ALTHOUGH they sometimes get a mixed response from pet owners, the best UK dog crates can be incredibly useful for many reasons.
While some feel that they're cruel, the RSPCA has confirmed that they are helpful in certain situations.
For example, they can provide a safe way to transport dogs and can help a dog recover after surgery.
Crates can also be handy if an owner needs to leave the house for an hour and doesn't want their agitated dog running around.
They can also be really useful for puppy training sessions, to help encourage puppies to feel comfortable in their new homes.
The basic rules for making a crate a help rather than a hindrance? Always associate the crate with safety and security: make it comfortable and ensure it's spacious enough for your pet. Remember: never use them as a form of punishment for your pet.
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We've rounded up some of the best dog crates available to buy now in the UK.
Best dog crates at a glance:
- Best portable dog crate: Ellie-Bo Deluxe Sloping Puppy Cage
- Best large dog crate: Mercia 8 x 4ft Berkshire Dog Kennel & Run
- Best fabric dog crate: HugglePets Lightweight Fabric Dog Crate Carrier
- Best soft dog crate: Petsfit Lightweight Foldable Soft Dog Crate
- Best wooden dog crate: Pawhut Pet Cage
- Best dog crate for puppies: Wicker Pet Carrier
Ellie-Bo Deluxe Sloping Puppy Cage
- Ellie-Bo Deluxe Sloping Puppy Cage, £54.07 at Amazon – buy here
Dog owners rate this slanted dog cage for easing their pet's worries on car journeys.
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It fits most car boots well, comes with a fleece liner and folds flat when you're not using it.
There's a steel 'non-chew' metal tray that you can remove to clean off any dirt or food debris.
There's also a training guide included, to help get your pup comfortable with using the crate.
One happy Amazon customer says it's a "Great product for keeping pooch safe when travelling".
Shoppers have also rated it for being easy to travel with and amazing value for money.
Specs – Size: 76L x 54W x 54H cm Weight: 8.84 kg
Mercia 8 x 4ft Berkshire Dog Kennel & Run
- Mercia 8 x 4ft Berkshire Dog Kennel & Run, £545 from Homebase – buy here
A must for the active dog – or the one who loves to snooze outdoors – this wooden dog kennel and run has a spacious 4ft x 4ft dry storage area and 4ft x 4ft secure outdoor area.
The mesh front panels allow plenty of fresh air and light in while letting you have a good view of what your pup is up to inside.
There are two doors to get in and out plus a door that connects the two areas, so your dog will have plenty of room to move around.
It gives new meaning to the expression 'in the dog house' – because they'll really enjoy being in this one.
Specs – Size: 8 x 4ft
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HugglePets Lightweight Fabric Dog Crate Carrier
- HugglePets Lightweight Fabric Dog Crate Carrier, with Mat and Treat Food Bag – Small Pink, £28.95 at Amazon – buy here
This handy dog crate from HugglePets is super lightweight and easy to carry if you need to transport your pup.
It comes in a range of sizes – from small to extra-large – as well as a choice of colours and prints, including green and pink camo for an ultra-stylish pooch.
This well-priced crate has some nice features such as storage pockets, mesh sides and a comfy mat for your pet to sit on.
It's also handy that it easily folds down for storing when it's not in use.
One Amazon shopper wrote, 'Frame is very sturdy and was straightforward to put up.'
Specs – Size: 50L x 34W x 36H cm Weight: 2.65 kg
Best soft dog crate: Petsfit Lightweight Foldable Soft Dog Crate
- Petsfit Lightweight Foldable Soft Dog Crate Portable Strong Fabric Kennel, £60.99 at Amazon – buy here
Pet owners like this lightweight fabric crate for travel, use in the car and as a handy space for pups to rest when they've gone out.
Ideal for small and medium-sized dogs, it has a roll-up flap window and side pocket for food and even includes a soft, fleece mat.
'This is a fantastic way to transport my medium size dog in the car. I leave it in and just get her in and out every day. It wipes clean easily and keeps my car spruce. The best thing of all is she loves being in there, writes a happy dog owner.
Specs – Size: 47.8L x 37.9W x 20.7H cm Weight: 2.55 kg
Best wooden dog crate: Pawhut Pet Cage
- Pawhut pet cage, £104.99 at Wayfair – buy here
This multi-function crate from Paw Hut is a safe and secure home for your pup and doubles up as an end table for your home.
It's wooden with a durable steel frame and lockable double doors – and it's suitable for small or medium-sized dogs.
The large tabletop it provides is useful for storing pet products or you can use it as an extra piece of furniture in any living space in your home.
With two openable doors, it's easy for your pooch to get in and out and also gives you better visibility of them inside.
Specs – Size: 59.7cm H X 83.3cm W X 55.3cm D Weight: 20.7kg
Best dog crate for puppies: Wicker Pet Carrier
- Prestige Wicker Pet Carrier, £69 at Not on the High Street – buy here
If you're looking for a pet crate to transport a puppy or small dog, we love this Wicker Pet Carrier Basket from Prestige Wicker.
Also suitable for other small pets, this vintage-style wicker carrier has to be the most stylish way to carry your pup.
As well as looking chic, this handcrafted wicker carrier will provide a sturdy and comfortable ride for your pet. You can pop them in and out via the opening at the top and see your furry friend through the sidebars, which also provide air ventilation.
One shopper wrote, 'It's really well made and the 'lock' is simple, but effective.'
Specs – Size: W50cm L29cm H30cm
Harriet Dog Cage
- Archie & Oscar Harriet Dog Cage, £143.99 (on offer) at Wayfair – buy here
If you're worried about a dog crate taking over your living room and looking unsightly, this design by Archie & Oscar might just be the one for you.
With a handy tabletop, it can be used as a side table or TV cabinet as well as a large dog crate.
It's made from wood and heavy metal wires for durability and the size is flexible as you can merge two or three crates together to have the size that works best for your home.
It has three access doors so it's easy for your dog to get in and out and you have a 360° view of them when they're inside.
There's also a handy removal tray if you want to remove any dirt or food residue quickly and easily.
Specs – Size: 81cm H x 107.5cm W x 71.5cm D
Cardys Dog Crate Puppy Pet Cage with 2 Doors
- Cardys Dog Crate Puppy Pet Cage with 2 Doors, £79.99 at Amazon – buy here
If you're looking for a straightforward double-door pet cage, this Cardys Dog Crate ticks all the boxes.
The two doors make it super simple for your pup to get in and out, and the crate is made of durable steel making it sturdy and secure. Plus, it's anti-rust and built to last.
The crate is also portable with a handle on the top if you need to use it to transport your pet.
The removable tray makes cleaning the cage a doddle and it can also be folded down completely for easy storage when it's not in use.
Specs – Size: 47.6L x 29.1W x 31.9H centimetres Weight: 17.2 kg
A 4-Pet Dog Playpen for Small Dogs
- A 4 Pet Dog Playpen for Small Dogs, Portable Pet Playpen for Puppy, £39.99 at Amazon – buy here
For small dogs and puppies, this dog playpen provides a lightweight and flexible crate for inside, outside or on the move.
It's hexagonal with a mesh outer layer for ventilation and so you can see your pup inside. Plus, it comes in a range of sizes and the top is removable so you can easily access the interior to clean it.
It's also super simple to set up and folds down flat when you're not using it so it's easy to store away too.
As one happy customer says "It assembles itself! And is very roomy for the pup to sleep & play".
Specs – Size: 43.4 x 34.7 x 4.6 cm Weight: 1.31 kg
How much are the best dog crates?
As with anything, prices vary – but you definitely don't have to break the bank to get a decent crate.
In our search, we found some great options for around the £50 mark and above, with the cheapest coming in at just over £28.
Where to buy the best dog crates in the UK
You can find good quality dog crates at the following online retailers:
- Pets at Home
- Amazon
- Lords & Labradors
- The Range
- Wayfair
- Argos
What to look for in the best dog crates
The size of the crate you go for is one of the most important factors: the point is to make your dog feel safe and comfortable, not cooped up in something that's far too restrictive.
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Your dog should therefore be able to walk into and around the crate without having to crouch.
Ensuring the crate has plenty of airflow and space for your dog to look out for is another must. Meanwhile, features like removable crate trays, movable casters and latched doors will ensure that your crate is easy to clean, versatile and secure.
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