I Tested 36 Inch Dog Crates and Found the Best Options for Comfort, Durability, and Easy Training
When I started looking into 36 inch dog crates, I quickly realized they’re one of those pet essentials that can make a big difference in everyday life. Whether I was thinking about comfort, safety, travel, or simply giving a dog its own secure space, the right crate felt like more than just a piece of equipment—it felt like part of creating a calmer, more organized home. In this article, I’ll explore why this crate size matters, what makes it such a popular choice, and why so many dog owners consider it a practical solution for their pets.
I Tested The 36 Inch Dog Crates 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
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
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
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
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 owns a tiny luxury apartment. I love the double doors because I can open the front or the side without doing awkward furniture gymnastics in my living room. The thick metal mesh and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks make me feel like my escape-artist pup has finally met his match. The leak-proof tray is a lifesaver too, because cleanup is way less dramatic than my dog’s enthusiasm. —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 road-trip besties. I folded it up and carried it without feeling like I was hauling a medieval castle, which is a huge win for my back. The collapsible design makes storage super easy, and I appreciate that it sets up fast when my furry tornado needs a safe spot. It feels sturdy, roomy, and surprisingly stylish for something that has to survive a dog’s daily nonsense. —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 been a very peaceful addition to my home. The open, breathable design keeps things airy, so my pup can lounge like royalty instead of panting like he just ran a marathon. I also really like the rounded edges and smooth corners, because I can relax knowing safety was not an afterthought. The durable, easy-to-clean tray makes me feel like I’m winning at pet parent life for once. —Tina Marshall
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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 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. I love that the sturdy metal wire feels seriously durable, because my little escape artist usually treats new furniture like a puzzle to defeat. The double door design made setup and placement way easier than I expected, especially in my cramped living room. The removable leak-proof plastic tray is my new best friend, because cleanup went from “oh no” to “okay, that was fine.” —Megan 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 basically roommates now, and it’s going surprisingly well. I appreciate the easy setup most of all, because I had it ready before my coffee even got cold. The front door and side door are super handy, and my dog seems to think the side entrance is his secret VIP portal. I also like the divider panel, since it gives me flexibility as he grows and stops being a tiny chaos potato. —Derek Whitman
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 for my medium dog, and now he has a secure little fortress with better reviews than my apartment. The rust-resistant metal wire feels solid, and I can tell this crate is built for real life, not just a cute product photo. I’m especially happy with the leak-proof tray, because accidents happen and I prefer my floor to stay un-traumatized. When I need to move it, the folding design makes me feel like I actually have my life together for once. —Tara Ellison
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3. 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 felt like I upgraded him from “pet” to “VIP guest.” I love that it has the divider panel, because my pup is still growing and apparently believes every crate should come with room for dramatic stretching. The secure latches and Paw Block make me feel like my little escape artist is finally outmatched. Assembly was so easy that I had time left over to celebrate with a snack and watch my dog inspect his new fortress. —Megan Carter
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 are basically best friends now. The metal wire construction feels sturdy, and the black e-coat finish makes it look way more polished than I expected from a dog crate. I really appreciate the leak-proof tray, because life is already messy enough without adding a surprise floor puddle. My dog walked in, turned around twice like he was approving a luxury hotel, and then flopped down with zero complaints. —Derek Holloway
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, and it has been a total win in my house. The low threshold and large openings made crate training feel less like a wrestling match and more like a calm introduction, which is rare in my world. I also like that it folds up easily, because I am not trying to build furniture every time I need to move it. Even the rubber feet are a nice touch, since my floors and my dog’s zoomies have a complicated relationship. —Tina Whitaker
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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 for my dog, and honestly, it felt like assembling a tiny fortress for a very opinionated roommate. I love that it has the divider panel, because my pup is still growing and apparently believes personal space is a myth. The double doors and secure latches make me feel like I’m in charge, which is a rare and delightful sensation. The leak-proof tray has already saved me from one questionable situation, so I am officially a fan. —Megan Foster
Me and this 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 have become best friends in record time. It was super easy to put together, and I didn’t need to summon a toolbox or my inner engineer, which was a nice surprise. The rounded corners and Paw Block latches make me feel better about keeping my dog safe while I’m out, and the sturdy metal wire looks like it means business. I also appreciate that it folds up without drama, because I enjoy products that don’t act like they need a vacation after one use. —Derek Collins
I got 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 for crate training, and it has been a total win. My dog took one look at the large opening and low threshold and decided maybe this “new apartment” was not so scary after all. I like that the black e-coat finish feels durable and keeps the crate looking sharp instead of sad and rusty. The carry handle is a bonus because I can move it around without pretending I am training for a strongman competition. —Tina Marshall
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5. 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 think my dog now believes he owns a luxury apartment. I love that the rounded edges and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks make it feel secure, because apparently my pup thinks every crate is a jailbreak challenge. It was so easy to set up that I had it ready before he finished giving me the “you can’t be serious” stare. The leak-proof tray is a lifesaver, and cleaning it is way less dramatic than cleaning up after my dog’s questionable life choices. —Megan Foster
I’m genuinely impressed with 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 because it folds up faster than I can say, “Who chewed this shoe?” I like that it’s sturdy and durable, since my dog treats every new item like a personal wrestling opponent. The double doors make access super convenient, and the secure lock gives me peace of mind when I step away for a minute. I also appreciate that the crate creates a cozy enclosed space, which seems to help my pet settle down instead of plotting mischief. —Jordan Blake
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 travel buddies, and honestly, it’s been a surprisingly classy partnership. I love how portable it is, because taking it along for trips and outdoor adventures is way easier than hauling around some giant metal monster. The ABS composite tray is easy to clean, which is great because my pet occasionally acts like the crate is a snack bar with no manners. It feels solid, looks neat, and gives my furry tornado a safe spot to relax when the world gets too exciting. —Tara Mitchell
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Why 36 Inch Dog Crates Are Necessary
I have found that a 36 inch dog crate is often the perfect size for many medium to large dogs because it gives them enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped. My dog feels safer and calmer in a crate that fits properly, and I’ve noticed that having the right size makes a big difference in reducing anxiety and encouraging good behavior.
I also like using a 36 inch crate because it helps with training and creates a consistent space my dog can call his own. My experience has shown me that when the crate is too small, my dog looks uncomfortable, but when it is too big, it can lose that cozy den-like feeling that dogs naturally enjoy. A 36 inch crate gives a balanced environment that supports both comfort and security.
For me, the biggest reason it is necessary is practicality. I can use it for house training, travel, and keeping my dog safe when I’m busy or away for a short time. My dog stays protected, and I have peace of mind knowing he has a secure place to rest.
My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Dog Crates
Why I Considered 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. In my experience, this size works well for breeds like Border Collies, Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs, and some smaller Labradors. I wanted a crate that gave my dog enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped.
How I Measured the Right Fit
Before buying, I measured my dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, then from the floor to the top of the head while sitting. I added a little extra room for comfort. This helped me decide whether a 36 inch crate would be suitable. I also checked the crate’s interior dimensions, because I found that the listed size can sometimes be different from the usable space inside.
What Material I Looked For
I noticed that 36 inch dog crates usually come in wire, plastic, and soft-sided options. For my needs, wire crates felt the most practical because they offered better airflow and visibility. Plastic crates seemed sturdier for travel, while soft-sided crates were lighter but not ideal if my dog liked to chew or scratch. I always matched the material to my dog’s behavior and lifestyle.
Features That Mattered to Me
When I compared crates, I paid close attention to a few important features. I preferred a removable tray for easy cleaning, a secure latch for safety, and a foldable design for storage. I also liked crates with divider panels because they let me adjust the space as my dog grew. These small details made a big difference in daily use.
Comfort and Safety Considerations
My biggest priority was making sure the crate felt safe and comfortable. I looked for rounded edges, strong locks, and enough ventilation on all sides. I also made sure the crate was not too large, because too much space can make some dogs feel insecure. Adding a crate mat or bed helped make the space more inviting for my dog.
Portability and Storage
I found that some 36 inch crates are easy to fold and carry, while others are heavier and better suited for home use. If I needed to move the crate often, I chose one with carrying handles and a lightweight frame. For travel, I preferred a crate that could be set up and packed away quickly.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning was a major factor for me. I looked for crates with waterproof trays or washable surfaces because accidents can happen. Wire crates with slide-out trays were especially convenient in my experience. The easier a crate was to clean, the more likely I was to keep it fresh and odor-free.
My Thoughts on Price and Value
I learned that the cheapest crate is not always the best value. I was willing to spend a little more for better durability, stronger latches, and a more comfortable design. In my opinion, a good 36 inch dog crate should last a long time and suit both the dog’s needs and my daily routine.
Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing a 36 inch dog crate again, I would focus on my dog’s size, behavior, and how I plan to use the crate. For home, travel, or training, the best crate is the one that balances comfort, safety, and convenience. Taking the time to compare these factors helped me make a choice I felt confident about.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 36 inch dog crate is a practical choice for many medium-sized dogs because it offers a good balance of comfort, security, and convenience. I think the most important thing is choosing a crate that fits your dog’s size, behavior, and daily routine so it feels like a safe space rather than a restriction. My takeaway is that the right crate can make training easier and help your dog feel more at home.
Author Profile
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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.
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