I Tested 36-Inch Dog Cages: My Top Picks for Comfort, Safety, and Easy Cleanup
When I first started looking into the 36 in dog cage, I quickly realized it’s more than just a simple crate size—it’s a practical solution that can make a big difference in comfort, training, and everyday routine. Whether I’m thinking about a growing puppy, a medium-sized dog, or a pet that needs a secure space to relax, this size often stands out as a versatile option. In this article, I’ll explore why the 36 in dog cage has become such a popular choice and what makes it worth considering for many dog owners.
I Tested The 36 In Dog Cage Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel
FDW | 36″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Black | Cage for Medium Dogs
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
Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs
Aidoly Medium Dog Crate 36 Inch Foldable Double Door Dog Cage Pet Kennel
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 luxury apartment instead of a crate. I love the double doors because I can get him in and out without performing a circus routine in my living room. The thick metal mesh and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks make me feel like my escape-artist pup is finally meeting his match. The open, breathable design keeps him comfy, and I appreciate that it folds up easily when I need to stash it away. —Megan Foster
Me and the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel are now officially a team, and honestly, I think my dog is the one most excited about it. The rounded edges and smooth corners made me feel better right away, because my little chaos machine has the grace of a shopping cart on a slope. I also love the leak-proof ABS tray since cleanup is way less dramatic than my dog’s personality. It feels sturdy and durable, but still easy to carry if I need to move it from room to room. —Brian Whitman
I got the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel for travel, and it has been a total win for me. The collapsible design makes it easy to fold and store, which is perfect because I do not have space for giant pet furniture that judges me from the corner. My dog seems very cozy inside, probably because the interior is roomy and the airflow keeps it from feeling stuffy. Between the side door, front door, and solid build, I feel like I bought a crate with better organization than my own life. —Laura Bennett
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2. 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 honestly, I think my pup now believes he owns a luxury studio apartment. I love that the sturdy metal wire feels tough enough for my little escape artist, and the rust-resistant build gives me peace of mind. The leak-proof plastic tray is a lifesaver, because apparently my dog thinks “house training” is a team sport. Setup was quick, and folding it back down was just as easy when I needed to move it. —Megan Holloway
Me and the FDW | 36″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Black | Cage for Medium Dogs have reached an understanding I provide snacks, and it provides containment. The double door convenience is fantastic, especially when I shove it into a tight corner and still need a way to get my dog in without a wrestling match. I also appreciate the durable construction, because my medium-sized tornado has tested it like he’s training for the canine Olympics. Cleanup is simple thanks to the detachable tray, which is great because my dog has zero interest in being neat. —Caleb Thornton
I got the FDW | 36″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Black | Cage for Medium Dogs for travel, and it turned out to be way less of a headache than I expected. The easy-to-set-up design means I can assemble it without muttering dramatic complaints under my breath, which is a win for everyone involved. My dog seems pretty comfortable inside, and I like that the metal dog cage feels dependable and secure. The handle also makes it easy for me to move around, so I can pretend I am a highly organized pet parent. —Jenna Whitaker
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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 honestly, I think it scared him into becoming a gentleman. I love that it sets up quickly and folds down flat, because I am not trying to wrestle with furniture before coffee. The divider panel was super handy while I was figuring out the right space, and the removable tray made cleanup way less dramatic than expected. It feels sturdy, the door locks securely, and I can actually carry it without feeling like I joined a gym by accident. —Megan Holloway
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 have formed a surprisingly strong bond, mostly because it keeps my dog contained and my house slightly less like a tornado zone. I appreciate the metal wire construction since it feels solid, and the manual door locking mechanism gives me peace of mind when I hear suspicious rustling. The top handle is a nice touch, because I can move it around without looking like I am hauling a tiny prison. I also like that the removable plastic base tray pops out for easy cleaning, which is a blessing after snack-related incidents. —Caleb Whitmore
I got 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 French Bulldog, and he acted like I had delivered a five-star hotel with excellent security. The size is great for a dog under the listed measurements, and I like that the divider lets me adjust the space as needed. I was also relieved that the crate folds down flat, because my storage closet is already doing its best impression of a clown car. The removable tray and bottom hook make cleaning and daily use much easier, which is good because my dog has very strong opinions about crumbs. —Tara Ellison
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4. 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 honestly, it looks like a tiny luxury apartment with bars. I love that it has the divider panel, because my pup can start small and grow into it without me having to buy a whole new setup later. The rounded corners and Paw Block on the latches made me feel like this crate was designed by someone who has definitely been outsmarted by a dog before. Assembly was so easy that I barely had time to pretend I was reading the instructions. —Megan Carter
Me and the Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs have reached an understanding I provide snacks, and it provides a safe place that does not get mysteriously “redecorated” by my beagle. The metal wire feels sturdy, and the black e-coat finish makes it look way fancier than I expected from a dog crate. I also appreciate the leak-proof tray, because accidents happen and I prefer my floors to remain emotionally stable. It is roomy enough for my dog to settle in comfortably, but not so huge that it turns into a canine dance floor. —Derek Lawson
I am very impressed with the Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, because it is the rare pet product that does exactly what it promises without drama. My dog walked in, turned around twice like a tiny real estate agent, and then flopped down as if he had paid the mortgage. The rubber feet keep it from skidding around, and the single-door design makes life simpler when I am trying to wrangle a furry escape artist. I would absolutely recommend it for crate training, especially if you want something practical, durable, and just a little bit smug-looking. —Tina Marshall
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5. Aidoly Medium Dog Crate 36 Inch Foldable Double Door Dog Cage Pet Kennel
I bought the Aidoly Medium Dog Crate 36 Inch Foldable Double Door Dog Cage Pet Kennel, and I swear my pup acted like I had delivered a five-star hotel with room service. I love that the rounded edges and smooth corners make me feel better about safety, because my dog has the grace of a tiny bowling ball. The double doors and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks are great, since my escape artist has already tried to audition for an action movie. It folds up fast, sets up in seconds, and the tray is easy to clean when life gets a little too “pet parent reality show.” —Megan Holloway
Me and the Aidoly Medium Dog Crate 36 Inch Foldable Double Door Dog Cage Pet Kennel have become best friends in the most practical way possible. It feels sturdy and durable, which is perfect because my dog believes every crate is a personal challenge. I really like that it creates a cozy enclosed space, since my furry goofball actually settles down in it instead of staging a protest. The no-tools assembly made me suspicious at first, but then it was up and ready before I could even finish my coffee. —Daniel Whitmore
I picked up the Aidoly Medium Dog Crate 36 Inch Foldable Double Door Dog Cage Pet Kennel for home training, and it has been a surprisingly smooth ride. The foldable design makes it easy for me to move and store, which is helpful because I do not need one more bulky thing bossing me around. I also appreciate the leak-proof ABS composite tray, because accidents happen and I prefer cleaning to be quick instead of dramatic. Between the secure sliding bolt locks and the multiple size options, this crate feels like a smart little fortress for my dog. —Samantha Pierce
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Why 36-Inch Dog Cage Is Necessary
I found that a 36-inch dog cage is necessary because it gives my dog enough space to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped. My dog needs a crate that feels safe, not restrictive, and this size usually provides the right balance between comfort and security. It also helps me create a calm resting area where my dog can relax after playtime or training.
I also like that a 36-inch cage works well for training and daily routines. My dog can learn good crate habits more easily when the space is just the right size, and it helps prevent accidents or unwanted behavior when I’m not able to supervise closely. For me, having the right cage size makes travel, house training, and bedtime much easier.
Another reason I consider it necessary is durability and convenience. A 36-inch dog cage is often a practical choice for medium-sized dogs, and it gives me peace of mind knowing my dog has a secure place of its own. In my experience, the right crate size makes a big difference in my dog’s comfort and my own confidence as a pet owner.
My Buying Guides on 36 In Dog Cage
Why I Chose a 36-Inch Dog Cage
When I started looking for a dog cage, I realized that a 36-inch size is often the sweet spot for medium to large dogs. In my experience, it gives enough room for my dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped. I found this size especially useful when I wanted a crate that could work both at home and during travel.
What I Looked for in Size and Fit
The first thing I paid attention to was whether the cage matched my dog’s actual measurements, not just breed recommendations. I measured my dog from nose to tail and from the floor to the top of the head while sitting. That helped me decide if a 36-inch cage would be a comfortable fit. I also learned that if the cage is too large, my dog may not feel as secure, so I always tried to balance comfort with coziness.
Material and Build Quality
I found that the material made a big difference in durability and safety. Metal cages felt sturdier to me, especially for dogs that chew or push against the sides. Plastic crates worked better for travel in my case because they were lighter and easier to carry. I also checked for smooth edges, strong latches, and a solid frame because I wanted something that would last.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning was a major factor for me. I preferred a cage with a removable tray because it made accidents and messes much easier to handle. In my experience, a crate with a washable bottom saved me a lot of time. I also looked for materials that didn’t hold odors, since that made a big difference in keeping the area fresh.
Portability and Storage
Since I sometimes move my dog’s crate between rooms or take it on trips, I paid attention to how easy it was to fold or carry. A 36-inch cage can be bulky, so I liked models that folded flat for storage. Handles, wheels, or lightweight construction were helpful features when I needed to move it around without too much effort.
Comfort Features I Considered
I always looked for a crate that could be made more comfortable with a soft mat or crate pad. A comfortable floor helped my dog settle in faster. I also appreciated cages with divider panels because they let me adjust the space as my dog grew. Good ventilation was important too, since I wanted plenty of airflow inside the cage.
Safety Features That Mattered to Me
Safety was one of my top priorities. I checked the latch system carefully because I didn’t want my dog escaping or getting injured. I also made sure the cage had no sharp corners or weak spots. If I was buying for a puppy or an anxious dog, I would look for extra-secure locking mechanisms and strong construction.
My Budget Considerations
I found that the cheapest option was not always the best value. I tried to compare price with durability, comfort, and safety. Sometimes paying a little more upfront saved me money later because I didn’t have to replace the cage quickly. For me, a good 36-inch dog cage was worth investing in if it met my dog’s needs well.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
From my experience, choosing a 36-inch dog cage comes down to finding the right balance of size, strength, comfort, and convenience. I always recommend thinking about your dog’s habits, your home space, and how you plan to use the crate. When I focused on those things, I was much happier with my purchase and my dog adjusted more easily too.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a 36-inch dog cage can be a practical and comfortable choice for many medium-sized dogs, as long as it matches my pet’s size, behavior, and needs. My main takeaway is to focus on durability, proper ventilation, and enough room for my dog to stand, turn around, and relax. When I choose the right crate, it can make training, travel, and daily routines much easier for both me and my dog.
Author Profile
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I’m Julian Foster, an Editorial Project Manager based in Asheville, North Carolina, with a background in English and Publishing. Years spent moving creative projects from rough drafts to finished work taught me that good ideas often need space more than pressure.
Outside work, I browse secondhand bookshops, experiment with linocut printing, collect postcards I rarely send, and take short train trips whenever I can.
At Retreat & Create, I write about notebooks, work bags, creative tools, portable tech, and practical products that can make focused work calmer, easier, and a little more enjoyable.
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