MidWest iCrate vs Life Stages: Which Crate to Pick

Same brand, two wire crate families

MidWest Homes for Pets sells a range of wire crates under the iCrate and Life Stages names. Shoppers often treat them as completely different products, but both are folding wire crates with metal frames, wire walls, and plastic trays. The meaningful differences show up in the door layout, frame details, tray style, and whether a divider is listed as part of the package.

The ASPCA recommends giving a dog a warm, quiet place to rest, away from drafts and off the floor. A training crate can fill that role when it is sized correctly and placed in a calm part of the home. That makes the choice between these two lines mostly about which configuration makes crate training and daily use easier for you. The guide to MidWest dog crates is a good starting point for comparing the current lineup by specs.

Doors: front access versus more entry points

The clearest difference between many iCrate and Life Stages models is the door arrangement. A typical iCrate has a door on the front, while several Life Stages crates add a door on the side or offer a taller front opening. Side doors help when the crate must sit against a wall but you still want to reach the dog from the side, or when you are placing the crate in a corner.

Read the single vs double door dog crates guide and the side vs front door guide to understand how door placement affects access. If you expect to use the crate in multiple rooms or move it between a bedroom and a living area, extra doors give you more placement flexibility. For a fixed corner spot, a front door alone can be enough if it matches the room layout. The double door dog crates guide can help if you already know you want side access.

Frames: folding design and frame feel

Both families fold flat for storage and transport. The frame on an iCrate is designed for quick setup, which makes it a common choice for people who take the crate when traveling. Life Stages frames are also folding in many sizes, though some models emphasize a more enclosed, kennel-like shape.

Door latch style can matter more than the frame shape. Look for latches that sit outside the crate and are easy for you to operate but difficult for a dog to reach. Slide-bolt and lockable latch designs are common, and the latch types guide explains what to check before you buy. For portability, the folding vs non-folding guide covers how a folding frame changes setup and storage.

Trays: removable pans and cleaning

Both lines use plastic trays under the wire floor. The tray is the part that catches accidents, spilled water, and loose fur, so it should be removable and easy to wipe clean. A tray that slides out from the front lets you clean without moving the whole crate, while a top-opening or fixed tray might require lifting the wire top.

The tray depth and material guide and the pull-out vs fixed tray guide cover what to look for. If the dog is still being house trained, choose a tray with a higher lip so messes stay inside. If the crate lives on carpet, the tray style is even more important.

Dividers and puppy growth

A divider panel is a wall that shrinks the usable floor space inside a crate. That is useful for a puppy who is not fully house trained, because giving too much space can encourage a dog to use part of the crate as a bathroom. The ASPCA housing advice points to a training crate as an ideal rest spot, and adding a divider makes that spot the right size as a puppy grows.

Check whether the model you are considering lists an included divider or sells it separately. Divider availability can vary by model and size, so read the spec page for the exact crate you want. The divider guide explains how to set the panel at the correct length, and choosing a crate for a puppy covers the rest of the setup.

How to decide between iCrate and Life Stages

Start with the dog, not the brand. Measure your dog from nose to tail and from the top of the head to the floor, then use the crate size chart to find the right interior length. The door layout and tray style matter, but a crate that is too small or too large will not work well no matter which MidWest family it comes from.

If you need a straightforward folding wire crate with a front door, a simple tray, and an included divider in the size you need, iCrate is the easier pick. If you want side access, a roomier interior feel, or a frame shape that looks less like a standard wire cage, Life Stages deserves a closer look. Use the guide to MidWest dog crates to compare the current lineup by specs.

What to pick for your use

Questions

What is the main difference between MidWest iCrate and Life Stages?

iCrate is the straightforward folding wire crate line with a front door and a removable tray. Life Stages expands on that idea with more door layouts and a frame style that can feel more like an enclosed kennel in some sizes. Both families are made by MidWest Homes for Pets.

Do all iCrate and Life Stages crates include a divider?

No. Divider availability varies by model and size. Read the product specifications for the exact crate you want, and choose a model that lists a divider if you are training a puppy.

Which line is better for a puppy?

Either line can work if the crate is sized correctly and the divider is set to the correct length. A divider keeps the sleeping area small enough for house training while the puppy grows. If you want easy setup and a front door, iCrate is a good starting point.

Are Life Stages crates more secure than iCrate crates?

Security depends on latch type, wire gauge, bar spacing, and the fit between the frame, door, and tray. There is not a simple rule for the whole line. Look for latches that sit outside the crate and check the model specifications if your dog has tried to get out.

Can I clean the tray without moving the whole crate?

Some models have a tray that slides out, while others require you to lift the crate or remove the dog first. If cleaning is a priority, choose a model whose spec page says the tray slides out from the front.