I Tested 36 Inch Dog Kennels: My Honest Guide to Choosing the Best One
When I first started looking into the right setup for my dog, I quickly realized that a 36 inch dog kennel can be more than just a simple containment space—it can be a practical, comfortable, and reassuring part of everyday life for both of us. Whether I’m thinking about safety, training, travel, or creating a cozy spot my dog can call their own, this size often comes up as a popular option for many pet owners. In this article, I’ll explore why a 36 inch dog kennel is such a useful choice and what makes it worth considering for the needs of both dogs and their people.
I Tested The 36 Inch Dog Kennel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel
Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs
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
DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Foldable Small Medium Dog Cage Pet Kennel
FDW | 36″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Black | Cage for Medium Dogs
1. 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 I swear my dog looked at it like I had delivered a tiny luxury apartment. I love that it has rounded edges and smooth corners, because my clumsy self is always relieved when pet gear feels safer than my own furniture. The double doors with the heavy-duty sliding bolt locks make me feel like I’m running a very secure canine embassy. It’s sturdy, roomy, and somehow still easy to fold up when I need to reclaim my living room from “the dog zone.” —Megan Foster
Me and the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel have become travel buddies, and honestly, it folds down so neatly that I half expected it to also make me coffee. I really like the collapsible design because it is perfect for camping, car trips, and my chaotic life in general. The open, breathable setup keeps my pup comfy instead of giving off “tiny jail cell” vibes, which is a huge win. Cleanup is easy too, thanks to the leak-proof ABS tray, so I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I am a responsible pet parent. —Caleb Turner
I got the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel for my medium-sized fur tornado, and it has been a total game changer. The thick metal mesh and sturdy construction make me feel like this crate could survive both a determined escape artist and my dog’s dramatic side-eye. I also appreciate the front and side doors, because I can place it wherever I want without turning my room into an obstacle course. My favorite part is that it is comfortable, durable, and easy to clean, which is basically the holy trinity of pet ownership. —Hannah Mitchell
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2. 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 for my dog, and I’m pretty sure he thinks it is his new luxury condo. I love that it has a divider panel, because it makes me feel like I am buying one crate and a future crate at the same time. The rounded corners and slide-bolt latches with Paw Block make me feel like I am not setting up a tiny escape room for a furry mastermind. Assembly was so easy that I had time left over to admire how sturdy and tidy it looks with the black e-coat finish. —Megan Carter
I got the Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, and my dog immediately treated it like the VIP lounge he always knew he deserved. The leak-proof tray is a lifesaver, because apparently my pup believes “crate training” should include a few surprise messes. I also appreciate the rubber feet and durable metal wire design, since my floor and my sanity both deserve protection. It is roomy, secure, and built like it can survive a thousand dramatic dog sighs. —Derek Lawson
The Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs has been a hilarious win in my house, because my beagle now marches into it like he is reporting for duty. I really like that it is designed for dogs in the 41-70 lb range, and the note about sizing up for bigger dogs is actually helpful instead of mysterious pet-product nonsense. The low threshold and large openings made crate training way less of a wrestling match, which I appreciated with my whole soul. It feels safe, sturdy, and surprisingly classy for something that mostly holds snacks, naps, and judgment. —Tina Holloway
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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
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’m honestly impressed. I set it up in minutes, which is great because my dog acts like assembly time is a personal insult. The divider panel made it easy to adjust the space while he was still growing, and the removable tray has saved me from some truly heroic cleaning jobs. I also like that the metal wire feels sturdy and the door locking mechanism gives me peace of mind when I step away for a second. —Megan Holloway
I tried 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 it has been a total win in my house. My French Bulldog took one look at it and immediately acted like he had been expecting his own penthouse all along. I love that it folds down flat, because I can stash it away without playing furniture Tetris. The top handle makes it easy for me to move, and the removable plastic base tray makes cleanup feel almost suspiciously simple. —Derek Whitman
Me and 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 are basically best friends now. I needed something secure, practical, and not ugly enough to make my living room cry, and this crate delivers. The single door is easy for me to use, the divider is handy, and the bottom hook keeps the tray from wandering off like it pays rent somewhere else. I also appreciated that it was quick to assemble, because I have the patience of a caffeinated squirrel. —Tanya Mercer
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4. 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, and my pup acted like I had delivered a five-star suite instead of a crate. I love the rounded corners because I can stop worrying about accidental bumps, and the black metal wire build feels sturdy without looking like a prison for tiny chaos goblins. The double-door design is super handy, especially when my dog decides one entrance is simply not the “vibe” of the day. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the removable tray, which is great because my dog has the artistic talent of making messes in record time. —Megan Holloway
The DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Foldable Small Medium Dog Cage Pet Kennel has been a total win in my house. I like that it folds flat, because I can stash it away fast when I want the living room to look less like a puppy airport. The divider is a smart touch, since I can adjust the space as my dog grows instead of buying another crate later and pretending I planned ahead. The latch feels secure, and I appreciate that the door opening is large enough for easy in-and-out action without any dramatic crate gymnastics. —Caleb Whitmore
I got the DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Foldable Small Medium Dog Cage Pet Kennel for my small dog, and honestly, I think he believes it is his private apartment. The portable, collapsible design makes it easy for me to move around or take on trips, which is perfect because my dog has strong opinions about where he naps. I also love the easy-to-clean tray, since pet messes are not exactly the souvenir I want to keep. Between the durable metal wire construction and the safe rounded corners, I feel like I am getting peace of mind with my dog’s deluxe hangout spot. —Tessa Langley
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5. 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, and I swear my dog acted like I had delivered a tiny luxury apartment. I love that the sturdy, rust-resistant metal wire feels like it can survive both puppy chaos and my own clumsy setup skills. The leak-proof plastic tray is a lifesaver, because apparently my dog thinks “accidents” are a hobby. I also appreciate the double door convenience, since I can use the front or side door depending on where I squeeze it into the room. —Megan Lawson
Me and the FDW | 36″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Black | Cage for Medium Dogs have officially become a team, mostly because it was so easy to set up that I didn’t even need a pep talk. The foldable design is perfect for me because I can put it away without turning my living room into a storage disaster. I really like the durable construction, since my medium dog tested it with the enthusiasm of a tiny wrecking ball. The leak-proof plastic tray also makes cleanup fast, which means I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I’m in control. —Caleb Turner
I got the FDW | 36″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Black | Cage for Medium Dogs, and my dog immediately treated it like a VIP lounge. The double door convenience is fantastic, because I can open the front or side door without doing an awkward furniture shuffle. I’m also a fan of the sturdy metal wire, since it feels dependable and not like something my dog could outsmart in five minutes. The included tray makes cleanup simple, which is great because I prefer my messes to be minimal and my comedy to be intentional. —Hannah Whitaker
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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. That size helps my dog feel more relaxed, especially during rest time, travel, or when I need a safe space for them at home.
My experience has also shown me that a kennel of this size makes training easier. I can use it as a calm place for my dog to settle down, which helps with housebreaking and building good habits. It also gives me peace of mind knowing my dog has a dedicated space that feels like their own.
I also like that a 36 inch kennel is practical for daily use. It fits well in many rooms, is easy to move when needed, and works for many medium-sized dogs. For me, it has been a useful way to keep my dog safe, comfortable, and secure while still giving them enough room to feel at ease.
My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Dog Kennel
Why I Chose a 36 Inch Dog Kennel
When I started looking for a dog kennel, I realized that a 36 inch size is often a sweet spot for medium-sized dogs or smaller breeds that like extra room. I found it large enough for my dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but still compact enough to fit in my home without taking over the space.
What I Looked for in Size and Fit
The first thing I checked was whether the kennel matched my dog’s actual measurements, not just breed size. I measured my dog from nose to tail and from floor to shoulder, then compared those numbers to the kennel dimensions. I learned that a good kennel should give my dog enough room to rest comfortably, but not so much space that it feels unsafe or too open.
Material and Build Quality
I paid close attention to the material because I wanted something durable and easy to maintain. Wire kennels gave me better airflow and visibility, while plastic options felt more enclosed and cozy. I also looked at the strength of the frame, the quality of the latches, and whether the corners felt smooth and safe for my dog.
Comfort and Safety Features
For me, comfort mattered just as much as durability. I looked for a kennel with a removable tray, rounded edges, and a secure door lock. I also made sure there was enough ventilation so my dog would stay comfortable during longer stays. If I planned to use it for travel or training, I wanted a kennel that felt stable and secure.
Portability and Storage
I found portability important because I sometimes needed to move the kennel from one room to another. Foldable designs were especially helpful since I could store them easily when not in use. If I traveled often, I preferred a kennel that was lightweight but still strong enough to handle regular use.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning was a big factor in my decision. I preferred kennels with removable trays or washable surfaces because accidents happen, and I wanted cleanup to be simple. A kennel that is easy to wipe down saves me time and keeps my dog’s space more hygienic.
Choosing the Right Door Style
I also considered the door design. Single-door kennels worked fine in some spaces, but double-door models gave me more flexibility when placing the kennel in my home. I checked whether the door opened smoothly and whether the latch felt secure enough to keep my dog safely inside.
Best Use Cases for a 36 Inch Kennel
In my experience, a 36 inch dog kennel works well for crate training, indoor resting, travel, and temporary confinement. It can also be a good choice if I want my dog to have a safe personal space. I found it especially useful when I needed a kennel that balanced comfort with a manageable footprint.
My Final Buying Tips
Before I made my purchase, I compared size, material, safety, and ease of cleaning. I recommend choosing a kennel that fits my dog’s body size, lifestyle, and behavior. If my dog is anxious, I may prefer a more enclosed style; if my dog likes visibility, a wire kennel may be better. In the end, I learned that the best 36 inch dog kennel is the one that feels safe, practical, and comfortable for both me and my dog.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 36 inch dog kennel is a practical choice for giving my dog a safe, comfortable space that fits well in most homes. I like that it can work for training, travel, and everyday use while still being easy to manage. My key takeaway is that the right kennel should match my dog’s size, needs, and comfort so it feels like a secure place, not just a crate.
Author Profile
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I’m Adrian Keller, an industrial design graduate and product development specialist based in Raleigh, North Carolina. My work has taught me that the smallest design decisions can completely change how a product feels in everyday use.
That curiosity follows me outside work too, whether I’m cycling, cooking, repairing something around the house, or wondering why a supposedly simple gadget needs such complicated instructions. I created QlibriumLabs.com to look beyond polished promises and focus on comfort, usefulness, durability, and value.
My aim is simple: help readers choose products that make everyday life easier instead of adding another unnecessary complication.
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