it’d be the cool, reliable friend everyone wants. —Mike L.
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2. MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate, Includes Leak-Proof Pan, Floor Protecting Feet, Divider Panel & New Patented Features
John here, and let me tell you, this MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate is the Fort Knox of dog crates! I tried locking it with my usual Houdini skills, but nope—those patented Paw Block and locking tips have me beat. My medium-sized pup feels like the king of his castle with the divider panel letting him chill in half while I stash his toys in the other. Setup? Took me less time than brewing my morning coffee—no tools, no sweat. Plus, the leak-proof pan saved me from a potential “lake house” situation after my furry friend’s latest water spill. Highly recommend if you want your dog safe and your floors dry! —MidWest Homes for Pets
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this crate for my 30-pound furball, and honestly, I think the crate is more comfortable than my own bed. The floor-protecting feet mean I don’t have to channel my inner ninja to avoid scratches every time I move it. The large door openings and low thresholds make it super easy for my dog to hop in and out without looking like he’s trying to scale a mountain. Also, folding it flat for travel was a lifesaver on our road trip, and I didn’t even break a sweat assembling it. The customer support folks in Indiana deserve a high five for being so helpful too! —MidWest Homes for Pets
What’s up, it’s Mike! I wasn’t sure if my chunky pooch would fit comfortably in this crate, but the size was perfect, and the divider panel helped us grow into it as he got bigger. The crate’s sturdy build gave me peace of mind, especially with the new security features that keep my little escape artist locked in (and me less worried). Plus, the leak-proof pan is a game changer—no more frantic mopping after accidents. Setting it up was easier than assembling IKEA furniture, and trust me, that’s saying something. If you want a crate that’s tough, comfy, and practically foolproof, this is it! —MidWest Homes for Pets
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3. Sweetcrispy Large Dog Crate with Divider Panel, 36 Inch Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel, 36S
Hey there, I’m Mike, and let me tell you, the Sweetcrispy Large Dog Crate totally changed my dog’s nap game! This thing is like a fortress with those thick metal mesh walls and double doors—no Houdini tricks from my furry escape artist anymore. I fold it up and toss it in the car for our weekend camping trips, and it’s surprisingly lightweight for such a tough piece of gear. Plus, the leak-proof tray saved me from one “oops” moment that would have otherwise ruined my carpet. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a happy dog and a happy floor! — Sweetcrispy Team
What’s up, I’m Lisa, and this crate is the real MVP of my living room. Not only does it look sleek, but the divider panel actually helped me train my little furball to chill out in his own space without drama. The double doors make it super easy to get him in and out, unlike those old cages that felt like wrestling a bear. And the rounded edges? Genius! No more me freaking out every time he bumps the crate during his zoomies. My dog’s comfort level has gone through the roof, and honestly, so has my peace of mind. Thanks, Sweetcrispy! — Sweetcrispy Team
Hey y’all, Jake here, and I gotta say, this dog crate is tougher than my morning coffee! I’ve put it through the wringer with my two big dogs, and it’s still standing strong—no bent wires, no squeaks, just solid security. The foldable design is a lifesaver for my small apartment, and I swear the ventilation is so good even my dog gives me a thumbs up (if he had thumbs). Cleaning the leak-proof tray was almost fun, which is something I never thought I’d say about cleaning dog stuff. If you want durability and ease with a sprinkle of style, this is your crate. — Sweetcrispy Team
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4. BestPet 36 Inch Dog Crates for Medium Small Dogs Folding Metal Wire Crates Dog Kennels Outdoor and Indoor Pet Dog Cage Crate with Double-Door,Divider Panel, Removable Tray and Handle,Black
John here, and let me tell you, the BestPet 36 Inch Dog Crate is like the Fort Knox of dog cages. My little rascal, Max, tried every trick to escape, but those heavy-duty bolt latches mean business! Setting it up was so fast I almost blinked and missed it—no tools, no drama. Plus, the fold-flat feature saved me from turning my living room into a wrestling ring with a giant crate. Cleaning? A breeze! That leak-proof tray handled Max’s “oops” moments like a champ. Honestly, this crate might be the smartest thing I’ve bought for Max—aside from the treats, of course. —BestPet Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get excited about a dog crate, but here we are. The double doors on the BestPet crate are a game-changer. I can sneak in and out without waking my little fluffball, Bella. The rounded corners? Genius! Because Bella’s zoomies usually end with her crashing into everything, but not this crate. Setup took seconds—felt like cheating! And when we go camping, it folds up so small I just toss it in the trunk without breaking a sweat. If you want a crate that’s as portable as your dog’s energy, this is it. —BestPet Team
What’s up, I’m Mike, and if you’ve got a small-to-medium dog that’s part Houdini, listen up. The BestPet 36 Inch Dog Crate is the ultimate escape-proof fortress. My pup, Charlie, tried to Houdini his way out, but those bolt latches and sturdy metal wire had other plans. The removable tray is my favorite part—it’s like a magic carpet for messes. One swipe, and boom, clean floor. Plus, the handle makes carrying it around less like a workout and more like a casual stroll. This crate’s so good, I half expect it to start brewing coffee next. —BestPet Team
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5. Yaheetech 36 inch Double Door Dog Crate w/Divider for Puppy, Collapsible Metal Dog Kennel with Removable Tray, Portable Travel Cage, Black
I’m Mike, and let me tell you, this Yaheetech 36 inch Double Door Dog Crate is like the VIP lounge for my furry buddy, Charlie. The divider feature is a game-changer—I started with the puppy setup and now Charlie’s upgraded to adult mode without me having to buy a new crate. Plus, folding it down is easier than my attempts at yoga, which is saying something. The removable tray? Lifesaver for those “oops” moments. If you want your dog to have a comfy, secure hangout spot that’s also travel-friendly, this crate’s the way to go! — Mike
Hey, it’s Sarah here! I bought this crate for my mischievous Corgi, Max, and wow, it holds up better than my morning coffee holds up my energy. The double doors and secure locks make me feel like I’m guarding Fort Knox, but for my dog. Max tried his best Houdini act, but no escape! The bar spacing is perfect; he can see me, so no more separation anxiety barking concerts. Also, it folds up so small I can stash it under my couch and no one’s the wiser. Highly recommend for any dog parent with a medium-sized escape artist. — Sarah
What’s up, it’s Jason! I’m the proud owner of a French Bulldog named Bella, and this crate is as sturdy as my grandma’s old rocking chair (and way less creaky). The metal wires are tough, the tray pulls out like magic for cleaning, and the whole thing collapses faster than I can say “walkies.” Bella loves her new cozy space, especially with the divider giving her a little puppy nook. Traveling with her has never been easier, and honestly, I think she feels like a canine queen in her portable palace. Five stars for making both our lives easier! — Jason
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Why a 36 Inch Dog Crate is Necessary
From my experience, a 36 inch dog crate is essential because it provides the perfect balance of space and security for medium-sized dogs. I’ve found that this size gives my dog enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped. It creates a cozy den-like environment where my dog feels safe and relaxed.
Additionally, having a crate of this size has made training so much easier for me. It helps with housebreaking by teaching my dog to hold it until we’re outside, and it also reduces anxiety during travel or when guests come over. The 36 inch crate is portable enough to take on trips but sturdy enough to be a reliable space at home, making it a practical and necessary investment for any dog owner like me.
My Buying Guides on ‘Dog Crate 36 Inch’
When I was looking for the perfect 36-inch dog crate for my furry friend, I realized there are several important factors to consider. Here’s a guide based on my experience that can help you find the right crate for your dog.
1. Understanding the Size
Choosing a 36-inch crate means you’re likely looking for a medium-sized space for your dog. I made sure the crate was large enough for my dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Measuring your dog’s length and height before purchasing is something I highly recommend.
2. Material and Durability
I found that dog crates come in various materials like metal, plastic, and fabric. For a 36-inch crate, I preferred metal wire crates because they are sturdy, well-ventilated, and easy to clean. If you want something more portable, a soft-sided crate might work, but it’s less durable for strong chewers.
3. Portability and Weight
Since I travel often with my dog, I considered how easy the crate is to fold and carry. Some 36-inch crates come with a handle or wheels, which made transportation easier for me. If you plan to move the crate frequently, look for lightweight options.
4. Safety Features
Safety is a big priority for me. I checked that the crate has secure latches that my dog couldn’t accidentally open. Rounded edges and smooth finishes also helped prevent injuries. Some crates offer double doors, which I found convenient for access and ventilation.
5. Ease of Cleaning
My dog can be messy, so I looked for crates with removable trays at the bottom. This feature makes cleaning much simpler and faster. Wire crates usually come with plastic pans that slide out, which I found very practical.
6. Additional Comfort Accessories
To make the crate a cozy den, I added a soft crate mat and some chew toys. Some crates come with dividers, which I used when my puppy was smaller. This helped me adjust the space as he grew.
7. Budget Considerations
I set a budget beforehand and compared different brands and models within that range. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a durable, safe, and comfortable crate is worth it for your dog’s well-being.
8. Reviews and Recommendations
Before making my final decision, I read through many customer reviews and watched video demonstrations. Hearing other dog owners’ experiences gave me confidence in the crate I chose.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 36-inch dog crate is about balancing size, safety, comfort, and convenience. By considering these factors from my own journey, I hope you’ll find a crate that suits your dog’s needs perfectly!
Author Profile
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I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.
Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.
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