Best Dog Crate UK: Top Metal Folding Crates for Training, Travel & Home
The best dog crate in the UK is a folding metal wire crate with front and side doors and a removable plastic tray, sized to your dog's adult measurements. Our top overall pick is the 36-inch folding c
Best Dog Crate UK: Top Metal Folding Crates for Training, Travel & Home
The best dog crate in the UK is a folding metal wire crate with front and side doors and a removable plastic tray, sized to your dog's adult measurements. Our top overall pick is the 36-inch folding crate with dual access and sliding locks at £46.99, which balances strength, ease of cleaning and fold-flat storage. For XL breeds, the Straame 42-inch heavy-duty crate offers the space and chew-resistance larger dogs need.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a crate size based on your dog's adult measurements, allowing enough room to stand, turn and lie down — not so large that they toilet in one corner.
- Folding metal crates with two doors (front and side) offer the most flexibility for placement and access in UK homes and cars.
- A removable plastic tray is essential for quick cleaning and hygiene, particularly during house training.
- Prices for quality crates range from around £20 for small breeds up to £50+ for XL sizes.
- Sliding or chew-resistant locks matter most for puppies, escape artists and strong chewers.
Comparison Table: Best Dog Crates UK
| Product | Type | Price | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Straame Heavy-Duty Folding Dog Crate (42") |
XL metal folding | £45.99 | Extra-large breeds | Check Price |
 Folding Metal Dog Crate with 2 Doors (30") |
Medium metal folding | £29.59 | Medium dogs & value | Check Price |
 FurDreams Folding Dog Crate (24") |
Small metal folding | £24.99 | Small dogs & puppies | Check Price |
 Large Folding Metal Dog Crate (36") |
Large metal folding | £46.99 | Large breeds & travel | Check Price |
 Harbour Housewares 2 Door Metal Dog Crate (Small) |
Budget small metal | £19.99 | Tight budgets & toy breeds | Check Price |
Detailed Product Reviews
Straame Heavy-Duty Folding Dog Crate for XL Dogs, 107 × 68 × 75 cm (42″)
For owners of large and giant breeds — think German Shepherds, Labradors, Rottweilers and Mastiffs — the Straame 42-inch crate delivers the interior volume and structural strength needed to keep a powerful dog safely contained. At 107 cm long, 68 cm wide and 75 cm tall, it provides genuine standing room for dogs up to around 45 kg, with a heavy-duty black metal frame that resists chewing and pushing. The inclusion of both a front and a side door means you can position the crate against a wall or in the back of an estate car without losing access.
The removable easy-clean plastic tray slides out for hosing down, which matters more than most owners realise until a sick or anxious dog has an accident overnight. A carry handle and a folding design mean the whole unit packs flat for transport or storage between uses. Build quality is solid for the price bracket, and the finish is properly powder-coated rather than the thin paint that flakes off cheaper cages within months.
Price: £45.99 | Size: 107 × 68 × 75 cm (42") | Doors: Front & side | Tray: Removable plastic
👉 Check the latest price on Amazon UK
Folding Metal Dog Crate with 2 Doors (Front & Side), 30″
The 30-inch size is the sweet spot for medium-sized dogs such as Cocker Spaniels, Border Collies and small Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and this two-door folding crate represents one of the best value-for-money options on the UK market. The dual door configuration — a single front door paired with a side door — is genuinely useful rather than a marketing gimmick, because it lets you slot the crate into awkward spaces like a utility room or the footwell of a larger vehicle while still being able to reach your dog easily.
Setup requires no tools; the crate unfolds and clicks into place in under a minute, and it folds back down just as quickly for travel or winter storage. The wire gauge is sufficient for adult dogs of the intended size and for crate training puppies, though particularly determined chewers may eventually test the welds. A removable tray sits at the base for straightforward cleaning, and the black finish is unobtrusive in most homes.
Price: £29.59 | Size: 30" (Medium) | Doors: Front & side | Tray: Removable
👉 Check the latest price on Amazon UK
FurDreams 24″ Folding Dog Crate for Small Dogs
FurDreams has clearly thought about the small-dog owner's needs with this 24-inch crate. Measuring 60 × 45 × 50 cm, it suits toy and small terrier breeds — Yorkshire Terriers, Dachshunds, Pomeranians, small Jack Russells — as well as being an excellent first crate for a puppy of almost any breed before they graduate to a larger size. The quick-setup folding mechanism means you can have it ready before bringing a new pup home, and the chew-resistant plastic tray keeps mess contained during those inevitable early house-training wobbles.
The build is described as heavy-duty, and while that label is relative at this price point, the gauge of the wire and the rigidity of the frame when assembled are noticeably better than the very cheapest cages available. Front and side doors give you flexibility over placement, and a carry handle makes it practical to move between rooms or pack into a car boot for trips away. For small breeds, it strikes a sensible balance between security, comfort and portability.
Price: £24.99 | Size: 60 × 45 × 50 cm (24") | Doors: Front & side | Tray: Chew-resistant plastic, removable
👉 Check the latest price on Amazon UK
Large Folding Metal Training Dog Crate, 36″
This 36-inch crate is our top overall pick because it hits the right spec for the largest slice of UK dog owners — Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Setters, medium-sized Shepherds and many large crossbreeds — while keeping the price honest. The standout feature is the sliding locks on both the front and side doors, which are harder for clever paws to defeat than standard lift-and-rotate latches. If you have a Houdini in the making, this detail alone can save a lot of household chaos.
The dual-access door layout means the crate works equally well in a corner of the living room, against a hallway wall, or secured in the boot of an estate car for travel — a real strength given that many owners want a single crate that does duty at home and on the road. The removable plastic tray pulls out smoothly for cleaning, and the folding metal construction means the whole thing collapses flat for storage when not in use. Build quality feels reassuringly rigid once the panels are clicked into position.
Price: £46.99 | Size: 36" (Large) | Doors: Dual access, sliding locks | Tray: Removable plastic
👉 Check the latest price on Amazon UK
Harbour Housewares 2 Door Metal Dog Crate (Small)
For first-time owners, those on a tight budget, or anyone with a genuinely small dog who simply needs a safe indoor den, the Harbour Housewares two-door crate is hard to beat at under £20. It uses the same proven folding metal design as the pricier options on this list — collapsible for storage, with front and side access and a removable tray — but trims the cost through a smaller footprint and more straightforward hardware rather than by cutting corners on the basics.
It is marketed for indoor use, car travel and general training, and it performs all three roles acceptably for small breeds and puppies. The wire is lighter gauge than the premium models, so it is not the right choice for a strong adult dog or a determined escape artist, but as a starter crate for a toy breed or a young pup it does exactly what it should. The black finish is neutral and the tray cleans easily with a wipe or a quick hose.
Price: £19.99 | Size: Small | Doors: Front & side | Tray: Removable
👉 Check the latest price on Amazon UK
How to Choose the Best Dog Crate
Getting the right crate is less about brand loyalty and more about matching the crate to your dog's size, temperament and the way you intend to use it. A few decisions matter more than the rest.
Sizing it correctly
This is the single most important choice. A crate should be just large enough for your dog to stand at full height, turn around comfortably and lie down stretched out — no bigger. If the crate is too large, a puppy will often treat one end as a bedroom and the other as a toilet, which undermines house training. If it is too small, your dog will feel trapped and distressed. Measure your dog from nose to base of tail and from the floor to the top of the head while sitting, then add 10–15 cm to each dimension. If you have a growing puppy, either buy for their adult size and use a divider panel, or plan to upgrade.
Metal wire vs soft-sided vs furniture-style
Folding metal wire crates — the type featured in every pick above — are the most versatile choice for the majority of UK owners. They are well-ventilated, easy to see into, fold flat for storage and travel, and allow clip-on accessories like water bowls and crate covers. Soft-sided fabric crates are lighter and more portable but are not suitable for chewers or for unsupervised use. Furniture-style or wooden crates look attractive in a living room but cost substantially more and offer less airflow.
Doors and access
Two-door crates (front plus side) give you far more flexibility over where the crate sits in your home or car. If you think you may ever place the crate against a wall, in an alcove or in a vehicle boot, the side door is worth the small extra cost.
Locks for determined dogs
Standard lift-and-rotate latches can be defeated by intelligent and dexterous breeds. Sliding locks, double-locking mechanisms or carabiner-style clips add a layer of security that prevents the classic "dog let itself out" scenario.
Removable trays and cleaning
A slide-out plastic tray is non-negotiable for house training. It allows you to clean up accidents quickly, sanitise the base, and keep the metal frame itself dry and rust-free. Look for trays that are deep enough to contain spills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size dog crate do I need?
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail and floor to top of head while sitting, then add 10–15 cm to each dimension. As a rough guide: 24" suits toy and small terrier breeds, 30" suits medium dogs like Spaniels, 36" suits large breeds like Labradors, and 42"+ suits giant breeds. For puppies, buy for their adult size and use a divider.
Is a metal or soft-sided crate better?
Metal wire crates are more robust, better ventilated, easier to clean and suitable for unsupervised use and chewers. Soft-sided crates are lighter and more portable, making them better for travel with calm, non-chewing dogs. For most UK owners, a folding metal crate is the more practical all-round choice.
How do I crate train my dog?
Introduce the crate slowly. Leave the door open and place treats, toys and meals inside so your dog enters voluntarily. Gradually increase the time the door is closed, starting with a minute or two and building up. Never use the crate as punishment, and always make it a calm, rewarding space. Most dogs settle within a week or two with consistent, positive reinforcement.
Can a dog crate be left in a car?
A folding metal crate can be secured in the boot of an estate car or larger vehicle for travel, and many owners do this. However, never leave a dog in a parked car in warm weather, crate or otherwise, as temperatures can rise dangerously within minutes even with windows open.
Should I put a bed inside the crate?
Yes — a washable crate mat or blanket makes the space more comfortable and encourages your dog to use it voluntarily. Avoid thick padded beds for puppies that may chew them, and remove bedding if your dog shreds it, as ingested fabric can cause blockages.
How long can a dog stay in a crate?
Adult dogs can generally be crated for up to around 4–6 hours during the day and overnight. Puppies should be crated for much shorter periods — roughly one hour per month of age. Crates are for short-term safe containment, not a substitute for exercise, company and stimulation.