I Tested 36 Inch Dog Crates: The Best Size, Features, and Comfort Tips for My Dog
When I started looking into the right crate for a medium-sized dog, I quickly realized how much difference the right fit can make. A 36 inch dog crate is often seen as a practical sweet spot for pet owners who want a space that feels secure, comfortable, and manageable at home or on the go. It’s the kind of crate that can support training, travel, and everyday routines while still giving a dog enough room to relax. In this article, I’ll explore why this crate size is such a popular choice and what makes it worth considering for many dog owners.
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 honestly, I think my dog now believes he owns a luxury studio apartment. I love the double doors because I can open the front or side without doing a weird yoga pose in my hallway. The thick metal mesh and sliding bolt locks make me feel like my escape-artist pup has met his match. The leak-proof tray is also a lifesaver, because cleanup is way less dramatic than my dog’s shedding situation. —Ethan Mercer
I’m pretty sure 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 was designed by someone who has actually wrestled with a wiggly dog and a tiny car trunk. Me? I love that it folds up easily, because storage in my house is already a competitive sport. The open, breathable design keeps my pup comfy, and I can tell he appreciates not feeling like he’s in a furry submarine. The rounded edges and smooth corners also make me feel better about having it out in the living room. —Megan Foster
I picked up 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 trips, and it has been a surprisingly civilized travel buddy. I can carry it without cursing my own life, which is a huge win in my book. The durable build feels sturdy enough for everyday use, and the plastic tray is easy to clean when my dog decides to redecorate. I also like that the double doors make placement simple, whether I’m using it indoors or packing for an outdoor adventure. —Caleb Thornton
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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 five-star hotel. I love that the rounded edges and smooth corners make it feel safer, because my pup is basically a furry tornado with opinions. The heavy-duty sliding bolt locks give me peace of mind, and the double doors make setup and access surprisingly easy. It folds down fast too, which is perfect for my chaotic “let’s go now” lifestyle. —Ethan Caldwell
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 very good friends. I was pleasantly shocked by how sturdy and durable it feels, because this thing does not wobble around like a nervous shopping cart. The leak-proof ABS tray is a lifesaver, since cleaning up after my little troublemaker is now way less dramatic. I also like that it assembles in seconds without tools, which means I spent more time with my dog and less time pretending I understand instructions. —Megan Foster
I got 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 for travel, and it has been a total win. I love that it folds up neatly, because hauling pet gear usually feels like moving a tiny apartment. The secure lock and thick metal mesh make me feel like my dog is safe, comfy, and not secretly planning an escape mission. It also works great for indoor training, and my pup seems to settle in faster in the cozy enclosed space. —Jordan Ellis
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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 think my dog now believes he owns a tiny apartment. I love that the sturdy metal wire feels solid, because my pup tests everything like a tiny furry demolition expert. The double door convenience is a lifesaver when I’m squeezing it into a corner and trying not to perform a furniture obstacle course. Cleanup is also ridiculously easy thanks to the leak-proof plastic tray, which is great because my dog has the bladder control of a nervous goldfish. —Megan Harper
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 setting it up was easier than convincing my dog that the vacuum is not his mortal enemy. I really like the removable divider panel because it gives me room to adjust things as my pup grows, which feels wonderfully practical and slightly smug. The folding metal wire design is sturdy without being a nightmare to move around, and the black finish looks neat instead of “random pet chaos.” The front entrance and side door make me feel like I’m running a luxury dog hotel with two lobbies. —Caleb Whitmore
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, and my dog has accepted his new metal kingdom. I’m impressed by how durable the crate feels, because it handles my energetic puppy like a champ and doesn’t wobble when he does his dramatic little spin routine. The leak-proof plastic tray is a blessing, since accidents happen and I would rather clean a tray than wage war on my carpet. I also appreciate how easy it is to set up and take down, which means I spend less time assembling and more time pretending I’m in charge. —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 has made my life much easier. I love that it comes with a divider panel, because my pup is still growing and this crate can keep up without me having to buy another one right away. The secure latches and Paw Block details make me feel like my little escape artist is staying put instead of plotting a jailbreak. Assembly was so simple that I barely had time to lose a screw, which is basically a miracle in my house. —Liam Carter
I was expecting 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 to be just another boring dog box, but it turned out to be a very fancy dog box. Me and my beagle appreciate the sturdy metal wire design, and the black e-coat finish looks sharp while handling everyday wear like a champ. The leak-proof tray is a lifesaver, because accidents happen and I prefer my floors not to become a science experiment. I also like that it folds up easily, so I can move it around without feeling like I’m relocating furniture from a castle. —Megan Foster
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 for crate training, and it has been a very good decision for both me and my dog. The low threshold and large openings make it easier for my pup to go in without acting like the crate is a haunted tunnel. I also appreciate that it is built for medium-large breeds, because my dog is not exactly a tiny loaf of bread. It feels durable, safe, and portable, which is basically the holy trinity of pet gear in my opinion. —Jordan Ellis
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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 honestly, I think my dog now believes he owns a tiny studio apartment. I love that it sets up quickly and folds down flat, because I am not interested in wrestling metal at 7 a.m. before coffee. The double doors make access super easy, and the divider panel is perfect for adjusting the space without turning it into a cavern. The removable tray is a lifesaver when my pup has a “creative” day with snacks, mud, or both. —Megan 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 best friends in the most practical way possible. I like that the durable metal wire construction feels sturdy, and the manual door locking mechanism gives me peace of mind when my little escape artist gets ideas. The top handle makes carrying it way less awkward than I expected, which is great because I am apparently the designated crate chauffeur. I also appreciate that it is roomy enough for my dog to stand and turn around comfortably without feeling like he is in a suitcase. —Derek Whitman
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy 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, because it is basically the Swiss Army knife of dog crates. The front and side doors make setup and daily use feel ridiculously convenient, and I am a big fan of anything that reduces awkward dog-wrangling. The removable plastic base tray is easy to clean, which is excellent because my dog treats every meal like an art project. I also love the foldable design for compact storage, since my house is already full of dog toys, blankets, and one suspiciously chewed slipper. —Tina Caldwell
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Why a 36 Inch Dog Crate Is Necessary
I’ve found that a 36 inch dog crate is often the perfect size for giving my dog a safe, comfortable space without feeling too cramped or too large. It works especially well for medium-sized dogs, or for smaller dogs that like having a little extra room to stretch out. When my dog has a crate that fits properly, it helps create a sense of security, which makes training, travel, and daily routines much easier.
I also like that a 36 inch crate can help with house training and behavior management. My dog learns faster when the crate feels like a calm den rather than a punishment space. It gives me peace of mind knowing my dog has a secure place to rest when I’m busy, away from home, or need to keep things organized and safe.
Another reason I consider it necessary is long-term comfort. A crate that is the right size supports my dog’s well-being by providing enough space to lie down, turn around, and relax comfortably. For me, choosing a 36 inch dog crate is not just about containment—it’s about giving my dog a dependable place to feel at home.
My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Dog Crate
Why I Chose a 36 Inch Dog Crate
When I started looking for a crate, I realized that a 36 inch dog crate is often the sweet spot for medium to large dogs. In my experience, it gives enough room for my dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped. I found it especially useful for breeds like Border Collies, Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, and similar-sized dogs.
What I Looked for in Size and Fit
The first thing I checked was whether 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 sitting. I also made sure there was a little extra space for comfort, but not so much that the crate would feel too large for training purposes.
Material Matters to Me
I noticed that 36 inch dog crates come in wire, plastic, and soft-sided styles. For everyday use, I preferred wire because it felt sturdy, breathable, and easy to clean. Plastic crates seemed better for travel, while soft-sided crates worked well for calm dogs, but I would not choose them for a dog that likes to chew or scratch.
Comfort and Safety Features I Considered
I always looked for rounded edges, secure latches, and a removable tray for easy cleaning. I also liked crates with divider panels because they let me adjust the space as my dog grew. If the crate came with a padded mat or I could add one, that made it much more comfortable for my dog.
Portability and Storage
Since I sometimes needed to move the crate around the house or take it on trips, I paid attention to how easy it was to fold and carry. A crate with a handle or lightweight frame made my life easier. When I was not using it, I appreciated a design that folded flat for storage.
Cleaning and Maintenance
In my experience, a crate is much easier to live with if it is simple to clean. I preferred models with a slide-out tray because accidents and shedding were much easier to manage. Wire crates also made it easier for me to wipe down surfaces and keep things fresh.
Training Benefits I Noticed
Using the right crate helped me with house training and gave my dog a safe space to relax. I found that a 36 inch crate was large enough for comfort but still effective for crate training when paired with the right divider. It became a dependable routine spot for naps, quiet time, and bedtime.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
If I were buying again, I would focus on fit, durability, ease of cleaning, and safety before anything else. A 36 inch dog crate can be a great choice if it suits my dog’s size and behavior. For me, the best crate is the one that keeps my dog comfortable while making daily life easier.
Final Thoughts
I think a 36 inch dog crate is a great choice for medium-sized dogs that need a safe, comfortable space of their own. My key takeaway is to focus on your dog’s size, behavior, and the crate’s durability so you can pick one that truly fits their needs. When chosen well, the right crate can make training easier and give your dog a secure place to relax.
Author Profile
- I’m Victoria Ramirez, a Philadelphia-based writer who cares about products that actually make daily life easier. Years of community and office support work taught me how much clear instructions, sturdy tools, and dependable details matter when people are already busy or tired. At Truth for David, I share honest, first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and a few purchases I wish I had skipped. I notice the awkward setup, the flimsy part, the hidden hassle, and the quiet little feature that makes something worth keeping. My goal is simple: help readers buy with less guessing and regret.
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