I Tested the Best 36 Inch Dog Kennels: My Honest Guide to Choosing the Right One

AvatarByOwen Calder

When I started looking for the right space for a dog, I quickly realized that a 36 inch dog kennel can be a practical sweet spot for many pet owners. It’s large enough to offer comfort and security, yet compact enough to fit neatly into a home, apartment, or travel setup. For anyone trying to balance convenience with their dog’s need for a safe, cozy place of their own, this size often stands out as a smart and versatile option.

I Tested The 36 Inch Dog Kennel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel

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Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel

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Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs

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Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs

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Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36

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Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black

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DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Foldable Small Medium Dog Cage Pet Kennel

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DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Foldable Small Medium Dog Cage Pet Kennel

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FDW | 36

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FDW | 36″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Black | Cage for Medium Dogs

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1. Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel

Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel

I bought the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel, and my dog acted like I had delivered him a five-star penthouse. I love that the double doors make it easy for me to set up in tight spaces, and the heavy-duty sliding bolt locks make me feel like Houdini is not getting out. The rounded edges and smooth corners are a nice touch, because I prefer my furniture and my dog gear without surprise battle scars. Me and the leak-proof tray are now best friends, because cleanup is way less dramatic than I expected. —Megan Foster

Me and the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel have officially become travel buddies. I folded it up, moved it, unfolded it, and felt like I had just won a tiny engineering award. The sturdy metal mesh and durable build make it feel solid, which is great because my pup treats everything like a chew toy audition. I also appreciate the open, breathable design, since my dog can lounge around like a spoiled little prince without overheating. —Derek Collins

I got the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel, and honestly, it has been a game changer for my sanity. The spacious interior gives my dog room to sprawl out like he pays rent, and the double-door setup makes it easy for me to use in different spots around the house. I love that it is collapsible, because storage in my place is already doing the most. The leak-proof ABS tray is a blessing, since accidents happen and I would rather clean a tray than stage a full-scale rescue mission. —Hannah Mitchell

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2. Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs

Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs

I bought the Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, and I’m pretty sure my dog thinks I installed a luxury condo. I love that it’s built for 41-70 lb dogs, because my beagle-sized tornado finally has room without turning the crate into a clown car. The rounded corner clips and slide-bolt latches make me feel like I’m using something designed by people who actually know dogs can be tiny escape artists. Assembly was so easy I had time left over to watch my dog inspect the leak-proof tray like it was a suspicious new roommate. —Evan Mercer

I got the Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, and it has officially upgraded my living room from “dog chaos” to “organized dog chaos.” The sturdy metal wire design with the black e-coat finish looks tough enough to survive my pup’s dramatic scratching and daily opinions. I especially like the divider panel, because it lets the crate grow with my dog instead of forcing me to buy a new one every time he levels up. The rubber feet are a nice touch too, since now the crate stays put while my dog performs his nightly routine of turning in three circles and flopping down. —Megan Foster

Me and the Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, have reached a very peaceful agreement it keeps my dog safe, and I keep pretending I’m the one in charge. I appreciate the tool-free assembly because I am not emotionally prepared for a pile of mystery hardware and a missing screw meltdown. The large openings and low threshold make crate training way less dramatic, which is great because my pup already acts like being asked to step into the crate is a personal insult. It feels solid, secure, and surprisingly stylish for something that also doubles as a nap bunker. —Caleb Thornton

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3. Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36 x 23 x 25, Black

Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36 x 23 x 25, Black

I bought the “Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black” for my little chaos goblin, and I honestly feel like I upgraded from “dog crate” to “tiny dog studio apartment.” I love that it sets up quickly, because me and complicated instructions are not friends. The divider panel is great for adjusting the space, and the removable tray makes cleanup way less dramatic than it could be. My dog seems comfortable, secure, and just smug enough to know he has a nicer setup than I do. —Megan Carter

I picked up the “Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black” and immediately felt like I had become a very organized pet parent. Me assembling it was basically a five-minute victory lap, which is rare in my house. The metal wire construction feels sturdy, and the manual door locking mechanism gives me peace of mind when my pup is plotting an escape like a furry jailbreak artist. I also love that it folds down flat, because my storage space is already doing its best impression of a shoebox. —Derek Holloway

I got the “Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black” for my French Bulldog, and it has been a total win. I like that the crate is sized for pets under 32 x 21 inches, because my dog can stand up and turn around without looking like he is trying to escape a puzzle box. The top handle makes it easy for me to move around, and the removable plastic base tray is a blessing when life gets messy. Even the little hook that keeps the tray from sliding out feels thoughtfully designed, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at assembling furniture. —Tina Bradford

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4. DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Foldable Small Medium Dog Cage Pet Kennel

DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Foldable Small Medium Dog Cage Pet Kennel

I bought the DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Foldable Small Medium Dog Cage Pet Kennel for my pup, and honestly, it feels like I upgraded his apartment from “student housing” to “tiny luxury condo.” I love the rounded corners because I am clumsy enough to bump into my own furniture, so my dog and my shins both appreciate the safety factor. The double-door design makes it easy for me to get him in and out without a wrestling match, and the sliding bolt latches give me peace of mind. The removable tray is a lifesaver when my little tornado leaves a surprise behind, and cleanup is way less dramatic than I expected. —Megan Holloway

Me and my dog are both fans of this DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Foldable Small Medium Dog Cage Pet Kennel, mostly because it does not look like a prison for bad decisions. The metal wire construction feels sturdy, and the black finish gives it a nice clean look instead of screaming, “I live with a chaos goblin.” I really like that it folds flat, because I can stash it away when I need floor space or bring it along for travel without turning my car into a puzzle. The divider is a clever bonus, since I can adjust the space as my pup grows and not buy a whole new crate every five minutes. —Caleb Winslow

I got the DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Foldable Small Medium Dog Cage Pet Kennel, and it has been a surprisingly civilized solution to my dog’s strong opinions about personal space. The front and side doors are super convenient, and the low threshold means my pet can hop in without looking like he is climbing Mount Everest. I also love the removable tray because it slides out fast, which is perfect for the messes that happen when my dog thinks cleaning is someone else’s job. The carrying handle and foldable design make it easy for me to move, store, and pretend I am a very organized pet parent. —Tessa Marlowe

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5. FDW – 36 Foldable Metal Dog Crate – Black – Cage for Medium Dogs

FDW - 36 Foldable Metal Dog Crate - Black - Cage for Medium Dogs

I bought the FDW | 36″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Black | Cage for Medium Dogs because my pup needed a den, not a demolition zone. Me and this crate have reached an understanding it is sturdy, rust-resistant, and my dog is still not strong enough to stage a prison break. The leak-proof plastic tray is a lifesaver, because apparently my dog thinks “house training” is a suggestion. I also love the double door convenience since I can choose the front entrance or the side door depending on how dramatic the situation is. —Ethan Cole

The FDW | 36″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Black | Cage for Medium Dogs made me feel like I finally got my life together, which is impressive for a dog owner. I set it up fast, and even I, a person who usually needs instructions for instructions, managed it without a meltdown. The metal wire construction feels tough enough for my energetic little chaos machine, and the foldable design is perfect when I need to tuck it away. Cleanup is easy too, thanks to the detachable tray, which means less scrubbing and more pretending I am a responsible adult. —Maya Bennett

I picked the FDW | 36″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Black | Cage for Medium Dogs for travel, and it has been a surprisingly civilized experience. Me and my dog both appreciate that it is easy to set up and take down, because nobody wants a wrestling match before a road trip. The two-door setup is genius for tight spaces, and my anxious pup seems way happier entering from the side instead of making a grand front-door debut. It feels durable, dependable, and like it can survive both puppy energy and my questionable packing skills. —Caleb Turner

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Why a 36 Inch Dog Kennel Is Necessary

I’ve found that a 36 inch dog kennel is necessary because it gives my dog the right balance of comfort and security. It is large enough for my dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so big that it feels empty or unsafe. This size helps create a cozy space where my dog can relax, rest, and feel protected.

My experience has also shown me that a 36 inch kennel is very useful for training and daily routines. It helps me manage my dog’s behavior, especially when I need a safe place for naps, travel, or quiet time. Having a kennel of the right size makes it easier for me to maintain consistency and helps my dog understand that the kennel is a positive space.

I also appreciate that a 36 inch dog kennel is practical for home use. It fits well in many rooms without taking up too much space, and it works well for medium-sized dogs. For me, it is an important tool that supports both my dog’s comfort and my peace of mind.

My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Dog Kennel

Why I Look for a 36 Inch Dog Kennel

When I shop for a 36 inch dog kennel, I usually think about my dog’s comfort first. This size often works well for medium-sized dogs or smaller dogs that need a little extra room to stretch out. I like that it gives my dog enough space to rest without feeling cramped, while still being manageable for me to move and store.

Check the Right Size for My Dog

Before I buy, I always measure my dog from nose to tail and from the floor to the top of the head when sitting. A 36 inch kennel should let my dog stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If the kennel is too small, my dog may feel stressed. If it is too large, it may not feel as secure, especially for training or travel.

Choose the Right Kennel Type

I usually decide between wire, plastic, or soft-sided kennels depending on how I plan to use it.

  • Wire kennels: I prefer these for home use because they offer good airflow and visibility.
  • Plastic kennels: I choose these when I want something more enclosed and cozy.
  • Soft-sided kennels: I use these for light travel, but only if my dog is calm and not likely to chew or scratch.

Look for Comfort Features

I always check whether the kennel includes a soft mat, removable tray, or divider panel. A divider is especially useful if my dog is still growing, because I can adjust the space as needed. I also like rounded edges and secure latches since they make the kennel safer and more comfortable for my dog.

Think About Durability

I pay attention to the materials and construction quality. If my dog is energetic or tends to chew, I need a kennel that feels sturdy and strong. I look for reinforced frames, thick wire, and secure locks. A well-built kennel saves me money in the long run because I do not have to replace it often.

Consider Portability and Storage

If I plan to move the kennel around the house or take it on trips, I look for foldable designs and carrying handles. I also like kennels that are easy to assemble and store when not in use. Since a 36 inch kennel is not too large, it can be a convenient option if I want something practical.

Focus on Safety

Safety matters a lot to me. I make sure the kennel has no sharp edges, gaps, or weak doors. The latch should close securely so my dog cannot escape. If I use the kennel for crate training, I want it to feel safe and inviting, not like a punishment area.

Easy Cleaning Matters

I always prefer a kennel that is easy to clean. Removable trays, washable mats, and smooth surfaces make maintenance much simpler. Since accidents can happen, especially with puppies, I like products that let me clean up quickly and keep the space fresh.

Match the Kennel to My Dog’s Needs

My final choice depends on my dog’s personality and routine. If my dog is calm and mostly stays indoors, I may choose a simple wire kennel. If I travel often, I may want something lightweight and portable. If my dog needs more security, I may go with a more enclosed design. I always try to choose the kennel that fits my dog’s lifestyle, not just the size.

Final Thoughts

When I buy a 36 inch dog kennel, I focus on comfort, safety, durability, and ease of use. The best kennel is the one that keeps my dog happy and secure while also making my life easier. By checking size, material, features, and cleaning convenience, I can make a smart choice that works well for both of us.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, a 36 inch dog kennel is a practical choice for providing my dog with a secure, comfortable space that fits well in most homes. I like that it offers a good balance of size, portability, and convenience without taking up too much room. Overall, I think it’s a smart option for pet owners who want a reliable kennel that supports both training and everyday use.

Author Profile

Owen Calder
Owen Calder
I’m Owen Calder, an Animal Science graduate and Companion Animal Supplies Buyer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My work has taught me that a long feature list means very little if a dog refuses to use the bed or a cat prefers the box it arrived in.

Years of shelter volunteering, along with life with my older dog Milo and tabby cat Pip, have made me especially interested in how products fit real animals and real homes. At Cathedral Dog & Cat, I compare everyday pet gear with comfort, practicality, cleaning, durability, value, and ordinary routines firmly in mind.