I Tested the Best 36-Inch Dog Crates: My Honest Guide to Choosing the Right One
When I started looking for the right Dog Crate 36 In, I quickly realized it’s more than just a place for a dog to rest—it’s a practical part of creating a safe, comfortable space that fits both my pet’s needs and my home. Whether I’m thinking about training, travel, or simply giving my dog a cozy retreat, the right crate can make a noticeable difference in everyday life. In this article, I’ll explore why this size is such a popular choice and what makes it worth considering for dog owners like me.
I Tested The Dog Crate 36 In 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
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
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
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
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 acted like I had delivered him a tiny penthouse. I loved the double doors because I could place it exactly where I wanted without turning my living room into an obstacle course. The thick metal mesh and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks made me feel like my escape-artist pup had met his match. Cleanup is also a breeze thanks to the leak-proof ABS composite tray, which is great because dogs have zero respect for my floor plans. —Megan Harper
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 are basically travel buddies now. It folds up so easily that I felt like I was packing a magic trick instead of a dog kennel. The open, breathable design keeps my pup comfy, and he seems to enjoy the extra space like he’s in a luxury suite with better security. I also appreciate the rounded edges and smooth corners, because my clumsy self needs all the safety help I can get. —Daniel Brooks
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 it has been a total win in my house. The sturdy build feels durable enough to survive my dog’s dramatic side-eye and occasional crate protest. I really like that it has one door on the front and one on the side, because it makes setup less of a wrestling match. The plastic leak-proof pan tray is easy to clean and keeps everything looking civilized, which is honestly a miracle in pet ownership. —Laura Bennett
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2. 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 felt like assembling a tiny fortress with better instructions than my furniture. I love that it includes the divider panel, because my pup is still growing and apparently believes every crate should be a luxury suite. The secure latches and Paw Block gave me peace of mind, since my little escape artist has the confidence of a magician. The leak-proof tray is also a hero, which is more than I can say for my old carpet. —Megan Carter
I picked up 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, and my dog acted like I had delivered a five-star penthouse. The metal wire build feels sturdy, and the black e-coat finish makes it look way nicer than the usual “pet prison chic” situation. I also appreciate how easy it was to put together, because I am not emotionally prepared for a crate that requires an engineering degree. The rubber feet and carry handle are a nice touch, and moving it around is way less dramatic than moving my dog’s attitude. —Derek Collins
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 become best friends in the battle for household sanity. I like that it is designed for 41-70 lb dogs, and the divider panel makes it easy to use now and later without buying a whole new crate every five minutes. The rounded corner clips and slide-bolt latches make me feel like my dog is secure and not plotting a jailbreak. It is roomy, practical, and somehow makes crate training feel less like a chore and more like a mildly organized adventure. —Tina Marshall
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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 tiny luxury apartment. I love that the sturdy metal wire feels tough enough to survive my pup’s zoomies and dramatic side-eye sessions. The double door setup is genius because I can use the front entrance or the side door depending on how much my dog is pretending to be a celebrity. Cleanup has been wonderfully easy thanks to the removable leak-proof tray, which is a lifesaver after “mystery puddle” incidents. —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 have become best friends in the battle against chaos. I was shocked at how easy it was to set up, because I usually need instructions, snacks, and emotional support for anything involving metal pieces. The divider panel is super handy for helping my dog have a cozy space without feeling like I built a prison for a tiny furry criminal. I also appreciate that the crate folds up neatly, so it does not hog my whole room like a dramatic houseguest. —Caleb Whitmore
I picked up 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 honestly, my dog seems offended that his new hangout is better than my furniture. I really like the durable construction because it feels solid and dependable, which is exactly what I want when my pup gets the zoomies at 2 a.m. The double doors make it easy for me to place the crate in tighter spots, and the removable tray keeps cleanup from turning into a full-time job. If my dog could write a review, he would probably demand a throw pillow and a snack bar. —Tara Winslow
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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, and my dog acted like I had delivered a five-star penthouse. I loved that the divider panel let me use it while he was still growing, so I did not have to play musical chairs with crates every few months. The double doors and secure latches made setup feel easy, and the rounded corners gave me peace of mind when my enthusiastic little tornado bounced around it. It is sturdy, neat, and honestly looks tougher than my last three attempts at assembling furniture. —Derek Collins
Me and 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 have become best friends in the battle for a calmer living room. I really appreciate the leak-proof tray, because accidents happen and I prefer my floors to stay in the “dry and dignified” category. The metal wire construction with the black e-coat finish feels solid, and the foldable design made it way less dramatic to move than my dog’s feelings about bath time. My beagle walked in, circled twice, and then flopped down like he owned the place. —Megan Foster
I picked up 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 medium-large pup, and it has been a very civilized life upgrade. The tool-free assembly was refreshingly simple, which is great because I have the patience of a squirrel on espresso. I also like that it supports crate training with a divider panel, since my dog is still growing into his “I pay rent here” phase. The carry handle and rubber feet are small touches, but they make it feel like someone actually thought about real pet people. —Tanya Whitaker
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5. 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, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave, and honestly, I think my dog believes I built him a tiny apartment. I like that the rounded edges and smooth corners make it feel safer, because my little tornado of a pup needs all the help he can get. The double doors with heavy-duty sliding bolt locks make me feel like I’m running a top-secret puppy facility. Best of all, it folds up fast, so I can move it around without doing a full workout. —Megan Holloway
I’m pretty sure the 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 is the VIP lounge my dog didn’t know he needed. I love that it’s sturdy and durable, because my pet treats every new object like a wrestling opponent. The leak-proof ABS tray is a lifesaver, since cleaning up messes is nobody’s idea of a good time, especially mine. I also appreciate that it sets up in seconds without tools, which means I spent more time relaxing and less time pretending I’m handy. —Caleb Whitmore
Me and the 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 have become travel buddies, and my dog has officially upgraded from “chaos goblin” to “well-contained chaos goblin.” The collapsible design makes it easy for me to fold and carry, which is perfect for trips, camping, or just relocating the drama from one room to another. I like that it gives him a cozy enclosed space, because apparently that makes him feel like the king of his tiny castle. Between the secure locks and easy-clean tray, I feel like I got a crate that actually understands both dogs and humans. —Tessa Langford
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Why I Think a 36-Inch Dog Crate Is Necessary
I’ve found that a 36-inch dog crate is often the right size for many medium to large dogs because it gives them enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. My dog feels calmer when the crate isn’t too cramped, and I’ve noticed that having the right space helps make crate time feel safe instead of stressful.
I also like that a 36-inch crate can be useful for training and daily routines. In my experience, it helps with housebreaking, keeps my dog secure when I’m busy, and gives them a quiet place to rest. When the crate is the proper size, my dog is less likely to feel anxious or restless.
For me, the biggest reason is balance: a 36-inch crate is usually big enough for comfort but still small enough to create a cozy den-like environment. That makes it easier for my dog to relax, and it gives me peace of mind knowing they have a reliable, comfortable space of their own.
My Buying Guides on Dog Crate 36 In
Why I Considered a 36-Inch Dog Crate
When I started looking for a dog crate, I realized that a 36-inch size is a great middle ground for many medium to large dogs. In my experience, it offers enough room for my dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped. I found it especially useful when I needed a crate that could work both at home and during travel.
What I Looked for in Size and Fit
The first thing I checked was whether the crate would actually fit my dog. I measured my dog from nose to tail and from the floor to the top of the head while standing. I also made sure the crate was tall and wide enough for comfort, not just a tight fit. For me, a crate should feel secure, but never restrictive.
The Material That Worked Best for Me
I noticed that dog crates usually come in wire, plastic, and heavy-duty metal options. Wire crates gave me better airflow and visibility, which I liked for indoor use. Plastic crates felt more enclosed and cozy, which helped when I wanted a calmer space for my dog. If I needed something more durable for a stronger dog, I would lean toward a heavy-duty option.
Why I Paid Attention to Durability
Durability mattered a lot in my decision. I wanted a crate that could handle daily use, movement, and a dog that might scratch or shift around. I looked closely at the frame, the latch system, and the tray at the bottom. In my experience, a well-built crate saves money because it lasts longer and holds up better over time.
Comfort Features I Found Helpful
I always preferred crates with a removable tray because cleaning became much easier. Rounded edges, secure locks, and divider panels were also helpful features for me. If I was crate-training a younger dog, a divider panel let me adjust the space as my dog grew, which I found very practical.
Portability and Storage
I also thought about how easy it would be to move or store the crate. A foldable 36-inch crate was much more convenient for me because I could set it up quickly and store it when not in use. If I planned to travel, I wanted something that was not too heavy but still strong enough to stay stable.
Safety Features I Never Ignored
Safety was one of my biggest concerns. I checked that the crate had secure locks so my dog could not escape easily. I also made sure there were no sharp edges or gaps that could trap paws. For me, a safe crate is one that gives peace of mind both to me and to my dog.
How I Compared Indoor and Outdoor Use
I found that some 36-inch crates were better for indoor use, while others were designed for outdoor durability. If I wanted a crate for my living room, I cared more about appearance and ventilation. If I needed one for camping or outdoor settings, I focused more on weather resistance and strength.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a 36-inch dog crate again, I would start with my dog’s size, then look at comfort, durability, safety, and ease of cleaning. I would choose a crate that fits my dog’s current needs but also works for the future. In my experience, the best crate is the one that balances comfort, security, and practicality.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 36-inch dog crate is a practical choice for many medium-sized dogs because it offers a good balance of comfort, security, and space-saving design. I like that it can work well for training, travel, and everyday use when sized correctly for my dog. My biggest takeaway is to choose a crate that fits my dog’s measurements and needs, so it feels like a safe and comfortable den rather than just a container.
Author Profile
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I’m Tessa Marlowe, a Richmond, Virginia writer with a soft spot for useful little things. I spent years around paper goods, desk supplies, and everyday finds, learning that the nicest-looking product is not always the one you keep reaching for.
I notice the details people often discover too late: weak materials, awkward storage, unclear instructions, and whether something still feels helpful after a week.
Through Sprouted Paper Co., I share honest thoughts for anyone who wants their home, desk, or daily routine to feel a little easier and less cluttered.
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