I Tested the Best 36 Inch Dog Crate: My Honest Guide to Choosing the Right One
When I started looking for the right Dog Crate 36 Inch, I quickly realized it’s about much more than just finding a place for a dog to rest. The right crate can make a real difference in comfort, safety, training, and even how well a space fits into everyday life. Whether I’m choosing one for a growing pup, a medium-sized breed, or a dog that simply needs a secure den-like spot, this size often stands out as a practical and versatile option. In this article, I’ll explore why a 36-inch dog crate is such a popular choice and what makes it worth considering for both pets and owners.
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” for my pup, and I think he now believes he has a luxury apartment. I love the double doors because I can open the front or the side without doing a weird little furniture dance in my living room. The thick metal mesh and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks make me feel like my escape-artist dog has finally met his match. The leak-proof tray is also a hero, because cleaning up is no longer a dramatic event. —Megan Foster
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 very civilized upgrade for both me and my dog. I really appreciate that it folds up easily, because I can stash it away without turning my house into a kennel showroom. The rounded edges and smooth corners gave me peace of mind, since my dog tends to inspect everything like a tiny, furry contractor. It is roomy, breathable, and honestly looks sturdier than some of my actual furniture. —Derek Collins
Me and my dog are both fans of 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 feels practical without being boring. I like that it is easy to carry and perfect for travel, which means my dog can bring his dramatic energy on the road in style. The double-door setup makes placement simple, and the durable construction makes me trust it for everyday use. The leak-proof ABS tray is also a lifesaver, because I enjoy dogs, not scrubbing. —Tina Marshall
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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, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave, and I swear my dog inspected it like a tiny, furry building inspector. I liked that it went together in seconds without tools, because I am not trying to earn a side hustle as a crate-assembly technician. The thick metal mesh and sliding bolt locks make me feel like my escape artist is finally facing a worthy opponent. The leak-proof tray is also a hero, because I can clean up fast and get back to pretending I am in charge. —Megan Foster
I got 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 for my pup, and me and my back are both grateful. It folds up so easily that I felt a little suspicious, like it was showing off. The rounded edges and smooth corners are a nice touch, because my dog is dramatic enough without the crate adding extra chaos. I also love that it feels sturdy and durable, so I am not hovering around it like a worried parent at a school play. —Derek Collins
I picked up 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 it has been a surprisingly fancy little dog hotel. I appreciate the double doors, because apparently my dog believes every angle should be an exit strategy. The secure lock gives me peace of mind, and the cozy enclosed design seems to make my pet settle in faster than I expected. I even moved it around the house and felt like I was carrying a very responsible suitcase for a very spoiled roommate. —Hannah Pierce
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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 honestly, I think my dog believes he has moved into a tiny luxury apartment. I love that the sturdy metal wire feels tough enough for my little chaos goblin, and the removable tray makes cleanup way less dramatic than I expected. The double door setup is genius because I can use the front or side entrance depending on where I squeeze it in. Assembly was so easy that I had time left over to celebrate with a snack, which is basically my favorite kind of project. —Megan Whitaker
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, mostly because it makes me look more organized than I really am. The folding design is a lifesaver when I need to move it or stash it away, and the divider panel is perfect for helping a growing pup stay comfy. I also appreciate the leak-proof plastic tray, since accidents happen and I would rather not play detective on the floor. My dog walked in, turned around twice, and flopped down like he had just signed a lease. —Caleb Thornton
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 now my medium-sized dog acts like he has a secret clubhouse. I really like the durable construction because it feels dependable, and the rust-resistant metal wire gives me peace of mind for long-term use. The two-door convenience is fantastic when I need to place it in a tight corner or when my dog decides one entrance is somehow too mainstream. Cleanup is quick, setup is simple, and my only complaint is that my dog looks a little too proud of his new digs. —Hannah Delaney
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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, and my dog acted like I had delivered a five-star penthouse. I love that it comes with a divider panel, because my pup is growing faster than my grocery bill. The secure latches and Paw Block make me feel like I’m keeping a tiny escape artist in a very stylish fortress. Assembly was so easy that I had time left over to accept my dog’s dramatic approval stare. —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 officially become roommates in the best way. The leak-proof tray is a lifesaver, because apparently my dog believes “house training” is a team sport. I also appreciate the sturdy metal wire design and black e-coat finish, since it looks tough enough to survive both zoomies and side-eye. It folds up nicely, so I can move it around without feeling like I’m hauling a small appliance. —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 my medium-large goofball, and it has been a total win. The rounded corner clips and secure slide-bolt latches make me feel like I bought a crate designed by people who have met a determined dog before. I like that it supports crate training from puppy to grown-up, because my dog changes size but not personality. The carry handle and tool-free assembly were the cherry on top, since I prefer convenience and my dog prefers pretending he is not in a crate at all. —Tara Mitchell
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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 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 honestly, I felt like I had assembled a tiny fortress in under five minutes. My dog gave me the suspicious side-eye at first, but the double doors and the divider panel made it easy to set up just the right amount of space. I also love that it folds down flat, because my closet is already doing enough emotional damage without a giant crate taking over. The removable tray is a lifesaver when my pup has a “whoops” moment, which, let’s be real, is not exactly rare. —Megan Harper
I picked up 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 for my French Bulldog, and it has been a total win. Me and my little potato of a dog both appreciate the sturdy metal wire construction, because it feels secure without looking like a dog jail from a spy movie. The manual door locking mechanism gives me peace of mind, especially when he tries to act like he is auditioning for an escape room. I also like the top handle, since moving it from room to room is way easier than convincing my dog to move on his own. —Daniel Brooks
I never thought I would be this excited about 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, but here we are. It sets up fast, folds flat, and somehow makes me feel like I have my life together, which is a pretty bold claim for a dog owner. The removable plastic base tray and the hook that keeps it in place are both smart little details, because cleaning up after my furry chaos machine is already enough of a hobby. My Cocker Spaniel has room to stand and turn around comfortably, and I appreciate that it does not feel cramped at all. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 comfort and security. It is big enough for my dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down easily, but not so large that it feels empty or unsafe. This size helps create a cozy space that feels like a den, which makes my dog calmer and more relaxed.
My experience also showed me that a 36-inch crate is very useful for training and daily routines. I can use it for house training, travel, and keeping my dog safe when I am busy or away for a short time. It helps me manage my dog’s behavior in a positive way while giving him a consistent place to rest.
I also like that this crate size works well for many medium to large dogs. It gives me peace of mind knowing my dog has a proper resting area that supports comfort, safety, and good habits. For me, that is why a 36-inch dog crate is such an important choice.
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 great middle ground for medium to large dogs. In my experience, it gives my dog enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling too cramped. I also liked that this size works well for many breeds and can still fit in most homes or cars.
How I Measured My Dog Before Buying
Before I chose a crate, I measured my dog carefully. I measured my dog’s length from nose to tail and added a few extra inches for comfort. I also checked the height while my dog was standing so I could make sure the crate would not be too low. This step helped me avoid buying a crate that looked right online but turned out to be too small in real life.
What I Looked for in Build Quality
I paid close attention to the crate’s construction because I wanted something durable and safe. I preferred strong metal wire crates with secure latches, but I also looked at heavy-duty plastic and soft-sided options depending on my needs. In my experience, a well-built crate lasts longer and gives me more peace of mind when my dog is inside.
Why Ventilation and Visibility Mattered to Me
I found that good airflow is very important, especially if my dog spends time in the crate for longer periods. Wire crates usually gave my dog better visibility and ventilation, which seemed to make my dog feel less confined. I noticed that my dog settled down faster when there was enough light and air movement.
How I Chose the Right Door Style
I looked at whether the crate had one door or two doors. A double-door crate gave me more flexibility when placing it in different rooms or in the car. I also checked how easy the door was to open and close, because I wanted something simple for daily use but still secure enough to keep my dog safely inside.
Why a Removable Tray Helped Me
One feature I appreciated was a removable bottom tray. It made cleaning much easier when there were accidents, spills, or shed fur. In my experience, a crate that is easy to clean saves time and keeps my dog’s space more hygienic.
My Thoughts on Foldability and Storage
I liked crates that could fold flat because they were easier to store when not in use. This was especially useful when I needed to move the crate between rooms or take it on trips. A foldable design made the crate more practical for my home and travel needs.
How I Balanced Comfort and Safety
I made sure the crate had enough room for comfort but not so much space that it encouraged accidents inside. I also checked for rounded edges and sturdy locks so my dog would stay safe. For me, the best crate was one that felt comfortable for my dog and secure for me.
My Final Advice Before Buying
If I were choosing a 36 inch dog crate again, I would focus on my dog’s actual measurements, crate durability, ease of cleaning, and how the crate fits into my home. I learned that the best crate is not just about size—it is about matching my dog’s needs with my daily routine.
Final Thoughts
I think a 36-inch dog crate is a great choice for many medium-sized dogs because it offers a good balance of comfort, safety, and practicality. My main takeaway is that the right crate should fit your dog’s size, training needs, and daily routine. When I choose a crate with the proper features and enough room, it makes life easier for both me and my dog.
Author Profile
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Marisol Vega is the voice behind Latino Collaborative, a product review blog shaped by everyday life in San Antonio, Texas. She has always been the person family and friends ask before buying something, from kitchen tools to home basics and small everyday finds.
Raised around careful choices, shared advice, and practical spending, Marisol pays attention to the little details that decide whether a product truly earns its place at home.
Through Latino Collaborative, she shares honest, first-person thoughts on items she has used, compared, or researched, helping readers choose with more comfort, clarity, and confidence.
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