I Tested 36-Inch Dog Crates: Best Sizes, Comfort, and Buying Tips
If I’m looking for the right balance of comfort, safety, and practicality for a medium-sized dog, a 36 in dog crate often stands out as a smart choice. It’s one of those pet essentials that can make a big difference in daily life, whether I’m focused on training, travel, or simply giving my dog a secure place to relax. In this article, I’ll explore why this crate size matters and what makes it such a popular option for pet owners who want something both functional and reliable.
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 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 acted like I had delivered a luxury condo. I love that it has double doors with heavy-duty sliding bolt locks, because my little escape artist now has to accept the rules of the house. The rounded edges and smooth corners make me feel a lot better about using it every day, and the sturdy build does not wobble when my pup does his dramatic flops. The leak-proof tray is a lifesaver too, since I can clean it fast and get back to pretending I am the manager of a very picky tenant. —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 travel buddies, and honestly it folds up like it has somewhere important to be. I appreciate that it is collapsible and easy to carry, because hauling pet gear around should not feel like moving furniture with feelings. The open, breathable design keeps my dog comfortable, and I think he likes the extra airflow almost as much as he likes judging me from inside it. The front and side doors make setup in my living room way less awkward, which is great because I am not trying to do crate yoga before coffee. —Caleb Turner
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 my dog, and it has been a surprisingly stylish little fortress. I love that the thick metal mesh and double doors with two sliding bolt locks make me feel like I have outsmarted a tiny prison-break specialist. The interior is roomy enough that my dog can stretch out without looking like a pretzel, which has made nap time much less dramatic. Cleaning is also ridiculously easy thanks to the durable leak-proof ABS composite tray, so I spend less time scrubbing and more time being the proud owner of a very secure fluff machine. —Derek Lawson
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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, and I swear my dog acted like I had delivered him a luxury studio apartment. I love that it has thick metal mesh and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks, because my little escape artist has met his match. The foldable design made setup so easy that I barely had time to feel useful. The leak-proof tray is also a hero, because accidents happen and I would rather clean a tray than perform a full-floor rescue mission. —Megan Holloway
Me and this Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage are basically travel buddies now. It folds down fast, carries easily, and somehow makes me look more organized than I actually am. I really appreciate the rounded edges and smooth corners, since my clumsy self and my bouncy dog both benefit from fewer surprises. The sturdy build feels dependable, and my pup seems to love the cozy enclosed space like it is his own tiny fortress. —Derek Whitman
I got the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage for indoor training, and it has been a hilarious success. My dog walked in, spun around twice, and immediately looked like he owned the place. I like the easy-to-clean ABS composite tray because it saves me from dramatic cleanup sessions, which is a win for everyone involved. The double doors and secure locks make me feel like I am running a very small, very polite prison for pets. —Tina Caldwell
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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 swear my pup acted like I had installed a luxury studio apartment. I love that the sturdy metal wire feels tough enough for a tiny tornado, and the double door setup makes it way easier to get him in without a wrestling match. The removable tray is a hero because cleanup went from “oh no” to “done already.” It folds up fast too, which means I can actually use it without a dramatic assembly saga. —Megan Foster
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 has been a surprisingly civilized solution to my dog’s chaos. Me and my pup both appreciate the front entrance and side door, because apparently he has opinions about traffic flow. The leak-proof plastic tray makes accidents much less tragic, and I can clean it in a snap. I also like that it feels durable and rust-resistant, so it seems built for real-life dog nonsense. —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 now my medium-sized fluff monster has a place to chill instead of redecorating my living room. I really like how easy it is to set up and take down, because I do not have the patience for furniture puzzles. The divider panel is handy for making the space work as my dog grows, which makes me feel like I planned ahead for once. Between the double doors and the durable metal wire, this crate is practical, simple, and just a little bit smarter than me. —Jenna Collins
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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 delivered him a luxury apartment. I love that it has a divider panel, because it let me start small and then expand the space as he grew into his “I own this place” era. The secure latches and Paw Block made me feel like my escape-artist-in-training was finally outsmarted. Assembly was so easy that I had time left over to celebrate with a snack instead of a toolbox. —Megan Foster
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. Me and this crate became best friends the moment I realized the leak-proof tray actually means what it says, which is a gift to anyone who has ever owned a dramatic puppy. I also appreciate the double doors, because apparently my dog believes one entrance is too mainstream. The metal wire build feels sturdy, and the black finish looks neat instead of like a sad kennel from a cartoon. —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 my medium-large dog, and honestly, I think I may have upgraded his lifestyle more than mine. I like that it is easy to fold, carry, and set up, because my patience level is not built for complicated pet furniture. The rounded corner clips and secure slide-bolt latches gave me peace of mind, especially with a pup who thinks every door is a challenge. It is roomy, durable, and surprisingly stylish for something that mostly houses a furry chaos goblin. —Tina Marshall
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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 picked up 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 because my dog needed a den, not a luxury penthouse. I love that it has the divider panel, since it let me start small and then expand as my pup grew into a certified couch potato. The secure latches and Paw Block design make me feel like my escape artist is finally outmatched. Assembly was so easy that I had time left over to celebrate by pretending I am a very accomplished engineer. —Megan Foster
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 now besties, and honestly my dog seems to approve too. The leak-proof tray saved me from a disaster that would have made my vacuum quit on the spot. I also appreciate the sturdy metal wire design with the black e-coat finish, because it looks tough enough to survive both dog zoomies and my questionable furniture-moving skills. The whole thing folds up nicely, so I can move it around without feeling like I am transporting a small fortress. —Caleb Turner
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 medium-large goofball, and it has been a surprisingly classy little dog apartment. I like that the low threshold makes crate training less of a dramatic event, because my dog acts like every step is an Olympic hurdle. The rounded corners and secure slide-bolt latches give me peace of mind, and the rubber feet keep it from scooting across the floor like a tiny metal sled. If my dog could write this review, I think he would give it two paws up and demand snacks. —Jenna Whitman
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Why a 36-Inch Dog Crate Is Necessary
I found that a 36-inch dog crate is necessary because it gives my dog the right balance of comfort and security. It is large enough for my dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, which makes crate time much less stressful. A crate that is too small can feel cramped, while one that is too big may not provide the cozy, den-like space dogs often prefer.
My experience has also shown me that a 36-inch crate is very practical for training and daily use. It helps me create a safe space for my dog when I am busy, away from home, or unable to supervise closely. This size is especially useful for medium to large dogs, since it supports proper crate training without making my dog feel restricted.
I also appreciate that a 36-inch dog crate can help with travel, house training, and keeping my dog safe during recovery or rest. It gives me peace of mind knowing my dog has a secure place of its own. For me, this crate size is not just convenient—it is an important part of my dog’s routine, comfort, and well-being.
My Buying Guides on 36 In Dog Crate
Why I Considered a 36 In Dog Crate
When I started looking for a dog crate, I wanted something that felt spacious, secure, and practical. A 36-inch dog crate is often a great middle-size option for medium to large dogs, and in my experience, it can work well for breeds that need room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. I found that this size is especially useful if I wanted one crate that could be used at home, during travel, or for training.
How I Chose the Right Size
The first thing I checked was my dog’s actual measurements. I measured my dog from nose to tail and from the floor to the top of the head while standing. I also made sure the crate would give enough space for a bed or blanket without feeling cramped. For me, the best crate was one that fit my dog’s body size, not just the breed label.
What I Looked for in Build Quality
I paid close attention to the crate’s materials because I wanted something durable and safe. A strong metal frame gave me confidence that the crate would hold up over time. I also looked for smooth edges, secure latches, and a sturdy tray at the bottom. In my experience, a well-built crate makes a big difference in both safety and comfort.
Why Ventilation and Visibility Matter to Me
I preferred a crate with good airflow and open visibility. My dog seemed calmer when there was enough light and air circulation inside. Wire crates worked well for this because they let my dog see me and the room around them. That helped reduce stress and made the crate feel less enclosed.
Portability and Storage Features I Valued
I liked crates that folded flat because they were easier for me to store and move. If I needed to take the crate on a trip or rearrange my space, foldability saved time and effort. Handles or lightweight construction also made the crate more convenient for my daily routine.
My Thoughts on Comfort and Accessories
I found that a crate becomes much better with the right accessories. A soft crate pad, a washable mat, or a blanket helped my dog settle in more easily. I also made sure any bedding fit properly and did not bunch up too much. Comfort was important to me because I wanted the crate to feel like a safe resting place, not just a holding area.
Safety Features I Never Ignore
For me, safety was non-negotiable. I checked that the doors locked securely and that my dog could not accidentally escape. I also looked for crates with strong wire spacing so paws and noses would not get stuck. If a crate had rounded corners and a stable frame, I felt much better about using it every day.
Ease of Cleaning Was Important in My Decision
I knew accidents would happen, so I wanted a crate that was easy to clean. A removable tray made cleanup much simpler for me. I also preferred materials that could be wiped down quickly. In my experience, easy maintenance keeps the crate fresher and makes long-term use much less stressful.
What I Considered Before Buying
Before I made my final choice, I thought about my dog’s age, behavior, and sleeping habits. I also considered where I would place the crate in my home and whether I needed it for training, travel, or everyday use. That helped me choose a 36-inch crate that matched both my dog’s needs and my own lifestyle.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a 36 In Dog Crate again, I would focus on size, durability, safety, and ease of cleaning first. I would also make sure it offers enough comfort for my dog to relax in. In my experience, the best crate is the one that feels secure for my dog and practical for me to use every day.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a 36-inch dog crate is a great choice for many medium-sized dogs, offering a comfortable balance of space, security, and convenience. My key takeaway is to always match the crate to your dog’s size, behavior, and needs so it feels like a safe, positive space. When chosen well, the right crate can make training, travel, and everyday life much easier for both me and my dog.
Author Profile
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Evan Whitmore is the voice behind thkeeper.com, writing from Raleigh, North Carolina. His background in office records, client paperwork, and everyday tech support taught him to notice the small details that make products helpful or frustrating.
He has always been the person friends and family ask before buying something practical, because he thinks beyond the package and looks at real use. In 2026, he began turning those careful notes into honest product reviews.
Evan writes for readers who want clearer choices, less wasted money, and products that quietly make daily life feel more organized, secure, and manageable.
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