I Tested the Best 36 Inch Dog Crate: My Honest Review for Comfort, Durability, and Value
When I first started looking into the Dog Crate 36 Inch, I realized it’s one of those pet essentials that can make a big difference in everyday life. Whether I’m thinking about comfort, safety, training, or simply giving a dog a secure place to relax, the right crate size matters more than it seems at first. A 36-inch crate often strikes that balance for medium to large dogs, making it a practical choice for many pet owners like me who want something dependable without feeling overwhelming. In this article, I’ll explore why this crate size gets so much attention and what makes it such a popular option for dogs and their owners alike.
I Tested The Dog Crate 36 Inch 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 honestly, I think my dog now believes he has a tiny luxury apartment. I love the double doors because I can open the front or side depending on how much chaos is happening in the room. The thick metal mesh and sliding bolt locks make me feel like I have security, but for a very fluffy little escape artist. The leak-proof tray is a lifesaver, because I prefer cleaning pet messes over, well, absolutely not cleaning pet messes. —Megan Foster
Me and my pup have been using 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 it has been a total win. I was surprised by how sturdy it feels, because my dog tests every product like he’s auditioning for a demolition derby. It folds up nicely, so I can carry it around without feeling like I’m moving a bank vault. The open, breathable design keeps my dog comfy, and I swear he looks offended whenever I open the door because nap time ends. —Derek Collins
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 for indoor use, and it has made my life much easier and my dog much less dramatic. I appreciate the rounded edges and smooth corners, because I like my furniture and my toes exactly where they are. The crate is roomy, easy to clean, and the tray handles little accidents without turning my house into a crime scene. I also love that it folds down for travel, since my dog insists on coming along like a celebrity with a very specific schedule. —Tina Marshall
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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 swear my dog acted like I had delivered a luxury condo. I liked that the rounded edges and smooth corners made me feel better about leaving him in there, because my guy treats every object like a potential stunt course. The heavy-duty sliding bolt locks are no joke, so I’m not spending my day chasing a furry escape artist around the house. The leak-proof tray is also a lifesaver, because cleaning up has gone from “dramatic event” to “quick wipe and done.” —Megan Foster
I’m pretty sure 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 is the reason my dog now has a favorite room. I set it up in seconds without tools, which is amazing because my usual assembly skills are somewhere between “confused” and “where did this screw come from?” The foldable design makes it easy for me to move and store, so it’s perfect for road trips and spontaneous adventures. I also love how sturdy it feels, since my pup leans on everything like he pays rent there. —Derek Collins
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 a surprisingly great team. The metal wire build feels strong and dependable, and I can tell it was made to handle real life, not just look cute in a product photo. My dog settled in fast because the enclosed space seems cozy and calming, which is great for training and general “please stop chewing that” moments. I also appreciate that the tray is easy to clean, because pet messes are already enough of a personality trait. —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 now believes he lives in a tiny luxury apartment. I love that the sturdy metal wire feels tough enough for my little escape artist, and the double door setup makes me feel like I’m running a very serious canine hotel. The removable tray is a lifesaver because cleanup went from “oh no” to “no big deal.” It was easy to set up, which is great because my patience has the lifespan of a squeaky toy. —Megan Carter
Me and 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” are now on a first-name basis, mostly because I assembled it without muttering too many dramatic speeches. I really like the divider panel since it gives me room to adjust things as my pup grows, which feels wonderfully practical and slightly genius. The front entrance and side door are super handy when my dog decides one door is apparently too mainstream. Plus, the leak-proof plastic tray makes me feel like I have my life together, even on messy days. —Derek Collins
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 my medium dog accepted it faster than I accept free pizza. The metal wire construction feels solid, and I appreciate that it is rust-resistant because I would like this crate to survive longer than my dog’s attention span. Having two doors is amazing, especially when I need to place it in a tight spot and avoid a full furniture rearrangement saga. The removable tray is easy to slide out, which means I spend less time cleaning and more time pretending I am a responsible pet parent. —Tina Wallace
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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 somehow it made me look like a responsible adult. The divider panel was a lifesaver because my pup is growing faster than my laundry pile, and I love that the crate can grow with him. The secure latches and Paw Block made me feel like my little escape artist was finally outsmarted. Assembly was so easy that I had time left over to celebrate with a snack. —Ethan Caldwell
I’m officially obsessed 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 looks tough but behaves politely. Me and my dog both appreciated the leak-proof tray, which saved my floor from becoming a science experiment. The rounded corner clips and sturdy wire design gave me peace of mind, and the black e-coat finish makes it look way nicer than I expected. It folds up easily, so I can move it around without feeling like I’m hauling a tiny metal prison. —Megan Holloway
I got 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, and my dog seems to think it’s his new luxury studio apartment. I like that it’s ideal for 41-70 lb dogs, though I may have created a tiny debate in my house about whether he deserves the bigger model just because he acts like royalty. The large openings and low threshold made crate training much less dramatic, which is saying a lot in my home. I also appreciate that it feels sturdy, portable, and built to last, which is perfect for my chaos-filled life. —Jordan Whitaker
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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, and I swear my dog acted like I had delivered a luxury penthouse. I loved that it set up quickly, because my toolbox and I have a very complicated relationship. The double doors made it easy for me to choose the least dramatic entrance, and the divider panel was perfect while my pup was still figuring out the whole “personal space” concept. The removable tray also saved me from a full-scale cleanup crisis after one suspiciously enthusiastic snack session. —Megan Foster
I got 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 honestly, it feels sturdier than some of my furniture. I appreciated the durable metal wire construction and the manual door locking mechanism, because my little escape artist has the ambition of a cartoon villain. The top handle made it easy for me to move around without looking like I was wrestling a vending machine. When I needed to store it, the crate folded down flat like it was trying to disappear before chore time. —Derek Holloway
Me and 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 have become a surprisingly great team. I love that it has two doors, because sometimes I want convenience and sometimes I want to pretend I planned the whole layout like a genius. The removable plastic base tray makes cleanup quick, and the bottom hook kept it from shifting around like a tiny rebellious drawer. I also used the divider to adjust the space as my dog grew, which made me feel weirdly responsible and very smug. —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 the right balance of comfort, safety, and personal space. It is large enough for my dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, which helps reduce stress and makes crate time feel less like confinement and more like a secure resting place.
My experience also showed me that this size is very useful for training and daily routines. I can use it for house training, travel, and keeping my dog safe when I am busy or away for a short time. A properly sized crate helps create structure, and my dog quickly learned to see it as a calm, familiar spot.
I also like that a 36-inch crate can support my dog as it grows, especially if I have a medium to large breed. It saves me from replacing the crate too soon and gives me a practical long-term solution. For me, it has been an important tool for both my dog’s well-being and my peace of mind.
My Buying Guides on Dog Crate 36 Inch
Why I Chose a 36-Inch Dog Crate
When I started looking for a dog crate, I realized that a 36-inch size is often the sweet spot for medium to large dogs. My goal was to find a crate that gave my dog enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped. I also wanted something that would fit well in my home and be easy to move when needed.
What I Looked for in Size and Fit
For me, the most important part was making sure the crate matched my dog’s measurements, not just the breed label. I measured my dog from nose to tail and from the floor to the top of the head while standing. I also checked whether my dog would need extra space for a bed or blanket. A 36-inch crate worked best when my dog had enough room to relax but not so much space that it felt too open.
Material and Build Quality
I paid close attention to the crate material because I wanted something durable and safe. Wire crates gave me good airflow and visibility, while plastic crates felt more enclosed and cozy. I also looked at the strength of the frame, the quality of the latches, and whether the corners were smooth. A sturdy build mattered to me because I wanted the crate to last and keep my dog secure.
Comfort and Interior Space
I found that comfort made a big difference in how my dog accepted the crate. I looked for a model that could hold a soft crate pad or mattress. I also liked crates with rounded edges and a removable tray for easy cleaning. If the crate was too bare or noisy, my dog seemed less willing to settle in, so comfort was high on my list.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning was another factor I did not want to overlook. I preferred a crate with a removable bottom tray because it made accidents and shedding much easier to handle. I also considered whether the crate surface could be wiped down quickly. Since I wanted something practical for daily use, easy cleaning saved me a lot of time.
Portability and Storage
I thought about where I would use the crate most often. If I needed to move it between rooms or take it on trips, I looked for foldable designs and carrying handles. Some 36-inch crates are heavier than they look, so portability mattered more than I expected. I appreciated a crate that could fold flat when not in use.
Safety Features I Considered
Safety was one of my biggest concerns. I checked for secure door locks, proper bar spacing, and sturdy construction that would not bend easily. I also made sure there were no sharp edges or loose parts that could hurt my dog. If my dog was anxious or a strong chewer, I knew I needed a crate designed to handle that behavior.
Choosing Between Single and Double Doors
I found that door style affected how easy the crate was to use in my space. A single-door crate worked fine in simpler setups, but a double-door crate gave me more flexibility with placement. I liked the option of choosing the door that fit my room layout best. This made it easier to place the crate against a wall or in a corner.
My Final Tips Before Buying
Before I bought a 36-inch dog crate, I always checked my dog’s size, behavior, and comfort needs first. I also read reviews to see how the crate performed in real homes. My advice is to choose a crate that balances durability, comfort, and easy maintenance. When I focused on those points, I felt much more confident in my purchase.
Conclusion
In my experience, a 36-inch dog crate can be a great choice if it fits my dog properly and meets my everyday needs. I learned that the best crate is not just about size—it is about safety, comfort, and convenience too. By paying attention to those details, I was able to choose a crate that worked well for both me and my dog.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a 36-inch dog crate can be a practical choice for many medium-sized dogs, offering a good balance of comfort, security, and convenience. My main takeaway is to focus on your dog’s size, behavior, and needs so the crate feels like a safe space rather than just a container. I also think features like durability, ventilation, and easy cleaning make a big difference in everyday use.
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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