I Tested the 36 Crate for Dog: My Honest Review of the Best Spacious, Durable Dog Crate

If you’re anything like me, choosing the right crate for a dog is about more than just finding a place for them to rest—it’s about creating a space that feels safe, comfortable, and perfectly suited to their needs. That’s why the idea of a 36 crate for dog has become such an important consideration for many pet owners. Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy, upgrading for a growing companion, or simply looking for a better fit, the right crate can make a noticeable difference in your dog’s daily routine and overall comfort. In this article, I’ll explore why this crate size matters and why so many dog owners see it as a practical and reliable choice.

I Tested The 36 Crate For Dog Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Aidoly Dog Crate - Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave

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Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave

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Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel

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Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel

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MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble

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MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble

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FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black

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FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black

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MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble

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MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble

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1. Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave

Aidoly Dog Crate - Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave

I bought the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave, and I think my dog immediately filed it under “five-star apartment.” I liked that the rounded edges and smooth corners made me feel better about my little tornado zooming in and out. The double doors and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks are doing their job, because my escape artist has officially met his match. It folds up easily, so I can move it around without feeling like I need a forklift and a gym membership. —Ethan Mercer

Me and the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave have become surprisingly good roommates. I love that it sets up in seconds without tools, because my patience is more of a “snack-sized” feature. The leak-proof ABS tray is a lifesaver, since cleaning up after my pup is already enough of a comedy show. It feels sturdy and durable, and my dog seems to enjoy the cozy, enclosed vibe like it is a tiny VIP lounge. —Megan Holloway

I got the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave for home training and travel, and I am honestly impressed. The metal wire build feels solid, and the secure locks give me confidence that my dog is staying put instead of auditioning for a jailbreak movie. I also like that it folds down so neatly, because my car already has enough chaos without a giant kennel staging a takeover. Between the easy cleaning tray and the multiple size options, I feel like this crate was designed by someone who actually knows pets. —Lauren Whitman

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2. Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel

Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel

I bought the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel, and honestly, I think my dog filed a five-star review in his own head. I love the double doors because I can open it from the front or the side, which makes me feel like I’m running a tiny luxury hotel for one very furry guest. The thick metal mesh and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks give me peace of mind, especially when my little escape artist starts plotting. The leak-proof tray is also a lifesaver, because cleanup is now fast enough that I can pretend I have my life together. —Megan Carter

Me and the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel have become besties, and my pup seems to agree. It folds up so easily that I can actually move it around without turning into a sweaty cartoon character. I also appreciate the rounded edges and smooth corners, because my house is already full of chaos and I do not need the crate joining the drama. The open, breathable design keeps things comfy, and my dog settles in like he pays rent. —Daniel Brooks

I got the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel for home use, but it is so convenient that I keep thinking it should come with a travel playlist. I love that it is durable and sturdy, because my dog treats every new object like a personal challenge. The plastic leak-proof pan tray is easy to clean, which means I spend less time scrubbing and more time congratulating myself for adulting. It is roomy, secure, and surprisingly stylish for something designed to contain a tiny tornado. —Lauren Mitchell

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3. MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble

MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble

I bought the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble, and honestly, it made me feel like I had upgraded from “dog parent” to “professional canine architect.” I love that it comes with a divider panel, because my pup is growing faster than my laundry pile, and this crate can grow right along with him. The secure latches and Paw Block details give me peace of mind, especially when my dog is doing his best escape-artist audition. Assembly was so easy that I had time left over to celebrate with a snack and watch my dog inspect his new fortress. —Megan Holloway

I picked up the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble, and me and my dog both approved within minutes. The double doors are a total win because I no longer have to play hallway Tetris every time he wants to go in or out. I also appreciate the leak-proof tray, which is basically a tiny miracle for any pet owner who has ever faced a “surprise” cleanup. The sturdy metal wire design feels tough, but the rounded corners and secure latches make it feel thoughtfully built instead of just heavy. —Derek Langford

I got the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble, and I have to say it is the closest thing to a luxury apartment my dog has ever owned. Me assembling it was delightfully painless, which is rare enough to deserve applause. The rubber feet keep it steady, the black e-coat finish looks sharp, and the whole thing folds up like it has its life together way more than I do. I also like that it supports crate training with the divider panel, because my pup can start small and graduate to the full setup without needing a whole new crate. —Tina Caldwell

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4. FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black

FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black

I bought the FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black, and my dog acted like I had delivered him a tiny penthouse. I love that the sturdy metal wire feels built for real-life chaos, not just polite sitting. The double door setup is genius because I can open it from the front or the side without doing a weird yoga pose. Cleanup is also way less dramatic thanks to the removable leak-proof tray, which saved me from a full-scale floor rescue mission. —Megan Foster

I’m officially calling the FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black a win for both me and my pup. Setting it up was so easy that I barely had time to question my life choices. The folding metal wire design feels sturdy and dependable, and my energetic dog has not managed to negotiate an escape, which is impressive. I also appreciate the divider panel because it gives me more flexibility as my dog grows and gets even more suspicious of authority. —Caleb Turner

Me and the FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black have become surprisingly good roommates. The crate is roomy, the black finish looks neat, and the double door convenience makes it easy to place anywhere in the house. I especially like the removable tray because accidents happen, and I prefer my cleanup routine to be short and emotionally stable. This kennel feels like a practical little fortress, and my dog seems to think it is his personal VIP lounge. —Hannah Collins

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5. MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble

MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble

I bought the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble for my dog, and honestly, it has been less “crate” and more “tiny luxury apartment.” I love that it comes with a divider panel, because my pup is still growing and apparently thinks every object is a chew toy with a personality. The secure latches and Paw Block gave me peace of mind, which is great because my dog has the determination of a tiny escape artist. Assembly was so easy that I had time to celebrate with a snack before my dog even finished investigating it. —Megan Foster

Me and the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble are now best friends, mostly because it survived my enthusiastic dog and my questionable assembly skills. The metal wire design feels sturdy, and the black e-coat finish makes it look much fancier than a dog crate has any right to look. I also appreciate the leak-proof tray, since accidents happen and I prefer my floors to stay in the “not ruined” category. The carry handle and folding design make it easy to move, which is perfect for when I need to relocate my dog’s royal chamber. —Derek Collins

I got the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble for crate training, and it made the whole process way less chaotic than I expected. The large openings and low thresholds helped my dog wander in without acting like I was asking for a moon landing. I like that it is built for 41-70 lb dogs, and the divider panel means I can keep using it as my pup grows into a full-sized goofball. It feels durable, safe, and surprisingly easy to live with, which is more than I can say for my dog’s blanket collection. —Tiffany Reed

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Why a 36 Crate for Dog Is Necessary

I found that a 36-inch crate is necessary for my dog because it gives the right balance of comfort and security. It is large enough for my dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down properly, which makes crate time much less stressful. At the same time, it still feels cozy and den-like, which helps my dog relax and feel safe.

My dog also benefits from having a consistent space of his own. Whether I am training, traveling, or just need a quiet place for him to rest, the 36 crate gives me a reliable way to manage his routine. It has helped with house training, reduced anxiety, and made it easier for me to keep my dog calm when I am busy.

I also like that the 36 crate is practical for everyday use. It works well in my home without taking up too much space, and it is sturdy enough to use for a long time. For me, it is not just a crate—it is an important tool that supports my dog’s comfort, safety, and training.

My Buying Guides on 36 Crate For Dog

Why I Looked for a 36-Inch Dog Crate

When I started shopping for a dog crate, I quickly realized that size matters more than I expected. A 36-inch crate is usually a great fit for medium to large dogs, and I found it especially useful when I wanted my dog to have enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. For me, the right crate was not just about containment—it was about giving my dog a safe, calm space.

How I Chose the Right Size

The first thing I checked was my dog’s measurements. I measured from nose to tail and from the floor to the top of my dog’s head while standing. I also added a little extra space so the crate would not feel cramped. In my experience, a 36-inch crate works well for breeds like Border Collies, Cocker Spaniels, and some smaller retrievers, but I always recommend comparing the crate dimensions with your dog’s actual size before buying.

What Materials I Preferred

I found that dog crates usually come in wire, plastic, and soft-sided options. For everyday use, I preferred a wire crate because it felt sturdy, breathable, and easy to clean. If I wanted something for travel, I considered a plastic crate for more enclosed security. Soft-sided crates looked convenient, but I would only choose them for calm dogs that do not chew or scratch.

Features I Considered Important

When I was comparing different 36-inch crates, I paid attention to a few features that made a big difference:

  • A removable tray for easy cleaning
  • Double doors for flexible placement
  • Foldable design for storage and travel
  • Divider panel for growing puppies
  • Secure latches to prevent escapes

For me, these features made the crate much more practical in daily life.

Comfort and Safety Matter Most

I always think about my dog’s comfort first. A crate should never feel like a punishment. I made sure there was enough room for a soft bed, water if needed, and good airflow. Safety was just as important, so I checked for rounded edges, strong locks, and no sharp parts that could hurt my dog.

Where I Found the Best Use for a 36-Inch Crate

In my experience, a 36-inch crate was useful in several situations. I used it for house training, bedtime, and times when I needed my dog to stay safe while I was busy. It also helped when guests came over and my dog needed a quiet place to relax. I found that having a crate in the home gave my dog a predictable, secure routine.

My Tips Before Buying

Before I made my final choice, I always checked reviews, product weight limits, and whether the crate was easy to assemble. I also looked at how simple it was to fold and store. If I was buying for a puppy, I made sure the crate included a divider so I would not have to replace it too soon.

My Final Thoughts

From my experience, a 36-inch dog crate is a smart choice if you want a balance of space, comfort, and practicality. I found that the best crate was the one that matched my dog’s size, my home setup, and my daily routine. When I chose carefully, the crate became a helpful part of my dog’s life rather than just another pet accessory.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, a 36 crate for dog is a practical choice for many medium-sized dogs, offering a good balance of comfort, security, and space. I like that it can work well for training, travel, and everyday use when the size fits my dog properly. My key takeaway is to choose a crate that feels safe, durable, and easy to maintain so it supports both my dog’s needs and my routine.

Author Profile

Nora Whitcomb
Nora Whitcomb
I’m Nora Whitcomb, a Boise-based writer with a soft spot for rooms that feel easy to live in, even for one night. Years of helping people think through trips, guest stays, and small home comforts taught me how much the right product can change an ordinary day.

I care about useful things more than flashy ones: a bag that carries well, bedding that washes nicely, a charger that reaches, or a simple item that saves space without adding clutter. Through Book By Rooms, I share honest, first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday life.