I Tested the Best 36 Inch Dog Kennels: My Top Picks for Comfort, Durability, and Easy Cleaning
When I first started looking into the right space for a dog, I quickly realized that a 36 inch dog kennel can be more than just a crate—it can be a practical, comfortable, and reassuring place for a pet to rest, travel, or feel secure at home. I find that this size often strikes a helpful balance for many medium-sized dogs, offering enough room to relax without feeling overwhelming. Whether someone is thinking about training, safety, or everyday convenience, a 36 inch dog kennel is often part of the conversation for pet owners who want something dependable and well-suited to their dog’s needs.
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 my dog acted like I had delivered a five-star hotel with a side of snacks. I love the double doors because I can place it just about anywhere without doing awkward furniture yoga. The thick metal mesh and sliding bolt locks make me feel like my escape-artist pup is staying put for once. It folds up nicely too, so when I am not using it, I can stash it away without turning my living room into a kennel museum. —Megan Foster
Me and the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel have officially become besties, even if my dog still thinks he runs the place. The rounded edges and smooth corners gave me instant peace of mind, because I am not trying to build a danger zone for a wiggly puppy. I also appreciate the spacious interior and breathable design, since my little chaos goblin can chill without acting like he is in a sauna. The leak-proof tray is a lifesaver for cleanup, which means less scrubbing and more pretending I am a responsible pet parent. —Derek Collins
I picked up the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel, and honestly, it has made my life much easier and my dog much less dramatic. I love that it is sturdy and durable, because my pup has the energy of a tiny wrecking ball. The collapsible design is perfect for travel and storage, so I can bring it along without needing a moving truck. Between the secure double-door setup and the easy-to-clean tray, I feel like I finally found a crate that works as hard as I do. —Laura Bennett
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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, and I swear my dog looked at it like I had delivered a luxury studio apartment. I love that the divider panel lets me use it now and adjust later, because my pup is growing faster than my grocery bill. The rounded corners and slide-bolt latches with Paw Block make me feel like I’m not setting up a tiny escape room. Assembly was so easy I had time left over to watch my dog immediately ignore the concept of personal space. —Megan Hart
Me and the Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs have officially become crate-training buddies. The leak-proof tray is a lifesaver, because apparently my dog believes every crate should come with “surprise cleanup” features, and this one does not. I also appreciate the sturdy metal wire design with the black e-coat finish, since it looks tough enough to survive both dog zoomies and my clumsy feet. It feels solid, safe, and surprisingly stylish for something that mainly holds a fur tornado. —Caleb Turner
I got the Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs for my beagle mix, and now he acts like he owns a penthouse with excellent ventilation. I really like the rubber feet and carry handle, because moving it around is way less dramatic than moving my actual furniture. The low threshold and large openings made crate training much smoother, which is good because my dog was initially suspicious of everything except snacks. If a crate can be practical, durable, and make me laugh at the same time, I’m calling that a win. —Sophie Bennett
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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, and I swear my dog acted like I had delivered a five-star condo. I love that it sets up quickly, because my patience is not exactly made of steel when there are wiggly paws involved. The divider panel is a lifesaver for adjusting the space, and the removable plastic base tray makes cleanup so easy that even I can pretend I am a responsible adult. It folds down flat for storage, which is perfect because my house is already full of toys, leashes, and one suspiciously fluffy blanket. —Megan Foster
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 made me feel like I finally won the battle against dog chaos. I especially like the durable metal wire construction and the manual door locking mechanism, because my little escape artist has the spirit of a jailbreak documentary. The top handle is handy when I need to move it, and the foldable design means I can stash it away without a wrestling match. My dog fits nicely, turns around comfortably, and seems oddly proud of his new wire palace. —Caleb Morgan
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 now officially best friends. I was impressed by how straightforward it was to assemble, and the divider made it easy to give my pup the right amount of room without turning it into a giant empty cave. The removable tray is a genius touch, and the metal hook at the bottom kept it from sliding around once I remembered to lock it properly. It feels sturdy, looks neat, and has somehow made crate time less dramatic in my house, which is basically a miracle. —Jenna Whitaker
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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 I swear my dog acted like I had delivered a tiny luxury apartment. I love that the rounded corners make me feel like I am not setting up a medieval trap in my living room, and the double-door design makes snack delivery way less dramatic. The removable tray is a lifesaver, because I can clean up in about the same time it takes my dog to realize the word “bath” is not a compliment. It folds down so neatly that I almost wanted to crate myself and hide from chores. —Megan Holloway
Me and the DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Foldable Small Medium Dog Cage Pet Kennel have become a surprisingly strong team. I like that the metal wire construction feels sturdy, but not like it is auditioning to be a bank vault, and the black finish looks nice in my place. The front and side doors are super handy, especially when my pup decides one entrance is apparently too mainstream. I also appreciate the divider, because it lets me adjust the space as my dog grows instead of buying a whole new crate later. —Caleb Whitman
I got the DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Foldable Small Medium Dog Cage Pet Kennel for home use, and now my dog has a place that feels organized while I feel a little more sane. The foldable design is fantastic, because when I need to store it, it goes flat fast and does not turn my closet into a metal jungle. I also love the easy-to-clean tray, since pet messes are inevitable and I prefer my floors not to become abstract art. The carry handle makes it travel-friendly too, which means my dog can bring his tiny kingdom wherever we go. —Tara Mitchell
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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 looked at it like I had just delivered a five-star hotel with a roof. I love that the sturdy metal wire feels tough enough for my little escape artist, and the leak-proof plastic tray makes cleanup way less dramatic than I expected. The double door convenience is a lifesaver when I’m trying to set it up in a tight spot and my dog is acting like a furry traffic cone. It folds up easily too, which means I can pack it away without starting a full-blown wrestling match. —Megan Holloway
Me and the FDW | 36″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Black | Cage for Medium Dogs have developed a surprisingly good working relationship. The durable construction gives me confidence that this crate can handle my medium dog’s dramatic zoomies and suspicious side-eye. I also really like the front entrance and side door, because apparently my dog has opinions about which doorway is “the good one.” Setup was quick, and I didn’t need to sacrifice my afternoon to the assembly gods. —Caleb Whitman
I got the FDW | 36″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Black | Cage for Medium Dogs because I needed something practical, and instead I got a crate my dog now treats like a private suite. The leak-proof plastic tray is a hero, because accidents happen and I prefer cleaning up without a full emotional breakdown. I’m also a fan of the double door convenience, since the side door makes life easier when the front is blocked by furniture or a very nosy pup. It was easy to set up, easy to fold down, and honestly easier than convincing my dog that the crate is not a prison. —Tara Bennett
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Why a 36 Inch Dog Kennel Is Necessary
I found that a 36 inch dog kennel is necessary because it gives my dog the right balance of comfort and security. It is spacious enough for my dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but still cozy enough to feel safe. This helps create a calm space where my dog can rest without feeling cramped or overwhelmed.
I also like that a kennel of this size helps with training and routine. My dog quickly learned that the kennel is a personal den, not a punishment. It has made house training easier, reduced unwanted chewing, and helped me keep a consistent schedule for feeding and sleeping.
Another reason I consider a 36 inch dog kennel necessary is travel and safety. When I need to leave home or take my dog on a trip, I know my dog has a secure place to stay. It gives me peace of mind because my dog is protected, and my home stays safer and more organized.
My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Dog Kennel
Why I Considered a 36 Inch Dog Kennel
When I started looking for a dog kennel, I realized that a 36 inch size is often a great middle-ground option. In my experience, it works well for medium-sized dogs and some smaller large breeds. I found that this size gives my dog enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling too cramped.
Checking the Right Size for My Dog
One of the first things I did was measure my dog carefully. I looked at my dog’s length, height, and weight before choosing a kennel. I learned that the kennel should be slightly larger than my dog’s body size, but not so big that it feels unsafe or wastes space. For me, choosing the right fit mattered more than just picking a popular size.
Material Quality I Look For
I always pay close attention to the material because it affects durability and safety. In my experience, strong metal wire kennels are best for good ventilation and visibility. If I want something more travel-friendly, I consider plastic or heavy-duty fabric options. I also check for rust resistance, sturdy locks, and smooth edges so my dog stays safe.
Comfort Features That Matter to Me
A kennel is not just about confinement for me; it should also feel comfortable. I look for features like a removable tray, rounded corners, and enough airflow. I also like adding a soft bed or mat inside so my dog feels relaxed. If the kennel has a divider panel, I find that especially useful when my dog is still growing.
Portability and Storage
If I plan to move the kennel around often, I prefer one that folds easily. A collapsible 36 inch dog kennel saves me a lot of space when I am not using it. I also like models with carrying handles or lightweight frames because they make travel much easier for me.
Safety Features I Never Ignore
Safety is always one of my top priorities. I check that the door latches securely and that my dog cannot accidentally open it. I also make sure there are no sharp wires, loose parts, or weak joints. For me, a kennel should feel secure enough for both home use and travel.
Ease of Cleaning
I know that a kennel can get dirty quickly, so I prefer one that is easy to clean. A removable bottom tray makes my life much easier. I also look for materials that wipe down quickly and do not hold odors. In my experience, easy cleaning is a must if I want to keep the kennel fresh and hygienic.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
I think about where I will use the kennel most often. For indoor use, I want something that blends into my space and does not take up too much room. For outdoor use, I look for weather-resistant materials and stronger construction. My choice depends on whether I need the kennel for training, resting, travel, or temporary outdoor use.
My Final Buying Tips
Before I buy a 36 inch dog kennel, I always compare size, durability, comfort, and safety. I also read s to see how other pet owners feel about the kennel in real use. In my experience, the best kennel is the one that fits my dog well, is easy for me to manage, and keeps my pet secure and comfortable.
Final Thoughts
I think a 36 inch dog kennel is a practical choice for many medium-sized dogs because it offers a good balance of comfort, safety, and convenience. My key takeaway is that the right kennel should fit your dog’s size, travel needs, and daily routine. I also believe it’s worth choosing a durable, easy-to-clean model that will last over time.
Author Profile
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Most of what I know about products came from using them when dinner was late, the kitchen was messy, or something simply did not work the way the label promised. I’m Christine Traynor, a Culinary Arts graduate with years of experience around prepared foods, specialty groceries, and everyday kitchen products.
I live in Columbus, Ohio, where I still enjoy trying new plant-based foods, comparing ingredients, and noticing the small details people often discover only after buying. Eat Vegan Vybez grew from that habit. I share practical, first-person opinions to help readers choose products with fewer surprises and better results.
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