Best Dog Crate for Small Dogs in 2026
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We evaluated six top-rated crates for small breeds by assessing assembly speed, ventilation efficiency, and travel compliance across six independent reviews. This ranking is specifically for owners of dogs under 20 lbs who need durable, space-efficient enclosures for indoor training or air travel.
How we ranked these
At a glance
| # | Product | Score | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate | 9.4 | First-time owners and puppy trainers needing adjustable interior space for growing small breeds |
| 2 | EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate | 9.1 | Owners of calm, crate-trained dogs requiring portability for car travel and vet visits |
| 3 | Petmate Sky Kennel (21-Inch) | 8.9 | Frequent flyers needing an airline-compliant kennel for pets up to 15 lbs |
| 4 | Amazon Basics Metal Wire Dog Crate | 8.5 | Budget-conscious owners needing a portable, foldable option for apartment living |
| 5 | Carlson Secure and Compact Single Door Metal Dog Crate | 8.2 | Owners needing a compact, secure metal enclosure for indoor training in small spaces |
| 6 | New Age Pet ecoFLEX Pet Crate/End Table | 7.9 | Homeowners wanting a furniture-style crate that blends into living room decor |
MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate
9.4- Includes a divider panel to adjust interior space as puppies grow from 10 to 20 lbs
- Features a leak-proof plastic tray for simplified cleanup
- Utilizes a tool-free foldable wire design for rapid assembly
- Equipped with rounded corners and a secure slide-bolt latch
- May feel snug for dogs pushing the upper limit of the 20-pound capacity
- Basic single-door design lacks the multi-access convenience of the EliteField model
Best for: First-time owners and puppy trainers needing adjustable interior space for growing small breeds
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EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate
9.1- Offers three-door access (top, front, side) for flexible entry points
- Includes a matching bed and carrying bag in the package
- Collapsible fabric/mesh construction blends better into home decor than wire crates
- Available in 5 distinct sizes to fit various small breed dimensions
- Less rigid structure compared to wire or plastic alternatives like the Petmate Sky Kennel
- Not suitable for escape-prone dogs or heavy chewers due to soft mesh construction
Best for: Owners of calm, crate-trained dogs requiring portability for car travel and vet visits
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Petmate Sky Kennel (21-Inch)
8.9- IATA compliant design ensures acceptance for airline travel
- Provides 360-degree ventilation for consistent airflow
- Constructed from EcoTEC recycled plastic for durability
- Manufactured in the USA
- Plastic construction offers less visibility for the dog compared to wire mesh crates
- Limited size range restricts fit for larger small breeds exceeding 15 lbs
Best for: Frequent flyers needing an airline-compliant kennel for pets up to 15 lbs
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Amazon Basics Metal Wire Dog Crate
8.5- Foldable design collapses flat for compact storage in apartments
- Removable tray slides out smoothly for quick cleaning
- Compact dimensions of 24″ x 18″ x 20″ fit tight living spaces
- Includes a divider panel to manage space for growing puppies
- Basic construction lacks the premium finish found in the MidWest iCrate
- Single-door configuration restricts access compared to the EliteField's three-door layout
Best for: Budget-conscious owners needing a portable, foldable option for apartment living
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Carlson Secure and Compact Single Door Metal Dog Crate
8.2- Compact footprint specifically designed for apartment constraints
- Single-door metal construction provides a secure enclosure
- Blue finish offers a distinct aesthetic alternative to standard black wire crates
- Limited size options compared to the 5-size range of the EliteField
- Single-door design may restrict access compared to multi-door models
Best for: Owners needing a compact, secure metal enclosure for indoor training in small spaces
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New Age Pet ecoFLEX Pet Crate/End Table
7.9- Dual-function design serves as both a crate and an end table
- Made from ecoFLEX composite wood/plastic material for weather resistance
- Grey finish matches modern living room furniture aesthetics
- Fixed furniture-style structure lacks the collapsible portability of the Amazon Basics wire crate
- Less suitable for travel compared to the IATA-compliant Petmate Sky Kennel
Best for: Homeowners wanting a furniture-style crate that blends into living room decor
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How to choose
Choose the MidWest iCrate for dogs up to 20 lbs, but opt for the Petmate Sky Kennel if your pet weighs under 15 lbs and requires airline compliance.
Select the EliteField 3-Door for car trips due to its included carrying bag, or the Petmate Sky Kennel for air travel due to its IATA compliance.
Prioritize crates with divider panels like the MidWest iCrate and Amazon Basics to adjust space as puppies grow, avoiding fixed-size models like the Carlson.
Choose the MidWest iCrate for tool-free assembly, whereas the Amazon Basics requires folding mechanisms that may take longer to set up.
Our verdict
The MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate is the top choice for most owners due to its adjustable divider and tool-free assembly, while the EliteField 3-Door is superior for travel-heavy households needing soft-sided portability.
Replacing an older one? You can sell it for free on Bazeta, our classifieds marketplace.
Frequently asked questions
Which crate is best for airline travel?
The Petmate Sky Kennel (21-Inch) is the best choice as it is explicitly IATA compliant and designed for air travel.
Can I use a soft crate for a chewer?
No, the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate is not suitable for heavy chewers or escape-prone dogs due to its mesh construction.
Which crate fits best in small apartments?
The Amazon Basics Metal Wire Dog Crate (24″ x 18″ x 20″) and the Carlson Secure and Compact model are ideal for tight spaces due to their compact footprints.
How do I manage space for a growing puppy?
Select crates with divider panels, such as the MidWest iCrate or Amazon Basics, which allow you to adjust the interior area as the puppy grows.
