The Best Small Dog Crate
We researched top small dog crates from wire to carrier styles, evaluating size, security, portability, and ease of cleaning. Our picks include a top-rated carrier, furniture-style kennel, and budget wire crate.
By Marlene Barnes
Updated September 10, 2026
For small dog owners, a well-chosen crate is more than a containment tool. It provides a safe den-like space for your pup, aids in house training, and makes travel or vet visits less stressful.
Whether you need a sturdy wire crate for home, a lightweight carrier for air travel, or a furniture-style piece that blends with your decor, the market offers many options.
At BestProducts, we evaluated dozens of models through comprehensive research: analyzing specifications, aggregating expert review consensus, and sifting through verified buyer feedback. We scored each product on our 0, 10 BP Score to help you find the perfect match.
Below are our top picks for a small dog crate.
| Award | Product | BP Score About BP ScoreThe BP Score is our own rating from 0 to 10, based on performance, design and build, ease of use, and value. It reflects independent research and is never influenced by manufacturers, retailers, or affiliate commissions. Learn more › | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall |
Amazon Basics 2-Door Hard-Sided Pet Carrier 22.8"
|
9.9/10 | $49.98 | Buy |
| Best Premium |
Dwanton 27-inch Dog Crate Furniture
|
9.9/10 | $88.71 | Buy |
| Best Budget |
MidWest iCrate 24-Inch Single Door
|
9.7/10 | $40.99 | Buy |
| Best Value |
Zikopomi 30-Inch Portable Soft Foldable Dog Crate
|
9.7/10 | $49.98 | Buy |
DUMOS 24-Inch Foldable Dog Crate
|
9.6/10 | $19.92 | Buy | |
Amazon Basics 24" Metal Wire Dog Crate
|
9.6/10 | $35.64 | Buy | |
|
Amazon Basics 30-inch Foldable Dog Crate
|
9.6/10 | $44.36 | Buy | |
MidWest iCrate 30-Inch Single Door for Medium
|
9.6/10 | $49.99 | Buy | |
MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Single Door Crate
|
9.6/10 | $71.99 | Buy | |
Sweetcrispy 42-Inch Double Door Dog Crate
|
9.6/10 | $70.59 | Buy |
Amazon Basics 2-Door Hard-Sided Pet Carrier 22.8"
This hard-sided carrier offers both front and top entry, making loading and unloading a pet straightforward. The steel wire doors and secure ventilation provide a safe, breathable space for medium dogs or cats up to 20 pounds.
Pros
- Easy one-handed door operation
- Top door swings left or right
- Secure screw connections
- Good ventilation design
Cons
- Only suitable for pets 12-20 pounds
- No interior padding included
Dwanton 27-inch Dog Crate Furniture
This furniture-style crate doubles as a side table or nightstand, blending into home decor. It features double doors for easy access, adjustable feet for uneven floors, and a chew-resistant particleboard and wire construction. Includes a waterproof cushion and a wooden bottom plate for safety.
Pros
- Multi-functional as side table or nightstand
- Double doors for easy pet access
- Adjustable feet for stability on uneven floors
- Chew-resistant particleboard and wire construction
- Includes waterproof cushion and wooden bottom plate
Cons
- Particleboard may be less durable than solid wood
- Only one size (27-inch) available
- Limited to Rustic Brown color option
MidWest iCrate 24-Inch Single Door
This wire crate from MidWest Homes for Pets is designed for small breeds weighing 12 to 20 pounds. It features a durable metal construction with a protective e-coat finish, a leak-proof tray, and a divider panel to adjust as your puppy grows.
Pros
- Safety-focused design with Paw Block latch
- Easy to assemble without tools
- Adjustable size with included divider
- Leak-proof plastic tray
- Lightweight and portable at 13.8 lbs
Cons
- Single door entry may limit placement options
- May be too small for dogs near 20 lbs
Zikopomi 30-Inch Portable Soft Foldable Dog Crate
This soft-sided crate from Zikopomi is designed for travel and outdoor use, folding flat without tools. It offers three zippered doors and five mesh windows for ventilation, plus a built-in safety leash to keep your dog secure. The waterproof PVC lining makes cleanup simple.
Pros
- Easy setup without tools
- Portable with ergonomic handle
- Escape-proof with safety leash
- Durable 600D Oxford fabric
- Easy to clean PVC lining
DUMOS 24-Inch Foldable Dog Crate
This DUMOS crate provides a safe, collapsible enclosure for small dogs. Its durable wire frame with rounded corners reduces injury risk, and the removable plastic tray simplifies cleaning. An included divider allows you to adjust the interior space as your puppy grows.
Pros
- Rounded corners eliminate sharp edges
- Removable tray prevents spills and odors
- Folds flat for easy storage and travel
- Includes divider to adjust living space
Cons
- Single-door design limits access options
- Only suitable for small dog breeds
Amazon Basics 24" Metal Wire Dog Crate
This affordable folding crate from Amazon Basics offers a sturdy metal frame and a removable plastic tray for easy cleanup. It is best suited for small breeds like Havanese or Pug, and the included divider panel helps adjust the space as your puppy grows.
Pros
- Folds flat for storage and travel
- Removable plastic tray simplifies cleaning
- Divider panel allows size adjustment
- Top handle for comfortable carrying
- Hook secures tray in place
Cons
- Single door limits access options
- Manual latch may not be as secure as locking bolts
- Assembly instructions require careful reading
Amazon Basics 30-inch Foldable Dog Crate
A practical, portable crate for small dogs like Beagles or Dachshunds, this Amazon Basics model folds flat for storage and includes a divider to adjust interior space. The metal wire construction is secure, and the removable tray simplifies cleanup.
Pros
- Easy to set up and fold flat
- Removable tray simplifies cleaning
- Divider panel adjusts space
- Lightweight and portable with handle
- Secure metal wire construction
Cons
- Single door may limit access
- Plastic tray requires careful locking
- Only suitable for small dogs
MidWest iCrate 30-Inch Single Door for Medium
A sturdy metal crate ideal for medium-sized dogs up to 40 lbs, designed with rounded corners and a secure slide-bolt latch for safety. Its adjustable divider panel and tool-free assembly make it a practical choice for owners focused on crate training.
Pros
- Safe, rounded corner design
- Secure slide-bolt latch prevents escapes
- Divider panel adapts to growing dogs
- Leak-proof tray and rubber feet
Cons
- Bulky for small spaces
- Single door may limit placement options
- E-coat can scratch over time
MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Single Door Crate
This sturdy wire crate is designed for medium-large breeds like Bulldogs and Beagles, offering a secure space with a leak-proof tray and a divider panel for adjustable sizing. Its durable e-coat finish and rounded corners prioritize safety, while tool-free assembly makes setup easy.
Pros
- Durable wire construction with rust-resistant e-coat
- Leak-proof tray for easy cleanup
- Divider panel supports crate training as puppy grows
- Tool-free assembly and carry handle included
- Rounded corner clips reduce snagging risk
Cons
- Single door access may limit placement options
- May be too small for dogs near 70 lbs
Sweetcrispy 42-Inch Double Door Dog Crate
This foldable crate prioritizes security with rounded edges, thick metal mesh, and double sliding bolt locks. The spacious interior and leak-proof tray make it a practical choice for medium-large dogs, while the collapsible design adds travel convenience.
Pros
- Enhanced security with rounded edges and heavy-duty locks
- Sturdy construction for long-term durability
- Foldable design for easy storage and travel
- Leak-proof ABS tray resists stains and odors
- Double doors allow flexible placement
Cons
- Only available in black
- No included divider for adjusting space
Best Small Dog Crate Buying Guide
Size and Fit
Getting the right size is crucial. Your small dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Measure your dog from nose to tail and from floor to top of head (or ears).
Add a few inches for wiggle room. Most crates come in length increments: 24, 30, 36 inches. For breeds like Chihuahuas or Yorkies (under 12 lbs), a 24-inch crate often suffices. Larger small dogs like French Bulldogs may need a 30-inch.
Many wire crates include a divider panel to adjust the interior space as your puppy grows, a feature we especially like in the MidWest 24-Inch iCrate.
If you travel frequently, also check airline size restrictions; our dedicated guide to dog carriers for air travel covers compliant options.
Material and Durability
Wire crates are the most common for home use. They offer excellent ventilation, visibility, and fold flat for storage. Look for sturdy gauge wire and secure corner brackets.
Plastic hard-sided carriers are ideal for travel: they provide a dark, enclosed feel that calms anxious pets and meet most airline requirements. Soft-sided crates are lightweight and collapsible but less secure for chewers.
The Zikopomi 30-Inch Soft Foldable Crate strikes a good balance for calm, trained dogs. For heavy-duty home use, a furniture-style crate like the Dwanton 27″ Dog Kennel uses wood and metal to blend durability with style.
Portability and Storage
If you plan to move the crate between rooms or take it on trips, look for folding designs. Most wire crates collapse into a flat panel with a handle. Hard-sided carriers often have a top-loading door and a carrying handle.
The Amazon Basics Sturdy Portable 2-Door Top-Load Carrier is a top pick for its compact fold and dual-entry convenience.
For everyday portability, consider a collapsible soft crate; our roundup of the best collapsible dog crates highlights lightweight models that pack small.
Security and Door Design
A secure latch prevents escape. Most wire crates use a slide-bolt latch, but some have a more robust locking mechanism. Single-door crates are simpler; double-door models offer flexibility in placement.
The Amazon Basics 24″ Single Door Wire Crate features a safe slide-bolt latch that stays flush. For puppies that are escape artists, look for crates with reinforced corners and dual-lock doors.
The DUMOS 24 Inch Foldable Dog Cage uses a sturdy latch system that keeps even determined chewers inside.
Ease of Cleaning
A removable, washable tray is essential. Most wire crates come with a plastic pan that slides out from the front. Check that the tray is deep enough to catch spills and easy to wipe down.
Some soft crates have machine-washable fabric liners. The MidWest 30-Inch iCrate includes a high-walled, easy-clean ABS plastic tray that resists odors.
For furniture-style crates, look for a waterproof cushion like the one included with the Dwanton model; it unzips for machine washing.
Special Features: Divider Panels, Top Access, and Assembly
Divider panels are a game-changer for puppy owners. They let you shrink the interior space to prevent soiling accidents and expand as the dog grows. Many MidWest and Amazon Basics wire crates include a panel.
Top-loading doors in carriers allow easy access without wrestling your dog through the front. Assembly time varies: wire crates typically require no tools and set up in minutes, while furniture-style crates need some assembly.
The Amazon Basics 30″ Wire Crate boasts a quick setup with no tools. If you prefer a crate that doubles as a side table, the furniture-style options are worth the extra build time.
Why You Should Trust Us
BestProducts is an independent review site dedicated to helping you find the best products through thorough research. We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in research, published data, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback.
Each product is scored on our 0, 10 BP Score based on a consistent set of criteria tailored to the category. Our recommendations are free from advertiser influence, and we maintain full editorial independence.
We may earn a commission through affiliate links, but this does not affect our ratings or advice.
Final Thoughts
After evaluating the top small dog crates on the market, we have identified several standout models for different needs:
- Best Overall: Amazon Basics Sturdy Portable 2-Door Top-Load Carrier, With a BP Score of 9.9/10, this hard-sided carrier combines exceptional portability, secure ventilation, and dual-entry convenience, making it ideal for both home and travel.
- Best Furniture-Style Crate: Dwanton 27″ Dog Crate with Waterproof Cushion, Also scoring 9.9/10, this kennel blends attractive wood construction with a plush cushion, perfect for owners who want a crate that complements their decor.
- Best Budget Wire Crate: DUMOS 24 Inch Foldable Dog Cage, Earning a 9.6/10, it offers a sturdy build, easy folding, and a low price point without compromising on security.
- Best for Travel: Zikopomi 30-Inch Soft Foldable Crate, With a BP Score of 9.7/10, this lightweight soft crate packs down small and is perfect for car trips or occasional use.
For more crate options, check out our guide to the best medium dog crates if your pup falls into a larger size range. And don’t forget to pair your crate with a comfortable dog bed for extra coziness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size crate do I need for a 10-pound dog?
For a 10-pound small breed like a Chihuahua or Pomeranian, a 24-inch crate is typically sufficient. Measure your dog from nose to tail and add 2, 4 inches. The MidWest 24-Inch iCrate is a popular choice for this size.
Always ensure your dog can stand, turn, and lie flat.
Are wire or plastic crates better for small dogs?
Wire crates offer better airflow and visibility, making them ideal for home use. Plastic hard-sided carriers are better for travel and anxious dogs because they provide a den-like environment. For a mix of both, consider a carrier with wire doors like the Amazon Basics carrier.
How do I crate train a small dog?
Introduce the crate gradually with positive reinforcement. Place treats and toys inside, keep the door open at first, and feed meals near the crate. Gradually increase time inside with the door closed. Never use the crate for punishment.
For more tips, see our Pets category for training resources.
Can I use a carrier as a regular crate?
Hard-sided carriers can be used as a short-term crate at home, but they are smaller and less ventilated than wire crates. They are best for travel, vet visits, or as a quiet retreat. For all-day confinement, a wire or furniture-style crate is more comfortable.
How do I clean a dog crate?
Most wire crates have a removable plastic tray that can be washed with soap and water. Soft crates often have machine-washable covers. For plastic carriers, wipe down with a mild disinfectant. Always dry thoroughly to prevent mold.
What is a divider panel and do I need one?
A divider panel is a metal or plastic partition that reduces the interior space of a crate. It is essential for puppies to prevent them from using one end as a bathroom.
As the puppy grows, you can move the divider back. Many crates, like the Amazon Basics 24″ Crate, include one.
About the author
Marlene covers crates, carriers, and grooming tools for BestProducts, comparing safety, travel comfort, and how well each tool handles different coats. She helps owners travel and groom without a struggle.