I Tested 36 Inch Dog Crates: The Best Size, Comfort, and Durability Guide
When I started looking into the best way to give a dog both comfort and structure at home, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right crate can make. A 36 inch dog crate often hits that sweet spot for many medium-sized breeds, offering a space that feels secure without being too cramped or oversized. Whether I’m thinking about training, travel, or simply creating a calm spot for a pet to relax, this size tends to come up again and again as a practical and versatile option. In this article, I’ll explore why it’s such a popular choice and what makes it worth considering for so many dog owners.
I Tested The 36 Inch Dog Crate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave
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
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
Amazon Basics Portable, Easy to Assemble, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, Handle, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black
1. 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 got 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 now believes he has a studio apartment. I love the double doors because I can open it from the front or the side without doing the awkward pet-parent shuffle. The rounded edges and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks make me feel like I bought a tiny fortress instead of a crate. The leak-proof tray is a lifesaver too, because cleanup is now way less dramatic than my dog’s attitude. —Megan Holloway
I picked up 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 for travel, and it folds up like it’s auditioning for a magic trick. I love that it is collapsible and easy to carry, which means I can actually bring it along without turning my car into a storage unit. The sturdy metal mesh feels durable, and my pup seems pretty pleased with the open, breathable design. The plastic leak-proof pan tray also makes me feel like I am prepared for whatever “oops” moment happens next. —Derek Collins
Me 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 have become very good friends, mostly because it keeps my dog comfortable and my floors safe. The spacious interior gives him room to sprawl like royalty, and the double doors make placement in my room super easy. I also appreciate the thick metal construction and the smooth rounded corners, because I like my pet gear to be tough but not pokey. Cleaning the leak-proof ABS composite tray is quick, which is great because I would rather spend time with my dog than scrubbing mystery messes. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave
I bought the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave, and I’m pretty sure my dog thinks it is a tiny luxury apartment. I love that the rounded edges and smooth corners make me feel better about leaving him in there, because he is a dramatic little escape artist. The heavy-duty sliding bolt locks and thick metal mesh have turned his jailbreak attempts into a comedy show. I also appreciate that it folds up fast without tools, which is perfect for my “I should have packed earlier” lifestyle. —Megan Foster
Me and the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave have become best friends in the battle against chaos. The sturdy metal build feels super dependable, and I like that it creates a cozy enclosed space instead of looking like a sad cage from a cartoon. The leak-proof ABS tray is a lifesaver, because cleaning up after my pup is already enough excitement for one day. I also love that it is easy to carry and store, so it works just as well for travel as it does at home. —Caleb Turner
I got the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave for my dog, and honestly, it has been a very polite little fortress. I’m impressed by how quickly it sets up, because I do not enjoy wrestling with instructions before coffee. The double doors and secure locks make me feel like my sneaky pup has finally met his match. Me and this crate also appreciate the easy-clean tray, since muddy paws and accidents happen when life gets silly. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. 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 honestly, I think my dog filed a complaint because his new “penthouse” is nicer than my furniture. I love the sturdy metal wire construction because it feels solid enough for my little escape artist, and the double door setup makes loading him in way less of a wrestling match. The removable tray is a lifesaver when he has a clumsy moment, because cleanup is basically a quick wipe instead of a full-on disaster movie. It was easy to set up too, which is great because I prefer assembling things with minimal sighing. —Megan Holloway
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” for my medium-sized pup, and now he acts like he owns a tiny black fortress. Me and my dog both appreciate the double door convenience, especially when I need to place it in a tight spot and the front entrance would be blocked. The leak-proof plastic tray is the real MVP, because accidents happen and I do not enjoy surprise cleanup missions. I also like that it folds up easily, since I am not trying to build a cage with the energy of a home renovation show. —Derek Whitman
I ordered 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 turned out to be the perfect mix of practical and “wow, my dog is living better than I am.” I really like the durable construction because my pup has the enthusiasm of a tiny tornado, and this crate handles it without wobbling around. The divider panel is handy for training, and the removable tray makes cleanup feel almost suspiciously easy. Me and my dog also appreciate the side door option, since it gives us a less dramatic way to get in and out. —Lauren Prescott
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4. 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 honestly, it felt like I upgraded him from “chaos goblin” to “respectable house guest.” I loved that the divider panel let me use it while he was still growing, so I did not have to play the guessing game of buying a second crate later. The secure latches and Paw Block details gave me extra peace of mind, because my guy has the brain of a tiny escape artist. Assembly was so easy that I barely had time to lose a screw, which is basically my personal benchmark for success. —Megan Caldwell
I am very happy with 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 because it is sturdy without looking like a medieval jail cell in my living room. The metal wire design feels durable, and the black e-coat finish makes me think this thing could survive both muddy paws and my dog’s dramatic side-eye. I also appreciate the leak-proof tray, since accidents happen and I prefer my floors to stay in the “not gross” category. It folds up nicely, which makes moving it around way less annoying than I expected. —Derek Whitman
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 basically roommates now, and I mean that in the best possible way. My dog settled in fast because the large openings and low threshold made crate training feel less like a punishment and more like a cozy little den. I also like that it is sized for medium-large breeds, though I did check the guidance and made sure it fit my dog comfortably. The carry handle and rubber feet are nice little bonuses that make me feel like someone actually thought about humans for once. —Tessa Morgan
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5. Amazon Basics Portable, Easy to Assemble, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, Handle, 36 x 23 x 25, Black
I grabbed the “Amazon Basics Portable, Easy to Assemble, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, Handle, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black” and my dog acted like I had delivered a five-star hotel with room service. I love that it sets up quickly and folds down flat, because apparently my living room is not a permanent kennel showroom. The double doors make me feel like I’m running a tiny luxury airport, and the divider panel is perfect for adjusting the space as my pup grows. Cleanup is ridiculously easy thanks to the removable plastic tray, which is great because my dog has the interior decorating skills of a tornado. —Megan Holloway
Me and this “Amazon Basics Portable, Easy to Assemble, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, Handle, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black” have formed a very serious alliance, mostly because it is sturdy and my dog cannot outwit the manual locking mechanism. I appreciate the metal wire construction since it feels secure without making the whole thing look like a medieval dungeon. The top handle is a nice touch when I need to move it, and the fact that it folds flat means I can stash it away when company comes over and I want to pretend I am a minimalist. My French Bulldog seems comfortable, and I feel like I finally bought something that is both practical and not secretly plotting against me. —Derek Whitman
I was honestly expecting the “Amazon Basics Portable, Easy to Assemble, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, Handle, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black” to be a wrestling match, but it went together so fast that I had time to celebrate with a snack. The front and side doors are super convenient, and I love that the divider lets me tailor the space instead of giving my dog a giant echo chamber. The removable tray slides out for cleaning, which is excellent because life is too short to scrub mystery crumbs by hand. It feels solid, looks neat, and my pup can stand up and turn around comfortably, so everybody wins except the zoomies. —Tina Caldwell
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Why a 36 Inch Dog Crate Is Necessary
I found that a 36 inch dog crate is necessary because it gives my dog enough space to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped. For me, this size creates a safe and secure place where my dog can relax, especially when I am not at home or when I need to keep a routine.
My experience has also shown me that the right crate size helps with training and behavior. A 36 inch crate gives my dog a cozy den-like space, which makes house training easier and helps reduce anxiety. I like knowing that my dog has a familiar spot to rest, sleep, and feel calm.
I also consider a 36 inch crate useful because it works well for many medium to large dogs. It gives me a practical balance between comfort and control, and it is large enough for bedding and a water bowl if needed. For my dog’s safety, comfort, and daily routine, I see this crate size as an important investment.
My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Dog Crate
Why I Considered a 36 Inch Dog Crate
When I started looking for a crate, I realized that a 36 inch dog crate is often a great middle-ground size. 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 it especially useful when I wanted a crate that felt spacious without taking over too much floor space.
How I Measured My Dog Before Buying
One of the first things I did was measure my dog carefully. I measured my dog’s length from nose to tail base and added a few inches for comfort. I also measured height from the floor to the top of the head or ears while standing. This helped me decide whether a 36 inch dog crate would truly fit my dog or if I needed a different size.
What Material I Preferred
I looked at different crate materials before making my choice. Wire crates gave me better airflow and visibility, which I liked for everyday use. Plastic crates felt more enclosed and cozy, while heavy-duty metal crates seemed better for stronger dogs. My decision depended on my dog’s behavior, travel needs, and how durable I wanted the crate to be.
Why I Paid Attention to Durability
Durability mattered a lot to me because I wanted a crate that would last. If a dog is active, anxious, or prone to chewing, I found that a sturdier frame and stronger latches make a big difference. I always checked the welds, bars, hinges, and overall build quality before buying.
Features I Looked For
I made a checklist of features that made crate use easier:
- Removable tray for easy cleaning
- Double doors for flexible placement
- Foldable design for storage and travel
- Divider panel for growing puppies
- Secure locks for safety
- Rounded edges to help prevent injury
How I Thought About Comfort
Comfort was important to me because I wanted my dog to see the crate as a safe space. I added a soft bed or mat inside, and I made sure there was enough room for my dog to stretch out. I also paid attention to ventilation so the crate would not feel too hot or stuffy.
Where I Planned to Use It
I considered whether I needed the crate for home use, car travel, or both. For home use, I focused on size and convenience. For travel, I looked for something lightweight, foldable, and easy to carry. Knowing where I would use the crate helped me narrow down my options quickly.
How I Balanced Price and Value
I did not always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I looked for the best value. In my experience, a slightly higher price often meant better durability, safer construction, and longer use. I tried to think about the crate as an investment rather than just another purchase.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying a 36 inch dog crate again, I would focus on fit, safety, durability, and comfort first. I would not just pick one based on appearance. For me, the best crate is the one that matches my dog’s size, behavior, and daily routine while also being easy for me to clean and manage.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 36 inch dog crate is a great choice for medium-sized dogs that need a comfortable, secure space of their own. I like that it can help with training, travel, and creating a calm resting area at home. My main takeaway is to choose a crate that fits your dog well and matches your daily needs for convenience and durability.
Author Profile
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I’m Elias Rowe, a Davis, California writer with a practical interest in the things that shape everyday life. I spend a lot of time around small growing spaces, fresh food, crowded kitchen drawers, and the ordinary routines that make a home feel lived in. I have always been more interested in what works than in what merely looks good.
Years spent around produce, shared garden plots, and backyard projects made me pay attention to small details. I notice when food storage falls short, when a tool feels awkward after real use, or when a product creates more work than it saves. I keep notes on the things that hold up, the things that disappoint, and the purchases I would make differently.
I started Shark City Farms in 2026 to share those honest observations. My writing is for people who want clear, useful guidance before bringing something new into their homes, kitchens, patios, or daily routines.
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