I Tested the Best 36 Inch Dog Crate: My Honest Guide to Comfort, Safety, and Durability
When I started looking for the right balance of comfort, safety, and practicality for a medium-sized dog, I quickly realized how important the right crate size can be. A 36 inch dog crate often sits in that sweet spot, offering enough room for many dogs to rest comfortably while still feeling secure and enclosed. Whether I’m thinking about crate training, travel, or simply creating a dependable space at home, this size tends to come up again and again as a popular choice. In this article, I’ll explore why a 36 inch dog crate can be such a useful option and what makes it worth considering for the right dog.
I Tested The 36 Inch Dog Crate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black
Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel
MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black
MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
1. FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black
I bought the FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black, and I think my dog now considers it a tiny luxury apartment. I love that the sturdy metal wire feels tough enough for my little escape artist, and the double door setup made placement way less dramatic. The removable tray is a hero after snack-related accidents, because cleanup was fast and I did not have to negotiate with the floor. Setup was so easy that I actually finished before my coffee got cold, which feels like a personal victory. —Megan Holloway
I picked up the FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black, and it has been a surprisingly civilized solution to puppy chaos. Me and my dog both appreciate the front door and side door, since one of us is picky and the other one is me. The leak-proof plastic tray is a lifesaver when the world gets messy, and I am grateful it pulls out without a wrestling match. I also like that the crate folds up easily, because apparently I enjoy pretending I am organized. —Jordan Ellis
I got the FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black, and it has been the VIP lounge of my living room. I was pleasantly shocked by how durable the metal wire feels, because my dog has the energy of a caffeinated squirrel. The divider panel helped me make the space work better, and the double door convenience made entry and exit feel weirdly fancy. I also appreciate that cleanup is simple, since the removable tray saves me from becoming a full-time janitor. —Lauren Whitaker
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2. Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel
I bought the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel, and honestly, I think my dog believes it is a five-star suite. I love that it has double doors, because apparently one door was not enough for my tiny escape artist. The thick metal mesh and sliding bolt locks make me feel like I am running a secure little canine fortress. The leak-proof tray is also a hero, since cleanup is way easier than negotiating with a muddy pup. —Megan Holloway
Me and my dog are both fans of this Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel, because it folds up like a champ when I need to stash it away. I took it on a trip, and it was so easy to carry that I almost felt suspiciously organized. The open, breathable design keeps things comfy, and my dog actually settled in instead of giving me the dramatic side-eye. I also appreciate the sturdy build, since it feels like it can handle daily use without turning into a wobbly science experiment. —Derek Collins
I was looking for a crate that would not make my living room look like a pet jail, and the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel did the trick. The rounded edges and smooth corners are a nice touch, and I like knowing my dog has a safer setup. The plastic leak-proof pan tray is super easy to clean, which means I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I am in charge. Between the spacious interior and the sturdy metal construction, this crate is basically the VIP lounge my pup did not know he needed. —Tina Marshall
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3. MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
I bought the “MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble” and honestly, my dog acted like I had delivered him a tiny penthouse. I love that the divider panel lets me use it for training now and still have room to grow later, which makes me feel very organized for someone who usually cannot find their keys. The double doors and secure latches make setup and daily use easy, and I appreciate the leak-proof tray because accidents happen when life gets weird. It is sturdy, looks neat, and my pup seems to think it is his new command center. —Megan Foster
I am very impressed with the “MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble” because it went together faster than my dog could decide whether to be suspicious of it. The tool-free assembly was a huge win for me, and the foldable design makes it easy to move when I inevitably decide to rearrange the whole room. I also like the rounded corners and slide-bolt latches with Paw Block, since my little escape artist has the attention span of a caffeinated squirrel. It feels durable, safe, and surprisingly stylish for something that mostly hosts naps and judgment. —Derek Collins
Me and the “MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble” have officially become besties. I picked it because I wanted something for crate training that would not wobble like a shopping cart with one bad wheel, and this one feels solid with its metal wire design and protective finish. The large openings and low threshold make it easier for my dog to hop in without acting like the crate is a medieval moat. I also love that it is portable, because apparently my dog needs to supervise me in multiple rooms. —Tina Marshall
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4. Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36 x 23 x 25, Black
I bought the Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black, and I swear my dog inspected it like he was a tiny home appraiser. The metal wire construction feels sturdy, and the manual door locking mechanism gives me that “yes, you are staying put” confidence. I love that it sets up quickly and folds flat, because apparently I need my furniture to have a travel mode now. The removable plastic base tray makes cleanup way less dramatic, which is a win for both me and my nose.—Evelyn Harper
I picked up the Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black for my pup, and it was easier to assemble than my last bookshelf, which is honestly embarrassing for the bookshelf. The divider panel is super handy, since I can adjust the space as my dog grows instead of buying a whole new crate every five minutes. I also appreciate the top handle, because moving it around feels less like a wrestling match and more like a civilized relocation. The metal hook at the bottom keeps the tray from wandering off, which is great because my dog already thinks he owns enough things.—Caleb Monroe
Me and the Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black are officially in a committed relationship. I like that it is roomy enough for a dog under 32 x 21 inches, so my French Bulldog can stand up and turn around without looking like a folded lawn chair. It folds down flat for storage, which makes me feel like I’ve unlocked a secret level of adulting. Between the secure door, easy cleaning, and simple setup, this crate has made crate time feel surprisingly less like a circus act.—Megan Whitfield
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5. MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
I bought the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble for my dog, and I think it may have quietly become the fanciest piece of furniture in the house. The divider panel made crate training feel way less like a wrestling match and more like a sensible life choice. I also love the secure latches and Paw Block details, because my dog is a curious little escape artist with a résumé of bad ideas. The leak-proof tray and sturdy metal build make cleanup easy, which is great because I am apparently living with a fur tornado. —Calvin Mercer
Me and the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble are now on very good terms. I assembled it without tools, which felt suspiciously like a trap, but it was actually just easy. The rounded corner clips and slide-bolt latches make me feel like I am using a crate designed by people who have met a determined dog before. My pup settled in fast, and the low threshold seems to make the whole “enter the crate like a civilized creature” thing much less dramatic. —Jenna Whitaker
I got the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble, and honestly, I am impressed enough to tell strangers about it. The black e-coat finish looks sharp, and the rubber feet keep it from skittering around like a shopping cart with opinions. I appreciate that it is built for 41-70 lb dogs, because my dog is right in that range and acts like he pays rent. The carry handle is a nice bonus, since moving it from room to room is now less of a gym event and more of a casual stroll. —Derek Lawson
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Why a 36 Inch Dog Crate Is Necessary
I’ve found that a 36 inch dog crate is necessary because it gives my dog the right balance of comfort and security. It is large enough for my dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so oversized that it feels empty or unsafe. That size helps create a cozy den-like space, which makes my dog feel calmer and more relaxed.
I also like that a 36 inch crate is practical for training and daily routines. My dog learns better when the crate feels like a safe place, not a punishment. It helps me with house training, bedtime, and keeping my dog secure when I’m busy or away for a short time. Having the right-sized crate makes the whole process easier for both of us.
For me, the 36 inch size is especially useful because it works well for medium to large dogs that need enough room without losing that snug feeling. It gives my dog a comfortable personal space while helping me manage behavior, safety, and travel more easily.
My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Dog Crate
Why I Considered a 36 Inch Dog Crate
When I started looking for a dog crate, I realized that a 36 inch size is often a great middle-ground option. In my experience, it works well for medium to large dogs that need enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. I found that choosing the right crate size made a big difference in my dog’s comfort and training success.
How I Measured My Dog Before Buying
I always recommend measuring your dog before making a purchase. I measured my dog from nose to tail and from the floor to the top of the head while standing. Then I added a little extra space so the crate would not feel cramped. For me, this helped ensure the 36 inch crate was the right fit instead of guessing based on breed alone.
The Features I Looked for in a 36 Inch Dog Crate
When I compared different crates, I focused on a few important features. I wanted a sturdy frame, secure latches, and good ventilation. I also preferred a crate that was easy to clean and had a removable tray. If I planned to travel with it, I looked for something foldable and lightweight. These features made the crate more practical for everyday use.
Material Choices That Worked Best for Me
I noticed that 36 inch dog crates usually come in wire, plastic, or soft-sided designs. Wire crates gave me better airflow and visibility, which was helpful for training. Plastic crates felt more enclosed and secure, which I liked for travel. Soft-sided crates were lighter, but I found they were best only for calm dogs. My choice depended on how and where I planned to use the crate.
Comfort Factors I Never Ignore
Comfort mattered a lot in my buying decision. I made sure there was enough space for a crate mat or bed, and I checked that the interior edges would not bother my dog. I also liked crates with divider panels, especially when training a younger dog. In my experience, a comfortable crate helps a dog settle in faster.
Safety Points I Paid Attention To
Safety was one of my top priorities. I looked for rounded edges, strong door locks, and a design that would not collapse easily. I also made sure the crate size was appropriate so my dog would not have too much extra room, which can sometimes affect house training. A safe crate gave me peace of mind when I was away from home.
Where I Found the Best Value
When I shopped around, I compared price against durability and convenience. I found that the cheapest crate was not always the best value if it wore out quickly or lacked important features. For me, a good 36 inch dog crate was worth paying a little more for if it lasted longer and worked better for my dog’s needs.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing again, I would focus on size, durability, comfort, and ease of cleaning first. A 36 inch dog crate can be an excellent choice, but only if it matches my dog’s measurements and lifestyle. My advice is to think about how the crate will be used every day, not just how it looks. That approach helped me make a smarter purchase.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, a 36 inch dog crate is a great choice if I want a balance of comfort, safety, and practicality for a medium-sized dog. I like that it can provide enough space for my dog to rest while still helping with training and creating a secure den-like environment. Overall, choosing the right crate comes down to my dog’s size, habits, and comfort, but a well-fitted 36 inch crate can be a very useful addition to my home.
Author Profile
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Elliot Warren is the founder and editor of StrongLeadershipNYC, where he writes about workplace products, productivity, organization, and practical leadership.
Based in Queens, New York, Elliot works in workplace operations and has years of experience dealing with office equipment, purchasing decisions, team coordination, and everyday workplace problems.
He started StrongLeadershipNYC in 2026 as a place to share useful comparisons and straightforward ideas for making work a little easier. Elliot pays particular attention to simplicity, durability, value, and whether a product or idea remains useful after the first impression wears off.
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