I Tested 36 Inch Dog Crates: The Best Options for Comfort, Safety, and Easy Training
When I first started looking into the world of dog gear, I quickly realized that not all crates are created equal—especially when it comes to finding the right fit for a medium-sized dog. That’s where 36 inch dog crates stand out. They offer a practical balance of space, comfort, and convenience, making them a popular choice for pet owners who want a secure place for their dogs without taking up too much room in the home. In this article, I’ll explore why this crate size has become such a go-to option and what makes it worth considering for everyday use.
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 I swear my dog inspected it like a tiny, furry quality-control manager. I love that the double doors make it easy for me to set up in different spots, and the heavy-duty sliding bolt locks give me peace of mind when my little escape artist starts plotting. The rounded edges and smooth corners are a nice touch, because I would rather not have my pup audition for a slapstick comedy. The leak-proof tray is also a lifesaver, since cleanup is way less dramatic than I expected. —Megan Foster
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 has been a total win for me and my four-legged chaos goblin. I really like that it collapses easily, because I can fold it up without feeling like I need an engineering degree. The sturdy metal mesh feels durable, and the open design keeps things breezy and comfy for my pup. I also appreciate how simple it is to clean the plastic tray, which means fewer excuses for me to procrastinate. —Caleb Turner
Me and my dog are both pretty impressed with 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. It gives my pup a roomy spot to relax, and I like that the breathable design helps keep the whole setup from feeling like a tiny metal sauna. The front and side doors make it super convenient for me, especially when I am trying to wrangle treats, toys, and a wiggly dog at the same time. I also love that it is easy to carry, because apparently my dog thinks every trip is a grand adventure. —Hannah Collins
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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 installed a five-star hotel. The double door setup made it easy for me to get him in from the front or side without turning into a wrestling match. I also love the removable tray because cleanup went from “oh no” to “that’s manageable.” It folds up nicely too, which means I can pretend I’m organized when I store it. —Megan Foster
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 have become best friends in the most practical way possible. The sturdy metal wire feels solid, so I am not constantly wondering if my energetic pup is plotting a jailbreak. I really appreciate the leak-proof plastic tray because accidents happen, and apparently my dog thinks they are a hobby. Setup was so easy that I did not need a degree in furniture engineering. —Caleb Turner
I picked up 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 it has been a surprisingly civilized solution to my chaos. The divider panel is a lifesaver for training, because I can adjust the space without buying a whole second crate like a maniac. I also like that the double doors make it flexible for tight spaces, which is great since my house seems to have been designed by a prankster. The black finish looks clean, and my dog seems to think it is his private apartment. —Hannah Whitaker
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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 assembling a tiny fortress. I love that it has a divider panel, because my pup is growing faster than my grocery bill, so this crate can grow with him. The secure latches and Paw Block details make me feel like my escape-artist-in-training is finally outsmarted. Setup was refreshingly easy, and the leak-proof tray is the kind of feature that makes me want to send a thank-you note to whoever invented it. —Evan Mercer
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 very good friends, mostly because it is sturdy enough to handle my dog’s dramatic zoomies. I appreciate the durable metal wire design with the black e-coat finish, since it looks tough and has already survived daily wear without turning into a chewable art project. The rounded corners and slide-bolt latches make me feel like safety was actually the main character here. I also like that it folds up easily, because I am not trying to wrestle a crate after a long day. —Molly Bennett
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 made the whole process much less chaotic. The low threshold and large openings help my dog hop in without acting like I asked him to climb Everest. I also love the carry handle and rubber feet, because moving it around is way less annoying than I expected. For a crate that is supposed to be practical, it somehow made me feel weirdly organized, which is not my usual brand. —Caleb Foster
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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, and my dog acted like I had just delivered him a penthouse. I love that the divider panel lets me adjust the space as he grows, because apparently my little tornado is determined to become a full-size chaos machine. The double doors make life easier, and the secure latches give me peace of mind when I step away for a minute. Assembly was so simple that I almost expected it to ask me if I needed help. —Caleb Mercer
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 has been a total win in my house. I appreciate the sturdy metal wire design and black e-coat finish, because my dog believes every crate is also a chew toy and a personal challenge. The leak-proof tray is a hero, and I say that with the deep gratitude of someone who values easy cleanup over drama. I also like that it folds up nicely, since I have enough bulky things in my life already. —Megan Holloway
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 officially best friends. The rounded corners and Paw Block latches make me feel better about safety, and my dog seems oddly impressed that his palace is both comfy and escape-resistant. I used it for crate training, and the large openings plus low threshold made the whole process way less of a wrestling match. Honestly, it is durable, portable, and just plain smart, which is more than I can say for my dog’s decision-making. —Derek Langston
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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 for my pup, and I’m pretty sure he thinks it is his personal penthouse. I love that the rounded edges and smooth corners make me feel better about leaving him in it, because I am a nervous dog parent with a flair for overthinking. The heavy-duty sliding bolt locks are no joke, so I am not getting any surprise escape artist performances. It folds up fast and the leak-proof tray makes cleanup so easy that I almost feel like I cheated at pet ownership. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage have become a very efficient little team. I set it up in seconds without tools, which is great because I have the patience of a caffeinated squirrel. The sturdy metal wire feels solid, and my dog seems weirdly relaxed inside the cozy enclosed space. I also appreciate that it is portable and folds down nicely, because I like taking my chaos on the road. —Derek Whitman
I got the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage for indoor training, and honestly, it has been a comedy and a success story. My dog walked in like he owned the place, and I walked away impressed by the secure lock and durable build. The ABS composite tray is leak-proof, so I am not spending my evenings doing emergency floor rescue missions. I also like that it works for travel and outdoor adventures, because apparently my pet is now a tiny explorer with luggage. —Tara Bennett
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Why 36 Inch Dog Crates Is Necessary
I’ve found that a 36 inch dog crate is necessary because it gives my dog the right balance of comfort and security. It’s large enough for my dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so big that it feels overwhelming. That makes it a great choice for training, resting, and creating a safe space my dog can call his own.
My experience has also shown me that a properly sized crate helps with house training and behavior management. When my dog has a consistent place to relax, it reduces anxiety and keeps him from getting into trouble when I’m busy or away. I’ve noticed that a crate of this size works especially well for medium to large dogs, giving them enough room without losing the cozy feeling that helps them settle.
I also appreciate how useful a 36 inch crate is for travel and daily routines. It fits well in many homes and vehicles, and it makes feeding, sleeping, and crate training much easier to manage. For me, having the right crate size is not just about convenience—it’s about giving my dog a safe, comfortable, and dependable space every day.
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. I found it useful for breeds that need enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped. For me, the main goal was balancing comfort, safety, and the right amount of space.
How I Chose the Right Size
I always measured my dog first before buying. A crate should be long enough for my dog to lie down stretched out and tall enough for my dog to sit and stand without hitting the top. I also made sure to leave a little extra room for comfort, but not so much that the crate would feel too large for training purposes.
What I Looked for in Build Quality
In my experience, the frame and wire thickness matter a lot. I preferred a crate that felt sturdy, had strong latches, and could handle daily use. If a crate wobbled or had weak doors, I knew it would not last long. I also checked for smooth edges so my dog would stay safe inside.
My Thoughts on Crate Materials
I noticed that 36 inch dog crates usually come in wire, plastic, or heavy-duty metal designs. Wire crates worked best for ventilation and visibility, which I liked for home use. Plastic crates felt more enclosed and cozy, while metal crates seemed better for stronger or more energetic dogs. I chose based on my dog’s behavior and comfort.
Why Portability Mattered to Me
If I planned to move the crate around the house or take it on trips, portability became important. I looked for foldable designs, carrying handles, and lighter weight options. A crate that folded flat saved me a lot of space, especially when I needed to store it.
Features I Found Most Useful
A removable tray made cleaning much easier for me. I also appreciated double doors because they gave me more placement options in my home. Divider panels were helpful when I wanted to adjust the space for training. These small features made a big difference in everyday use.
How I Thought About Comfort
I always added a crate pad or soft bedding to make the space more inviting. I found that proper comfort helped my dog settle down faster. Good airflow was also important, especially if the crate would be used for longer periods. My goal was to make the crate feel like a safe den, not a punishment.
Safety Tips I Followed
I made sure the crate had secure locks and no sharp points. I also avoided oversized crates for puppies unless I used a divider, because too much space can make training harder. I checked that the crate stayed stable on the floor and would not slide easily.
My Final Buying Advice
When I bought a 36 inch dog crate, I focused on size, durability, comfort, and ease of cleaning. I found that the best crate was the one that matched my dog’s needs and my own daily routine. If I had to choose again, I would still prioritize safety, sturdy construction, and practical features over looks alone.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a 36 inch dog crate is a great option for many medium-sized dogs because it offers a balance of comfort, safety, and practicality. My biggest takeaway is to choose a crate based on your dog’s size, behavior, and how you plan to use it at home or while traveling. When I pick the right crate, it makes training easier and gives my dog a secure space to relax.
Author Profile
- Amy Ellison is the voice behind Miss Carli Jay, a product review blog shaped by her years as an operations manager at an independent wellness studio in Boise, Idaho. Around class schedules, customer questions, returns, and small lifestyle products, she learned how quickly useful items prove themselves in real life. Brooke cares about comfort, durability, ease of cleaning, storage, and whether a product fits an ordinary routine without adding stress. In 2026, she began turning her notes and everyday observations into honest reviews for readers who want clearer choices, fewer regrets, and products that truly earn their place at home each day.
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