The best pet crate or kennel depends on your pet’s size and how you plan to use it. The Midwest 24-inch iCrate suits small dogs, while the 30- and 36-inch models fit progressively larger dogs. FDW’s 24-inch crate offers two doors, and the Amazon Basics carrier is a hard-sided option for transporting smaller pets.
| Product | Best For | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Midwest 24-Inch iCrate | Small dogs, 12–20 lb | Folding wire design and divider panel |
| Midwest 30-Inch iCrate | Medium dogs, 21–40 lb | Leak-proof tray and secure latch |
| Midwest 36-Inch iCrate | Medium-large dogs, 41–70 lb | Roomier wire kennel with carry handle |
| FDW 24-Inch Metal Crate | Small dogs needing two entry points | Front and side doors |
| Amazon Basics Travel Carrier | Small pets during transport | Front and top entry |
Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate
Best for: Small dogs weighing 12–20 pounds, including breeds such as Fox Terriers, Pugs, and Chihuahuas. Its 24.5-by-17.5-by-19.5-inch dimensions make it the smallest of the three Midwest wire crates in this selection.
This folding metal crate includes a divider panel, leak-proof tray, rubber feet, carry handle, and tool-free assembly. Its black e-coat finish is designed to resist rust and everyday wear. Rounded corner clips and a slide-bolt latch with Paw Block are intended to help reduce snags and escapes.
Why it was selected: It offers a compact size and practical features for a small dog’s indoor crate setup. Caution: The listed guidance suggests choosing the 30-inch model for dogs near the 20-pound upper range to provide more room.
Midwest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate
Best for: Medium dogs weighing 21–40 pounds, such as French Bulldogs, Welsh Terriers, and Dachshunds. The crate measures 30.5 by 19.25 by 21.5 inches.
The iCrate has a sturdy metal-wire construction, a protective black e-coat finish, and a folding design for portability. A divider panel, leak-proof tray, rubber feet, carry handle, and tool-free assembly are included. Rounded corner clips and a slide-bolt latch with Paw Block are listed as safety-focused details.
Why it was selected: This is a size option for buyers whose dogs are too large for the 24-inch model but do not need the 36-inch crate. Caution: For a dog near 40 pounds, the product guidance recommends considering the 36-inch size for additional room.
Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate
Best for: Medium-large dogs weighing 41–70 pounds, including Bulldogs, Beagles, and Whippets. It measures 36.5 by 23.25 by 24.75 inches.
This folding metal crate includes a divider panel, leak-proof tray, rubber feet, and carry handle. Its protective black e-coat finish is designed to resist rust and everyday wear. The product listing also describes precision welding, rounded corner clips, and slide-bolt latches with Paw Block.
Why it was selected: It provides a larger wire-crate option with features similar to the smaller Midwest models. The tool-free assembly can be useful when setting it up or folding it for transport. Caution: Dogs near 70 pounds may need the listed 42-inch size for more space.
FDW 24-Inch Double-Door Metal Crate
Best for: Small dogs whose owners want front and side access. The FDW crate has two large doors with dual latches, a divider, and a leak-proof tray. Its wire construction has an epoxy coating described as resistant to rust, corrosion, and fading.
The listing describes the crate as suitable for training and transporting well-behaved pets. It can be deployed without tools, and the divider can separate two pets into two spaces, according to the product information.
Why it was selected: The two-door layout gives buyers another access option compared with the single-door Midwest models. Caution: The provided details do not specify a recommended dog weight range, so check the crate’s dimensions against your pet before choosing it.
Amazon Basics Two-Door Travel Carrier
Best for: Transporting a cat or a small dog weighing 12–20 pounds. This hard-sided carrier measures 22.8 by 15 by 13 inches and has front and top entry, secure ventilation, and a top carry handle.
The plastic body uses steel-wire doors, and screws connect its top and bottom sections. Spring-loaded latches are designed for one-handed opening and closing. The top door can swing open to either the left or right.
Why it was selected: It is the travel-focused choice in this group for buyers who prefer a hard-sided carrier rather than a wire kennel. Caution: Its compact dimensions and carrier design make it distinct from the larger home crates; it is listed for pets weighing 12–20 pounds.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Pet Crate
What size crate should you choose?
Start with your pet’s weight and compare it with the product’s stated range, but do not rely on weight alone. Check the crate’s interior dimensions against your pet’s body size and movement needs. The listed Midwest guidance recommends sizing up when a dog is near the top of a model’s weight range.
Should you choose wire or hard-sided construction?
Wire crates can suit indoor use, training, and setups where visibility and airflow through an open wire design are priorities. The listed Midwest and FDW models fold and include trays. A hard-sided carrier, such as the Amazon Basics option, is aimed at transporting smaller pets and has enclosed plastic sides with ventilated doors.
Do doors, dividers, and trays matter?
Door placement affects where you can position a crate and how your pet enters. The FDW model has front and side doors; the Midwest models listed here have a single door. A divider can adjust the usable space, while a leak-proof tray can help contain messes. Confirm which features are included on the specific model you select.
What should you consider for portability?
Look for features that match how often you will move the crate. The Midwest models list folding construction and a carry handle, and the FDW listing describes tool-free setup. The hard-sided carrier has a top handle, but it is a smaller transport carrier rather than a full-size wire kennel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which crate in this selection is best for a small dog?
The Midwest 24-inch iCrate is listed for dogs weighing 12–20 pounds. The FDW 24-inch crate is another small-crate option, although its provided product details do not state a weight range.
Which option has two doors?
The FDW metal crate has front and side doors. The Amazon Basics travel carrier has front and top entry.
Do the Midwest iCrates include a divider?
Yes. The listed 24-, 30-, and 36-inch Midwest iCrate models include a divider panel.
Which product is designed for travel?
The Amazon Basics hard-sided carrier is the travel-focused choice in this selection. It is listed for cats or medium-size dogs weighing 12–20 pounds.
When should I size up a dog crate?
Consider sizing up when your dog is near the upper end of the model’s stated weight range. The Midwest product guidance specifically recommends a larger size near the top of each listed range.