The ideal design depends on the size of your pet, what you're using it for, and where you plan to put it. To help you narrow down your options, we tried 20 kennels first-hand, including travel-friendly, collapsible, heavy-duty, and furniture-style models. Of course, every pup will need something slightly different, so we rounded up several high-quality crates that are sure to please your furry best friend.
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No matter how much walking, fetching, and cuddling they do with their owners, most dogs will have to go in a kennel at some point. Whether you're puppy training, traveling, or need to ensure your pooch is safe and secure while you're away from home, you'll be glad to have a good crate on hand.
The multipurpose design can also be used as a pet gate, and converting it from one to the other was pretty simple. It's definitely strong enough to prevent a dog from escaping, but larger breeds might be able to knock it over in the gate configuration. This kennel has a removable tray-style bottom, making it easy to clean. While it's relatively heavy and not very maneuverable, we'd recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality indoor crate that won't be an eyesore.
If you're interested in a more upscale design that blends in with your furniture, consider the 2-in-1 Pet Crate from Merry Products. While you won't need any tools to set it up, the pins were a little tricky to insert. Still, this wooden kennel was easy enough to assemble once we got the pieces lined up.
We found it pretty indestructible and were thoroughly impressed by how strong the latches were and how well the crate held up during our sandbag test. While the Revol earned perfect ratings for setup, user-friendliness, durability, and ease of cleaning, we knocked off a half-point for value since the price is so steep. This dog crate has built-in wheels and a carrying handle for easy transport, but bear in mind it's one of the heaviest models we tested.
The Diggs Revol Crate was also a hit in the Lab. Made of aluminum, steel, and heavy-duty plastic, this high-end kennel looks and feels super luxe &#; just top it off with a cooling dog bed . It's available in four sizes to accommodate most small to medium/large breeds. No assembly is required, and it collapses and folds back out in mere seconds. It has remarkably smooth door hinges, and a removable tray makes cleaning a breeze.
This was one of the heaviest crates we tested.
Despite the soft-sided, lightweight construction, we were pleasantly surprised by how well it held up when a sandbag was thrown at it &#; no scratches or warping to speak of. The kennel has a removable, machine-washable cover, but for day-to-day cleanings, it might be hard to access every nook and cranny. All things considered, this reasonably priced dog crate is a prime choice as long as it's the right size for your pet.
Amazon's Soft-Sided Dog Crate clocked perfect scores for setup, ease of use, durability, and overall value. The lightweight, foldable design is made of polyester, and the two mesh doors have zipper closures plus velcro straps for when you want to keep them open. While the collapsible design is convenient for storage and transport, it would be more portable if it had a carrying handle or strap.
While the removable cover is washable, it might be tricky to clean every nook and cranny.
This travel-friendly dog kennel comes in four sizes to accommodate pets up to 125 pounds and meets oversized cargo requirements for most airlines. The smallest two models have carrying handles, but the larger ones will need to be moved to a cart. Some pet owners may prefer a wheeled design, but all in all, we think this is a solid pick for trips.
Have a trip coming up? Go with the Petmate Sky Kennel. This crate is easy to assemble and user-friendly with a sturdy design and an interlocking grate. Though we believe it would require super-dog strength to bust through the door, the metal did warp slightly when we pulled on it with about 68 pounds of force. The base is mostly flat, but there's no pull-out tray, so it might be tough to clean every last crevice.
While it seems stable enough, we knocked off a point for durability since it wobbled a little when we threw sandbags at it. Also, the door warped a tiny bit when we pulled at it. During testing, we found that the doors on this simple and practical dog crate opened and closed effortlessly. We also appreciated the leak-proof pan, which slides out for easy-peasy cleaning. This kennel isn't the most portable simply due to its large size, but it does have a convenient carrying handle.
Available in seven sizes to accommodate pups up to 110 pounds, the iCrate is a great choice for larger breeds. Earning perfect scores for setup, user-friendliness, ease of cleaning, and overall value, this sizable kennel was simple to put together. All you do is unfold it, then when you want to put it away, just fold it back up.
This model was easy to set up and take down.
It doesn't have a pull-out tray, but this crate is small enough that wiping it clean is no problem. The other thing to note is that while there are two sizes available, the larger option can only accommodate pets up to 15 pounds. With that said, if you have a smaller breed, we think this is an excellent choice for traveling and at-home use.
As for durability, color us impressed. The Top Load Kennel has a heavy-duty thermoplastic frame and sturdy steel grates. We threw a sandbag at it and pulled the door with 33 pounds of force, and it held up beautifully.
Earning perfect scores in all our tests, our top choice is the Petmate 2-Door Top-Load Kennel. This dog crate is easy to set up &#; no tools required. Just attach the top to the base, and you're good to go. It's user-friendly, too. The spring-loaded latches keep your pet secure, and thanks to their "easy-squeeze" design, the front and top doors open without a fuss. With a comfortable ergonomic handle, this kennel is also a breeze to carry.
It can be used on the go or at home.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Dog Crate
Dog Size
The first thing to consider when buying a dog crate or kennel is the size of your dog. Crates come in many sizes to accommodate pets weighing anywhere from four pounds to upwards of 150 pounds. Check the dimensions to make sure your dog will fit, then look at the brand's recommended weight limit to ensure it's the proper size.
Portability
If you need something for trips, vet appointments, or competitions, a conventional dog pen won't work, as portability is key. Many dog crates have carrying handles, and some larger models feature built-in wheels. For plane travel, be sure to check the airline's oversized cargo guidelines or carry-on requirements if you're bringing your pet to the cabin. Our best pick for travel, Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel, meets most airline cargo specifications.
If you're going on a road trip or picking up your pooch from another location, a collapsible dog crate will be easier to pack. And generally speaking, lighter-weight models are better for on-the-go use.
Durability
A durable dog crate will have a sturdy frame that stands up to wear and tear. If it's bumped by heavy luggage, it should remain upright, and a rowdy pup shouldn't be able to knock it over from the inside. Additionally, the door should have a secure latch to prevent escapes. Our best overall pick, the Petmate 2-Door Top-Load Kennel, is super durable, thanks to its hard exterior that can withstand bumps and turbulence.
Cleaning
Lastly, the dog crate should be easy to clean. Many models, like the Diggs Revol Dog Crate and the Merry Pet 2-in-1 Configurable Pet Crate and Gate, have pull-out trays you can remove and wash as needed (in case of pet treat spills). Some soft-sided crates have removable, machine-washable covers. If yours has neither of these features, you'll have to wipe it clean from the inside or potentially hose it down if the materials are waterproof.
How We Tested
After researching today's best dog crates, we chose 20 models with varying styles, features, and price points to see how they stack up.
PEOPLE / Jessica Juliao
What size crate do I need for my dog?
You&#;ll want to find a dog crate that your pet can fit into comfortably. Take your dog&#;s measurements &#; height and length &#; to find the minimum crate size. Then add additional room for your dog to comfortably lay down and walk around without crouching.
Is a plastic or metal dog crate better?
Both plastic and metal are good materials for dog crates, so what it really comes down to is how you plan to use the crate. Metal crates provide more visibility and ventilation for your dog. They are also generally sturdier and less expensive than plastic crates overall. However, plastic crates are easier for travel as they are lighter weight and are better able to control accidents.
Is a crate comfortable for a dog?
A crate can be a safe space for an anxious dog or a puppy as they get used to their new home. To make it even more comfortable, make sure to include a soft dog bed or blanket in the dog crate as well as a special toy to make it feel even more comfortable.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer covering a variety of topics from beauty and fashion to home and pets. For this article, she consulted our testing insights where we evaluated 20 dog crates on criteria including comfort, security, and travel-friendliness for pups of all sizes.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval &#; because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust &#; every day, every purchase.
Crate training offers a variety of benefits. The crate is a useful training tool to help teach housetraining skills, manage over-arousal, and protect against unwanted destruction when owners are unable to supervise an untrained dog of any age. A crate-trained dog always has a familiar retreat to call his own, whether at home, when travelling, or while waiting his turn at a weekly training class or performance event.
Not that long ago, crates were typically limited to bulky plastic or wire enclosures that were cumbersome to move from place to place. Today, dog owners have many choices when it comes to portable containment options, including a growing market of lightweight, foldable &#;soft crates&#; that are easy to transport from place to place.
Skip to the dog crate review chart.
As a trainer, I feel strongly that soft crates are meant to be used only by dogs who are already reliably crated trained. Confining a puppy or non-crate-trained adult dog using a soft crate is, in my opinion, just asking for trouble. No matter how the soft crate is constructed, canvas and mesh just aren&#;t designed to withstand the expected clawing and biting that often accompanies a puppy or young dog&#;s attempts to exit a crate without direct invitation. Until I have solid knowledge of my dog&#;s ability to crate calmly, I use a sturdy plastic kennel at home, or an exercise pen or collapsible wire crate for travel.
Goto Tian Yilong to know more.
Some well-crate-trained dogs have even been known to free themselves from a soft crate in a moment of circumstantial excitement or frustration. My very first soft crate has a memorable Whippet-head-shaped hole in the mesh door from when its then inhabitant, Zoie, decided she&#;d had enough of sitting in the crate while I ran her housemate in a dock jumping competition. My current Golden, Saber, once left his mark of disapproval on the zipper seam of another soft crate when he decided it wasn&#;t right to be left behind when I had to go lead a group training adventure. He likely heard the group outside &#; comprised of many of his favorite people &#; and the damaging scratching ensued. I considered both dogs to be reliably crate trained, and both dogs had crated successfully, in soft crates, in similar situations, prior to their escape attempts. But sometimes mistakes happen.
In some cases, mesh damage can be repaired using a screen-mending kit or with some creative sewing. Several manufacturers also sell replacement covers &#; however, replacement covers often cost almost as much as a new crate.
Like most any dog product, it&#;s important to know your dog. In the wrong hands (er, paws!), a soft crate can be an expensive experiment. But if your dog is truly ready for the experience, soft crates are perfect when you want something easily portable.
Virtually any soft crate is going to come out on top in terms of portability when compared to a traditional plastic crate, collapsible wire crate, or exercise pen. Visit any competitive dog event or training class and you&#;ll find a sea of soft crates in all shapes, sizes, and styles. By design, soft crates weigh considerably less than plastic or wire crates of a similar size. Generally speaking, they also tend to fold flatter than collapsible wire crates. Each of these factors combine to make them a great choice for dog owners who need to frequently set up and break down their crate.
A soft crate also works well for home-based situational crating. The small footprint when folded makes it easy to tuck the crate away in a closet or under the bed if you only use it occasionally, such as when certain visitors stop by, when restricting a dog&#;s activity as she recovers from an injury, or when traveling.
While a soft crate is highly portable, we recommend against their use as travel crates in the car. Most any crate or pet seatbelt system helps protect against a dog interfering with, and dangerously distracting, the driver, making it a better choice than riding loose. However, the amount of force generated during even a minor collision could potentially catapult a dog through the mesh panels of most (if not all) soft crates.
When I&#;m shopping for a soft crate, I look for supreme ease of use, both in terms of how quickly I can set up and break down the crate, and how easy it is to carry to my designated crating area at weekly dog classes and events. I also want my dog to fit comfortably in a crate recommended for his size.
I almost always use the soft crate at outdoor events, so good ventilation is important. I want a product that is sturdy enough to support a few assorted training items on top, so I can use it as a temporary table while I train. And, because I know &#;dogs can be dogs,&#; and even the best crate-trained dog will occasionally manage to damage the crate beyond repair, I don&#;t want to spend a lot of money on a soft crate.
We chose a total of eight crates for review. Some were selected based on recommendations by fellow dog enthusiasts; some because they are made by manufacturers of well-known wire crates and exercise pens, and some based simply on Google search results and/or an inexpensive price tag.
After carefully analyzing the pros and cons of each crate, we saw a lot of really wonderful features, but, sadly, not one single crate managed to offer all of our favorite features in one product. (Hey, manufacturers, call me!) Still, it was pretty easy to come up with a couple of overall favorites, a least favorite, and some honest feedback about the pros and cons of the remaining crates, which we hope aids in readers&#; decision making.
We found just two crates that met our criteria for a four-paw rating (the highest rating we confer on any products).
Elite Field&#;s Three-Door Folding Soft Crate (pictured above) was the standout leader in terms of available features and overall value. We reviewed the 36-inch version, which measures 36 inches long by 24 inches wide by 28 inches tall. Most notable was the additional headroom, making it more likely the crate&#;s inhabitant can sit comfortably while maintaining a natural head position.
This crate packs a punch with its features. The crate quickly takes shape after unfolding by easily connecting both ends of the lightweight internal steel-tube frame, accessible via a zippered, mesh &#;sunroof&#; panel on the top of the crate. Set-up and break down can be done in seconds. After releasing the frame, the crate quickly folds into itself and is held in the folded position with two quick-release buckles.
The crate cover, made of thick canvas and sturdy mesh, can be removed and washed, if needed. The Elite Field soft crate features rounded, reinforced corners and feels sturdy when set up. The 36-inch crate weighs 14 pounds.
We appreciate how this crate has front and side entry doors, along with one full-length mesh window on the opposite long side, and a partial mesh window on the short side. The zippered side entry is helpful when you need to position the crate sideways, which then restricts access to the front door. (I sometimes run into this issue in hotels.)
The sheer amount of mesh means this crate is well ventilated, making it a wise choice for use in warmer climates. While not shown on the manufacturer&#;s website, the crate is also available, in specific colors, with &#;curtains&#; that can be rolled down to cover the mesh door and windows. This is a nice feature for times when obstructing a dog&#;s view helps reduce over-arousal and related vocalization.
Elite Field has thrown in several value-added features, such as storage pockets on both the top and short end of the crate, and the crate comes with a free mat and carrying case. I&#;m personally not a fan of encasing my crate in its own bag when not in use, so I was pleased to see the crate itself has multiple built-in handles, making it easy to transport even when out of its case. If anything, Elite Field almost went overboard with carrying options. Not only is there a handle for carrying the crate when folded, every size crate also comes with a cross-tied handle on the top of the crate. I could see using this option if carrying the small-size crate while occupied by a small dog, but definitely not while housing a dog in one of the larger size crates.
Our one notable disappointment with this crate is the inability to secure the zippers in the closed position. As someone who has spent countless weekends at dog events, I know how quickly clever dogs can figure out how to open a zippered door by positioning a toenail &#;just right&#; on the frame of the zipper pull. Many soft crates come with a small clip just above the zippered door. The clip can be used to &#;lock&#; the zipper, thus thwarting a clever dog&#;s attempt to open the zipper with his claw.
A close second to the Elite Field crate is the Firstrax Noz2Noz Sof-Krate. We tested the 42-inch crate, which measures 42 inches long by 28 inches wide by 32 inches tall. This crate is similar to the Elite Field crate, but without the bells and whistles of storage pockets, a crate mat, or a carrying case.
Like the Elite Field crate, set-up involves pulling both ends of the internal frame into position, where they fit together and are secured by a closure sleeve. Set up can be done in seconds. The crate cover, made of thick canvas and sturdy mesh, can be removed and washed. Replacement covers are available from the manufacturer. The Noz2Noz Sof-Krate soft crate has reinforced, rounded corners and feels sturdy when set up. The 42-inch crate weighs 19 pounds.
This crate also features front and side-entry, mostly mesh doors and a canvas &#;sunroof.&#; We were pleased to find &#;zipper lock&#; clips on both the front and side access doors. The remaining long- and short-sides of the crate have mesh windows, allowing for maximum air-flow. The Noz 2 Noz crate folds down similar to the Elite Field crate. The folded crate can by carried by a single handle.
Only one product was close enough to our higher-rated crates to earn our three-paw rating.
A solid, no-frills, functional choice:
Firstrax also manufactures the Petnation Port-a-Crate E-Series. The lightweight, internal frame works similar to that of the Elite Field and Noz2Noz crate, and the Petnation Port-a-Crate can be set up or taken down in seconds. Of the three similarly designed crates, the Port-a-Crate appeared to fold down the flattest. Its overall shape is slightly different; the top of the crate tapers inward, but not so much as to significantly limit the dog&#;s usable headroom.
We tested the 36-inch crate, which measures 36 inches long by 25 inches wide by 25 inches tall, making it one of the shorter crates (at that length) in our review. Unlike the 36-inch Elite Field crate, my Golden Retriever, who measures about 21 inches at the shoulders, cannot sit with a natural head position in this crate. This doesn&#;t bother me, as I prefer my dogs to lie down and rest when in their away-from-home crates, but it&#;s worth noting, especially if your dog is on the taller side. The 36-inch Port-a-Crate weighs 14.5 pounds.
Aside from the shorter height, the only other potential issue we saw with the Port-a-Crate is the window design. Unlike the Elite Field and Noz2Noz crates, which feature large mesh windows, allowing for significant ventilation, the Port-a-Crate is limited to a mesh front-entry door (with an available zipper lock) and small, bone-shaped windows on the remaining sides. This potentially limits airflow within the crate, an important consideration if used outdoors in hot or humid climates.
On the other hand, less mesh overall might also mean fewer areas for the dog to damage with his claws. Of the three similarly designed crates, we found the Port-a-Crate, available in six sizes, ranging in price from $32-$57, to be least expensive. At this price point, we recommend the Port-a-Crate as a nice &#;starter&#; soft crate if you aren&#;t sure your dog is ready to be contained by mere mesh and canvas.
The next three crates on our list failed to impress us overall, yet still have some notable features making them worth mentioning, as your priorities might differ from ours.
If your your dog needs a little more room to relax, you appreciate a super-lightweight product, and know you can trust your dog in a soft crate, the Go Pet Club Soft Pet Crate might be worth a look.
Unlike our three favorite crates, which feature interior metal frames and a canvas/mesh cover, the Go Pet Club Soft Crate is made from heavy-duty, PVC-backed polyester. The entire crate literally zips together and holds its shape thanks to zippers and flexible spine strips encased in the crates rounded top. It&#;s not difficult to set up or break down, but it does take longer than any of our top picks.
The Go Pet Club Soft Pet Crate comes in a surprising assortment of sizes, ranging from 17.5 inches to a considerable 48 inches in length. In looking for a mid-size crate of this model, we had a choice of 32 inches or 38 inches. The 38-inch crate is exceptionally roomy, with a width of 28 inches and measuring a full 34 inches at the highest point of the rounded top.
The lack of an internal metal frame means this crate weighs just 12 pounds and folds down to about two inches thick and stores in an included case. However, the lack of a solid internal frame makes the crate less sturdy overall, and the three mesh windows and mesh front entry door (which work together to provide nice ventilation) appear to be made of lighter-weight mesh than the other brands we reviewed.
This crate&#;s biggest &#;pro&#; is its generous dimensions. If your goal is to secure the most internal real estate for the price, the Go Pet Club Soft Pet Crate could be a good option.
If you miss your old Cabana Crate:
A decade ago, WDJ&#;s top pick in soft-sided crates was a product called the Cabana Crate. For reasons that escape us, the product was discontinued long ago. The Precision Pet (recently purchased by PetMate) Soft Side Pet Crate resembles the Cabana Crate of yore, with some differences. It&#;s an attractive crate with a nice assortment of features, such as front and side-entry doors, storage pockets, non-skid feet, a water bottle opening and holder (for a ball-tip style water bottle), and a crate mat and carrying case. The canvas and mesh are of a nice quality, and the design appears to allow for desirable airflow.
Like many of the other crates we tested, this crate takes shape via a lightweight metal frame. However, of all the similarly designed crates we explored, the Soft Side Pet Crate took the longest to set up. Assembly reminded me of the discontinued Cabana Crate: first remove the crate&#;s cross bars from their self-fastening ties and swing them into position along the front and back (short sides) of the crate. Next, align the twist handles with the corner holes and turn the handles until fully engaged and secure.
This process is not at all difficult, but it does take longer, and it&#;s easy to become spoiled by the even-faster set up of the other crates we tested. Who wants a bulky old CRT TV version of a soft crate when the sleek flatscreen TV variety of crates are out there?
We also found it odd that the side entry door, when unzipped, flips out, not up, creating what looks a bit like an attached doormat rather than being kept out of the way by resting atop the crate.
In short, there&#;s nothing wrong with this crate, but the additional steps required for set-up and break down kept this option off of our &#;favorites&#; list.
A neat idea, but use it wisely:
Pop goes the soft crate! If small and lightweight are your top priorities, and you have a medium-size, exceptionally well crate-trained dog who needs crating for just short periods of time, consider the Pop Crate by SportPet Designs.
Unlike every other crate we tested, the Pop Crate has no internal frame of any kind. The crate consists of two plastic ends &#; one with a spring-loaded metal door similar to a traditional plastic crate, and one with a full panel of air vents &#; connected by a rectangle of thin polyester fabric and mesh. To be sure, it wouldn&#;t take much effort at all for a dog to claw or chew his way through the fabric if he were so inclined. I&#;m not even positive the crate wouldn&#;t tip over if a large dog were to rest his weight against the side.
This crate&#;s claim to fame is its unique twisting design. Unclip the quick-release buckles and the crate springs into shape. To close the crate, stand it on end and twist the front frame 180 degrees, which compacts the crate back onto itself much like a pop-open car window shade.
The Pop Crate comes in two sizes, neither of which is very big, making this, in our opinion, a poor choice for dogs much larger than a Shetland Sheepdog. Also, while we like the use of the plastic frame and metal door (adding durability to a commonly chewed and clawed area), the location of the door hinge makes the already tiny opening even smaller. My dog startled himself more than once by hitting the door or doorframe on his way in and out of the crate. It&#;s also so lightweight (the large only weighs 6.35 pounds), it easily slid around on my hard floor with each entry and exit, again, startling my dog.
The large Pop Crate measures 36 inches long by 20.75 inches wide by 22 inches tall. The small Pop Crate is significantly smaller, measuring 22.5 inches long by 14.25 inches wide by 14.5 inches tall. Both collapse to 4 inches high, making it reasonable to pack in a suitcase for travel.
In selecting products to review, we expanded our definition of &#;soft crate&#; to include what is best described as a fully enclosed, soft exercise pen. Like a traditional exercise pen, Elite Field&#;s Two-Door Soft X-Pen consists of eight connected panels, only in this case, the panels are constructed of canvas and mesh. These create an octagonal enclosure with a diameter of 36-62 inches and a height of 24-36 inches.
We tested the 48-inch pen, which provided plenty of room for two adult Golden Retrievers. The pen has two zippered doors, two storage pockets, a water bottle opening and holder, and a removable (zippered) washable floor mat and mesh top. It&#;s lightweight and comes with a carrying case. Having recently refinished my hardwood floors, I loved the idea of a soft pen.
Elite Field&#;s Two-Door Soft X-Pen seemed like a strong contender as a top pick until it was time to fold it up. It does not come with detailed instructions, nor is it super intuitive. Even after we determined the need to remove the top and bottom of the pen before folding (a disappointment in itself), it took several attempts to discover the correct order in which to fold the panels onto themselves.
When we contacted the manufacturer for input as to the best way to fold the pen, we were told see the set-up instructions (which basically say, &#;unfold the play pen and expand the play pen&#;) and then to &#;please just reverse the set up process.&#; Gee, why didn&#;t we think of that? #Sarcasm.
This pen has a lot of potential. If Elite Field would number the panels and add simple instructions for folding it up, this pen could rise to the top of our list. We love the concept, but don&#;t recommend this product if you plan to set it up and take it down often, or if you have low frustration tolerance!
The following crate might offer some utility for some dog owners, but didn&#;t, in our opinion, possess enough positive features to outweigh the factors we considered to be drawbacks.
Midwest Pet Products is a key player in the wire crate and exercise pen market. Unfortunately, it brought a wire crate mindset to the soft crate market, with (in our view) a poor result.
The Canine Camper is essentially a sparse wire crate encased in canvas. On the outside, it looks similar to any of the soft crates held together by lightweight metal frames. Underneath the attractive canvas cover is a wire frame, which requires a somewhat counterintuitive, two-step process to secure.
To add to the challenge, unlike similar soft crates where assembly is easily accessed via a zippered &#;sunroof&#; on top of the crate, no such sunroof exists on the Canine Camper; we had to reach in through the crate&#;s front door &#; awkward!
The extensive wire frame also adds to its weight. We tested the 36-inch model, which weighs 17 pounds &#; a good bit heavier than the 14.5-pound Port-a-Crate and 14-pound Elite Field crate of the same length.
We did find the Canine Camper to have the sturdiest mesh window and door panels. Rather than a fabric-type mesh, it features thicker, rubberized window and door panels that feel like they might better withstand clawing.
Stephanie Colman is a writer and dog trainer in Southern California.
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