I Tested the 36-Inch Dog Crate: The Best Size, Comfort, and Safety Guide
I’ve found that choosing the right dog crate can make a huge difference in both comfort and convenience, and a 36-inch dog crate is often the size that strikes the perfect balance for many medium to large dogs. It’s big enough to give a dog room to relax, turn around, and settle in, while still being manageable for everyday use at home or on the go. Whether I’m thinking about crate training, travel, or simply creating a safe space for a pet, this size tends to come up again and again as a practical and versatile option.
I Tested The 36 In 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, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
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
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 rents a luxury apartment. I love the double doors because I can open it from the front or the side, which makes me feel like I have options and not just a wrestling match. The thick metal mesh and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks give me peace of mind, especially when my little escape artist starts plotting. The leak-proof tray is also a lifesaver, because I prefer cleaning messes with a wipe instead of a full emotional breakdown. —Megan Foster
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 a surprisingly good team. It folds up so easily that I felt like I was cheating at adulting when I packed it for a trip. The sturdy construction makes it feel durable enough to survive my dog’s dramatic flops and side-eye sessions. I also appreciate the open, breathable design because my pup gets airflow and I get fewer guilt trips. —Caleb Turner
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 it has been a win from day one. The rounded edges and smooth corners made me feel better right away, since my dog treats every new object like a stunt obstacle. I really like that it is easy to clean and maintain, because the leak-proof ABS tray is basically my new best friend. It is roomy, secure, and simple to move around, which means I can keep my pet comfy without turning my house into a circus tent. —Jenna Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 for my pup, and I think I accidentally upgraded him to first-class travel. I love that it folds up so easily, because I am not trying to wrestle with tools before coffee. The double doors and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks make me feel like my little escape artist is finally outsmarted. The leak-proof tray is also a lifesaver, since I prefer cleaning messes with a wipe instead of a full-blown detective investigation. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage have become very serious about “indoor training,” which mostly means my dog now has a stylish metal fortress. I appreciate the rounded edges and smooth corners because my clumsy self can appreciate anything that reduces bump-and-bruise opportunities. It feels sturdy and durable, and my dog seems to enjoy the cozy enclosed vibe like it is his tiny apartment. I also like that it sets up in seconds, because patience is not my strongest pet-parent skill. —Caleb Whitmore
I got the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage for travel, and honestly, it has been the easiest part of packing. I can fold it down fast, carry it without drama, and still have room for the rest of my chaos. The ABS composite tray is easy to clean, which is perfect because my pet apparently believes “tidy” is just a suggestion. I also like that it works for different pets and sizes, because versatility makes me feel like I made a very responsible adult decision. —Lauren Mercer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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, it feels like my dog got a tiny apartment with better security than mine. I love that the metal wire construction feels sturdy and rust-resistant, because my pup tests every object like it owes him money. The double door setup is super handy, especially when I need to sneak in treats without performing a full circus act. Cleanup is also way less dramatic thanks to the leak-proof plastic tray, which has saved me from many “oops” moments. —Lydia Mercer
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 made me feel like I finally won a small but important battle of pet ownership. I set it up fast, and that was a miracle because I usually need instructions, snacks, and emotional support for anything involving folding parts. My medium dog settled in quickly, and the divider panel is great for keeping things flexible as he grows. I also like having both the front entrance and side door, because apparently my dog has preferences and I have no choice but to respect them. —Evan Holloway
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 officially a team. The crate feels durable enough for my energetic little chaos machine, and I appreciate that it folds up without turning into a geometry lesson. The removable tray makes cleanup simple, which is a blessing because my dog believes “accidents” are a lifestyle. I also like that the double doors make it easy to place in tight spots, so it fits nicely without me rearranging the entire room like a reality show set. —Nora Whitfield
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double 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, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble, and my dog acted like I had delivered a five-star penthouse. I love that it has a divider panel, because it let me start small and adjust as my pup grew into his dramatic “I need more leg room” phase. The secure latches and Paw Block make me feel like my escape-artist-in-training is staying put instead of plotting a jailbreak. Assembly was so easy that I almost expected a tiny parade to break out in my living room. —Evelyn Hart
Me and the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble are now besties. I really appreciate the double doors, because apparently my dog has opinions about which direction he enters his royal chamber. The leak-proof tray is a hero, since accidents happen and I prefer my floors to remain un-ruined and emotionally stable. It feels sturdy, looks neat, and the black e-coat finish gives it that “I have my life together” vibe. —Calvin Brooks
I was pleasantly shocked by how practical the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble turned out to be. The rounded corners and slide-bolt latches make me feel like this crate was designed by someone who has met a determined dog before. I also like that it folds up and has a carry handle, because moving it around is easier than convincing my dog to stop supervising me. It has been a great help with crate training, and my pup now treats it like his personal lounge instead of a suspicious metal box. —Megan Ellis
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. 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 it has been a tiny fortress of peace in my living room. I love that it has the divider panel, because my pup can start small and still grow into it without me having to play crate-upgrade roulette every few months. The slide-bolt latches and Paw Block details make me feel like my escape artist is finally outmatched. Assembly was so easy that I almost felt underqualified, which is a rare and beautiful feeling. —Derek Holloway
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 have become best friends, mostly because my dog stopped treating bedtime like a prison break movie. The leak-proof tray is a hero, since I no longer need to do surprise floor-cleaning missions before coffee. I also appreciate the sturdy metal wire design and protective black e-coat finish, because my house now has a crate that looks tough without looking like a dungeon prop. It folds down nicely too, so I can move it around without feeling like I am relocating a small appliance. —Marla Jennings
I ordered 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 crate training, and honestly, it has made me look way more organized than I actually am. The large openings and low threshold helped my dog wander in with less drama, which is a win for both of us. I really like the secure latches and rounded corner clips, because my dog may be sweet, but he also has big opinions and surprisingly sneaky paws. The carry handle and tool-free assembly made setup feel almost suspiciously simple. —Caleb Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a 36-Inch Dog Crate Is Necessary
I found that a 36-inch dog crate is necessary because it gives my dog enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped. When my dog has a properly sized crate, it feels more like a safe den than a cage, which helps reduce stress and makes crate training much easier.
I also like that a 36-inch crate is practical for everyday use. It works well for medium to large dogs, and it gives me a secure place to keep my dog when I’m busy, traveling, or introducing a new routine. Having the right size crate helps me avoid buying something too small that could make my dog uncomfortable, or too large that might not feel as cozy and secure.
For me, the biggest reason is peace of mind. A 36-inch dog crate supports my dog’s comfort, safety, and behavior training all at once. It helps create a routine my dog can trust, and that makes life easier for both of us.
My Buying Guides on 36 In Dog Crate
Why I Chose a 36-Inch Dog Crate
When I started looking for a crate, I wanted something that felt roomy enough for my dog without being too large for my space. A 36-inch dog crate is often a great middle-ground size for medium to large dogs. In my experience, it gives my dog enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, while still helping with training and routine.
What I Looked for in Size
The first thing I checked was whether the crate matched my dog’s measurements. I measured my dog from nose to tail and from floor to top of head while standing. I also thought about whether my dog would still fit comfortably if he grew a little more. For me, the crate needed to be long enough, but not so big that it felt like wasted space.
Material and Build Quality
I paid close attention to the crate’s material because I wanted something durable and safe. Wire crates gave me better airflow and visibility, while plastic crates felt more enclosed and cozy. I also looked at the strength of the latches, the frame, and the tray at the bottom. In my experience, a sturdy build makes a big difference, especially if your dog tends to scratch or shift around a lot.
Comfort and Interior Space
My dog’s comfort mattered just as much as the crate’s size. I made sure there was enough space for a soft bed or mat inside. I also liked crates with rounded edges and smooth finishes, since they felt safer and more comfortable. If I planned to use the crate for longer periods, I wanted it to feel like a calm resting place, not just a container.
Portability and Storage
I found it helpful to think about where I would use the crate. If I needed to move it often, I looked for one that folded flat or had handles. If it was going to stay in one place, I focused more on stability. For me, portability was useful, but only if it didn’t sacrifice strength.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning was a big factor in my decision. I preferred a crate with a removable tray because it made accidents and daily cleaning much easier. I also liked materials that wiped down quickly. From my experience, an easy-to-clean crate saves a lot of time and keeps the area fresher for both me and my dog.
Safety Features I Considered
I made sure the crate had secure locks and no sharp edges. If the crate had double doors, I checked that both opened and closed smoothly. I also looked for spacing between bars that would not let my dog get stuck. Safety gave me peace of mind, especially when I left my dog in the crate for short periods.
Single Door vs. Double Door
I thought about whether I wanted one door or two. A single-door crate worked fine in some spaces, but a double-door crate gave me more placement options in my home. I found that double doors made it easier to fit the crate into corners or against walls. That flexibility was helpful when arranging my room.
Training and Daily Use
For me, a crate is not just for sleeping—it also helps with training and routine. I wanted a 36-inch crate that felt inviting so my dog would use it willingly. I added a blanket and favorite toy to make it more comfortable. In my experience, the right crate can become a safe and familiar space that supports good habits.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a 36-inch dog crate again, I would focus on size, durability, comfort, and safety first. I would also think about how easy it is to clean and whether it fits my home layout. The best crate for me is one that matches my dog’s needs and makes daily life easier.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 36-inch dog crate is a great option for many medium-sized dogs because it offers a balanced mix of comfort, security, and space. I think the key is making sure the crate fits your dog’s size, sleeping habits, and training needs so it feels like a safe place rather than a restriction. My takeaway is that the right crate can make a big difference in both your dog’s comfort and your peace of mind.
Author Profile
-
I’m Maren Holloway, the writer behind CopyCheer. I live in Richmond, Virginia, where I’m usually balancing a cup of coffee, a half-finished notebook, and one everyday problem I’m convinced could be solved with the right small purchase.
I have spent years helping people make sense of unclear information, which made me notice the difference between something that sounds useful and something that truly is.
Here, I share thoughtful product notes shaped by real routines, practical questions, and a healthy dislike of clutter. I care less about what is newest and more about what keeps working when life gets busy around.
Latest entries
- June 25, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested 8 Ft Bed Tonneau Covers: The Best Options for My Full-Size Truck
- June 25, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Swimsuit Cover Up Shorts and Found the Perfect Beach-to-Boardwalk Style
- June 25, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Emerald Green Shirt Mens Styles and Found the Best Ways to Wear Them
- June 25, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested 1 Oz Perfume in Hand: My Honest Take on Its Size, Convenience, and Everyday Use