Need a secure crate without sacrificing too much living space? The best dog crates for apartments balance a comfortable fit for your dog with practical features for compact rooms.
We compared six wire, soft-sided, and hard-shell models suitable for different breeds and routines. Folding frames, multiple doors, removable trays, and flexible placement received particular attention.
Always measure both your dog and the intended floor area before choosing. Your dog should be able to stand naturally, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the crate.
Our leading choice is the MidWest 24-Inch iCrate Starter Kit for small dogs because it combines two-door access with a bed, bowls, and privacy cover in one convenient package.
Top picks at a glance
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| Best for | Best overall | Best | Best premium |
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| Reviews | 13,715 reviews | 13,182 reviews | 15,124 reviews |
| Where to buy | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
1. MidWest 24-Inch iCrate Starter Kit
Bringing home a small dog is easier when the basic sleeping and feeding gear arrives together. The MidWest iCrate Starter Kit combines a 24-inch double-door cage with a bed, two bowls, and a privacy cover, reducing the number of separate purchases needed.
Two doors give apartment owners more freedom to position the crate beside a sofa, wall, or bed without blocking the only entrance. Before ordering, measure the dog while standing and lying down; the listed small-breed format still needs to provide comfortable turning and resting room.
The included bed creates a softer resting surface, while the cover can reduce visual stimulation when a puppy needs quiet time. Introduce both gradually and keep crate sessions positive rather than using the space for punishment.
For daily care, remove the bedding and bowls regularly for cleaning and inspect the cage, doors, and closures for damage. This is the strongest all-in-one choice for a small dog starting crate training in an apartment.
- Includes essential comfort and feeding accessories
- Two doors allow more flexible room placement
- Privacy cover can create a calmer resting area
- 24-inch size is intended for small breeds
- Not sized for medium or large dogs
- The bed and cover add extra items that require cleaning
- Owners still need to confirm the dog's measurements before buying
2. New World by Midwest 30-Inch Crate
A crate accident is much less stressful when the mess stays on a removable surface instead of reaching apartment flooring. This 30-inch New World by Midwest crate includes a leak-proof tray, making it a practical pick for puppies, newly adopted dogs, and routine indoor use.
Its stated range covers medium breeds weighing 21 to 40 pounds, but weight alone does not guarantee a good fit. Check that the dog can stand without crouching, turn around, and lie naturally before relying on it for daily rest.
Double doors help when floor plans leave little room around furniture. Secure latches matter for everyday containment, although owners should check each closure before leaving and inspect the wire frame periodically for bent or damaged areas.
Because the crate folds and is described as portable and easy to assemble, it can be put away or moved when space is needed. Add appropriately sized bedding for comfort, provided the dog does not chew or soil it. It covers the apartment essentials without bundling unnecessary accessories.
- Leak-proof tray simplifies accident cleanup
- Double doors suit different furniture layouts
- Folding construction helps with storage and moving
- Sized for medium dogs from 21 to 40 pounds
- Bedding is not listed as included
- A 30-inch crate still requires a meaningful amount of floor space
- Weight guidance cannot replace measuring the dog
3. BestPet 48-Inch Metal Dog Crate
Large dogs need enough room to rest properly, even when their owners live in compact homes. At 48 inches, the BestPet metal kennel is the largest selection here and is specifically presented for large breeds. Measure both the dog and the intended floor area before committing to it.
A pair of doors can make such a substantial crate easier to integrate into a room. Depending on the layout, one entrance can face open living space while the other remains closed against a wall or piece of furniture.
Slide-bolt latches provide the listed closure system, and the metal construction is a sensible match for regular indoor or outdoor use. Check bolts before every session, supervise initial crate training, and do not assume any wire kennel is escape-proof for a highly distressed dog.
Accidents and shed hair are easier to manage with the leakproof tray, which should be removed and cleaned routinely. The foldable design also helps with storage and travel, though a 48-inch frame may still be cumbersome to carry. Choose it when adequate large-dog space matters more than a minimal footprint.
- 48-inch size accommodates large breeds
- Two doors improve access and placement options
- Leakproof tray supports easier cleanup
- Foldable metal construction suits home and travel use
- Takes up considerable apartment floor space
- Likely less convenient to carry than a smaller crate
- May be excessive for small or medium dogs
4. Amazon Basics Four-Door Soft Crate
When a crate must move between an apartment, car, and temporary destination, a collapsible soft kennel is easier to handle than a rigid cage. This Amazon Basics option measures 36 by 24 by 24 inches and pops up for use, then folds when open floor space is needed.
Four doors offer unusually flexible access in tight rooms and during travel. The included fleece mat gives a dog a defined resting surface, while the water-resistant base provides some protection from dampness and minor spills. Both areas still need prompt cleaning after an accident.
Soft sides are best suited to a calm, crate-trained pet. A puppy that scratches, chews, or panics may damage fabric more readily than metal, so early sessions should be supervised and short.
Confirm that the interior dimensions let the dog stand, turn, and stretch out comfortably. It is listed for dogs, cats, and small animals, but behavior and measurements matter more than the broad category. This is a convenient lightweight choice for owners who value portability and compact storage.
- Collapsible structure is convenient for apartment storage
- Four doors provide flexible access
- Fleece mat is included for comfort
- Water-resistant base helps contain minor moisture
- Soft material is a poor match for persistent chewers or scratchers
- Not presented as an airline-compliant carrier
- Fabric surfaces may require more involved cleaning than a hard tray
5. Petmate 28-Inch Sky Kennel
Some dogs relax better in an enclosed kennel than in an open wire crate, especially when the same familiar space is used at home and during travel. The 28-inch Petmate Sky Kennel is a heavy-duty option listed for pets weighing 15 to 30 pounds.
Its more enclosed format can limit visual distractions in a busy apartment, but owners should build positive associations gradually. Feed treats near the entrance, allow voluntary exploration, and increase closed-door time slowly rather than rushing confinement.
For sizing, confirm that the dog can stand normally, turn around, and settle without being cramped. The stated weight range is a useful starting point, not a substitute for checking body length and height.
The kennel is described as IATA compliant and includes ready-to-fly essentials. Airlines may apply their own current rules, so verify acceptance and required components directly before a trip. Hard surfaces are practical for wiping down after shedding or accidents. It suits owners wanting one sturdy kennel for routine rest and planned air travel.
- Heavy-duty construction suits repeated use
- Enclosed design can reduce surrounding visual activity
- Hard surfaces are straightforward to wipe clean
- Includes listed air-travel essentials
- Airline requirements still need to be confirmed before flying
- Less collapsible than folding wire or soft crates
- The 15-to-30-pound range will not suit every 28-inch-long dog
6. FDW 30-Inch Foldable Metal Crate
Puppies grow quickly, and buying a full-size crate can leave too much unused sleeping area during house training. The divider included with this 30-inch FDW kennel lets an owner adjust the available space while a medium dog develops, then open the full interior later.
Double-door access makes placement easier beside apartment furniture and gives handlers another angle when guiding a hesitant dog inside. Keep the unused door securely closed and check the crate before each session for loose, bent, or damaged wire.
A leak-proof tray helps contain accidents and can be removed for routine washing. Adding a washable mat may improve comfort once the dog has shown that it will not shred or soil bedding.
The metal frame is described as heavy duty, portable, and foldable for indoor, outdoor, home, and travel use. Even so, measure the dog and available room rather than relying only on the medium-dog label. It is particularly useful for training because the divider, tray, and two-door layout can adapt to changing routines.
- Divider adjusts the usable space for a growing dog
- Leak-proof tray makes accidents easier to handle
- Double doors provide flexible access
- Foldable frame can be moved or stored
- Wire construction provides less visual privacy without a separate cover
- A 30-inch footprint may crowd very small rooms
- Bedding is not listed as included
Questions and Answers
What size dog crate should I choose for an apartment?
Measure your dog from the floor to the top of the head or ears while standing, and from the nose to the base of the tail. The crate should let your dog stand without crouching, turn around easily, and lie down naturally.
Then measure the intended floor space, including clearance for the door. A 24-inch crate may suit some small dogs, while 30-inch models fit many medium dogs; the 48-inch BestPet crate requires substantially more room. Breed and weight labels are only starting points.
Is a wire, soft-sided, or enclosed crate better for apartment living?
Wire crates offer ventilation, visibility, removable trays, and folding frames, making them practical for everyday training. A cover can reduce visual stimulation. Soft-sided crates, such as the Amazon Basics model, are lighter and easier to store but are best for calm, crate-trained dogs that do not chew or scratch.
An enclosed hard-sided kennel such as the Petmate Sky Kennel may help limit distractions and is straightforward to wipe clean. However, it does not fold flat, so confirm that you have enough storage space.
Where should I put a dog crate in a small apartment?
Choose a quiet, temperature-controlled area where your dog can still feel included in household life. Avoid direct sun, heating vents, drafts, busy doorways, and locations where the crate blocks a walkway or emergency exit.
Double-door models are especially useful beside a sofa, bed, or wall because you can use whichever entrance remains accessible. Before buying, mark the crate dimensions on the floor with painter’s tape and allow extra space for opening the door and removing the tray.
Which crate features are most useful for a puppy in an apartment?
A divider helps resize the sleeping area as a puppy grows, while a leak-proof removable tray makes accidents easier to contain and clean. The FDW 30-inch crate includes both features, and the MidWest starter kit adds a bed, bowls, and a privacy cover for small breeds.
Introduce the crate with treats, meals, and short positive sessions. Do not use it as punishment or leave a young puppy confined longer than it can comfortably manage. Add bedding only if the puppy does not chew or soil it.
Can an apartment dog use the same crate at home and for travel?
Sometimes. A folding wire or soft crate can work for car trips and temporary stays, but it should be secured appropriately and may not meet airline requirements. Soft crates are generally better for already crate-trained pets than for dogs likely to panic or damage fabric.
The Petmate Sky Kennel is described as IATA compliant and includes ready-to-fly essentials, but airline rules can vary by route, aircraft, and carrier. Confirm current requirements directly with the airline before traveling rather than assuming any kennel will automatically be accepted.
Conclusion
The MidWest 24-Inch iCrate Starter Kit is our best overall choice for apartment dwellers with small dogs because it combines a flexible double-door crate with a bed, bowls, and privacy cover. For medium dogs, the New World by Midwest 30-Inch Crate offers a practical folding design and leak-proof tray without unnecessary extras, while the BestPet 48-Inch Metal Dog Crate provides the space large breeds need if your floor plan can accommodate it.
Choose according to your dog’s measurements, behavior, and your available storage space. The Amazon Basics Four-Door Soft Crate is convenient for calm, crate-trained dogs that need a lightweight portable option, the Petmate Sky Kennel suits owners planning air travel, and the FDW 30-Inch Foldable Metal Crate has a divider that is useful for growing puppies. Whichever model you select, ensure your dog can stand, turn around, and lie comfortably, then introduce the crate gradually as a positive resting space.
