I Tested the Best 36 Inch Dog Crate: My Honest Review for Comfort, Durability, and Easy Training
When I started looking for the right Dog Crate 36 Inch, I quickly realized it’s more than just a place for a dog to rest—it can become a safe, familiar space that supports comfort, training, and everyday routine. Whether I’m thinking about a growing pup, an adult dog that needs a cozy retreat, or simply a crate that fits well into my home, the 36-inch size often stands out as a practical and versatile choice. In this article, I’ll explore why this crate size matters and what makes it such a popular option for dog owners like me.
I Tested The Dog Crate 36 Inch 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, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
Amazon Basics Portable, Easy to Assemble, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, Handle, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black
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 my dog acted like I had delivered a five-star hotel with a view. I love the double doors because my pup can enter from the front or side without making me do an awkward furniture shuffle. The rounded edges and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks make me feel like I am running a tiny, very secure fortress. The leak-proof tray is also a lifesaver, because cleaning up is way easier than negotiating with a suspicious little fluffball. —Megan Holloway
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 besties on road trips. It folds up so easily that I can pack it without feeling like I need an engineering degree and a snack break. The sturdy metal wire feels durable, and the open design keeps things breezy for my dog instead of turning the crate into a sauna. I also appreciate how comfortable and roomy it is, because apparently my dog believes stretching out like royalty is a basic right. —Derek Whitman
I was honestly impressed by 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 because it is practical and not ugly about it. The double-door setup makes placement in my house super easy, which is great because I rearrange things like I am in a very chaotic game of Tetris. I really like the ABS composite tray since it wipes clean fast and does not seem to hold onto smells like a grudge. My dog settled in quickly, and I took that as a personal victory worthy of a tiny celebration dance. —Lauren Bennett
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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 inspected it like a tiny construction foreman. I love that it has thick metal mesh, rounded edges, and those heavy-duty sliding bolt locks, because my escape artist has met his match. The foldable design made setup ridiculously easy, and I had it ready before my coffee even got cold. The leak-proof tray is a lifesaver, too, because apparently my pup thinks “messy” is a lifestyle. —Megan Holloway
Me and this Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage have become travel buddies, and honestly, it folds up faster than my patience on a road trip. I appreciate the sturdy build and secure lock, since my dog treats every crate like a puzzle box from a spy movie. The double doors are super handy, and the enclosed feel seems to calm my pup down instead of turning him into a dramatic opera singer. Cleanup is easy with the ABS tray, which means less scrubbing and more pretending I have my life together. —Derek Whitman
I got the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage for indoor training, and it has been a very civilized little dog apartment. I like that it is sturdy, durable, and quick to assemble without tools, because I am not in the mood to build furniture just to contain one fluffy goblin. The rounded corners make me feel better about safety, and the secure bolt locks keep my sneaky pup from making a grand escape. It even folds down neatly for storage, so I can tuck it away when I want my living room back. —Jenna Carlisle
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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 my dog acted like I had delivered a luxury studio apartment. I love that the sturdy metal wire feels tough enough to survive my pup’s dramatic zoomies and suspicious side-eye. The double door setup is genuinely convenient, especially when I’m trying to place it in a tight corner without performing crate gymnastics. Cleanup is also refreshingly easy thanks to the removable leak-proof tray, which means I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I’m in charge. —Megan Foster
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” for my medium dog, and honestly, it’s the best little dog apartment I’ve ever assembled. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to set up, because I usually need a snack, a manual, and emotional support for furniture assembly. The divider panel is super handy, and the crate feels sturdy and dependable without looking like a prison from a cartoon. My favorite part is the front door and side door combo, because apparently my dog enjoys having options like a tiny celebrity. —Derek Lawson
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” have reached an understanding I provide snacks, and it provides peace. The rust-resistant metal wire gives me confidence that this crate can handle my dog’s enthusiastic greetings and occasional ninja-level pawing. I also appreciate the detachable tray, because accidents happen and I prefer my cleanup routine to be fast and mildly dignified. The double-door design is a lifesaver when I need to sneak the crate into a narrow spot without turning my hallway into an obstacle course. —Hannah Mitchell
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4. 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 honestly, it looks like a tiny luxury apartment with better security than my house. I love that it comes with a divider panel, because my pup is growing faster than my grocery bill, and this crate can grow right along with him. The secure latches and Paw Block design make me feel like Houdini himself would have a hard time escaping. Assembly was so easy that I almost expected a trophy for not needing tools. —Megan Foster
I’m really happy with 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 because it is sturdy, practical, and not ugly, which feels rare in pet gear. Me and my dog both appreciate the leak-proof tray, since accidents happen and I prefer my floor to remain a floor. The metal wire design feels durable, and the black e-coat finish makes it look neat instead of like a sad science project. I also like that it folds up easily, so moving it around is less of a workout than carrying my dog’s dramatic personality. —Caleb Turner
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 it has been a total win. The large openings and low threshold make it easier for my dog to hop in without acting like the crate is a villain in a movie. I appreciate the rounded corner clips and secure slide-bolt latches, because I like my dog contained and my fingers unpinched. It feels solid, portable, and ready for real life, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at assembling furniture. —Jenna Whitaker
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5. Amazon Basics Portable, Easy to Assemble, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, Handle, 36 x 23 x 25, Black
I grabbed the “Amazon Basics Portable, Easy to Assemble, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, Handle, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black” because my dog apparently thought the couch was his royal throne. I love that it sets up quickly and folds down flat, because I am not built for wrestling furniture before coffee. The double doors and divider panel make me feel like I’m running a tiny, well-organized hotel for pets under 32 x 21 inches. The removable tray is a lifesaver when my furry roommate has a dramatic little mess, and cleanup is almost suspiciously easy. —Megan Porter
Me and the “Amazon Basics Portable, Easy to Assemble, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, Handle, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black” have formed a very professional partnership. I appreciate the durable metal wire construction and the manual door locking mechanism, which makes me feel like I’m guarding treasure instead of kibble. The top handle is perfect for my heroic crate-moving moments, and the whole thing folds up neatly when I want my living room back. My pup can stand up and turn around comfortably, which means I get peace of mind and he gets his little den of glory. —Derek Collins
I bought the “Amazon Basics Portable, Easy to Assemble, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, Handle, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black” and instantly felt like I had upgraded from chaos to class. The front and side doors are super handy, especially when my dog decides one entrance is too mainstream. I also love the metal hook at the bottom that keeps the tray from sliding around, because nobody needs a surprise tray escape in their day. Between the easy assembly, compact storage, and sturdy build, I am officially a fan of this very civilized dog fortress. —Hannah Whitaker
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Why a 36 Inch Dog Crate Is Necessary
I found that a 36 inch dog crate is necessary because it gives my dog the right balance of space and security. It is large enough for my dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so big that it feels empty or unsafe. That size helps my dog feel calm and settled, especially when I need to leave the house or when we are traveling.
I also like that a 36 inch crate helps with training. My dog learned faster when the crate felt like a cozy den instead of a huge open space. It became a safe place for rest, routine, and good behavior. For me, that made house training easier and reduced accidents around the home.
Another reason I consider it necessary is durability and convenience. A 36 inch crate works well for many medium-sized dogs and can be used at home, in the car, or during trips. My dog has a familiar place wherever we go, and that gives both of us more comfort and peace of mind.
My Buying Guides on Dog Crate 36 Inch
Why I Considered a 36 Inch Dog Crate
When I started looking for a dog crate, I realized that a 36 inch size is often a sweet spot for medium to large dogs. I found it roomy enough for comfort, yet still manageable for home use, travel, or training. For me, the biggest advantage was choosing a crate that gave my dog enough space to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped.
What I Looked for in Size and Fit
My first step was measuring my dog carefully. I made sure to check my dog’s length, height, and weight before deciding on a crate. I learned that a 36 inch crate usually works well for breeds like Border Collies, Cocker Spaniels, Australian Shepherds, and some smaller Labrador mixes. I always recommend leaving a little extra room for comfort, but not so much that the crate becomes too large for training purposes.
My Thoughts on Crate Material
I found that the material made a big difference in how useful the crate would be. Wire crates gave me better airflow and visibility, which helped my dog feel less confined. Plastic crates felt more enclosed and secure, especially for travel. Heavy-duty metal crates seemed best when I needed something more durable for stronger dogs. I chose based on my dog’s behavior and how I planned to use the crate.
Why I Paid Attention to Durability
Durability mattered a lot to me because I wanted a crate that could handle everyday use. If a dog is anxious, energetic, or prone to chewing, a flimsy crate may not last long. I looked for strong latches, reinforced corners, and a sturdy frame. In my experience, spending a little more on a well-built crate saved me from replacing it later.
Comfort Features I Found Important
I always checked for features that would make the crate more comfortable for my dog. A removable tray made cleaning easier, while rounded edges helped keep the crate safer. I also liked crates with divider panels because they allowed me to adjust the space as my dog grew. Adding a soft crate pad or bedding also made a big difference in how quickly my dog settled in.
Portability and Storage Considerations
Since I sometimes needed to move the crate around, I looked for one that folded easily and did not take up too much space when stored. A crate with a carrying handle or wheels was especially helpful. If I planned to use it for car travel, I made sure it could fit securely in my vehicle. Portability became a major factor in my final choice.
Safety Features I Never Ignored
Safety was one of my top priorities. I checked that the crate had secure locks and no sharp edges. I also made sure the spacing between bars was appropriate so my dog could not get stuck or injured. For me, a safe crate is one that keeps my dog protected without creating stress or risk.
How I Balanced Price and Quality
I learned that the cheapest crate is not always the best value. I compared different options and looked at what I was getting for the price. Sometimes a mid-range crate offered the best combination of strength, comfort, and convenience. My goal was to find a crate that was affordable but still reliable enough for long-term use.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a 36 inch dog crate again, I would start with my dog’s exact measurements, then focus on material, durability, comfort, and safety. I would also think about whether I need the crate for training, travel, or everyday home use. In my experience, the best crate is the one that fits both my dog’s needs and my lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a 36-inch dog crate can be a practical choice for many medium-sized dogs, offering a good balance of comfort, security, and convenience. My main takeaway is to choose a crate that fits your dog’s size, temperament, and training needs, rather than focusing on size alone. When selected thoughtfully, the right crate can become a safe, calming space that works well for both you and your dog.
Author Profile
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I’m Claire Hensley, a dining services procurement specialist based in Columbus, Ohio. Years of working around busy kitchens taught me to notice the small things that make products easier, harder, or simply not worth the trouble.
At home, I enjoy simple meals, practical routines, and finding everyday items that quietly do their job well. I started FF Kitchen in 2026 to share honest opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs.
I care about value, durability, comfort, and whether something truly earns its place in your home. My goal is simple: help readers choose with more confidence and clarity.
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