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Best Dog Crates for Small Dogs in 2026: 12 Picks Compared

For most small dogs, the Midwest 22-Inch Single Door iCrate is the best place to start: it is a simple single-door crate sized for extra-small breeds up to 15 lbs, and its under-30-inch length fits in corners and beside beds without dominating the room. This guide compares 12 small-dog crates on the specifications listed by their makers, from folding wire models and soft travel crates to wooden furniture crates. Prices on the page are live and read from the store listing; no one on the site has tested these products.

12 picks from 0 dog crates that match this guide with a price we can quote today, made by 37 makers. Each price below is read live and stamped with the time it was read.

The short list

Who each pick suits

  • For a first puppy crate: The Midwest 22-inch single-door crate fits extra-small breeds and keeps the setup simple for owners new to crate training. See pick 1
  • For folding and travel: If the crate will be moved or stored between uses, choose a foldable wire model with a removable tray and secure latches. See pick 2
  • For furniture-style rooms: A wooden end-table crate with drawer storage hides the kennel in a living room or bedroom. See pick 6
  • For two-sided access: A double-door crate gives you an extra entry point, which helps when the crate sits against a wall or in a corner. See pick 7

The 12 picks, one by one

1 Best overall

Midwest 22-Inch Single Door iCrate

Midwest 22-Inch Single Door iCrate

Doors
Single door
Length (in)
Under 30 in
Dog size
Small

View on Amazon

The Midwest 22-Inch Single Door iCrate is the simplest match for most small dogs. It is a 22-inch single-door crate sized for extra-small breeds up to 15 lbs, and its under-30-inch length keeps it compact in a bedroom or home office. It skips folding hardware and furniture shells, so the crate design stays clean and straightforward.

Pros

  • 22-inch model listed for extra-small breeds up to 15 lbs
  • Under 30 inches long, so it fits compact spaces
  • Single-door layout keeps entry simple

Cons

  • No divider panel or tray is stated by the seller
  • No stated folding feature for travel or storage

Good fit if

  • Owners who want a basic first crate for a puppy or small adult dog
  • Homes where the crate will stay in one place

Skip if

  • Travelers who need a crate that folds flat
  • Owners who want a second door or a furniture finish

Verdict: A no-frills single-door crate that covers the basics for extra-small breeds.

2 Best 30-inch folding crate

BestPet | Dog Crate

BestPet | Dog Crate

Type
Metal crate
Doors
Single door
Length (in)
30 to 35 in
Dog size
Small
Folding
Yes
Tray
Yes

View on Amazon

The 30-inch BestPet folds into a metal kennel with slide-bolt latches and a leakproof tray, so it provides a larger footprint for small dogs that need more stretch room. Its 30-to-35-inch length is the largest among the folding wire picks in this list.

Pros

  • 30-to-35-inch length gives small dogs more floor space
  • Folds flat for travel and storage
  • Leakproof tray is included
  • Slide-bolt latches are listed on the product

Cons

  • Single door limits placement options
  • No divider panel is stated by the seller

Good fit if

  • Small dogs that like to stretch out
  • Owners who need a folding crate with a tray

Skip if

  • Dogs that need a second door
  • Owners who prefer a furniture-style crate

Verdict: A practical 30-inch folding wire crate with a tray and secure latches.

3 Best compact folding crate

Carlson Pet Products SECURE AND FOLDABLE Single Door Metal Dog Crate

Carlson Pet Products SECURE AND FOLDABLE Single Door Metal Dog Crate

Type
Metal crate
Doors
Single door
Length (in)
Under 30 in
Dog size
Small
Folding
Yes

View on Amazon

The Carlson Secure and Foldable is a compact folding metal crate with an under-30-inch length, making it one of the smaller wire options here. Its name points to the folding design, and the single door keeps the footprint tight.

Pros

  • Folds flat for storage
  • Under 30 inches long, so it fits narrow spaces
  • Metal construction with a single door

Cons

  • No tray or divider is stated by the seller
  • No stated double-door option

Good fit if

  • Owners with limited floor space
  • People who need a spare crate that can fold away

Skip if

  • Dogs that need extra length inside the crate
  • Owners who want a built-in tray

Verdict: A compact folding wire crate for small dogs in tight spaces.

4 Best soft crate for travel

Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate

Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate

Type
Soft crate
Doors
3 or more doors
Length (in)
Under 30 in
Dog size
Small
Folding
Yes
Storage
Yes

View on Amazon

The Gardner Pet soft collapsible crate is the only soft-sided pick in this list, and it adds storage pockets plus three or more doors. That combination makes it the most travel-oriented small-dog crate here.

Pros

  • Soft-sided design folds for easy carrying
  • Three or more doors give several access points
  • Includes storage pockets
  • Length listed as under 30 inches

Cons

  • Soft sides offer less protection for chewers or escape artists
  • No tray or wire floor is stated by the seller

Good fit if

  • Calm small dogs that travel frequently
  • Owners who want a lightweight crate for indoor and outdoor use

Skip if

  • Dogs that chew or scratch at confinement
  • Owners who need a heavy-duty wire crate

Verdict: A lightweight soft crate with plenty of access for travel and temporary use.

5 Best crate with wheels

The Homey Pet 30-inch dog cage has lockable wheels, which none of the other picks in this list offer at the same length. Its 30-to-35-inch length gives a small dog more room to stand and turn.

Pros

  • Wheels make it easy to move between rooms
  • 30-to-35-inch length provides a roomier interior
  • Listed for small dogs

Cons

  • Door configuration is not stated by the seller
  • No stated tray or folding feature

Good fit if

  • Owners who want to roll the crate to a different room
  • Small dogs that need more length than a 24-inch crate

Skip if

  • Travelers who need a crate that folds flat
  • Owners who prefer a simple wire crate without wheels

Verdict: A wheeled 30-inch crate for small dogs that need easy repositioning.

6 Best furniture crate with drawer

HOOBRO Dog Crate Furniture

HOOBRO Dog Crate Furniture

Type
Furniture crate
Dog size
Small
Escape-proof
Yes
Storage
Yes

View on Amazon

The HOOBRO wooden dog crate looks like an end table and adds drawer storage, so it fits a living room better than a bare wire cage. The seller lists it as escape-proof, which is useful for small dogs that test their enclosure.

Pros

  • Wooden furniture shell doubles as an end table
  • Includes drawer storage
  • Listed as escape-proof

Cons

  • Door count is not stated by the seller
  • No stated length range beyond the Small size

Good fit if

  • Owners who want the crate to blend into a room
  • Small dogs that need a more enclosed, den-like space

Skip if

  • Travelers who need a portable crate
  • Owners who need to see the dog through wire panels

Verdict: A wooden furniture crate that adds storage and an escape-proof design.

7 Best double-door wire crate

Internet's Best Double Door Steel Crates Collapsible and Foldable Wire

Internet's Best Double Door Steel Crates Collapsible and Foldable Wire

Type
Metal crate
Doors
Double door
Length (in)
Under 30 in
Dog size
Small
Folding
Yes

View on Amazon

The Internet's Best double-door steel crate gives you front and side access, which helps when the crate is placed against a wall or in a corner. It also folds, making it one of the most flexible double-door options in this list.

Pros

  • Double doors allow flexible placement
  • Folds flat for storage and travel
  • Under 30 inches long for a compact footprint

Cons

  • No tray is stated by the seller
  • No divider panel is stated by the seller

Good fit if

  • Owners who want access from two sides
  • People who need a folding wire crate

Skip if

  • Dogs that need a tray for easier cleanups
  • Owners who prefer a furniture-style crate

Verdict: A foldable double-door wire crate that makes placement simple.

8 Best double-door crate bundle

MidWest Homes for Pets Double Door 24-inch Dog Crate Kit

MidWest Homes for Pets Double Door 24-inch Dog Crate Kit

Doors
Double door
Length (in)
Under 30 in
Dog size
Small

View on Amazon

The MidWest double-door crate bundle includes a matching gray bed and a crate pad, so it arrives with the basics for a comfortable setup. The under-30-inch length keeps it suitable for small dogs, and the two doors add flexibility.

Pros

  • Comes with a matching gray bed
  • Two doors for flexible placement
  • Under 30 inches long for small spaces

Cons

  • No stated folding feature
  • No stated tray or divider

Good fit if

  • Owners who want a complete crate and bed package
  • Small dogs that need a soft place to lie down

Skip if

  • Travelers who need a folding crate
  • Owners who already have a preferred bed

Verdict: A two-door crate that adds a matching bed for a ready-to-use setup.

9 Best compact single-door crate

The Carlson Pink Secure and Compact is a straightforward single-door metal crate for small dogs. It sits apart from the folding Carlson model in this list because the seller does not list a folding feature, making it a simpler stationary option.

Pros

  • Single-door metal crate for small dogs
  • Pink finish adds a decorative touch
  • Compact size suits small breeds

Cons

  • Length is not stated by the seller
  • No stated tray or folding feature

Good fit if

  • Owners who want a basic metal crate with a color option
  • Homes where the crate will stay in one spot

Skip if

  • Travelers who need a crate that folds
  • Owners who want a double-door design

Verdict: A simple compact single-door crate in a pink finish.

10 Best stackable crate

The Homey Pet 24-inch stackable crate is built for owners with more than one small dog, since it can stack with other compatible crates. The wheels and under-30-inch length make it easier to rearrange.

Pros

  • Stackable design works for multi-dog homes
  • Wheels make moving easier
  • Under 30 inches long for compact spaces

Cons

  • Door count is not stated by the seller
  • No stated tray or folding feature

Good fit if

  • Households with two or more small dogs
  • Owners who want to move crates between rooms

Skip if

  • Travelers who need a folding crate
  • Owners who prefer a furniture-style crate

Verdict: A stackable wheeled crate for multi-dog households with limited floor space.

11 Best furniture crate with charging station

HOOBRO Dog Crate Furniture

HOOBRO Dog Crate Furniture

Type
Furniture crate
Dog size
Small
Storage
Yes

View on Amazon

The HOOBRO dog kennel with drawer and charging station turns the crate into a practical piece of furniture for a home office or living room. It has the same furniture-crate idea as the other HOOBRO pick, but adds a charging station on top.

Pros

  • Charging station is built into the furniture piece
  • Includes drawer storage
  • Wooden design fits living spaces

Cons

  • Door count is not stated by the seller
  • No stated length range beyond the Small size

Good fit if

  • Owners who want a crate beside a desk or couch
  • People who need extra drawer storage

Skip if

  • Travelers who need a portable crate
  • Owners who want a plain wire cage

Verdict: A wooden furniture crate that adds a charging station and storage.

12 Best decorative double-door kennel

INTERNET'S BEST Decorative Dog Kennel with Pet Bed

INTERNET'S BEST Decorative Dog Kennel with Pet Bed

Type
Furniture crate
Doors
Double door
Dog size
Small

View on Amazon

The Internet's Best decorative dog kennel combines engineered wood and wire, includes a pet bed, and uses double doors. It is the largest furniture-style pick here by design, so it works best when you want the crate to look like part of the room.

Pros

  • Includes a pet bed
  • Double doors for flexible access
  • Engineered wood and wire construction

Cons

  • Length is not stated by the seller
  • No folding or portability features are stated

Good fit if

  • Owners who want a furniture-style crate with a bed included
  • Small dogs that are comfortable in a more enclosed space

Skip if

  • Travelers who need a lightweight crate
  • Owners who need a simple wire crate

Verdict: A decorative double-door kennel with a bed for a polished indoor look.

Comparison table

#Dog crateTypeDoorsLength (in)Dog sizeHeavy dutyEscape-proof
1Midwest 22-Inch Single Door iCratenot statedSingle doorUnder 30 inSmallnot statednot stated
2BestPet | Dog CrateMetal crateSingle door30 to 35 inSmallnot statednot stated
3Carlson Pet Products SECURE AND FOLDABLE Single Door Metal Dog CrateMetal crateSingle doorUnder 30 inSmallnot statednot stated
4Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible Dog CrateSoft crate3 or more doorsUnder 30 inSmallnot statednot stated
5Homey Pet 30 Inch Dog Cage for Small Dogs with Lockable Wheelsnot statednot stated30 to 35 inSmallnot statednot stated
6HOOBRO Dog Crate FurnitureFurniture cratenot statednot statedSmallnot statedYes
7Internet's Best Double Door Steel Crates Collapsible and Foldable WireMetal crateDouble doorUnder 30 inSmallnot statednot stated
8MidWest Homes for Pets Double Door 24-inch Dog Crate Kitnot statedDouble doorUnder 30 inSmallnot statednot stated
9Carlson Pink Secure and Compact Single Door Metal Dog CrateMetal crateSingle doornot statedSmallnot statednot stated
10Homey Pet 24 Inch Stackable Small Dog Crate for Puppy with Wheelsnot statednot statedUnder 30 inSmallnot statednot stated
11HOOBRO Dog Crate FurnitureFurniture cratenot statednot statedSmallnot statednot stated
12INTERNET'S BEST Decorative Dog Kennel with Pet BedFurniture crateDouble doornot statedSmallnot statednot stated

How this list was made

The pool contained 13 small-dog crates from the catalogue. The final list covers 12 of them, shortlisted by size, door layout, portability features such as folding and wheels, and whether a furniture shell made sense for the room. Picks are based on the stated specifications and the maker's published product information. Prices on the page are live and read from the store listing at the time displayed. Nobody on the site has used these dog crates.

Choosing the right one

Size: measure your dog, not just the label

Small-dog crates are not all the same size. Some picks are listed as under 30 inches long, while the BestPet and Homey Pet 30-inch options run 30 to 35 inches. Measure your dog from the nose to the base of the tail, then add a few inches so the dog can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A crate that is too large can make house training harder, since a puppy may use one end as a bathroom. A divider panel, when included, can shrink the space while a puppy grows.

Door layout: single vs double doors

A single-door crate is usually enough when the crate sits in an open area. A double-door crate helps when you place the crate against a wall or in a corner, because you can open the side or front door depending on the room. The Internet's Best and MidWest double-door picks give you two access points. If the crate will stay in one spot, a single door can be simpler and often takes up less visual space.

Folding and portability

Several wire crates in this list fold flat, including the BestPet, Carlson Secure, and Internet's Best double-door model. Folding crates are useful for travel, for storing between uses, or for moving the crate from room to room. Soft crates, like the Gardner Pet pick, are even lighter and often come with carrying handles or storage pockets. If the crate will stay in one place, a non-folding model can be just as practical and may have a sturdier feel.

Material: wire, soft, or furniture

Wire crates give the dog good airflow and visibility, and they are easy to wash around the tray. Soft crates are lighter and more portable, but they offer less resistance to chewing and scratching. Furniture crates, such as the HOOBRO and Internet's Best decorative models, hide the kennel inside a wooden shell that can serve as an end table, drawer, or charging station. Choose the material based on where the crate will live and how much the dog is likely to test the walls.

Cleaning and tray features

A removable tray makes cleanup much easier, since you can slide it out, empty it, and wipe it down without moving the whole crate. In this list, the BestPet 30-inch crate includes a leakproof tray. If a crate does not state a tray, check the seller's product details before buying. Keeping the crate clean is part of good pet hygiene, and the CDC recommends washing your hands after handling pet habitats and supplies.

Crate training and separation anxiety

A crate should be a calm, comfortable place, not a punishment. The ASPCA recommends a warm, quiet place to rest, away from drafts and off the floor, with clean bedding. If a dog shows signs of separation anxiety, such as barking, chewing, or trying to escape when left alone, a crate alone may not solve the problem. The ASPCA notes that escape attempts can be extreme and may cause injury. Talk to a veterinarian or a certified trainer if you see those behaviors.

Questions

What size crate does my small dog need?

Measure your dog from the nose to the base of the tail and add a few inches. The dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. In this list, 22-inch and 24-inch crates are marked for extra-small and small dogs, while 30-inch crates give more stretch room. If your dog is still growing, a divider panel can help adjust the space.

Are soft crates safe for small dogs?

Soft crates are light and portable, but they are not ideal for dogs that chew, scratch, or try to escape. The Gardner Pet soft crate in this list has multiple doors and storage pockets, and it folds flat. For a determined chewer, a metal wire crate with a secure latch is usually a better choice. Always supervise a puppy the first few times it uses any crate.

Should I choose a single-door or double-door crate?

A single door is enough when the crate sits in an open area and you only need one way in and out. A double door gives you more placement options, especially if the crate will be against a wall or in a corner. Double-door models also make it easier to reach the dog from either side during training or cleanup.

Can a furniture crate double as a regular end table?

Yes. The HOOBRO furniture crates in this list are designed as wooden end tables with drawer storage, and one model adds a charging station. The Internet's Best decorative kennel includes a pet bed and uses wood and wire. These crates work best in living rooms or bedrooms where you want the crate to blend in with the furniture.

How do I introduce my puppy to a crate?

Make the crate a positive place by adding clean bedding and letting the puppy explore it with the door open. Feed meals near the crate, then inside the crate, and close the door for short periods while you stay nearby. The ASPCA recommends a warm, quiet place to rest, away from drafts. Never use the crate as punishment.

Do I need a divider panel in a crate?

A divider panel is useful for puppies because it shrinks the available space, which can help with house training. As the puppy grows, you move the divider back to give more room. Among the picks here, the folding wire crate with a built-in divider panel is the only one that states that feature. If your adult small dog already fits the crate comfortably, a divider is not necessary.

What changed

  • : First published.

Sources

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