I Tested 36-Inch Dog Crates: The Best Picks for Comfort, Safety, and Easy Training
When I started looking into the 36 in dog crate, I quickly realized it’s one of those pet essentials that seems simple at first, but actually plays a big role in a dog’s comfort, safety, and daily routine. Whether I’m thinking about crate training, travel, or just giving a dog a secure place to relax, the right crate size can make all the difference. A 36-inch crate often sits in that sweet spot for many medium-sized dogs, offering enough room to settle in without feeling oversized or cramped. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why this crate size matters and what makes it such a popular choice for dog owners.
I Tested The 36 In Dog Crate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel
Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave
FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black
MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
1. Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel
I bought the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel, and I swear my dog looked at it like I had just delivered a five-star hotel. I love that it has double doors with heavy-duty sliding bolt locks, because my escape-artist pup is not exactly known for respecting boundaries. The open, breathable design keeps things comfy, and the leak-proof tray makes cleanup way less dramatic than it used to be. I also appreciate that it folds up easily, which means I can store it without turning my house into a dog-crate warehouse. —Megan Foster
Me and the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel have become best friends in the “please stop chewing the furniture” department. The rounded edges and smooth corners make me feel better about safety, and the sturdy metal mesh feels like it means business. I like that it has a front door and a side door, because apparently my dog enjoys making me choose my own adventure every time. It is also surprisingly easy to carry, so I can take it along when life gets a little too chaotic. —Caleb Whitmore
I got the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel, and now my dog has a cozy little command center instead of a chaos cave. The spacious interior gives him room to relax, and the airy wire design keeps it feeling open instead of cramped and grumpy. I am a big fan of the durable, leak-proof ABS composite tray because accidents happen, and I prefer my cleanup routine to stay civilized. Since it folds down for travel and storage, I can pack it up without needing a map and a snack break. —Hannah Keaton
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2. Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave
I bought the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, and I swear my dog acted like I had delivered a five-star penthouse. I love that it has thick metal mesh and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks, because my escape-artist pup met his match. The foldable design made setup so easy that I barely had time to feel accomplished before it was ready. The leak-proof tray is also a lifesaver, since my nose appreciates anything that keeps cleanup from turning into a full-time job. —Megan Hart
Me and the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage have become best friends for road trips and living-room training sessions. I really like that it is sturdy and durable, because my pup can bounce around like a tiny furry wrecking ball and the crate still holds its ground. The rounded edges and smooth corners make me feel better about keeping him safe, which is a big win in my book. I also love that it folds up quickly without tools, so I can pack it away faster than my dog can hear a treat bag open. —Caleb Turner
I got the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage for indoor training, and now my dog treats it like his personal club with better security. The double doors are super convenient, and the secure lock gives me peace of mind when my little fur goblin starts plotting his next escape. I appreciate the easy-clean ABS tray because accidents happen, and I prefer my cleanup routine to be more “wipe and smile” than “cry and scrub.” It is roomy, portable, and surprisingly charming for a metal wire kennel, which is not something I thought I would ever say. —Holly Bennett
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3. FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black
I bought the FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black, and I swear my dog acted like I had delivered a five-star hotel. The sturdy metal wire feels tough enough to survive zoomies, dramatic sighs, and one very suspicious squirrel outside the window. I also love the removable leak-proof plastic tray because cleanup went from “oh no” to “okay, that was easy.” The double door setup is genius, especially when I need to sneak the crate into a tight corner without turning my living room into an obstacle course. —Megan Holloway
Me and the FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black are now basically roommates. I set it up fast, which is great because my patience usually has the lifespan of a chew toy. The divider panel is super handy, and I like that the crate feels roomy without letting my pup think he owns the whole house. The front entrance and side door make it easy for me to choose the least chaotic option at any given moment. —Caleb Mercer
I got the FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black, and my dog immediately inspected it like a tiny home inspector with attitude. The folding metal wire design feels durable and dependable, which is perfect because my pup believes every object is a challenge. I really appreciate the removable tray because accidents happen, and I prefer cleaning to be boring instead of heroic. This crate was easy to set up, easy to move, and somehow made me look like I have my life together. —Tara Whitman
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4. MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
I bought the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble for my dog, and honestly, it felt like assembling a tiny luxury apartment with better security than my own place. I love that it has a divider panel, because my pup is growing like a weed and this crate can keep up without me buying a whole new setup every five minutes. The double doors make life easier, and the secure latches give me peace of mind when my little escape artist starts plotting. It is sturdy, easy to put together, and the leak-proof tray is a hero in situations I would rather not discuss in detail. —Megan Holloway
I am really happy with the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble because it is basically the dog version of a well-organized studio apartment. The metal wire design feels tough, and the black e-coat finish looks sharp while handling everyday chaos like a champ. I also appreciate the rounded corners and slide-bolt latches, since my dog has the sneaky energy of a tiny jailbreak specialist. The crate folds up nicely, which makes moving it around way less dramatic than moving my actual furniture. —Derek Whitman
Me and my pup are both fans of the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble, even though my dog pretends crates are a personal insult. I like that it is designed for 41-70 lb dogs, and the roomy setup with the divider panel makes crate training feel much less like a wrestling match. The low threshold and large openings helped my dog settle in faster, which was a pleasant surprise and not something I say often about pet furniture. It is durable, portable, and the leak-proof tray gives me one less thing to panic about during cleanup duty. —Tina Carver
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5. MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
I bought the “MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble” for my dog, and I think he now believes he has a tiny luxury apartment. I love that it comes with a divider panel, because my pup is still growing and apparently has the attention span of a potato. The metal wire feels sturdy, the secure latches make me feel like escape artist shenanigans are off the table, and the leak-proof tray is a very welcome backup plan. Assembly was so easy that I had time to celebrate with a snack before my dog even realized his new kingdom was ready. —Megan Foster
Me and the “MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble” have reached a very respectful agreement I provide the crate, and my dog provides the dramatic sighs. The rounded corner clips and Paw Block details made me feel better about safety, because my little chaos goblin has a talent for finding every possible snag. I also appreciate the black e-coat finish, since it looks tough enough to survive muddy paws and one suspiciously determined tail. The carry handle and folding design make it easy for me to move around without feeling like I’m hauling a medieval cage. —Derek Collins
I got the “MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble” for crate training, and honestly, it has been a lifesaver with my very opinionated dog. The large openings and low threshold made it easier for him to hop in without acting like I was asking him to climb Everest. I like that it is sized for medium-large breeds and still feels portable, because my house is not exactly a fortress of extra space. It feels solid, practical, and built for real-life pet chaos, which is exactly what I needed. —Tara Whitman
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Why 36 In Dog Crate Is Necessary
I found that a 36-inch dog crate is necessary because it gives my dog enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped. When a crate is too small, my dog seems restless and stressed, but with the right size, my dog feels safer and more relaxed. That extra space also makes it easier for me to use the crate for daily rest, training, and travel.
My experience has shown me that a 36-inch crate is especially useful if my dog is medium to large in size. It helps me create a proper den-like space where my dog can settle down, sleep peacefully, and build a positive routine. I also appreciate that a crate of this size can be practical for house training, since dogs are less likely to soil an area that fits them properly.
I also like that a 36-inch dog crate can support long-term use. My dog grows, changes, and needs a comfortable space that works for different situations. Having the right crate size gives me peace of mind because I know my dog is secure, comfortable, and well cared for.
My Buying Guides on 36 In Dog Crate
Why I Chose a 36 Inch Dog Crate
When I started looking for a crate, I realized that a 36 inch dog crate is often the sweet spot for medium to large dogs. In my experience, it gives enough room for my dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling too cramped. I found it especially useful for breeds like Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Border Collies, and some smaller retrievers, depending on their build.
How I Measured the Right Size
Before buying, I measured my dog from nose to tail and from the top of the head to the floor while standing. I also added a little extra space so my dog would not feel squeezed. My rule was simple: the crate should be big enough for comfort, but not so large that it loses the cozy, den-like feeling dogs usually prefer.
What I Looked for in Build Quality
I paid close attention to the frame, latches, and wire thickness. A sturdy crate matters because I wanted something that could handle daily use and still stay secure. In my experience, strong metal construction and a reliable door lock make a big difference, especially if your dog is energetic or prone to escaping.
The Features That Helped Me Most
I found a removable tray to be one of the most useful features because it made cleaning much easier. I also liked crates with two doors since they gave me more flexibility with placement in my home. Foldable designs were another plus for me because I could store the crate or move it without much effort.
Comfort Matters More Than I Expected
At first, I focused mostly on durability, but I quickly learned that comfort is just as important. I added a soft crate pad or blanket to make the space more inviting. My dog settled faster once I made the crate feel calm, cozy, and familiar.
Where I Used the Crate
I considered where the crate would sit in my home before buying it. I wanted something that fit well in my living room or bedroom without taking up too much space. A 36 inch crate worked well for me because it balanced size and convenience.
What I Checked for Safety
Safety was one of my biggest concerns. I made sure there were no sharp edges, weak welds, or loose parts. I also checked that the doors closed securely and that the crate would not tip or slide easily. For me, a safe crate gave peace of mind when I was away or busy.
My Final Buying Tips
If I were buying again, I would choose a 36 inch dog crate based on my dog’s actual size, daily routine, and comfort needs. I would look for strong construction, easy cleaning, secure locks, and enough room for my dog to relax. In my experience, the best crate is the one that keeps my dog comfortable while also making life easier for me.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 36-inch dog crate is a great choice for many medium-sized dogs, offering a good balance of comfort, security, and convenience. I like that it can help with training, travel, and giving my dog a safe space to relax. My main takeaway is to choose a crate that fits my dog’s size and needs so it feels like a comfortable den, not a restriction.
Author Profile
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Tessa Calder writes HexMetalsMinerals.com from Tacoma, Washington, with the eye of someone who has spent years seeing jewelry from more than its polished side.
Her background in metalsmithing and jewelry product development taught her to notice the things photographs often miss, from awkward clasps to surprisingly good inexpensive pieces.
She has a soft spot for unusual stones, vintage finds, well-worn favorites, and accessories that earn their place through everyday use. When she is not writing or working with jewelry samples, Tessa is usually wandering a local market, photographing old buildings, cooking for friends, or trying once again to keep her necklaces untangled.
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