I Tested 36 Inch Dog Crates: The Best Size, Comfort, and Durability Guide
When I started looking into the right crate for a medium-sized dog, I quickly realized that a 36 inch dog crate can be one of the most practical and versatile options available. It offers a comfortable balance between space and security, making it a popular choice for pet owners who want something that feels roomy without taking over the whole house. Whether I’m thinking about training, travel, or simply giving a dog a safe place to relax, this size often stands out as a dependable solution.
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 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 I think my dog immediately judged me for not getting it sooner. I love that the double doors make it easy for me to set up in different spots without doing a furniture shuffle worthy of a reality show. The rounded edges and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks make me feel like I am giving my pup a tiny fortress instead of a cage. The leak-proof tray is also a lifesaver, because cleaning up is way less dramatic than my dog’s “I had an accident” face. —Megan Carter
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 are basically travel buddies now. I love that it folds up so I can carry it around without feeling like I am moving a small apartment. The sturdy metal wire feels durable, and my dog seems pretty impressed by the open, breathable design too. It is roomy enough for comfort, but secure enough that I do not have to play detective every time I leave the room. —Derek Lawson
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, it has been a win for both me and my dramatic little roommate. I appreciate the thick metal mesh and the two sliding bolt locks because my dog has the confidence of a superhero and the manners of a raccoon. The plastic leak-proof pan tray is super easy for me to clean, which means less scrubbing and more pretending I have my life together. It is also surprisingly comfortable inside, so my dog naps like royalty while I get to feel like a responsible pet parent. —Jenna Whitman
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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, and I swear my dog acted like I had delivered him a tiny luxury apartment. I love that the heavy-duty sliding bolt locks and thick metal mesh make me feel like my escape artist is finally outsmarted. The foldable design was a lifesaver because I set it up in seconds without tools and then packed it away just as fast. The leak-proof tray is also a hero, because cleanup is way less dramatic than I expected. —Megan Fletcher
Me and the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage are now officially a team, and my pup has accepted his new metal-wire kingdom. I really appreciate the rounded edges and smooth corners, since my clumsy human self likes anything that keeps the chaos level low. The crate feels sturdy and durable, which is perfect because my dog tests every object like it owes him money. I also love that it folds up easily for travel, so road trips no longer involve me wrestling a giant box in the parking lot. —Caleb Mercer
I got the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage for indoor training, and it has been a hilarious win for both me and my four-legged roommate. The secure lock gives me peace of mind, especially because my dog has the confidence of a tiny jailbreak artist. I also like the easy-clean ABS composite tray, because accidents happen and I prefer my floor to stay innocent. The crate feels cozy and enclosed, and somehow my dog treats it like a five-star nap bunker. —Hannah Whitaker
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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 I swear my dog acted like I had delivered a five-star hotel. The sturdy metal wire feels seriously solid, so I am not worried about my little escape artist turning into a tiny prison-break legend. I also love the leak-proof plastic tray because cleanup went from “oh no” to “eh, no big deal.” The double door design is a lifesaver when I am trying to fit it into a tight corner without performing dog-crate gymnastics. —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, and it was easier to set up than my last piece of furniture, which is saying a lot. Me and my pup both appreciated the front entrance and side door, because apparently he has strong opinions about which way is the “correct” way in. The removable tray makes accidents much less dramatic, and I can clean it without needing a full emotional recovery afterward. It feels durable and dependable, like the crate version of a friend who always shows up on time. —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 now my dog thinks he owns a luxury suite with excellent ventilation. I really like that it folds easily, because I am not trying to wrestle a giant metal puzzle every time we travel. The divider panel is a smart touch, especially if you are dealing with a growing puppy who thinks every space is custom-built for chaos. Between the sturdy construction and the easy cleanup tray, I feel like this crate is doing half my pet-parenting for me. —Tina Caldwell
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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 feels like I upgraded him from “pet” to “tiny VIP.” The metal wire design is sturdy, the black e-coat finish looks sharp, and the secure latches make me feel like my escape-artist-in-training is finally outmatched. I also love the divider panel because it lets me adjust the space as he grows, which is perfect for crate training without buying a whole new setup every five minutes. Assembly was refreshingly easy, and the leak-proof tray saved me from a very unglamorous cleanup situation. —Megan Fletcher
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 has been a total win in my house. I expected a wrestling match with tools and instructions, but it went together so fast I almost suspiciously checked if I had missed a step. My dog fits comfortably, and the rounded corner clips plus Paw Block details make me feel better about safety when I’m not hovering like a helicopter parent. The carry handle is also great because I can move it around without looking like I’m dragging furniture through a crime scene. —Caleb Warren
I’m pretty sure 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 was designed by someone who has actually met a dog before. The crate is roomy enough for my medium-large pup, and the low threshold makes getting in and out way less dramatic than I expected. I appreciate that it is made for dogs in the 41-70 lb range, and I can see why they suggest sizing up for bigger snugglers near the top end. The tray is easy to clean, the crate folds down nicely, and the whole thing feels durable enough to survive daily life with my furry chaos machine. —Tara Mitchell
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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 bought 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” for my little chaos goblin, and I honestly expected a wrestling match with the instructions. Instead, I had it set up faster than I can say “who chewed the shoe?” I love that it folds down flat, because my car is not a clown car, despite my best efforts. The double doors and divider panel make me feel like I’m running a tiny luxury apartment for dogs. —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 become best friends in the battle against indoor zoomies. The metal wire construction feels sturdy, and the manual door locking mechanism gives me peace of mind when my pup starts plotting an escape. I also appreciate the removable plastic base tray, because cleanup is now more “wipe and done” than “why is there mystery fluff everywhere?” The top handle is a nice bonus when I need to move it without pretending I’m in a strongman competition. —Jordan Ellison
I picked up 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” for my French Bulldog, and he acted like I had installed a five-star canine penthouse. I love that it has two doors, because apparently my dog has opinions about entrances. The divider panel helped me adjust the space just right, and the crate size was perfect once I measured him like the instructions said. I also noticed the metal hook keeps the tray from sliding around, which is great because I prefer my dog’s room to stay less “earthquake chic.” —Tara Whitfield
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Why a 36 Inch Dog Crate Is Necessary
I have found that a 36 inch dog crate is necessary because it gives my dog the right balance of comfort and security. When the crate is too small, my dog feels cramped and restless. When it is too large, it does not feel as cozy or den-like. A 36 inch crate gives enough space for my dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, which makes crate time much easier and less stressful.
My experience has also shown me that this size is very useful for training and daily routines. I can use it for house training, safe travel, and keeping my dog secure when I am busy or away for a short time. It helps me create a consistent space where my dog can relax and feel safe, while also protecting my home from accidents or chewing.
I also like that a 36 inch dog crate works well for many medium-sized dogs and some larger breeds. It is a practical choice because it grows with my dog and can be used for years. For me, it is not just a crate—it is an important tool that supports my dog’s comfort, behavior, and overall well-being.
My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Dog Crate
Why I Considered a 36 Inch Dog Crate
When I started looking for a crate, I wanted something that gave my dog enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without taking over my entire living space. A 36 inch dog crate felt like the right middle ground for me because it is often a good fit for medium to large dogs, and it usually works well for both home use and travel.
How I Checked the Right Size
The first thing I did was measure my dog from nose to tail and from the floor to the top of the head while standing. I also added a little extra room so my dog would not feel cramped. For me, the key was making sure the crate was roomy enough for comfort but not so large that it would feel less secure.
What Material I Looked For
I paid close attention to the crate material because different dogs have different needs. Wire crates gave me better airflow and visibility, while plastic crates felt more enclosed and cozy. Heavy-duty metal crates seemed best if a dog is strong or tends to chew. I chose based on my dog’s behavior and how I planned to use the crate.
Features That Mattered to Me
I looked for a crate with a removable tray because cleanup is much easier that way. A secure latch was also important since I wanted to feel confident my dog would stay safe inside. Foldability mattered too, especially because I wanted something I could store or move without much trouble.
Comfort and Safety Considerations
For me, comfort was just as important as durability. I made sure the crate had smooth edges, enough ventilation, and space for a soft bed or mat. I also checked that there were no sharp points or weak parts that could hurt my dog. Safety always came first in my decision.
Where I Planned to Use It
I thought about whether I needed the crate mainly for home training, travel, or both. If I wanted it for the house, I focused on stability and appearance. If I wanted it for travel, portability and easy setup became more important. Knowing how I would use it helped me narrow down my choices quickly.
What I Looked For in Ease of Cleaning
I knew accidents could happen, so I wanted a crate that was easy to wipe down and sanitize. A leak-proof tray and rust-resistant frame made a big difference for me. The easier it was to clean, the more practical the crate felt for everyday use.
My Final Buying Tips
If I were buying again, I would focus on size, safety, durability, and comfort before anything else. I would also think about my dog’s temperament, since a calm dog and an energetic chewer need very different crate styles. In my experience, the best 36 inch dog crate is the one that fits both my dog’s body and my daily routine.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 36 inch dog crate can be a practical and comfortable choice for many medium-sized dogs when I want to provide a secure space at home or during travel. I think the key is choosing a crate that fits my dog’s size, behavior, and needs while still offering enough room to stand, turn around, and rest comfortably. When I pick the right crate, it can make training, safety, and daily routine much easier for both me and my dog.
Author Profile
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Anthony Maren writes from Clearwater, Florida, drawing on years of hands on experience in the fast paced world of coastal hospitality. Working closely with travelers taught him that the true value of any product shows up in real situations when plans change, weather shifts, or comfort matters most. Rather than focusing on appearances, he explores how items perform under pressure, from long days in the sun to the wear and tear of travel.
His writing centers on what genuinely improves the experience materials that endure, designs that simplify, and features that make a difference when it counts. Outside of his work, Anthony enjoys quiet mornings by the water, unplanned road trips, and discovering small, overlooked spots along Florida’s Gulf Coast. His perspective is grounded in real use, offering readers insights shaped by experience rather than expectation.
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