7 Best Small Dog Crates in 2026 — Reviews & Top Picks

A dog crate is like a home away from home for your pet — you want it to be a comfortable yet safe space for when your dog is feeling overwhelmed or to assist with house training. Picking the perfect crate for your dog, and for you, is essential to save money and time.

Dog crates have evolved from the simple wooden crates used during the Second World War. We tend to want the best for our pets — after all, they are part of the family.

Our reviews of the best small dog crates highlight each one and describe its pros and cons. The buyer’s guide will discuss basic features to look for when buying a crate since not all are created to fit the personal needs of you and your dog.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2026:

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		EliteField 4-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate	Zipper locks Flexible access Carrying bag	Check Price
Best Value		MidWest Homes Small Dog Crate	Divider pane included Carrying handle Roller feet	Check Price
Premium Choice		Petsfit Portable Mini Dog Crate	Holds up to 40 pounds Quality materials Easy setup	Check Price
		Carlson Compact Single Door Dog Crate	Made of steel Folds flat Multi-point locking system	Check Price
		SportPet Designs Plastic Kennel Dog Crate	Airline-approved Easy to clean Available in multiple sizes	Check Price

The 7 Best Small Dog Crates:

1. EliteField 4-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate - Best Overall

The EliteField 4-Door Soft Crate is a well-established, feature-rich option in the soft crate category, and its four-door layout is the standout detail that earns it the top spot on this list as the best small dog crate. Entry points on the front, side, and top mean you can position the crate anywhere in a room and still have easy access from at least one direction without having to reposition it.

The steel tube frame holds the crate firmly open during use and folds flat in seconds for storage, and a fleece bed and carrying bag are both included in the box, giving you everything you need from the moment it arrives. It comes in over a dozen colors and five sizes, making it one of the most customizable soft crates in its price range.

The 24-inch size suits small dogs comfortably, and it fits neatly in most car footwells or boot spaces for travel. Zipper locks on the doors prevent escape attempts, and the two-year warranty is one of the more generous in this category.

2. MidWest Homes Small Dog Crate - Best Value

The MidWest is the best small dog crate for the money, since it offers many features that make it easy to use. This 22x13x15-inch crate is ideal for small dogs no more than 7.5 pounds. It is wire mesh and comes with a divider pane, dog tray, carrying handle, and four roller feet.

We like that it is easy to set up, with no tools required, and it folds flat, making it easy to transport and store, especially since it only weighs 10 pounds. There are two doors with a heavy-duty slide bolt latch, and it comes with a one-year warranty.

We found that the divider is difficult to place in the crate, as well as remove, and may not hold up to aggressive dogs, but the bottom plastic tray is easy to clean. The Midwest is rated second since it is not as easy to use as the AmazonBasics crate.

3. Petsfit Portable Mini Dog Crate - Premium Choice

The Petsfit is a great size for a small to a medium-sized dog weighing up to 40 pounds, as the dimensions are 30x24x25 inches. We like that it is made from quality materials that have the potential to last for many years.

No tools are needed for setting up, and it is easy to fold and place into the carrying case. There is a handle on the top and three mesh windows on the sides, with two that roll up for openings. It comes with a soft fleece mat that is machine washable, and there are pockets along the rear wall that are great for storing dog-related items.

On the downside, we found that others have had issues with the zipper breaking after only using for a few months. But it does come with an Amazon return policy that will fix quality problems within 30 days. Even though the Petsfit offers great features within a good product, it is pricier overall, which is why it isn’t rated number one.

4. Carlson Compact Single Door Dog Crate

The Carlson crate is the perfect size for small breeds and puppies up to 25 pounds, as the dimensions are 24x18x19 inches. It will fit a dog up to 22 inches long and 16 inches, though this won’t leave any space to allow your dog to move around.

We like that the crate folds flat, allowing easier portability. There is one door and it has a multi-point locking system. It comes in a light pink color, which may be an advantage for some and a disadvantage for others, depending on your preferences.

We like that it is made of steel and weighs only 12 pounds. It comes with a removable floor pan that is washable and resists stains. However, the paint on the wire is not durable and chips off easily if chewed on.

5. SportPet Designs Plastic Kennel Dog Crate with Door

If you want something completely different from the wire and soft crate options above, the SportPet Designs Plastic Kennel offers a more enclosed, den-like environment that suits dogs who feel anxious or overstimulated by the open visibility of a wire crate.

The hard plastic shell creates a darker, quieter interior that many dogs naturally gravitate towards for sleep and recovery, and the ventilated door and side openings provide enough airflow to keep your dog comfortable without making the interior feel exposed. It arrives pre-assembled so there is no build time on arrival.

The medium size comfortably holds dogs up to around 30 pounds, and the two-piece design with fastening bolts makes cleaning straightforward. It also cannot fold flat for storage, which means it takes up more room than collapsible options. For small dog owners who travel by air or simply prefer a more enclosed, private sleeping space for their dog, the SportPet Plastic Kennel is a practical and distinct alternative to wire options.

6. AmazonBasics Folding Dog Crate - Best Overall

For a versatile dog crate that is great for traveling, the AmazonBasics is one to consider. It is a soft-sided crate, so you won’t want to put an anxious dog in here that likes to chew, but it has a PVC frame and is made of polyester fabric, so it will wear well.

This 26-inch crate is suitable for a small dog up to 30 pounds, and it has a door at the top and a mesh one on the front, with mesh windows on the sides. We like that it sets up in seconds and folds up for easy transportation and storage. The crate measures 26.3x18.1x18.1 inches.

On the downside, there is no handle on this crate, but it does come with a one-year warranty.

7. New World Folding Small Metal Dog Crate

This crate is suitable for dogs between 11 to 25 pounds, as it measures 24x18x19 inches. Assembly is easy and requires no tools, and you can fold it up for transport or storage. The included leak-proof plastic pan appears durable and cleans easily. There is a heavy-duty slide-bolt latch that prevents your dog from playing as an escape artist.

The E-coat black finish is durable and does not wear easily, which is nice if you have a dog who likes to chew. The New World comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. On the downside, there is no handle to assist with carrying when it is folded, nor is there a latch to keep it closed.

See our review of the best dog crates of the year!

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Crate for Small Dogs

When looking to buy a small dog crate, some features and options make some brands better than others. In this next section, we will go over what to look for when buying a small dog crate so you can choose the one that works well for you and your dog.

Size: The size you need will be determined by the size and weight of your dog. There are varying dimensions for small crates, and you need to make sure the one you like will fit your dog comfortably, especially if your dog will be in it for a long period.

Some crate descriptions say it will fit a dog up to 20 pounds, but this doesn’t factor in frame and build.

Material: Our review list has soft-sided, metal, and plastic crates, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Think about if the material is durable and if it is made of quality material to stand up to your dog's habits.

Wire crates provide great ventilation, but some dogs may feel exposed and uncomfortable. Plastic crates are lightweight and better insulated, but they can’t fold flat and aren’t ideal for warmer climates. Soft-sided dog crates may offer protection and a cozier feeling for your dog, but they wear faster than others.

Cost: Most small dog crates are affordable, with some pricier than others. It depends on the features and quality of the crate. What you can afford will be a factor in the crate you choose to buy.

Ease of use: A crate that is easy to put together, clean, and store is something that will determine the type you choose to purchase. Foldable crates are nice for traveling and for storage, but perhaps you would rather have a crate that is more durable for daily use at home. Also, think about how easy it is to clean, such as washing the fabric or cleaning the bottom tray.

Disposition of your dog: If you have a dog that does not do well being separated from you, it would be wise to get a crate that can hold up to chewing or biting. Most soft-sided crates cannot handle the constant abuse from an anxious dog or a puppy that naturally likes to chew.

Our Small Dog Crates Selection Process

When it comes to selecting products, Hepper has a committed team of writers and editors who work closely with licensed veterinarians to find the very best in today’s market. Together, they consider customer feedback, brand reputation, veterinary expertise, and whenever possible, hands-on testing. We aim to select and review the highest-quality products to help you make informed choices that meet both your and your pet’s needs.

Why Trust Hepper?

Since 2007, Hepper has been a trusted and growing online brand and resource with the edge of creating and retailing our own line of cat furniture, toys, and gear, and pet consumables, giving us valuable insights into how to choose small dog crates. Our driven team of pet-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to empowering our readers to make the best decisions for their animal companions. Our priority lies in providing top-notch information and recommendations. Our team is genuinely invested in the health and well-being of all pets worldwide, believing that expert knowledge is crucial for achieving this goal.

Final Thoughts

Our review list features the 10 best small dog crates on the market today. The first on our list is the EliteField 4-Door Soft Crate, a soft-sided crate that will hold up to 30 pounds yet is compact enough for travel and easy to use. The MidWest home is the best value on our list — it’s a wire mesh crate that is easy to set up and use. The Petsfit is our premium choice; it may be a little more expensive but is made from quality materials and offers versatility for you and comfort for your dog.

We hope our review list helps you decide which small crate will be the best for you and your pet. It can be frustrating to find the perfect item, and there are many factors involved when making such a choice. We have faith that you will find the perfect crate that is ideal and will last for many years to come.

Featured Image Credit: Viktorya Telminova, Shutterstock