15 Best small dog crates for puppies or small dogs

We know that puppies are a lot of work and a lot of responsibility. They will get into anything as they explore the world around them. Purchasing one of the best small dog crates for puppies will keep your canine companion safe and save your home and belongings from being destroyed.

Some dog owners feel that crate training is cruel. They don’t want to lock their dog in a cage all day. But the reality is that dog’s actually enjoy having a crate of their own.

As long as you crate train properly, which means not leaving your dog in his crate for more than 8 hours per day and he is given food and water, your dog will begin to think of the best small dog crates for puppies as their own little den.

Majority of dog experts agree that crating a dog is a good thing. As long as you purchase the right dog crate for your puppy with considerations for his current size as well as thinking a few steps ahead when he grows up, a dog crate will become your pup’s new home.

“Dogs are den animals, and they value their own special place. A place for quiet repose, a nice chew with an appropriate toy, and more likely a nap. A dog den, like a crate or cage suitable in size is an ideal training tool.” – Dr. Ian Dunbar, DVM

1Petmate 21100 Ultra Vari Pet Kennel

It is easy to see why this crate is the number one option for small dogs due to its durable construction and unique features. It is available in bleached linen (white), taupe and black, and true blue. This kennel from Petmate is ideal for dogs up to 15 pounds (although there are other sizes available).

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This is one of the best small dog crates for puppies as it features metal side vents, an easy-open squeeze latch, reinforced sidewalls and easy assembly. The kennel has a “moat” to keep animals dry in the event that they have an accident. It meets USDA and IATA requirements for shipping animals, so this is a great option for travelers.

Customers say that this crate is great for travel, and, while it is lightweight, it is still extremely durable and sturdy. It is easy to assemble and disassemble, which makes it a breeze to clean. The twist lock on the door provides added security for dogs who tend to be “escape artists” when put in other kennels. Most customers have bought more than one Petmate 21100Ultra Vari Pet Kennel due to their overall satisfaction with the kennel.

In case the screws do happen to fail, there are holes for zip ties or plastic tie wrap for extra reinforcement and increased peace of mind. Although the product description says that this kennel is airline approved, you may check with your particular airline, as this crate does not have rear vents. Some customers have had to drill holes in the back of the crate, while others have had no issues boarding without cutting holes.

2Doskocil Compass Kennel

These brightly colored, attractive crates from Petmate were designed after fifty years of experience in kennels. There are no tools required to assemble the Petmate Compass Kennel, so it only takes seconds to put together! This product boasts increased ventilation, a wider doorway that opens two ways, and dual turn-dial latches.

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The kennel has nuts and bolts that are compatible for airline travel, but pet owners should always check with their particular airline each time they are planning to travel in case of requirement changes. As one of the best small dog crates for puppies, customers say this kennel is lightweight and very easy to assemble but still extremely sturdy and well made, which is hard to find! It stands up to dogs that chew or are typically very rough on kennels.

The handle on top is strong and durable, allowing pet owners to move their pets easily and without worry. The vibrant colors the Doskocil Compass Kennel is available in are just another bonus for customers looking for a stylish way to transport their pets!

Some customers were displeased with this product do to sizing issues, so be sure to use the sizing guidelines offered in the product description prior to purchasing this product! Most customers who are unhappy with this purchase are not unsatisfied with the actual product, but instead with shipping issues.

3Petmate Portable Pet Home

This soft-sided carrier provides ultimate comfort for pets, as it includes a sheepskin pad, heavy-duty canvas sides and mesh openings instead of the typical plastic and metal construction offered by most pet carriers. This kennel from Petmate has windows on all four sides, providing maximum ventilation. The carrier may be used both indoors and outdoors, and it comes with stakes for outside use.

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The carrier is easy to move and assemble, allowing pet owners to leave large, clunky crates behind! Customers are extremely happy with this purchase, and it surpasses most pet owners’ expectations. Pets enjoy this home, and many choose to use it as a bed even when they are not traveling.

The Petmate Portable Pet Home is extremely lightweight and easy to move, and customers appreciate the storage case provided. The mat delivers maximum comfort for pets, and it is easy to pop out and wash when needed.

Because it is made of canvas, rather than metal or hard plastic, some dog owners are unhappy to find that their dogs use this kennel as a chew toy. Some customers have also had issues with the zippers on this product, claiming their dog or cat was able to push through the enclosure and escape! All things considered, this particular kennel may not be for dogs and cats that are not kennel trained.

4Petnation Port-A-Crate E2 Indoor/Outdoor Pet Home

This lightweight pet home is easy to transport and assembles and/or disassembles in seconds, making it one of the best small dog crates for puppies of on-the-go pet owners! The frame is constructed from extra-strong steel, and it is surrounded by mesh fabric panels. This crate from Petnation has mesh windows that provide airflow throughout the crate, and both front and top doors allow for easy access for your pet.

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The doors can be rolled up and secured so that pets can easily move in and out of the crate when needed. The material of the crate is water resistant, making it easy to wipe off any spills or messes. It is also machine washable in case a deeper clean is needed.

Customers say their pets love this crate and often use it on their own terms (not only when directed by their owners). As long as your dog isn’t a chewer, pet owners say this is a great alternative to a metal crate, as it still provides a safe enclosure without the unsightliness of too much metal. The Petnation Port-A-Crate E2 Indoor/Outdoor Pet Home is great for traveling, as it is lightweight, easy to assemble and easy to move due to the carrying handle. Pet owners are also very impressed with the durable construction of this crate, and highly suggest it for crate-trained dogs.

If your dog is not crate trained, you may want to go with a metal crate, as pawing at or chewing on canvas and mesh can ruin them quickly. The zipper on this crate seems to be an issue for some customers, as some dogs have been able to break free by pushing through the zipped enclosures.

5 Aspen Pet Porter Plastic Kennel

Available in multiple colors and sizes, this is one of the best small crates for puppies of travelers looking for a stylish and functional kennel for their pet(s). It has a seat belt slot, storage compartments for food and water, and a quick-latching system. Both the top and the door of this crate from Aspen Pet are removable, which makes getting pets in and out of this carrier much easier than those with only one entrance.

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The body of the carrier is made from heavy-duty plastic, and the metal door is a bonus for pet owners that have dogs or cats that can chew their way out of flimsier kennels. The durability and quality of this carrier make it stand out when compared with many other options available today. According to customers, it is easy to assemble and lightweight.

The door latch is easy for adults, but almost impossible for animals to unlock and open, which ensures your pet will stay safe and secure inside! The Aspen Pet Porter Plastic Kennel is said to be airline approved by many customers, but you should always check with your airline before travelling.

Some customers mention that the doorway to this carrier is quite small, which makes it difficult to put their pet in (especially when the pet is resistant). However, the removable top easily solves this issue. You may want to order a size up (or pay close attention to dimensions), as most of the complaints about this product claim that it is smaller than expected.

10 Best Small Dog Crates for Puppies as Alternatives

The above list of five best small dog crates for puppies has the most cost-effective options and the best quality builds, all of which have also been extremely well-reviewed by pet owners after using them. However, I understand that not all pet parents will find what they’re looking for among those dog crates, so I’ve researched this further and found several other good options that may fit your requirements below.

1. 2PET Folding Soft Dog Crate for indoor, travel, training
2. OxGord 20″ Small Dog Crate
3. Suncast 23-Inch Pet Carrier Round
4. AmazonBasics Single-Door Folding Metal Crate
5. Noz2Noz N2 Sof-Krate Indoor/Outdoor Pet Home
6. Carlson Secure and Compact Single Door Crate
7. Mr. Herzher’s Small Pet Residence
8. Lucky Dog 2-Door Training Crate
9. Petco Classic 1-Door Dog Crate
10. AmazonBasics 23-Inch Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

Now it’s your turn to pitch in on this! Have you tried any of these small crates for dogs? How did your puppy or small dog found them, and did you have any issues with these small kennels? Please share your experience with other pet parents in the comments below!

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