The 7 Best Collapsible Dog Crates of 2024
Updated on February 28, 2024
Crate training is a beneficial practice for any dog—not only does it help speed up potty training, but it also keeps your dog safe when they’re unsupervised and provides a relaxing spot for them to retreat during the day. If you’ve decided to crate train your dog, you may want to consider investing in a collapsible dog crate. These crates come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are ideal for traveling with your pet.
Here’s what you need to know about collapsible dog crates and how to pick the best one for your needs.
Collapsible Dog Crates: Our Top Picks
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- Best Collapsible Metal Dog Crate: MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate
- Best Crate with Playpen Feature: Diggs Evolv Dog Crate
- Best Soft Collapsible Dog Crate: AmazonBasics Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate
- Best Plastic Collapsible Dog Crate: Diggs Revol Furniture Collapsible Dog Crate
- Best Small Collapsible Dog Crate: MASKEYON Soft-Sided Collapsible Pet Carrier
- Best Large Collapsible Dog Crate: Petsfit Portable Soft Collapsible Dog Crate
- Best Lightweight Collapsible Dog Crate: Beatrice Home Fashions Pop Up Pet Kennel
7 Best Collapsible Dog Crates of 2024
Collapsible dog crates are available in a variety of styles, as well as sizes to fit any dog breed. The following are the best collapsible dog crates you can buy for your pet.
Best Collapsible Metal Dog Crate
Our Pick: MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate
The MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate is one of the best options out there if you’re looking for a collapsible wire dog crate. This popular product comes in seven sizes to fit any dog, and you can also choose between single- and double-door styles. Each crate comes with a removable divider that can be used with growing puppies, as well as a plastic pan that contains messes.
These metal crates have slide-bolt latches that hold the doors shut, and it features rounded corners and side clips to prevent anyone from getting hurt if they accidentally walk into it. Plus, if you ever need to transport the crate, the whole thing folds flat in just a few easy steps with no tools required.
Highlights
- Durable construction
- Seven sizes available
- Single- and double-door styles
- Includes crate divider for puppies
- Leak-proof plastic pan
Things to Consider
- Heavier than other collapsible crates
Best Crate with Playpen Feature
Our Pick: Diggs Evolv Dog Crate
15% Off Sitewide Automatically Applied at Checkout at Diggs
This modern, collapsible dog crate from Diggs can be easily tailored into a playpen. The Evolv crate for dogs is available in four sizes and features Diggs’ signature diamond paw-safe mesh so your pup’s precious feet are safe. When not in use as a crate, the Evolv’s removable ceiling converts into a playpen thanks to a ceiling frame add-on. Because it comes with a puppy divider, your pooch will grow with it throughout their life stages. The dual-lock doors keep your precious commodity inside where they belong.
Highlights
- Features four sizes
- Comes with two doors and can support up to four (sold separately.)
- Removable tray for easy cleanup
- Proven latching system to keep your pup safe and secure inside the crate
- Playpen conversion feature for extra fun and space
- No tools required to assemble the crate
- Made with durable and long-lasting coated steel frame and wire mesh
Things to Consider
- Playpen panel is sold separately
- Bed and crate bowl sold separately
Best Soft Collapsible Dog Crate
Our Pick: Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate
The Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate is ideal for traveling, as it’s lightweight and quick to assemble. It’s made up of a lightweight PVC frame, covered by a polyester fabric. There are mesh panels on all four sides for ventilation, and zippered doors on both the front and top give you multiple options for loading your dog. This crate comes in four sizes, and you can set it up in a matter of seconds, making it ideal for life on the go. Just keep in mind that its soft sides aren’t ideal for dogs who try to escape their crates.
Highlights:
- Available in four sizes
- Fast assembly
- Lightweight design
- Two-door design
- Mesh panels on all four sizes
Things to Consider:
- Dogs can easily chew through materials
Best Plastic Collapsible Dog Crate
Our Pick: Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate
15% Off Sitewide Automatically Applied at Checkout at Diggs
If you’re looking for a stylish plastic crate, the Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate should definitely be a contender. It features a plastic frame that’s available in four chic colors, and the sides are secured with a unique diamond-shaped wire mesh that helps prevent injuries to your dog’s paws or jaw.
This attractive dog crate has a unique one-hand collapsing mechanism that makes it easy to break down, and there are even built-in wheels that allow you to quickly move it around. They recently added an intermediate size, giving pet parents four sizes to choose from (there’s also small, medium, and large).
Highlights
- Available in four colors and four sizes
- Stylish design blends in with decor
- One-hand collapsing mechanism
- Diamond-shaped mesh sides prevent pinched paws
- Built-in wheels for transport
Things to Consider
- Very expensive
- Crate pad sold separately
Best Small Collapsible Dog Crate
Our Pick: MASKEYON Soft-Sided Collapsible Pet Carrier
If your dog weighs less than 20 pounds, the MASKEYON Soft-Sided Collapsible Pet Carrier will make it easy for you to travel with your pet. This small collapsible crate has a metal frame that’s covered with a durable nylon fabric, and there are several mesh windows to provide ventilation.
All four sides of the crate and the top can be zippered open, making it easy to load your pet and clean out the carrier as needed, and it comes with a removable shoulder strap for convenient carrying. The carrier meets the under-seat dimensions for most airlines, meaning you can bring your pet with you on the plane, and it even has removable pads and an inner clip to keep your dog comfortable and secure during your travels.
Highlights:
- Suitable for dogs up to 20 pounds
- Design meets TSA regulations
- Includes removable pads for comfort
- Multiple mesh pockets for storage
- Inner clip to secure your dog
Things to Consider:
- Fabric bottom isn’t the most sturdy
Best Large Collapsible Dog Crate
Our Pick: Petsfit Portable Soft Collapsible Dog Crate
The Petsfit Portable Soft Collapsible Dog Crate is well-suited for large-breed dogs, as it comes in both large and extra-large sizes—the latter measures 42 x 28 x 28 inches, giving your dog plenty of space to lie down. The soft-sided crate has a durable metal frame and three doors, including one on the top, that makes it easy to get your dog inside. The cover has a vented window and built-in storage pocket, and the frame breaks down quickly, allowing you to store the crate flat as needed.
Highlights:
- Available in large and extra-large sizes
- Three zippered doors
- Locking zippers
- Built-in storage pocket
Things to Consider:
- Dogs can easily chew through materials
- Somewhat expensive
Best Lightweight Collapsible Dog Crate
Our Pick: Beatrice Home Fashions Pop Up Pet Kennel
The Beatrice Home Fashions Pop Up Pet Kennel weighs just a few pounds, and it folds down into an 11-inch round, making it easy to store and transport. It even comes with a carrying case that you can tuck into your suitcase or pack. The crate has a pop-up design made with light-duty polyester fabric, mesh windows, and a zippered door on one end. It’s ideal for traveling or camping, but keep in mind that it’s extremely lightweight and won’t prevent your dog from escaping.
Highlights:
- Affordable
- Extremely lightweight
- Several colors available
- Folds into a compact round shape
- Includes storage pouch
Things to Consider:
- Only well-suited for calm dogs
What Is a Collapsible Dog Crate?
As the name suggests, collapsible dog crates are specifically designed to break down when not in use. Most of these crates fold up into a flat, compact form, making them easy to transport and store. Collapsible crates are ideal if you’re traveling with your dog, and they also come in handy if you only occasionally use a crate for your dog, as you can tuck them away in a closet when they’re not needed.
Dog trainer Leigh Siegfried, owner of Opportunity Barks Dog Behavior & Training, explains that there are other benefits to collapsible dog crates, as well: “They can help maintain a familiar routine/chill space for a dog in a new environment, and they can help confine dog mess, like hair and mud, during transport or after big adventures.”
Collapsible Dog Crate: Buyer’s Guide
As you compare different dog crates, there are several factors you’ll want to keep in mind.
Material: Most collapsible dog crates are made from either metal, plastic, or fabric, and there are benefits to each style. “If your goal is safety or you have a dog that has escaped from traditional crates, go with a plastic collapsible crate,” recommends Siegfried. “Fabric collapsible crates are light, easy to move, and are a great alternative if a dog is already crate trained and not an escape artist.”
Size: For best results, it’s important to select a crate that’s the right size for your dog. To find the proper crate length, measure from your dog’s nose to tail, then add 2 to 4 inches to this measurement. You’ll also want to check the crate’s specifications to ensure your dog is within the recommended weight limit.
Weight: If you’re planning to use a collapsible dog crate for traveling, it’s important to consider the weight of the enclosure. Metal crates tend to be quite heavy—sometimes 20 pounds or more—which can make them challenging to move, even if they do fold flat. Plastic or soft-sided crates are often better-suited for travel purposes, as they’re lighter overall.
Ease of Use: You’ll want to look at how the crate breaks down, especially if you’ll be folding it up regularly. Some designs can be collapsed in just a few seconds with no tools required, while others are a bit more labor-intensive to fold up.
How to Collapse a Dog Crate: Tips and Tricks
The process of collapsing a dog crate will vary depending on its material and overall design. You’ll likely need to close the crate’s doors and zip up its windows (when applicable) and from there, it’s generally a matter of removing or undoing the clips and/or latches that hold the crate together. Once these are removed, the walls of the crate should fold down easily to create a flat form.
Most dog crates can be collapsed without any special tools, but certain designs are easier to fold up than others. For instance, the Diggs Revol crate has a handle on top of the crate that you simply turn to collapse the design, and pop-up crates have flexible frames that collapse in a matter of seconds.
