Stackable vs Side-by-Side Dog Crates: Which Setup Works

Start with the room, not the crate

For most rooms, side-by-side is the easier default: two crates lined up along a wall keep every door low, fully open, and easy to reach. Stackable crates are the space-saving alternative, but they change the height, ventilation, and access you will work with every day. Start by measuring the floor area and thinking about how you will move around the room. A good layout keeps walkways clear so you are not stepping over bowls, toys, or open doors.

ASPCA housing guidance describes a warm, quiet place to rest, away from drafts, with clean bedding and a training crate or dog bed. That baseline applies to each crate in a multi-crate room, whether it sits beside another crate or as part of a stack. Give every dog its own space and review a crate safety checklist before you settle on a layout.

Space use: footprint versus height

Side-by-side uses wall length, while stackable uses a single footprint plus height. Measure the exterior dimensions of each crate before choosing a layout. The widest and deepest crate in the room sets the footprint for a stack, because the levels need to align. Compare interior vs exterior crate dimensions when you shop.

Stacking is most practical when the crates are close in size and the room has enough vertical clearance. A stack of matching crates is easier to keep stable than a pile of mismatched sizes. If the floor area is narrow, a stack can free space for furniture, toys, or a feeding station. A simple floor plan should mark not only the crates but also the swing of each door, so you do not discover too late that a door cannot open fully.

Ventilation and airflow

All else equal, side-by-side gives each crate more exposed surface area for airflow. Wire crates with open panels circulate air from all sides, while plastic kennels and soft crates rely on smaller vents, so they need clearance around them in either layout. Work through the ventilation guide if warm weather is a concern.

A stack still works when airflow matters, but the lower crate sits close to the floor and the upper crate sits higher; both positions change the air around the dog. Leave space in front of every door and vent, and do not push a stack tight against a wall if the crates have side openings. Covers can reduce airflow if placed over vents, so keep vented sides clear. If a dog seems too warm, the simpler fix is often to return to side-by-side placement.

Access and daily handling

Access is where side-by-side clearly wins. A front door can open fully into the room, and the crates stay at a comfortable height for reaching in and out. With a stack, the upper crate may be too high for lifting a dog comfortably, and the lower crate can be hard to reach if the upper level hangs over it. Consider top-load vs front-load dog crates for an upper level, or look for a side-opening door on a lower crate.

Cleaning also depends on access. Pull-out trays should slide without hitting a crate above, and bedding needs to be removed regularly. CDC recommends cleaning pet habitats and supplies away from food preparation areas and washing hands after handling them. In a stack, plan how you will reach the upper tray and carry it down without spilling. Meal time, bedtime, and daily cleaning will quickly show whether a layout is practical.

Safety, supervision, and dog behavior

CDC advises supervising young children around dogs, even trusted family pets. Do not disturb a dog while it is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies, and keep children from reaching into crates. A stack can bring an upper crate to a child's eye level, and a lower crate can become a tempting hiding spot. Put crates out of high-traffic play areas and keep latches closed. Adults should also avoid standing in the door swing when opening an upper crate.

The ASPCA notes that dogs with separation anxiety may chew, dig, or try to escape when left alone. Secure latches and stable frames matter in both layouts. Each dog also needs enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down in its own crate regardless of arrangement. Read more about multiple dog crates in one home and how much room a dog needs in a crate.

Which setup should you pick?

Pick side-by-side when the room has enough wall or floor length and you want the most convenient access. Pick stackable when floor space is genuinely tight, the dogs are small or medium, and the crates are designed to be stacked. If a manufacturer does not say a crate can be stacked, treat it as a floor-level crate. In a stack, re-check stability regularly and keep the setup away from stairs, edges, or heavy household traffic.

Whatever layout you choose, the crate must fit the dog first. Measure the dog, compare crate sizes, and confirm the door height and opening match your routine. For options in your size range, see the small dog crate guide, medium dog crate guide, or large dog crate guide.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can any crate be stacked?

No. A safe stack needs a matching footprint, a stable base, and often a locking mechanism. If the manufacturer does not list the model as stackable, set the crates side by side instead.

Are stackable crates safe for large dogs?

Large crates are heavy and tall when stacked, which raises the center of gravity and makes the upper door harder to reach. Side-by-side is usually safer for large breeds.

Which arrangement has better ventilation?

Side-by-side gives each crate more exposed surface for air movement. Stacked wire crates can still ventilate well, but they need clearance around the stack and should not have vents blocked by the crate above.

Do I need special hardware to stack dog crates?

Some stackable models use clips, brackets, or interlocking frames. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and stack only crates built for that purpose.

Can side-by-side crates share a wall or divider between them?

No. Each dog needs its own enclosed crate. A divider panel belongs inside one larger crate only when the situation is safe; see divider panel vs second dog crate for more.

How much space should I leave between side-by-side crates?

Leave enough for each door to open fully and for trays to slide out. A small gap also improves airflow and makes cleaning easier.