Best Gardner Pet Dog Crates in 2026: 6 Picks Compared
The 42 inch Gardner Pet collapsible crate is the top pick in this guide. It is the largest crate in the pool, with a stated 42 to 47 inch range, and the only one that combines folding, four lockable wheels, and a removable tray. The rest of the lineup covers compact folding crates, a soft crate for small dogs, and two basic indoor kennels. To pick these, we compared the specifications in the Gardner Pet listings and included all 6 crates in the brand pool; the prices you see are live from the product page.
6 picks from 5 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
| # | Pick | Dog crate | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best overall | 42 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate with Diamond Mesh | $159.99 price as of 2026-10-09 05:23 UTC (Details) |
| 2 | Best folding crate for medium to large dogs | Collapsible Dog Crate for Large/Medium Dogs | |
| 3 | Best compact rolling crate | Collapsible Dog Crate for Small/Medium Dogs | |
| 4 | Best soft crate for small dogs | Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate | |
| 5 | Best basic indoor crate for larger dogs | 36 in Handle Basic Dog Crate for Indoor Use | $149.99 price as of 2026-10-09 05:22 UTC (Details) |
| 6 | Best basic indoor crate for smaller dogs | 28 in Handle Basic Dog Crate for Indoor Use | $99.99 price as of 2026-10-09 05:22 UTC (Details) |
Who each pick suits
- For travel with a medium or large dog: You want a crate that folds without tools and rolls on wheels. The 36 to 41 inch collapsible model fits that profile and gives a medium or large dog a defined range. See pick 2
- For small dogs and puppies: A light, soft-sided crate with multiple doors can work for indoor and short trips. The Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible model lists three or more doors and built-in storage. See pick 4
- For a large crate with tray and wheels: The 42 inch collapsible model is the only Gardner Pet crate here that combines a 42 to 47 inch length, four lockable wheels, and a removable tray. See pick 1
- For a simple indoor kennel: If you do not need folding or wheels, the 36 inch Handle Basic Dog Crate is the larger of the two fixed indoor kennels in the Gardner Pet catalog. See pick 5
The 6 picks, one by one
1 Best overall
42 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate with Diamond Mesh
- Length (in)
- 42 to 47 in
- Folding
- Yes
- Wheels
- Yes
- Tray
- Yes
$159.99 price as of 2026-10-09 05:23 UTC (Details)
This is the only Gardner Pet crate in the pool with a stated length of 42 to 47 inches, so it has the widest size range for large dogs. It also combines folding, four lockable wheels, a removable tray, and no-tool assembly, which makes it more feature-complete than the 36 inch collapsible model.
Pros
- Largest length range in the Gardner Pet pool at 42 to 47 inches
- Only pick with a removable tray
- Four lockable wheels are stated, the most wheels in the lineup
- No-tool folding design is listed
Cons
- Only one Gardner Pet crate has this large size range
- Wheel locks are stated but wheel diameter is not listed
Good fit if
- Owners of large dogs who want a rolling, foldable crate with a tray
- Anyone who needs a crate that can be moved without lifting
Skip if
- You need a crate under 30 inches for a small dog
- You prefer a soft-sided crate for a puppy
Verdict: The 42 inch collapsible Gardner Pet crate is the most complete choice in the brand lineup for large dogs.
2 Best folding crate for medium to large dogs
This model offers a 36 to 41 inch length range, which covers medium and large dogs below the top pick's range. It folds without tools and has two wheels, so it is easier to roll than the basic 36 inch kennel, which has no wheels and does not fold.
Pros
- 36 to 41 inch length range suits medium and large dogs
- Folds without tools
- Two wheels are listed for easier transport
Cons
- No tray is listed
- Only two wheels, compared with four on the 42 inch model
Good fit if
- People who travel with a medium or large dog and want a rolling crate
- Owners who need quick no-tool folding between uses
Skip if
- You need a tray under the crate
- You have a very large dog beyond the 41 inch range
Verdict: This is the best Gardner Pet folding crate for medium and large dogs that do not need the largest size.
3 Best compact rolling crate
At a stated length under 30 inches, this is the smaller of the two hard-sided folding crates, so it fits better in tight spaces or for a small to medium dog. It shares the no-tool folding and two-wheel design with its larger sibling.
Pros
- Under 30 inch length is the smallest hard-sided rolling option
- No-tool folding is listed
- Two wheels make it easy to move when assembled
Cons
- No removable tray is listed
- Length range is stated only as under 30 inches, so exact sizing is not shown
Good fit if
- Small or medium dog owners who want a rolling, foldable crate
- People with limited floor space who need a compact hard-sided crate
Skip if
- You need a crate larger than 30 inches
- You prefer a soft crate for a puppy
Verdict: This is the most compact rolling Gardner Pet crate and a solid match for small to medium dogs.
4 Best soft crate for small dogs
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
This is the only soft crate in the pool, with a stated type of soft crate and a length under 30 inches. It also lists three or more doors and built-in storage, features that are not present on the hard-sided folding crates.
Pros
- Only soft crate in the Gardner Pet pool
- Three or more doors is the most doors listed in the lineup
- Built-in storage is listed
- Folds for travel
Cons
- Exact length is not stated beyond under 30 inches
- Soft sides are not suited to dogs that chew or scratch
Good fit if
- Puppy and small dog owners who want a light, portable crate
- Indoor and outdoor use where a soft-sided crate is acceptable
Skip if
- You have a strong chewer or an escape artist
- You need a hard-sided crate for a medium or large dog
Verdict: The Gardner Pet soft collapsible crate is the clear soft-sided option for small dogs.
5 Best basic indoor crate for larger dogs
36 in Handle Basic Dog Crate for Indoor Use
- Length (in)
- 36 to 41 in
$149.99 price as of 2026-10-09 05:22 UTC (Details)
This is the larger of the two Handle Basic models, with a 36 to 41 inch length range and no folding or wheels. It is a straightforward fixed kennel for indoor use, making it a fair comparison point for someone who does not need mobility features.
Pros
- 36 to 41 inch length range covers medium to large dogs
- Simple fixed design for indoor use
- Listed in dark grey
Cons
- No wheels or folding are listed
- No tray is listed
Good fit if
- Owners who want a permanent indoor kennel without moving features
- People who do not need to collapse or roll the crate
Skip if
- You need a portable or folding crate
- You need a tray for easy cleaning
Verdict: The 36 inch Handle Basic is the larger fixed kennel in the Gardner Pet catalog.
6 Best basic indoor crate for smaller dogs
28 in Handle Basic Dog Crate for Indoor Use
- Length (in)
- Under 30 in
$99.99 price as of 2026-10-09 05:22 UTC (Details)
This Handle Basic model has a stated length under 30 inches, so it is the smaller fixed indoor kennel in the lineup. It gives a compact option for a small dog without the folding and wheel features of the collapsible models.
Pros
- Under 30 inch length fits small spaces
- Dark gray indoor kennel design
- Simple fixed frame for routine use
Cons
- No folding or wheels are listed
- Exact length is not stated beyond under 30 inches
Good fit if
- Small dog owners who want a basic permanent crate
- People who do not need a travel or folding design
Skip if
- You need a portable or rolling crate
- You have a dog larger than 30 inches
Verdict: This is the smaller basic Gardner Pet kennel and a sensible choice for a small indoor dog.
Comparison table
| # | Dog crate | Type | Doors | Length (in) | Dog size | Heavy duty | Escape-proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 42 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate with Diamond Mesh | not stated | not stated | 42 to 47 in | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 2 | Collapsible Dog Crate for Large/Medium Dogs | not stated | not stated | 36 to 41 in | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 3 | Collapsible Dog Crate for Small/Medium Dogs | not stated | not stated | Under 30 in | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 4 | Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate | Soft crate | 3 or more doors | Under 30 in | Small | not stated | not stated |
| 5 | 36 in Handle Basic Dog Crate for Indoor Use | not stated | not stated | 36 to 41 in | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 6 | 28 in Handle Basic Dog Crate for Indoor Use | not stated | not stated | Under 30 in | not stated | not stated | not stated |
How this list was made
The pool file contained 6 Gardner Pet dog crates, and all 6 are included because the brand lineup is smaller than the usual 12-pick format. We compared the specifications shown on each listing: length range, folding, wheels, tray, doors, and soft-crate type. The picks are based on those stated specs and the maker's product names; nobody at this site has used these crates. Prices on the page are live and read from the product listing at the time shown beside each price, so they can change after publication. No customer feedback data was used.
Choosing the right one
Match the length range to your dog
The Gardner Pet crates in this guide are grouped by length range: under 30 inches, 36 to 41 inches, and 42 to 47 inches. The 42 inch collapsible model is the only one that lists a range above 41 inches, so it is the pick if you need the largest option. For smaller dogs, the soft crate and the 28 inch Handle Basic both state under 30 inches, but the soft crate folds and the basic kennel does not.
Folding and no-tool assembly
Four of the six Gardner Pet crates list folding: the 42 inch, 36 inch, 28 inch, and soft crate. The two Handle Basic models do not fold. If you need to store the crate flat or move it between rooms, choose a folding model. The collapsible crates also state no-tool assembly, which can make setup faster than a traditional wire kennel that requires hardware.
Wheels and trays
The 42 inch model has four lockable wheels and a removable tray. The 36 inch and 28 inch collapsible crates each have two wheels but no tray is listed. The Handle Basic models have no wheels and no tray. A tray makes cleaning simpler, and lockable wheels can help keep the crate in place. The two-wheel crates are easier to roll but do not share the tray feature.
Soft crate vs. hard-sided crate
The Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate is the only soft-sided pick, with three or more doors and built-in storage. Soft crates are generally lighter and easier to carry, but they are not a substitute for a hard-sided kennel if your dog chews or tries to push through the sides. The hard-sided collapsible and basic models in this guide are made of sturdier materials, though the catalog does not specify gauge or weight.
Use the crate for training and a quiet space
The ASPCA notes that a training crate or dog bed should be a warm, quiet place to rest, away from drafts and off the floor. A crate can support house training, but it should not be used as punishment. Choose a Gardner Pet crate size that lets your dog stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Check the listed length range and consider your dog's adult size before ordering.
Check travel rules before you go
If you plan to travel with the crate, review the rules for your destination. The USDA's pet travel page points out that international travel may require a health certificate and that the CDC has specific requirements for dogs entering the United States. A folding Gardner Pet crate can be convenient for car travel, but it may not be accepted by every airline or rail carrier.
Questions
What size Gardner Pet dog crate should I buy?
Gardner Pet lists three length groups in this catalog: under 30 inches, 36 to 41 inches, and 42 to 47 inches. Measure your dog from nose to tail and add a few inches so the dog can stand, turn around, and lie down. The 42 inch collapsible model is the only Gardner Pet crate here with a range above 41 inches.
Are Gardner Pet crates easy to fold?
Four of the six Gardner Pet crates in this guide list folding: the 42 inch, 36 inch, 28 inch, and soft crate. The collapsible hard-sided models say they fold without tools. The two Handle Basic crates do not fold. If you need to store the crate flat, choose a folding model.
Do Gardner Pet dog crates have wheels?
Three Gardner Pet crates list wheels. The 42 inch collapsible model has four lockable wheels, while the 36 inch and 28 inch collapsible models each have two wheels. The two Handle Basic models and the soft crate do not list wheels. If you need to roll the crate, pick one of the wheeled versions.
Is the Gardner Pet soft crate good for a puppy?
The Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate is the lightest option in the lineup and lists three or more doors plus built-in storage. It is sized for small dogs and has a length under 30 inches. Soft crates are convenient for short trips and indoor use, but they are not ideal for puppies that chew or attempt to escape.
Can I use a Gardner Pet crate for travel?
Some Gardner Pet crates fold and have wheels, which makes them easier to carry or roll for car travel. Always check the destination country and airline rules before traveling. The USDA pet travel page says international trips may require a health certificate, and the CDC has its own entry requirements for dogs.
What is the difference between the Handle Basic and collapsible Gardner Pet crates?
The Handle Basic crates do not fold and do not have wheels, so they are meant as fixed indoor kennels. The collapsible crates fold without tools, and some have wheels. The 42 inch collapsible model also includes a removable tray, which is not listed on any other Gardner Pet crate in this guide.
What changed
- : First published.