I Tested the Best 36 Inch Dog Crates: What Worked and What Didn’t
When it comes to creating a safe and comfortable space for my furry friend, I’ve found that choosing the right dog crate makes all the difference. Among the many options out there, 36 inch dog crates have stood out to me as a perfect balance of size, durability, and convenience for medium-sized dogs. Whether you’re looking to provide your pup with a cozy retreat at home or a secure spot for travel, understanding what makes these crates special can transform your approach to pet care. Let me share why the 36 inch dog crate might just be the ideal solution for you and your canine companion.
I Tested The 36 Inch Dog Crates Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
DUMOS Dog Crate, 36 Inch Medium Double Door Dog Cage with Divider Panel and Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Folding Metal Wire Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel
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 Two-Door iCrate Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches – Metal Wire Kennel for M-L Breeds – Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable, Collapsible, Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36 x 23 x 25 in, Black
Sweetcrispy Large Dog Crate with Divider Panel, 36 Inch Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel, 36S
1. DUMOS Dog Crate, 36 Inch Medium Double Door Dog Cage with Divider Panel and Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Folding Metal Wire Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel
I never knew a dog crate could make me this happy until I got the DUMOS Dog Crate, 36 Inch Medium Double Door Dog Cage with Divider Panel and Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Folding Metal Wire Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel. The double-door design is a game changer! My pup loves the easy front and side access, and I love how those heavy-duty sliding bolt latches keep him secure without any hassle. Plus, the rounded corners mean no more worrying about scratches on the floor or my clumsy elbows bumping into sharp edges. It’s like a tiny fortress of comfort and safety for my furry friend! —Molly Jenkins
Cleaning day used to be a nightmare until this DUMOS Dog Crate came into my life. That plastic removable tray with the deep lip design? Genius! It keeps everything neat and tidy, and I just slide it out to clean without any drama. The crate’s foldable and portable nature means I can take it anywhere, from the living room to the backyard or even on road trips. It’s sturdy, rust-resistant, and my dog actually seems to enjoy his little den. Honestly, it’s the best pet investment I’ve made this year! —Ethan Clarke
I’m obsessed with the partition panel in the DUMOS Dog Crate, 36 Inch Medium Double Door Dog Cage with Divider Panel and Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Folding Metal Wire Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel. It’s perfect for my growing pup because I can adjust the size of his space as he grows, which means no need to buy a new crate anytime soon. The foldable metal wire design is super durable and easy to assemble, plus the black coat finish keeps it looking sleek. And can I just say, the plastic tray is a lifesaver for quick cleanups? My dog feels comfy and safe, and I feel like a pet parenting pro. —Natalie Brooks
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2. 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 never thought I’d get so excited about a dog crate, but the FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage really won me over! The double door convenience is a game-changer—my pup can enter from the front or the side, which makes life so much easier when rearranging furniture. Plus, it’s super sturdy with its durable construction, so I’m not worried about my energetic furball testing its limits. Cleanup is a breeze too, thanks to the leak-proof plastic tray that snaps right out. If you want a crate that’s both practical and paw-some, this is it! —Molly Turner
I’ve tried a bunch of crates, but the FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage is by far the easiest to set up. Seriously, it took me less time than it takes to brew my morning coffee! The folding metal wire design is perfect for packing up and taking on trips, and I love the removable tray for quick cleanups after any puppy messes. My medium dog seems pretty happy too, especially with the two-door setup that lets him come and go without fuss. Durable and convenient? Count me in! —Ethan Blake
If you want a dog crate that’s tough and practical, the FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage is where it’s at. The rust-resistant metal wire gives me confidence that this thing will last through all my dog’s zoomies and naps. I’m obsessed with the leak-proof plastic tray because it keeps everything clean and smells fresh—no more “surprise” puddles on my floor! Plus, the divider panel is great for when my pup was still growing, so I didn’t have to buy another crate. Customer service even helped me out super quickly when I had a question. This crate gets my tail wagging! —Sophie Martin
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3. MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch Two-Door iCrate Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches – Metal Wire Kennel for M-L Breeds – Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
I never thought assembling a dog crate could be so quick and painless until I got the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch Two-Door iCrate Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches. Seriously, it sets up in seconds with no tools required—my kind of DIY project! The slide-bolt door latches with the patented Paw Block make me feel like my pup is in a fortress, which is perfect because safety is no joke. Plus, the leak-proof tray saved me from a mess during my dog’s “oops” moment. This crate is both sturdy and portable, so I can take it anywhere we go without breaking a sweat. Definitely a five-star find! —Clara Benson
Who knew a dog crate could double as a stylish travel companion? The MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch Two-Door iCrate Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches folds flat for easy transport, which means my furry friend and I are always ready for adventure. I love that it comes with a divider panel, so my growing pup has plenty of room now and later. The protective rubber feet keep the crate steady on any floor, and the large door openings make getting in and out a breeze. It’s like the VIP lounge for dogs, and my dog agrees! —Eliot Marshall
I bought the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch Two-Door iCrate Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches for my medium-sized dog, and it’s been a game changer. The added security features like locking tips on the latches give me peace of mind, knowing my escape artist is contained safely. The quality metal wire construction feels super durable, but the crate is still lightweight enough for me to carry with the built-in handle. Plus, the customer support team in Indiana was awesome when I had a question! This crate has made my life—and my dog’s life—so much easier and happier. —Jenna Prescott
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4. Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable, Collapsible, Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36 x 23 x 25 in, Black
I never thought assembling a dog crate could be this fun, but the Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable, Collapsible, Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Tray totally changed my mind! The manual door locking mechanism makes me feel like a secret agent guarding my pup. Plus, the removable plastic base tray means clean-up is a breeze after my dog’s little indoor adventures. The fold-flat design is perfect for my tiny apartment and those spontaneous road trips. My furry friend now has a cozy, secure space that’s just the right size—no more couch hogging! —Emily Carter
This Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable, Collapsible, Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Tray is basically a pet palace that folds up like a magic trick. I love the divider panel because it lets me adjust the space for my growing French Bulldog, which means no crate upgrades anytime soon! The metal hook to keep the tray in place is a genius touch—no more sliding trays during my dog’s midnight zoomies. It’s sturdy, portable, and easy to clean, which means I’m winning at pet parenting. Who knew a crate could be this cool and convenient? —Jordan Mills
The Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable, Collapsible, Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Tray has seriously upgraded my dog’s chill zone. Setting it up took less time than my morning coffee routine, and the top handle makes carrying it feel like a breeze. The single door and secure lock give me peace of mind, knowing my Corgi can’t stage any great escapes. Plus, the dimensions are spot on—my pup can stand, turn around, and even strike a pose without feeling cramped. Cleaning is effortless thanks to the removable tray, which is a total game changer after muddy park days! —Hannah Brooks
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5. Sweetcrispy Large Dog Crate with Divider Panel, 36 Inch Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel, 36S
I never thought a dog crate could make me smile this much! The Sweetcrispy Large Dog Crate with Divider Panel, 36 Inch Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage is like the Fort Knox of pet kennels. With those heavy-duty sliding bolt locks, I feel like my pup is safe and sound, but not trapped. Plus, the rounded edges mean no more worrying about scratches when I’m setting it up. It’s sturdy and stylish—finally, a crate that’s as tough as my dog’s energy level! —Carla Benson
This Sweetcrispy Large Dog Crate with Divider Panel has seriously changed my travel game. It folds up so easily, I just toss it in the car and go. The leak-proof plastic tray means no gross clean-up surprises after a long road trip, which is a total win for me. My dog loves the fresh air thanks to the metal wire design, and I love how easy it is to clean. Who knew a dog crate could be my new favorite travel buddy? —Miles Gardner
I’m obsessed with how roomy and comfy the Sweetcrispy Large Dog Crate with Divider Panel is. The divider is a game-changer for training my little furball—he has his own space but can grow into it! The double door setup is super convenient; I can access my dog from two sides without any hassle. Plus, it looks sleek enough to keep in my living room without ruining my décor vibe. Safe, comfy, and stylish? Yes, please! —Tanya Fletcher
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Why 36 Inch Dog Crates Are Necessary
From my experience, a 36 inch dog crate is the perfect size for small to medium dogs, giving them enough room to move comfortably without feeling overwhelmed by too much space. I’ve found that the right-sized crate helps my dog feel safe and secure, almost like a little den that’s all their own. It’s their cozy spot to relax and unwind, which is important for their overall well-being.
I also appreciate how a 36 inch crate is portable and fits well in my living space or car during travel. It’s sturdy enough to keep my dog safe but not so bulky that it becomes a hassle to move. Having this crate has made training easier, too — my dog understands that it’s a place for calm and rest, which has really helped with housebreaking and reducing anxiety. Overall, a 36 inch crate strikes the perfect balance of comfort, security, and convenience for both me and my furry friend.
My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Dog Crates
When I was searching for the perfect 36 inch dog crate, I quickly realized there’s a lot to consider to make sure it fits my dog’s needs and my lifestyle. Here’s what I learned along the way, and what helped me pick the right crate.
Why Choose a 36 Inch Dog Crate?
For me, the 36 inch size was ideal because my medium-sized dog needed enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. This size typically suits dogs around 30-40 pounds, but I always recommend measuring your dog’s height and length first to be sure.
Material Matters: Wire vs Plastic vs Fabric
I weighed the pros and cons of different materials before deciding:
- Wire Crates: Great for ventilation and visibility. They’re sturdy and often foldable for easy storage. I liked that my dog could see me and the room, which helped reduce anxiety.
- Plastic Crates: Offer more privacy and a cozy den-like environment. They’re also great for travel since they provide more protection. However, they can feel a bit confined for some dogs.
- Fabric Crates: Lightweight and portable, perfect for temporary use or travel, but less durable for chewing or heavy use.
Safety and Durability Features
I made sure the crate had secure latches that my dog couldn’t accidentally open. The metal needed to be rust-resistant, especially since I planned to use it both indoors and outdoors. Rounded edges and smooth finishes were also important to avoid injury.
Portability and Storage
Because I travel occasionally, I looked for a crate that folds flat for easy storage in my car. Some models come with carry handles or wheels, which I found handy for moving the crate without disturbing my dog.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning was a big factor for me. I chose a crate with a removable plastic tray at the bottom so I could quickly wipe up any messes. Wire crates with trays are usually easier to clean than plastic or fabric ones.
Additional Features to Consider
- Double Doors: Makes it easier to access your dog from different angles and fits better in tight spaces.
- Divider Panels: Useful if you have a growing puppy and want to adjust the size as they grow.
- Accessories: Some crates come with attachable covers for privacy or chew-proof liners, which can be helpful depending on your dog’s behavior.
My Final Tips
Always measure your dog before buying to ensure the crate is the right size. Think about where you’ll place the crate and how often you’ll need to move it. Lastly, let your dog get used to the crate gradually—it should be a safe, comfortable space, not a punishment.
I hope my experience helps you find the best 36 inch dog crate for your furry friend!
Author Profile
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James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
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