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A crate is one of the most useful things you can buy for a new puppy. It helps with house training, keeps a curious puppy safe when you cannot watch them, and gives them a quiet den to rest in. The best dog crates for puppies come with a divider panel so you can buy one crate for your dog’s adult size and shrink the space while they are small. Below we compare four crates on Amazon that work well for puppies and explain how to size and set one up.
Our Quick Picks
- Best OverallMidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double DoorCheck Price on Amazon
- Best Sturdy PickMidWest LifeStages 36-Inch Double DoorCheck Price on Amazon
- Best for Car RidesPetmate Vari Kennel 28-InchCheck Price on Amazon
Short on time? These are our top choices. Full reviews and comparisons are below.
Best Dog Crates for Puppies Compared
| Crate | Type | Divider | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door | Folding wire | Yes | Best overall for most puppies |
| MidWest LifeStages 36-Inch Double Door | Heavier folding wire | Yes | Puppies that chew and push |
| Petmate Vari Kennel 28-Inch | Hard plastic | No | Car rides and cozy den |
| Diggs Evolv | Modular crate | Yes | Modern homes |
1. MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door — Best Overall
The iCrate is the go-to puppy crate for many trainers. It includes a divider panel, a leak-proof tray and two doors, folds flat, and comes in sizes from 18 to 48 inches. The 36-inch model shown here suits breeds that will reach about 41 to 70 pounds; choose the 30-inch for breeds up to about 40 pounds or the 42- and 48-inch sizes for large breeds.
- Divider panel included
- Many sizes to match adult weight
- Leak-proof tray for accidents
- Folds flat, very affordable
Worth knowing: Very determined chewers may bend the lighter wire; supervise early crate sessions.
2. MidWest LifeStages 36-Inch Double Door — Best Sturdy Pick
LifeStages crates use heavier wire and stronger latches than the iCrate while keeping the divider and folding design. For puppies of strong, energetic breeds that like to push and chew, the extra rigidity is worth it. It is also our everyday value pick in the main dog crate guide.
- Heavier wire than the iCrate
- Divider panel included
- Secure slide-bolt latches
- Folds for travel
Worth knowing: It is heavier to carry and set up than lighter wire crates.
3. Petmate Vari Kennel 28-Inch — Best for Car Rides
Some puppies settle faster in an enclosed plastic kennel because it feels like a cave. The Vari Kennel is also safer than wire for car journeys and is easy to wipe clean after accidents. It does not include a divider, so choose a size close to your puppy’s current needs or plan to size up later.
- Enclosed, den-like feel
- Great for car travel
- Easy to clean
- Durable plastic shell
Worth knowing: No divider, so it may be too big for small puppies of large breeds.
4. Diggs Evolv Crate — Best Modern Design
The Diggs Evolv looks more like furniture than a typical wire crate and includes a divider for puppies. It has a top door for gently lifting a small puppy in and out, and it folds for storage. It is a premium choice for owners who want the crate to fit in with the living room.
- Divider included
- Top and front doors
- Attractive, modern design
- Folds without tools
Worth knowing: It costs considerably more than wire crates.
How We Chose These Crates
We looked for crates that are safe for puppies, easy to clean after accidents, and ideally include a divider so one crate lasts into adulthood. We compared build quality, sizing options, doors and owner reviews on Amazon. We do not list prices because they change; use the buttons to check the current price.
How to Size a Crate for a Puppy
| Expected Adult Weight | Crate Size to Buy | Divider Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 25 lb | 24 in | Start with about half the length |
| 25-40 lb | 30 in | Move the divider every few weeks |
| 40-70 lb | 36 in | Leave room to stand and turn only |
| 70-90 lb | 42 in | Expect several divider moves |
| 90-110 lb | 48 in | Plan ahead for a big adult |
Buy for the adult size and use the divider so your puppy has just enough room to stand, turn around and lie down. Too much space lets a puppy use one end as a toilet, which slows house training. Our dog crate size chart has more detail by breed.
Setting Up Your Puppy’s Crate
- Place the crate near your bed for the first nights so your puppy feels less alone and you hear when they need to go out.
- Use a washable pad or towel at first, not a thick bed a puppy might chew. See our crate pads guide for durable options.
- Add a safe chew toy, such as those in our puppy teething toys guide.
- Feed meals in the crate to build a positive association.
- Follow our crate training schedule by age so you never ask too much too soon.
Puppy Crate Safety
- Remove collars and tags in the crate so they cannot catch.
- Check for gaps where small paws or jaws could get stuck, especially around the divider.
- Keep the crate out of direct sun and away from heaters.
- Young puppies cannot hold their bladder for long. As a rough guide, many can manage about one hour per month of age, up to a few hours, during the day.
- If your puppy cries for long periods or seems distressed, slow down training and ask your vet or a trainer for help.
Care and Cleaning
Accidents are part of puppyhood. Clean the tray with an enzyme cleaner, which breaks down odors that could draw your puppy back to the same spot. Wash bedding often and check the crate for chewed wire or plastic as your puppy’s teeth come in.
Our Verdict
The MidWest iCrate is the best dog crate for most puppies: affordable, available in every size, and it comes with a divider. Choose the LifeStages for strong, pushy puppies, the Petmate Vari Kennel for car rides and a cozy den, and the Diggs Evolv if you want a crate that looks good in your home. For everything else your new dog needs, see our new puppy checklist.
Related Guides
- 5 Best Dog Crates in 2026: Wire, Plastic, Soft-Sided, and Modular Picks Compared
- New Puppy Checklist: 25 Essentials to Buy Before You Bring Your Puppy Home
- Crate Training Schedule by Age: A Puppy Plan From 8 Weeks to Adult
- 3 Best Puppy Teething Toys (and How to Soothe Sore Gums)
- How to Stop a Puppy Crying in the Crate (Night and Day)
Frequently Asked Questions
What size crate should I buy for a puppy?
Buy the size your dog will need as an adult and use a divider to reduce the space while your puppy is small.
Should a puppy crate have a divider?
Yes. A divider keeps the space small enough to support house training, then expands as your puppy grows.
Wire or plastic crate for a puppy?
Wire crates are the most flexible and usually include dividers. Plastic kennels feel cozier and are better for car travel. Many owners use a wire crate at home and a plastic one for trips.
Where should a puppy crate go at night?
Near your bed for the first weeks, so your puppy feels secure and you can hear when they need a potty break.
Should I put a bed in my puppy’s crate?
Use a washable pad or towel at first. Switch to a thicker bed once you know your puppy will not chew it.