Which Dog Crate Is Best? The Ultimate Guide for Modern Pet Owners

Wondering which dog crate is best for your pet? From metal crates to bespoke pet furniture, we explore every option for crate training, travel, and long-term comfort, plus expert insights and sizing tips.

Why the Right Crate Matters

Whether you’re crate training a puppy, helping an anxious rescue settle in, or looking for a stylish solution that fits your home, the right crate can transform your dog’s comfort and your space.

But with so many options on the market, choosing the best dog crate can feel overwhelming.

This guide breaks down the most popular crate types, with real-world pros and cons, and introduces why a bespoke dog crate could be the ultimate choice for your home and your dog.

Need help with sizing?

When Do You Need a Dog Crate?

Crates can support your dog through every stage of life:

• Puppy training (toilet training, calming overstimulation, establishing routines)
• Safe space for adult dogs (noise sensitivity, household guests, fireworks, children)
• Rest & recovery (following surgery or injury)
• Travel safety (car journeys and holidays)
• Home integration (creating cosy zones in shared living areas)

Did you know?
The Generation Pup study found that crate training in early life can help reduce separation related behaviours and supports improved emotional development in dogs.

Crate Types: What’s Out There?

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of dog crates, including when they work best and what to watch out for.

1. Metal Dog Crate (Wire Crate)

Often used for initial crate training, these basic wire crates are widely available and very affordable.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Easily available online or in large pet stores
• Foldable and lightweight

Cons:

• Noisy and unattractive
• May scare noise-sensitive dogs
• Usually needs blankets to feel cosy

Best For:
Short-term use, puppies, or owners trialling crate training.

2. Off-the-Shelf Pet Furniture Crate

These crates are a step up in style, blending better into the home while still offering functionality.

Pros:

• More visually appealing than metal crates
• Doubles as furniture

Cons:

• Fixed sizing, limited configuration
• Lower quality materials (flat pack, less durable)
• Limited upkeep and lifespan

Best For:
Pet parents looking for something attractive but not ready to invest in bespoke.

3. Bespoke Pet Furniture Crate (The Pet Carpenter Option)

If you’re looking for a beautiful, long-term solution, a bespoke dog crate is in a league of its own.

These pieces are designed to match your interior style and your dog’s specific needs — from built-in storage, feeding stations, and roll-down privacy curtains, to integration as a kitchen island or media unit.

Pros:

• Custom-fit to your space and pet
• Crafted with premium materials
• Doubles as functional home furniture
• Beautiful, timeless design
• Options for multiple dogs or other pets
• A sustainable alternative to flat-pack furniture

Cons:

• Higher upfront investment — but built to last

Vets trust it too:
“Crate training from a young age ensures dogs are more relaxed in unfamiliar settings — even at the vet,” says veterinary surgeon Grania Benson, whose Pet Carpenter crate doubles as her kitchen island.

Best For:
Pet lovers who want to integrate their pet’s wellbeing and their home style — and support a sustainable, handcrafted solution.

4. Travel Crates (Crash-Tested Options)

By UK law, dogs must be secured during travel. A crash-tested crate or a certified harness is essential for safe journeys.

Pros:

• Ensures safety during travel
• Some options are crash-tested

Cons:

• Bulky to store when not in use
• May not be aesthetically suitable for the home

Best For:
Dog owners who regularly travel or take long road trips.

Explore Crash-Tested Crates:

• Thule Allax Dog Cages
• The Dog Den Crates
• 4Pets Pro Dog Cages

Crash-Tested Harness Alternative:

• Ruffwear Load Up Harness

5. Soft-Sided / Fabric Crates

Perfect for overnight stays with friends or at hotels. These fabric crates are foldable, lightweight, and easy to pack.

Pros:

• Flat-pack and travel-friendly
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Not suitable for daily or long-term use
• Less secure and durable

Best For:
Short trips, crate-trained dogs visiting new spaces.

Quick Crate Comparison Table

Crate Type	Best For	Pros	Cons
Metal crate	Budget crate training	Affordable, easy to find	Noisy, unattractive, not cosy
Off-the-shelf Furniture	Looks + function on a budget	More stylish than wire	Limited sizes, less durable
Bespoke Furniture Crate	Long-term, stylish, multi-use	Built to last, tailored, aesthetic	Higher upfront cost
Travel Crate	Safe car journeys	Crash-tested options available	Bulky, less home-friendly
Soft-sided crate	Hotel nights, visiting family	Lightweight, portable	Short-term use only

Choosing the Right Crate for Your Dog

Every dog, and every home, is different.

The best crate is one that suits your lifestyle, supports your dog’s needs, and integrates beautifully into your space.

If you’re looking for a solution that’s:

• Built to last
• Designed around your pet
• Crafted to fit your home perfectly
• And supports your dog’s wellbeing…

It might be time to consider bespoke.

We’ve helped hundreds of pet parents create beautiful, calming, and practical spaces for their dogs, from crate islands to under-stair dens, to dual-dog bedrooms with built-in wine storage (yes, really!).

Explore what’s possible:

Final Word: Confidence Through Crate Training

At The Pet Carpenter, we champion the idea of “Gift Crate Confidence”, helping every dog owner understand the value of a well-designed crate as a positive, comforting space for their pet.

Whether you go for a metal crate or a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture, the most important thing is this:

🐕 A dog that’s confident in their crate is more relaxed, secure, and able to adapt to life’s changes, from vet visits to visitors, from holidays to home renovations.

And that’s a gift that lasts a lifetime. If you ever need support with crate training our training partner The Dog Trainer School is on hand to help.

Frequently Asked Questions