Top Handle vs Side Handles on Dog Crates

How Handle Placement Affects Carrying

The handles on a dog crate determine where you grip the crate, how the weight sits in your hands, and whether you can move it through a door without tilting it. A top handle places the load directly below your hand, which creates a stable single-point carry. Side handles place the load between two points, which gives you more control over the crate's orientation.

Before you focus on handle style, consider how you will use the crate. A crate is first a resting space, and the ASPCA recommends providing a training crate or dog bed as a quiet place for your dog. If the crate will mainly stay in one room, the handle is less important than door layout and internal space.

Top Handle: Centered and Easy to Lift

A top handle is set into the roof of the crate, usually at the middle of the top panel. When you lift by this handle, the crate hangs like a suitcase. The centered position means the crate tilts less when you walk, and your other hand stays free to hold a leash or open a door.

This handle style appears most often on plastic kennels and some soft crates. A recessed top handle is a useful detail because it keeps the top surface flat for stacking or for sliding the crate into a car. For small and medium crates, a top handle is often the simplest way to carry the crate alone.

As crates get larger, a single top handle becomes harder to control. The weight of the crate pulls down on one hand, and the length of the crate can swing when you turn. If your crate is large, look for a top handle with a wide grip or pair it with a rolling base.

Side Handles: Two-Hand Grip and Shared Lifting

Side handles are attached to the ends or sides of the crate, giving you two lifting points. One person can grip both handles, or two people can lift one end each. This spreads the load and keeps a long crate level, which is especially important when a dog is inside.

Many wire crates and folding crates use side handles because they fold flat against the frame. Flat handles make the crate easier to store and less likely to catch on door frames. Side handles also let you push and steer the crate rather than just lift it, which helps when moving around furniture.

The main downside is ergonomics. Carrying a crate with both hands in front of you can strain your shoulders, especially over a long distance. If the handles are far apart, a single person may find the grip too wide. For a large wire crate, plan to lift with a second person or use a wheels kit.

Portability and Crate Size

The best handle placement depends mostly on the size and weight of your crate. A top handle is practical for a small or medium crate that you can carry with one hand. Side handles make more sense for a medium or large crate that two people will lift.

If you plan to move the crate in and out of a vehicle, think about the handle profile. A top handle that sticks above the roof can make the crate harder to slide under a seat or into a trunk. Handles that fold flush against the sides preserve the crate's footprint and make storage easier.

For regular travel, handles are not the only option. Crates with wheels let you roll instead of lift, and this can be easier on your back. The trade-off is that wheels add width and may not work on stairs. See the comparison of carrying handles and wheels for help deciding.

Match the Handle Style to Your Routine

Ask yourself how you will carry the crate. For quick trips from the house to the car, a top handle is convenient. For longer distances, side handles allow a second person to help. If you carry an empty crate more often than a crate with your dog inside, a top handle may feel easier.

When a dog is inside the crate, the ASPCA's handling guidance says to support the dog's chest and hindquarters when lifting. Keep the crate level so the dog is not tilted. Side handles make it easier to keep the crate horizontal during a two-person lift, while a top handle can tilt a long crate if you lift from one end.

Also think about the people who will move the crate. A top handle works well for one person, but side handles may be easier for someone with less grip strength because the weight is shared between two hands. Before you buy, check how wide the grip is and whether the handle feels secure. If you know the crate style you prefer, browse plastic kennel crates, folding crates, or metal crates.

If you travel with your dog, the USDA recommends contacting a USDA-accredited veterinarian early to check destination requirements. That planning applies to the whole trip, not just the crate handle, but it reminds you to choose a crate that you can move confidently. The CDC also recommends adult supervision for young children around dogs, so plan a route that lets you move the crate without stepping over little ones.

• Top handle: best for solo lifting of a compact crate.
• Side handles: best for two-person lifting of a wider crate.
• Wheels: best for moving a heavy crate across flat floors.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Which is better, a top handle or side handles on a dog crate?

Neither is universally better. A top handle is more convenient for one person lifting a small or medium crate. Side handles are better for two people lifting a larger crate and for keeping the crate level.

Can I lift a crate by the top handle if it has side handles too?

Yes, if the top handle is strong enough, but check how the weight is distributed. A top handle is easiest when the crate is centered under the handle. If the crate is long, side handles may provide better control.

Do side handles work for carrying a dog inside the crate?

They can, especially when two people lift together. Keep the crate level to avoid tipping the dog to one side. Follow the same safe lifting advice you would use for any heavy object.

What should I check before buying a crate based on its handles?

Look at the handle width, how firmly it attaches to the frame, and whether it folds flat for storage. Choose a handle that clears door frames and provides a comfortable grip for the people who will carry it.