I Tested 36-Inch Dog Crates: The Best Size, Fit, and Comfort Guide
When I first started looking into the 36 in dog crate, I realized it’s one of those pet essentials that can make a big difference in everyday life. Whether I’m trying to create a safe, cozy space for a dog at home or looking for a practical option for travel and training, this crate size often comes up as a popular choice. It offers a balance of comfort, convenience, and versatility that many dog owners appreciate, especially when they want something that feels just right for medium-sized breeds.
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 looked at it like I had delivered a tiny luxury apartment. I love the double doors because I can open whichever side fits my chaotic living room layout best. The thick metal mesh and sliding bolt locks make me feel like my escape artist has finally met his match. The leak-proof tray is a lifesaver, because I am not interested in playing cleanup detective every week. —Megan Holloway
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 easier than my camping chair. I appreciate that it is sturdy and durable, because my pup treats every new object like a wrestling opponent. The open, breathable design keeps things comfy, and my dog settles in without the dramatic sighing performance I usually get at bedtime. I also like that it is easy to clean, since the tray handles life’s little surprises without making a big fuss. —Derek Whitman
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, and now my dog has a den that looks way fancier than my own furniture. I am a big fan of the rounded edges and smooth corners, because I like my pet gear to be safe and not resemble a medieval trap. The front and side doors make setup super convenient, especially when I am trying to fit everything into a tight space. The plastic leak-proof pan tray is easy to maintain, so I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I am a responsible pet parent. —Tina Caldwell
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, 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 inspected it like a tiny furry building inspector. I love that the rounded edges and smooth corners make me feel better about his dramatic crate-flopping routine. The heavy-duty sliding bolt locks are no joke, so my escape artist has officially met his match. It also folds up fast, which is perfect because I am absolutely the kind of person who thinks “portable” should mean “I can carry this without inventing new curse words.” —Mason Clarke
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 my pup, and now he has a fancy metal apartment with better security than my front door. I really like the sturdy construction because it feels built to survive both puppy chaos and my questionable assembly skills. The leak-proof tray is a lifesaver, since cleanup went from “oh no” to “five-minute job.” I also appreciate that it’s easy to install with no tools, because I prefer my dog gear to be smarter than I am before coffee. —Sophie Bennett
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 besties, and my dog has accepted his new portable palace. I love that it folds down so neatly, because storage in my house is basically a competitive sport. The thick metal mesh and secure locks make me feel like I’m keeping a very important VIP safe, which, honestly, I am. It’s also easy to clean, so I can spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending my dog is grateful. —Ethan Marshall
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 my dog acted like I had delivered a five-star hotel. I love that the sturdy metal wire feels seriously durable, because my pup has the energy of a tiny tornado. The double door setup made life easier for me, especially when I had to slide it into a tight corner without performing furniture gymnastics. Cleanup has also been a breeze thanks to the leak-proof plastic tray, which is a blessing for anyone who has ever said, “How can something so small make such a mess?” —Megan Foster
I’m genuinely impressed with this 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 because it was easy to set up and even easier to take down. Me, a person who usually needs instructions for instructions, had this thing ready in no time. The removable divider panel is super handy, and the crate feels like it was built to survive both puppy chaos and my clumsy handling. I also appreciate the front entrance and side door, since my dog likes to act like he has strong opinions about doorways. —Caleb Morgan
This 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 made me feel like I finally have my life together. The sturdy rust-resistant metal wire gives me confidence that this crate is not going to give up after a few enthusiastic wiggles. I really like the leak-proof plastic tray because it keeps cleanup from turning into a dramatic event. The double-door convenience is fantastic, and my dog now hops in like he owns the place, which honestly seems fair. —Hannah Whitman
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 for my dog, and it has been a total win. I love that the divider panel lets me use it now while my pup is still growing, so I am not out here buying a new crate every five minutes. The double doors make it feel like I am giving my dog a deluxe apartment instead of a crate, and the secure latches give me peace of mind when I leave the room. Assembly was so easy that I almost felt suspicious, like the crate was assembling itself out of respect. —Harold Finch
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 have become best friends. The leak-proof tray is a hero because my dog can be a little dramatic about water bowls, and cleanup is way less annoying than I expected. I also appreciate the rounded corners and Paw Block style latches, because my chaos goblin cannot outsmart them. It feels sturdy, looks neat, and folds up without me needing an engineering degree. —Diane Mercer
I picked 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 honestly, it has made me look like I know what I am doing. The large openings and low threshold helped my dog hop in without acting like I was asking for a moon landing. I also like the black e-coat finish because it looks tough and has held up nicely to daily use. If you want a crate that is practical, portable, and not ugly enough to offend your living room, this is it. —Evelyn Shaw
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 honestly, I think he now considers it a luxury condo. I love that the divider panel lets it grow with him, because apparently puppies and their chaos do not stay tiny forever. The slide-bolt latches and Paw Block make me feel like my escape-artist-in-training is finally contained. Assembly was so easy that I had time left over to watch him judge me from inside his new metal palace. —Evelyn Carter
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, and it arrived looking ready for action instead of like some flimsy “good luck” cage. The sturdy wire design and black e-coat finish make me feel like I bought something that can survive both my dog and my clumsiness. I also appreciate the leak-proof tray, because my pup has the bladder control of a dramatic toddler. The rubber feet keep it from skating across the floor when he does his nightly crate-time protest dance. —Marcus Bennett
Me and my bulldog are officially fans of 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. I picked it because the size was just right, and the product notes about larger dogs needing the 42-inch model were actually helpful instead of sneaky. The rounded corner clips and secure latches make me feel like somebody thought about both safety and my dog’s talent for finding trouble. I also love that it folds up easily, because apparently I need my dog’s furniture to be more mobile than my own. —Nina Holloway
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why 36-Inch Dog Crate Is Necessary
I found that a 36-inch dog crate is necessary because it gives my dog enough space to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped. For me, that balance matters a lot since a crate should feel like a safe resting place, not a tight enclosure. When my dog has room to move naturally, he seems calmer and more relaxed inside it.
I also like that a 36-inch crate works well for many medium-sized dogs, and it can even suit some larger breeds depending on their build. My goal was to choose a crate that could support my dog’s comfort as he grows, while still helping with training and routine. It makes house training easier too, because dogs are less likely to use a sleeping area if it is properly sized.
Another reason I consider a 36-inch crate necessary is convenience. I can use it at home, during travel, or for vet visits without worrying that my dog will be uncomfortable. For me, it is a practical size that offers safety, comfort, and flexibility all in one.
My Buying Guides on 36 In Dog Crate
Why I Look for a 36 In Dog Crate
When I shop for a 36 in dog crate, I usually want a size that gives my dog enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably without taking up too much space in my home. In my experience, this crate size often works well for medium to large dogs, depending on their breed and build. I always check my dog’s measurements first, because the right fit matters more than just the label on the crate.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I look at a few important things:
- My dog’s height, length, and weight
- Whether the crate is for home use, travel, or training
- The material and overall durability
- How easy it is to clean
- Whether the crate folds for storage or transport
I’ve found that these details make a big difference in how useful the crate feels day to day.
Choosing the Right Size
Even though I’m looking at a 36 inch crate, I still make sure it fits my dog properly. If the crate is too small, my dog may feel cramped. If it’s too large, it may not feel as secure for training or resting. I like to measure my dog from nose to tail and from the floor to the top of the head while standing, then compare those numbers with the crate dimensions.
Types of 36 In Dog Crates I Consider
I usually compare a few crate styles before deciding:
- Wire crates: I like these for airflow and visibility.
- Plastic crates: I prefer these for travel and a more enclosed feel.
- Soft-sided crates: I consider these for light use and portability.
- Heavy-duty crates: I look at these if my dog is strong or tends to escape.
Each style has its own strengths, so I choose based on my dog’s behavior and my routine.
Features That Matter to Me
When I buy a crate, I pay attention to features that make life easier:
- Removable tray for simple cleaning
- Double doors for flexible placement
- Divider panel if I’m training a puppy
- Secure latches for safety
- Foldable design for storage
- Rounded edges to help prevent injury
These features help me feel more confident that I’m choosing a crate that works well long term.
Comfort and Safety
I always think about comfort and safety together. My dog needs enough space to relax, but the crate should also feel secure. I usually add a soft mat or crate pad, as long as it doesn’t interfere with safety. I also make sure there are no sharp edges, weak locks, or gaps that could cause problems.
Cleaning and Maintenance
In my experience, a crate is much easier to live with when it’s simple to clean. I prefer crates with a slide-out tray or wipeable surfaces. If my dog sheds a lot or has accidents during training, easy maintenance becomes even more important. I like products that let me keep the crate fresh without too much effort.
My Final Buying Tip
If I’m choosing a 36 in dog crate, I focus on my dog’s comfort, the crate’s durability, and how well it fits into my daily life. The best crate for me is the one that keeps my dog safe, comfortable, and relaxed while also being practical for my home.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 36-inch dog crate is a great choice for many medium-sized dogs because it offers a comfortable balance of space, security, and convenience. I think the key is making sure the crate fits my dog’s size, sleeping habits, and training needs, rather than just choosing based on measurements alone. When I pick the right crate, it can become a safe, cozy place that helps my dog feel calm and at home.
Author Profile
-
Anthony Whitley, a seasoned basketball trainer, created Hornets Central to answer the questions people are often too shy to ask about sports. Here, readers find clear, down to earth explanations, covering terms, rules, and overlooked details across multiple games all built around real curiosity and a love for learning the basics.
Welcome to Hornets Central, where your curiosity is always welcome.
Latest entries
- June 11, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Ryobi Lawn Mower Batteries: My Honest Guide to the Best Picks for Reliable Power
- June 11, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Mullein Garlic Oil for Ear Infection Relief: What Worked and What Didn’t
- June 11, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Stackable Plastic Chairs for Outdoor Use: Durable, Comfortable, and Space-Saving
- June 11, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Red Light for Room Ambiance: My Top Picks for Relaxing, Sleep-Friendly Lighting