Puppy crate buying guide
Best puppy crates for UK homes
Compare puppy crates by divider, doors, cleaning and growth allowance, then learn how to size and introduce a crate without relying on breed labels.
Our recommendations
Puppy crates to compare
These models range from a genuinely compact 18-inch crate to common 36-inch frames. Adult size, current posture and available room should determine the choice.
MidWest iCrate 18-inch puppy crate
Best for: A very small puppy when the measured fit is appropriate
An 18-inch wire crate with a divider, removable tray and fold-flat frame. It is genuinely compact, so it should only be chosen after measuring the puppy and planning for rapid growth.
What stands out
- Divider included
- Compact footprint
- Folds flat
Keep in mind
- Outgrown quickly by many puppies
- Weight is not enough to establish fit
- Single small format has limited flexibility
- 47 × 31.75 × 36.8cm
- Divider
- Removable tray
- Fold-flat wire frame
MidWest iCrate 36-inch two-door crate
Best for: Households that want an included divider panel
The 36-inch iCrate adds a divider panel to the usual two-door, folding-wire layout. That makes the available area adjustable while a puppy grows, without treating a breed label as the final size decision.
What stands out
- Divider panel included
- Two doors
- Rounded corners and removable tray
Keep in mind
- Weight range is only a guide
- Published dimensions appear external
- Protective coating still needs regular inspection
- 92.7 × 59.7 × 62.9cm
- Two doors
- Divider panel
- Leak-resistant removable tray
Amazon Basics 36-inch double-door crate
Best for: A simple two-door wire crate with divider and top handle
A familiar fold-flat wire format with front and side doors, a divider, base tray and top handle. Its value is a clear 91.4cm listing and an uncomplicated household layout.
What stands out
- Front and side access
- Divider and handle included
- Folds flat with removable tray
Keep in mind
- Internal dimensions not published
- Manual locking needs a visual check
- Not documented as a collision-tested crate
- 91.4 × 58.4 × 63.5cm
- Double door
- Divider included
- Removable plastic tray
Ellie-Bo Deluxe 36-inch two-door crate
Best for: A folding wire crate supplied with a metal tray and bed mat
This 36-inch model combines two access points with a fold-flat frame, metal tray and bed mat. It is a practical household option when the measured dog suits the 91.4cm published length.
What stands out
- Two doors broaden placement options
- Folds flat for storage
- Metal tray and bed mat included
Keep in mind
- Published size is not labelled internal
- Included pad reduces usable height
- No crash-test claim for vehicle restraint
- 91.4 × 61 × 66cm
- Two doors
- Folding steel frame
- Metal tray and bed mat
Scroll horizontally to see all columns →
| Model | Published size | Doors | Divider | Cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate 18 | 47 × 31.75 × 36.8cm | One | Yes | Removable tray |
| MidWest iCrate 36 | 92.7 × 59.7 × 62.9cm | Two | Yes | Removable tray |
| Amazon Basics 36 | 91.4 × 58.4 × 63.5cm | Two | Yes | Plastic tray |
| Ellie-Bo Deluxe 36 | 91.4 × 61 × 66cm | Two | No | Metal tray; mat included |
Choose for the adult dog, manage for the puppy
The most economical puppy crate is not necessarily the smallest one available today. Puppies change quickly, so the better plan is to estimate the adult space they will need, select a suitable rigid crate and use a secure divider to reduce the available area temporarily.
The divider must still leave enough room to stand, sit, turn around, lie naturally and stretch. Move it as the puppy grows. A breeder's or retailer's breed label is only a starting point; sex, build and individual posture create substantial variation.
Our crate measuring guide explains the three measurements to take. If a listing gives only the overall product size, read our guide to internal versus external dimensions before assuming the puppy receives every advertised centimetre.
The puppy features that earn their place
A divider that fixes securely
A divider is useful only if it attaches firmly, has no sharp edges and can be moved without leaving gaps where a paw or head could become trapped. Check its position frequently. Do not use it to create an area so small that the puppy cannot adopt a relaxed sleeping posture.
A tray you can remove without dismantling the room
Accidents happen. Leave enough space to slide the tray out and clean beneath the crate. Choose flat bedding that can be washed and does not take away essential sitting height. Keep the sleeping surface dry and inspect tray edges after cleaning.
Doors that fit the household route
Two doors make a crate easier to place beside a bed or sofa because either the short or long side can provide access. They do not replace supervision. Make sure the open door cannot swing into a walkway and that latches close without loose fabric, bedding or paws near them.
The puppy crates in detail
MidWest iCrate 18-inch: only for genuinely small puppies
This compact model measures 47 × 31.75 × 36.8cm on the listing and includes a divider and removable tray. It can fit a very small puppy in a tight room, but many dogs will outgrow it quickly. The listing's weight suggestion does not override the movement test.
MidWest iCrate 36-inch: useful growth range
The 36-inch MidWest combines a divider with front and side access. Its 92.7 × 59.7 × 62.9cm published size gives much more growth potential than the 18-inch model. Confirm expected adult size before choosing it; not every dog will fit a 36-inch crate as an adult.
Amazon Basics 36-inch: a simple divider setup
Amazon Basics publishes a 91.4 × 58.4 × 63.5cm overall size. A divider, two doors, top handle and removable plastic tray cover the practical puppy features without adding an included cushion that may be unsuitable during chewing or early toilet training.
Ellie-Bo Deluxe 36-inch: convenient, but without a divider
The Ellie-Bo includes a bed mat and metal tray, which can simplify an initial setup. It does not list a divider, so its 91.4 × 61 × 66cm space is less adjustable. The included mat may also need to be removed during chewing or accidents and reduces usable height slightly.
Introduce the crate before expecting rest
Set the crate in a calm, draught-free place out of direct sun. Secure the door open and let the puppy explore voluntarily. Feed treats or meals near and then inside the entrance. Once the puppy chooses to enter comfortably, practise very short door closures while you remain nearby.
Build duration gradually. A puppy who pants, cowers, claws frantically, bites the bars or cannot settle is not ready for the next step. Open the door when it is safe, reduce the difficulty and get advice from a vet or qualified behaviour professional if distress continues.
Puppies need frequent toilet opportunities and companionship. PDSA's maximum of three hours for an adult dog is not a target for a young puppy; many need far shorter periods. A crate should never be punishment or a solution for a full working day.
Crate, pen or puppy-proofed room?
A crate is suited to short periods of rest and safe management. A configurable pen provides more room to move and can separate sleeping, water and activity areas. A puppy-proofed room may work better for longer supervised periods. Many households use more than one option rather than asking a single crate to do every job.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What size crate should I buy for a puppy?
Measure the puppy's current length and sitting height, research likely adult size with your vet or breeder, and choose a crate that can provide appropriate adult space. A divider can manage part of that space temporarily but must be adjusted frequently.
Does a crate divider help with toilet training?
A divider can prevent an adult-sized crate feeling unnecessarily vast, but it is not a shortcut. Puppies still need frequent toilet trips, close supervision and a routine appropriate to their age and individual needs.
How often should I resize a puppy crate divider?
Check fit at least weekly during rapid growth and immediately if the puppy's posture changes. The puppy must always be able to stand, sit, turn, lie naturally and stretch without touching the top or being cramped.
Are soft crates suitable for puppies?
PDSA says fabric crates are unsuitable for puppies and dogs that chew. A rigid, easy-clean crate or a puppy-proofed pen is usually more appropriate while chewing and toilet accidents are likely.
Should a puppy sleep in a crate overnight?
A crate can be one safe sleeping option after a positive introduction, but young puppies need age-appropriate toilet breaks and should not be left to become distressed. Keep the setup calm, comfortable and close enough to notice their needs.
Sources
- PDSA — crate training your dog — puppy growth, divider, crate types and time guidance
- RSPCA — dog crate guidance — positive introduction, safe use and puppy sizing
- Amazon UK product pages linked from the product cards