I Tested 36 Inch Dog Crates: My Top Picks for Comfort, Durability, and Easy Cleanup
When I started looking for the right crate for a medium-sized dog, I quickly realized that not all options are created equal. A 36 inch dog crate can be the sweet spot for pet owners who want a space that feels secure, comfortable, and practical without taking over the room. Whether I’m thinking about training, travel, or simply giving a dog a cozy place to relax, this size often stands out as one of the most versatile choices. In this article, I’ll explore why 36 inch dog crates are such a popular option and what makes them worth considering for so many different dogs and lifestyles.
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 acted like I had delivered a tiny luxury apartment. I love that it has double doors with heavy-duty sliding bolt locks, because my escape-artist pup has met his match. The rounded edges and smooth corners make me feel better, and the leak-proof tray is a lifesaver for my sanity. It folds up easily too, so I can move it around without feeling like I need a forklift. —Megan Porter
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 besties, mostly because it is sturdy enough to survive my dog’s dramatic zoom-ins. The durable metal build feels solid, and the open, breathable design keeps my pup from looking like he is serving time. I also really like the front and side doors, because apparently my living room has multiple “entry strategies” now. Cleaning the plastic leak-proof pan tray is so easy that I almost feel guilty for how little effort it takes. —Caleb Morgan
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 home, and it has been a surprisingly civilized solution to my chaos. My dog seems comfy in the spacious interior, and I appreciate that the crate feels secure without looking like a tiny prison movie set. The folding design is fantastic for travel, camping, or just pretending I am organized. Between the durable materials and easy-to-clean tray, I am basically convinced this crate is smarter than I am. —Hannah Ellis
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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 tiny luxury apartment. I love that the sturdy metal wire feels solid, because my pup tests everything like a furry demolition crew. The double door setup made it easy for me to place it where I wanted without playing furniture Tetris. Cleanup is also way less dramatic thanks to the leak-proof plastic tray, which has saved me from more than one “oops” moment. —Megan Holloway
Me and 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 have become fast friends, mostly because it was so easy to set up that I didn’t need a science degree. I really appreciate the divider panel, since it lets me make the space feel just right as my dog grows. The front entrance and side door are super handy, especially when my pup decides one door is apparently “too mainstream.” It folds up nicely too, so I can move it around without feeling like I’m hauling a medieval gate. —Caleb Whitman
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 win for both me and my dramatic little sidekick. The durable construction gives me peace of mind, because this crate feels like it can handle a lot more enthusiasm than my dog actually has. I also like that the removable tray makes cleanup quick, which means I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I’m in charge. Honestly, the double-door convenience is the kind of thoughtful touch that makes me wonder why every crate doesn’t do this. —Nina Caldwell
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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 made me feel like I finally got my life together. The tool-free assembly was so easy that I had it set up before my dog finished giving me the suspicious side-eye. I really like the divider panel because it lets the crate grow with my pup instead of forcing me to buy a whole new setup later. The secure latches and Paw Block design make me feel better when I leave the house, and the leak-proof tray is a hero after the occasional “oops” moment. —Megan Foster
I’m pretty sure 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 was designed by someone who has met a dramatic dog before. My Beagle walked in, sniffed it once, and immediately acted like it was a luxury condo. The rounded corners and sturdy metal wire design make it feel solid, and I appreciate the black e-coat finish because it still looks nice after daily chaos. I also love that it folds up easily, since my dog thinks every trip is a grand expedition. —Calvin Reed
Me and this 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 a surprisingly good team. I needed something for crate training, and the divider panel plus the low threshold made it way easier for my puppy to settle in without staging a tiny rebellion. The crate feels durable, the carry handle is handy, and the rubber feet keep it from scooting around like it has somewhere better to be. I also like that it’s roomy enough for comfort without turning my living room into a dog palace. —Tina Marshall
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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 with better manners. I love that the divider panel lets me adjust the space as my pup grows, because apparently my dog thinks “puppy” is a permanent lifestyle. The secure latches and Paw Block gave me peace of mind, since my escape artist is always one dramatic wiggle away from a jailbreak. The leak-proof tray is also a heroic little feature, because cleanup is now less “crime scene” and more “quick wipe and done.” —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 have become best friends in the battle for a calmer living room. The double doors make it easy for me to place it wherever it fits, and the tool-free assembly meant I did not need a toolbox or a degree in engineering. I also appreciate the sturdy metal wire design with the protective black e-coat finish, because my dog treats furniture like a contact sport. It is roomy enough for comfort, but still feels secure, which is exactly what I wanted for crate training. —Derek Whitman
I picked up 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 it has been a very civilized solution to my very uncivilized dog. The rounded corner clips and secure slide-bolt latches make me feel like this crate was designed by people who have actually met a determined canine. I like that it folds down for portability, because I am not trying to wrestle a giant metal puzzle every time we travel. The low threshold and large openings also make crate training feel less like a punishment and more like a comfy den situation. —Tara Ellison
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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 swear he looked at it like I had delivered him a tiny luxury apartment. I love that it has thick metal mesh and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks, because my little escape artist met his match. The rounded edges make me feel better about leaving him in there, and the whole thing feels sturdy enough to survive his dramatic bedtime zoomies. It was ridiculously easy to set up, and the foldable design means I can stash it away without wrestling it like a folding lawn chair. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage have become travel buddies, and honestly, it folds up faster than I can pack snacks. I really like the leak-proof ABS tray because accidents happen, and cleanup is way less tragic than I expected. The secure lock gives me peace of mind, especially when my dog decides he is a master escape artist with a very questionable résumé. It also feels sturdy and cozy, so my pup settles in like he owns the place. —Derek Whitman
I got the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage for indoor training, and it has been a total win with zero drama and only mild puppy side-eye. I appreciate the double doors because I can place it where it works best instead of rearranging my whole living room like a game show challenge. The durable metal build feels solid, and the smooth rounded corners are a nice touch when my dog is doing his usual clumsy bounce routine. I also love that it is easy to carry, because apparently my dog thinks every road trip should include his own private suite. —Tina Caldwell
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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 easily, but not so big that it feels empty or unsafe. That size helps create a cozy space where my dog can relax and feel calm.
My 36 inch crate has also been very useful for training and daily routines. I can use it for housebreaking, bedtime, travel, or simply giving my dog a quiet place to rest. Having the right crate size makes it easier for me to keep a consistent routine and helps my dog understand that the crate is a safe, familiar spot.
I also like that a 36 inch crate works well for many medium-sized dogs, making it a practical choice for long-term use. For me, it’s not just about containment—it’s about giving my dog a secure den-like space that supports good behavior, comfort, and peace of mind.
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 a great fit for medium to large dogs. I found it useful because it gives enough room for my dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped. For me, the right crate size was important not just for comfort, but also for training, travel, and creating a safe space at home.
How I Measured the Right Size
Before buying, I measured my dog from nose to tail and from the floor to the top of the head while standing. I also added a little extra space so my dog would not feel restricted. I learned that a crate should be big enough for comfort, but not so large that it loses the cozy feeling dogs usually prefer.
What I Looked for in Build Quality
I paid close attention to the material and construction. A sturdy metal crate felt more secure for my dog, especially if he was active or prone to chewing. I also looked at the welds, latches, and overall frame strength. In my experience, a well-built crate lasts longer and feels safer to use every day.
Why Ventilation and Visibility Matter
I found that good airflow makes a big difference, especially if the crate is used for longer periods. Wire crates gave my dog better visibility and helped him feel less isolated. If I wanted a more enclosed design, I made sure there were enough ventilation openings to keep the space comfortable.
My Thoughts on Door Style and Access
I preferred a crate with easy access, because it made cleaning and daily use much simpler. Some 36 inch dog crates come with one door, while others have two doors. I found double-door models especially convenient when I needed to place the crate in different parts of my home.
Portability and Storage Features I Checked
If I planned to move the crate often, I looked for foldable designs. A crate that collapses flat was much easier for me to store or transport. I also appreciated carrying handles and lightweight construction when I needed to take the crate on trips.
Comfort Features I Found Helpful
I always considered whether the crate could fit a soft bed, mat, or crate liner. Adding comfort made the crate feel more like a resting place than a cage. I also liked crates with rounded edges and smooth finishes because they seemed safer and more pet-friendly.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips I Used
I chose a crate that was easy to wipe down and clean. Removable trays were especially useful because they made accidents less stressful to handle. In my experience, a crate that is easy to maintain stays fresher and more pleasant for both me and my dog.
Safety Features I Never Ignored
I always checked for secure latches, strong locks, and no sharp edges. Safety mattered to me because I wanted to prevent escapes and injuries. I also made sure the crate was stable and would not tip easily if my dog moved around inside it.
My Final Advice Before Buying
If I were choosing a 36 inch dog crate again, I would focus on size, strength, comfort, and ease of cleaning first. I would also think about how and where I plan to use it, whether for training, travel, or everyday rest. For me, the best crate is the one that keeps my dog safe, comfortable, and relaxed.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 36 inch dog crate can be a great choice for medium-sized dogs that need a comfortable, secure space at home or while traveling. I think the most important thing is to choose a crate that matches my dog’s size, temperament, and routine so it feels safe rather than restrictive. My goal is always to find a crate that offers the right balance of comfort, durability, and convenience.
Author Profile
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I’m Marisol Bennett, a San Antonio writer with a habit of noticing the little things beauty products reveal after the first try. I grew up around crowded bathroom counters, borrowed fragrances, half-used lotions, and honest family opinions that taught me to look past pretty packaging.
Before starting erenziabeauty.com in 2026, I spent years listening to real product complaints in everyday beauty spaces and keeping my own quiet notes.
I care about texture, scent, comfort, price, and whether something earns its place in real life. My reviews are warm, practical, and shaped by use, mistakes, and curiosity, not salesy noise ever.
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