Plastic dog crates are hard-case kennels that are specially designed with heavy duty plastic that is scratch and chew-proof. Plastic dog crates can be used as outdoor dog kennels, indoor dog houses, or carriers during travel depending on how the dog crate is designed.
A plastic dog crate will come in very handy when you are trying to train your dog, when you need to confine it, during traveling or when trying to handle behavioral issues. Compared to other dog crates, the top-rated plastic dog crates are generally less open hence offer more privacy.
They are also well-insulated and lightweight. Some of them are two-pieced and can be converted into a dog bed when the need arises. However, plastic dog crates have limited ventilation and can easily trap odor. They, therefore, need to be cleaned often.
Here are the best plastic dog crates worthy your consideration:
#1) Petmate Sky Kennel Plastic Dog Crate
This is a heavy-duty pet crate that has a very sturdy construction making it a perfect crate for both security and comfort. The durable wire doors interlock and have a four-way latching system keeping the pet safe.
The double-wire door and windows allow for air circulation in the kennel. This pet crate can be used for traveling as it has a handle on the top and has a flat bottom.It also comes with dual food and water clip-on cups. The non-corrosive wing nuts and bolts which are also plastic-covered are designed for a durable assembly.
The high-impact plastic is eco-friendly and is made of recycled material and also come with live animal stickers. The dimension of this pet crate is 21 inches by 16 inches by 15 inches and is suitable for a medium-sized pet.
Features
- It is a well-ventilated crate as it has a double-wire door and windows.
- The pet crate can be used for travel.
- It is safe for your pet as it has a four-way latching system.
- It is eco-friendly.
- Comes with a live animal sticker
- It is a heavy-duty pet crate
- It has non-corrosive wingnuts and bolts for durable assembly.
#2) AmazonBasics Two-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Travel Carrier
This pet crate is made of durable plastic, comes with a steel door, and has ventilation points on all the sides and the top. The two-door design, top load, and side door allow you to easily place and retrieve your pet.
The top door opens to the right or left to allow easier access and for convenience. The construction of the crate is very secure, the top and bottom snap together with 4 latches and some screws can be used for added reinforcement.
The handle on the top allows you to port the pet around and the mesh door will let your furry friend see what is around. Your vet visits, picnic, hikes, and any other trip will be much easier. This pet crate is recommended for a small breed of dogs.
Features
- The crate is made of durable plastic.
- It comes with a top load and a side door for convenience.
- The top door can be opened to the right or left for easy access.
- It has a handle that will allow you to port your pet around.
- The pet crate features a steel door.
#3) Petmate Two Door Top Load
Are you looking for a practical pet crate that is attractive too? Petmate Two Door Top Load is then the crate for you. It is an ideal crate for dog training and travel as it is approved by most airlines.
It features a two-door design for easy access. The top door allows you to place and retrieve your pet easily. The handle on the top has a comfortable grip for easy transportation.
It has a stainless steel wire door that allows for ventilation and gives your pooch a view of what is happening on the outside. The sturdy construction of this pet crate makes it very durable.
It comes in two sizes, one for small-sized pets and one for medium-sized pets so you can choose which suits you best. The pet crate also comes with ventilation holes on all the sides allowing for the free flow of air.
Features
- The pet crate has an attractive design.
- It has a top load and side door.
- Available in two sizes.
- The pet crate has a sturdy construction.
- The ergonomic handle makes it comfortable and easy for you to move it around.
#4) Aspen Pet Porter Heavy-Duty Pet Kennel
This pet crate meets most airline cargo specifications. It has additional storage compartments at the top where you can store pet treats or other requirements. It is a stylish pet crate and has a durable construction, designed for the comfort of your pooch. There is a variety of colors and sizes to choose from to suit your taste and needs.
The steel door and the quick latching system make this pet crate a secure choice. It features side vents on all the sides allowing for the free circulation of air. The rounded edges and smooth interior allows your dog to live comfortably and safely.
Features
- It has a quick latching system.
- The pet crate has a sturdy construction.
- It has side vents for air circulation.
- Meets most airline travel specifications. However, confirm with your airline before travel.
- The pet crate has additional storage compartments.
- This pet crate provides your pet with the utmost comfort.
#5) Midwest Spree Travel Pet Carrier
The Midwest Spree Travel Pet Carrier is made of durable easy to clean plastic that you just need to spray with water or wipe with a wet cloth. It is the perfect travel crate for small pets and comes with a comfortable in-built carrying handle that swings on both sides and will make moving around for you and your pet easier and more convenient.
It has lattice-designed topsides and a door for ventilation and visibility. The plastic material is sturdy and molded hence will serve you for a long time. The assembly process is very easy as you will set it up in four steps without requiring any tools.
The crate comes in a variety of fun and fashionable colors that you can choose from. It has an easy-to-use door that can open from either side. Moreover, the is recommended for small-sized pets such as birds, cats, or small-sized dogs.
Features
- Recommended for small-sized pets.
- It is easy to clean.
- Available in different fun colors.
- It has an inbuilt handle.
- It is easy to assemble.
- Made of durable plastic.
#6) Plastic Kennels Rolling Plastic Wire Door Travel Dog Crate
The removable wheels are the standing-out feature of this dog crate. You can breeze through the airport or the mall with this carrier by sliding it on the wheels. It is designed for lifetime use as it is made of very sturdy plastic. It is spacious and comes in different sizes. The ventilation holes are made of metal slats which are suitable for even chewy dogs.
The Two Halves of the kennel are held by locking snaps and there are additional hardware locks that you can use to enhance the security of your pet in the crate. The metal door is fitted with a smooth easy to grasp latch that is impact-resistant giving you peace of mind at all times.
The pet crate is easy to assemble and the wheels can easily snap on and off as required. The pet crate comes with live animal stickers and two bowls. This crate is however recommended for pets that are already trained.
Features
- It has wheels that can be used to slide on during movement.
- It is a very durable crate.
- The ventilation holes are made of wire instead of plastic.
- The door is fitted with an easy-to-grasp latch for extra security.
- Easy assembly.
- It comes with live animal stickers.
#7) Petmate Compass Plastic Pets Kennel with Chrome Door
This pet house features 360 degrees of ventilation and visibility for the comfort of your dog. It has an easy slide and snaps assembly design that makes it very easy for one to put it up as you do not require any tools and four additional bolts for added security. It has an increased doorway size and a two-way door opening for convenience.
The dual turn dial latches give extra security even during travel. It is an ideal pet crate for dog training and travel as it meets most airline travel specifications. It has a durable construction and will last you for a lifetime.
Features
- It has 360 degrees of ventilation and visibility.
- It has a larger door for convenience.
- Easy slide and snap assembly process.
- Comes with four bolts for additional security.
- Two-way door design which you can open to the right or left.
- It has a quick latch design for extra security.
#8) Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel
This pet house has a raised interior for added comfort and a moated floor to ensure that your furry friend is always dry. The side wired ventilation that is chew resistant and the rear ventilation allows for air circulation in the kennel. The steel door has an easy to open latch that will allow you to quickly access your furry friend.
It is a very durable pet crate that comes with heavy-duty hardware and reinforced walls. Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel is made of 95% recycled consumer plastic and is very easy to assemble without requiring any tools. It meets most airline cargo specifications and comes with a live animal sticker making it a convenient pet crate to travel with.
Features
- Wired side ventilation.
- Features rear ventilation.
- The pet crate has a moated floor.
- Quick assembling process.
- The crate meets most airline cargo specifications.
- It has an easy-to-open latch.
- It comes with live animal stickers.
Top-Rated Plastic Dog Crates Buying Guide and FAQs
Tips for Choosing the Right Size of the Top-Rated Plastic Dog Crates
Measure the height and length of your dog then weigh it
Kennels that are too large make your dog feel unsafe and inhibit dog training. Kennels that are too small will be uncomfortable for your pooch. Measure your dog’s length, from the nose to the tail then measure its height while standing. Add two to four inches to each of these measurements to get the right-sized crate for your pooch.
The table below will guide you on the right size crate considering the weight of the dog.
| Dog Weight | Crate Length |
| 35 – 40 lbs | 24 – 30 inches |
| 40 – 70 lbs | 36 inches |
| 70 – 90 lbs | 42 inches |
| 90 – 110 lbs | 48 inches |
| 110+ lbs | 54 inches |
Go up a size for smaller dogs
When purchasing a kennel for a smaller dog, have in mind that each manufacturer has a different way of categorizing the sizes of dog kennels. For smaller dog breeds and puppies, it is safer to go a size up to get the right-sized Kennel. You can always put cardboard or other dog furniture such as mats to take up some room in the dog crate in case it is larger than required
Choose the appropriately sized Kennel for medium and large-sized dogs
Dogs that weigh 40-70 pounds will comfortably fit in a medium-sized kennel that is around 36 inches long. Large dogs that weigh 70-90 pounds can fit into a large-sized kennel that is about 42 inches long. Choosing a Kennel for medium and large-sized dogs can be a tad bit confusing but always have in mind that it is better to take a chance with a crate that’s bigger than a smaller crate.
Advantages of Top-Rated Plastic Dog Crates
- Plastic dog crates are good for managing separation anxiety and behavioral issues with your pooch as they have limited visibility.
- They offer very good insulation during the cold season. The plastic material helps in trapping air inside the crate hence better insulation.
- Most of the plastic dog crates can be converted to a dog bed as they are two pieced.
- Plastic crates are lightweight making them convenient for travel.
- They are more secure and tough for your pet to get out of.
- Most pet owners prefer plastic dog crates when it comes to dog training.
- Plastic dog crates are preferred by most airlines due to their features. They meet most airline cargo specifications.
- They are very durable as they are made of sturdy plastic material.
- Plastic dog crates are easy to clean.
Wire vs. Plastic Dog Crates
When searching for a dog crate you may find yourself in a dilemma on whether to choose a plastic kennel or a metal-wire crate. As long as it’s properly sized, either type of crate will be a good choice for housebreaking your dog.
Nevertheless, each model has its share of cones. Right-sizing a crate is the first thing a pet parent does. An ideal crate should not be too small or too large for your pooch. Your pup should be able to stand up, lie down, and around easily in the crate.
If you get a crate that is too large for your dog, he/she may soil on one end and make the other end the bedroom. No dog likes sleeping whether it soils. Besides it defeats the point of crate training.
Read: Best Side Door Plastic Crates
Advantages of Wire Crates
These crates allow excellent airflow which comes in handy for dogs living in hotter places and pups with longer coats. Besides, the open-air construction offers optimal visibility; your pooch sees everything in the surrounding.
When it comes to storage, wire crates fold flat to facilitate compact storage. The foldable design also eases the portability of the crates. Some come with divider panels that help in adjusting the size of the living space as the pup grows. Another inclusion to these crates is the sliding try for accidents easing the cleanup.
Read: Best Dog Crates with Dividers
Disadvantages of Wire Crates
While maximum visibility is comforting to the dog, it may sometimes make the dog restless leading to whining, barking, and stress when the fails to get to you. Some wire crates may have very big gaps between the gaps on the bottom.
Smaller dog breeds have a hard time setting their paws down comfortably. The airflow design makes the crates inappropriate for use in colder areas. A dog needs to retain body heat to keep them warm and the airflow inhibits heat retention.
Advantages of Plastic Crates
Compared to metal wire crates, plastic crates are lightweight allowing effortless carrying and moving. Some plastic crates can have the top compartment removed to create a dog bed.
The crates have a limited view allowing more privacy for your dog. The privacy keeps potential distractions at bay. Some plastic crates are airline approved so pet parents can travel with their pets when flying out of town whereas wire crates are not.
Disadvantages of Plastic Crates
The plastic shells have limited view and reduced airflow. Whereas the features ensure more privacy, they are not helpful to curious dogs. These pups may become stressed because they feel isolated.
Plastic crates retain odors from accidents over time making it difficult to keep them clean and fresh. Storage is also a problem because the crates do not fold flat like wire crates.
FAQs on Top Rated Dog Crates
Q: Is it cruel to crate a dog while at work?
Leaving your pet in a crate all day is not advisable. A puppy can take up to 5 hours in a crate while a full-grown can take at most 8 hours. Even if a full-grown dog can take more hours of confinement, it should not be an everyday thing.
Q: Should You Close a Puppy Crate at Night?
Crates are not meant to instill fear in your pet. They should be a go-to place when your puppy wants to feel safe. The crate should therefore not be kept closed at night as this will make your dog feel as if it is being punished or being caged and it might trigger some behavioral problems.
Q: Should I Cover My Dog’s Crate with a Blanket?
Blankets transform a dog crate into a sanctuary. Dogs prefer den-like enclosures and covering a dog crate provides a more secluded area. Covering a dog crate with a blanket satisfies the natural denning instincts of your pooch and it is therefore recommended.
A crate cover also helps reduce anxiety and soothe dogs by minimizing visual stimuli. Limiting visual distractions help prevent excitement and barking. If your pup gets excited easily, it will less likely react to outside movements if it nests in a covered crate.
If you take your pooch for a road trip, the blanket comes in handy for dogs who get stress from car rides or unfamiliar places. For the full realization of these benefits, you should choose a breathable blanket.
Q: Should I Ignore the Puppy Crying at Night?
Most puppies find separation from the family distressing hence the constant crying during bedtime. As a puppy parent, expect some whining from your fur baby. While it is normal for the puppy to whine and cry at night, going to their rescue may encourage the behavior.
The pup will see their crying as acceptable behavior. Think about leaving the crate door open during bedtime and also place a sheet over top and back so the puppy feels secured and protected. You can also place the crate in your bedroom. Your presence helps calm the puppy.
Conclusion
Top-rated plastic dog crates are a good choice for a dog crate. These crates will keep your pup in one place while you are away and also making them feel secure when you are home. Besides providing safe and comfortable confinement at home, the top-rated plastic dog crates are great for traveling.
Most of them meet the airline cargo specifications, but it is always good to consult with your airline to ensure that the crate meets their set regulations. These crates will provide comfort for your furry friend and convenience for you. Which plastic dog crate from today’s post will you be trying first?