Choosing the right crate can make daily life easier for both you and your dog. The best dog crates for small dogs should fit your pet comfortably, support training, and be simple to clean and move.
Below, we’ve rounded up 10 strong options for puppies, toy breeds, apartment living, and travel-friendly use, with a focus on practical features that matter most.
Best 10 Dog Crates for Small Dogs Picks for 2026
Compact Starter Pick
Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate
- Sized for small dogs 12-20 lbs
- Divider panel supports puppy training
- Leak-proof tray and folding frame
Best For: Small dogs and puppies needing a simple starter crate
Most Complete Kit
DONORO Double Door Dog Crate With Cover
- Includes cover, handle, and tray
- Double-door layout for easier access
- Collapsible metal crate for transport
Best For: Small dogs, puppies, and cat owners wanting an all-in-one crate kit
Best Ultra-Compact Option
Precision Pet Provalue 19-Inch Wire Crate
- Fits pets up to 15 lbs
- 5-point locking system for security
- Divider panel and removable pan
Best For: Very small dogs and puppies that need a compact crate
Stylish Secure Pick
Carlson Pink Secure Compact Dog Crate
- Multi-point locking metal design
- Folds flat for storage and travel
- Leak-proof removable tray included
Best For: Small dogs and puppies needing a secure, easy-to-transport crate
Durable Dual-Door Pick
FDW 24" Foldable Metal Dog Crate
- Dual-door design improves access
- Leak-proof ABS tray helps with cleanup
- Folds flat for storage and travel
Best For: Small dogs that need a portable training crate
Stylish Training Choice
Midwest 24-Inch Pink Single Door iCrate
- Sized for small dogs around 12-20 lbs
- Divider panel supports crate training
- Pink finish with leak-proof tray and secure latch
Best For: Small breeds and puppy training with a stylish look
Simple Portable Pick
Sweetcrispy 24 Inch Small Dog Puppy Cage
- Foldable metal crate with single door
- Removable tray makes cleanup easy
- Smooth edges and ventilation help comfort
Best For: Owners wanting a basic portable crate for small dogs
Most Adjustable Basic Pick
Foldable 24-Inch Wire Dog Crate with Divider
- Divider adjusts the interior as your dog grows
- Folds flat with a top handle for easier storage
- Removable tray supports quick cleanup
Best For: Owners wanting a simple, portable crate for a small dog
Best Compact Travel Pick
18-Inch Foldable Small Dog Crate with Tray
- Tool-free setup and fold-flat storage
- Sliding bolt locks add security
- Leak-proof tray is easy to clean
Best For: Very small dogs and owners who need a portable crate
Best Adjustable Portable Pick
24-Inch Foldable Dog Crate with Divider
- Divider supports growing puppies or two-size setups
- Folds to under 3 inches thick for storage
- Removable tray has a deep lip for cleanup
Best For: Puppies or small dogs needing a portable, adjustable crate
Compact Starter Pick – Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate
If you want dog crates for small dogs that balance security, simplicity, and everyday practicality, this Midwest iCrate is a solid starting point. The 24-inch size is aimed at small breeds in the 12-20 lb range, and the included divider panel makes it easier to use during puppy training or as your dog grows.
Best For: Small dogs in the 12-20 lb range, especially puppies that need a crate with a divider panel.
Pros:
- Divider panel helps the crate grow with your dog during house training.
- Leak-proof tray, rubber feet, and carry handle add everyday convenience.
- Rounded corner clips and slide-bolt latch with Paw Block are designed to reduce snags and escapes.
- Tool-free assembly and folding metal construction make setup and storage straightforward.
Cons:
- Dogs near 20 lbs may need the 30-inch size instead for more room.
- Single-door design is less flexible than double-door crates.
This is a practical wire crate for owners who want a dependable indoor setup without extra complexity. It is especially appealing if you value a training-friendly design and a proven, easy-to-use layout.
Most Complete Kit – DONORO Double Door Dog Crate With Cover
For shoppers comparing dog crates for small dogs, this DONORO model stands out because it arrives as a more complete indoor setup. It includes a crate cover, carrying handle, and leak-proof tray, while the double-door layout gives you front and side access for easier placement in tight spaces.
Best For: Small dogs, puppies, and cats when you want a crate kit with a cover and extra access points.
Pros:
- Includes a brown crate cover, carrying handle, and removable tray.
- Two doors provide front and side entry for more convenient access.
- Heavy-duty slide-bolt latches help keep pets securely inside.
- Collapsible metal build is portable and suitable for indoor, outdoor, or transport use.
Cons:
- The product details list one door, while the bullets describe a two-door design.
- Hand wash only for the waterproof 600D Oxford cover.
If you want a crate that feels more like a complete kit than just a basic kennel, this one is worth a close look. The extra cover and dual-entry setup add flexibility for everyday use and travel.
Best Ultra-Compact Option – Precision Pet Provalue 19-Inch Wire Crate
If you need one of the smaller dog crates for small dogs, this Precision Pet Provalue model is built for pets up to 15 lbs and keeps the footprint modest. It uses a 5-point locking system for security, and the divider panel makes it more useful during puppy housebreaking.
Best For: Very small dogs, such as chihuahuas or similar breeds, and puppy training in a compact footprint.
Pros:
- Small 19-inch size is designed for pets up to 15 lbs.
- 5-point locking system adds security and reduces gaps.
- Divider panel and removable shatter-resistant pan support puppy training and cleanup.
- Collapsible design is easy to store and transport.
Cons:
- Very compact size may be too tight for dogs near the upper weight limit.
- Only one door and a basic standard-duty build.
This is a good fit if you want a no-frills crate that stays small, secure, and easy to move around. It is best suited to tiny breeds rather than dogs that need extra elbow room.
Stylish Secure Pick – Carlson Pink Secure Compact Dog Crate
This Carlson crate is a good match if you want dog crates for small dogs that still look a little different from the usual black wire model. It offers a secure metal build, a multi-point locking door, and a removable leak-proof tray, all in a compact size meant for extra-small to small breeds.
Best For: Small dogs and puppies when you want a secure indoor crate with a more stylish pink finish.
Pros:
- Multi-point locking door and all-metal construction support secure containment.
- Compact 24-inch size is designed for extra-small to small breeds.
- Folds nearly flat for travel, storage, or temporary indoor use.
- Removable, washable leak-proof tray makes cleanup easier.
Cons:
- Single-door design limits entry options.
- Pink finish may not suit every home or buyer preference.
This crate makes sense if you want the standard benefits of a wire kennel with a more distinctive look. It is especially appealing for crate training, indoor use, and easy transport.
Durable Dual-Door Pick – FDW 24" Foldable Metal Dog Crate
If you’re comparing dog crates for small dogs, this FDW 24-inch model is built around convenience and everyday practicality. It uses a high-tensile wire frame with an epoxy finish for rust and corrosion resistance, plus two doors for easier access in tighter spaces.
Best For: Small dogs needing a foldable crate for training, home use, or travel with a leak-proof tray.
Pros:
- Two doors make placement and access easier
- Leak-proof ABS tray helps contain messes and odors
- Folds flat and includes a removable carry handle for portability
- No-tool setup is quick and simple
Cons:
- Divider is useful, but this size is still best suited to small dogs
- At 24 inches, it may be too compact for dogs near the upper end of the breed range
Overall, this is a straightforward, travel-friendly crate with a few useful extras that make daily use easier. The double-door layout and included divider add flexibility without complicating setup.
Stylish Training Choice – Midwest 24-Inch Pink Single Door iCrate
This Midwest iCrate is a solid option if you want dog crates for small dogs that balance safety, training support, and a more polished look. It’s sized for dogs around 12-20 pounds, with a divider panel, secure latch, and leak-proof tray to support everyday crate training.
Best For: Small breeds around 12-20 lbs, especially owners who want a foldable crate with a stylish pink finish.
Pros:
- Divider panel helps the crate grow with your dog
- Leak-proof tray and rubber feet add everyday practicality
- Secure latch and Paw Block design are focused on safety
- Tool-free assembly makes setup easy
Cons:
- Single-door design is less flexible than double-door crates
- Dogs near 20 lbs may need a larger size for more comfort
For small-dog owners who care about both function and appearance, this crate stands out. The training-friendly layout and durable wire construction make it a dependable indoor pick.
Simple Portable Pick – Sweetcrispy 24 Inch Small Dog Puppy Cage
The Sweetcrispy 24-inch crate is a practical pick for dog crates for small dogs when you want something simple, foldable, and easy to clean. Its iron construction, secure single-door latch, and removable tray make it a straightforward option for indoor or outdoor use.
Best For: Small dogs or puppies that need a basic portable crate for home, travel, or training.
Pros:
- Durable iron frame is built for everyday use
- Foldable design makes storage and transport easy
- Removable tray simplifies cleanup after accidents or spills
- Smooth edges and open grid design support comfort and ventilation
Cons:
- Single door offers less flexibility than dual-door designs
- Less feature-heavy than some other crates in this size
If you want a no-fuss crate that covers the basics well, this one fits the job. It focuses on portability, cleanup, and simple containment rather than extra accessories.
Most Adjustable Basic Pick – Foldable 24-Inch Wire Dog Crate with Divider
If you want dog crates for small dogs that are simple to set up and easy to store, this 24-inch Amazon Basics option is a practical fit. It uses a durable metal wire frame, includes a divider for adjusting space as your dog grows, and folds flat for transport or compact storage. The removable plastic tray also makes cleanup more manageable after daily use.
Best For: Small-breed owners who want a basic, foldable crate for home use, travel, or training.
Pros:
- Divider panel helps adjust the internal space as needed
- Folds down flat and includes a top handle for carrying
- Removable plastic base tray simplifies cleaning
- Manual door locking mechanism adds secure containment
Cons:
- Single-door design offers less access than double-door crates
- Best suited for dogs under the stated size limit
This crate keeps the focus on the essentials: secure wire construction, portability, and an easy-clean tray. For shoppers comparing dog crates for small dogs, it’s a straightforward choice that covers training and everyday indoor use without extra complexity.
Best Compact Travel Pick – 18-Inch Foldable Small Dog Crate with Tray
For dog crates for small dogs in tight spaces, this 18-inch model is built around portability and secure everyday use. It features rounded edges, thick metal mesh, and sliding bolt locks, plus a leak-proof ABS composite tray for easy cleanup. The tool-free assembly and foldable design make it a handy option for travel, camping, or quick indoor setup.
Best For: Small dogs that need a compact, easy-to-carry crate for indoor use or travel.
Pros:
- Rounded corners and smooth edges help reduce bumps and scrapes
- Heavy-duty sliding bolt locks improve security
- Tool-free assembly and foldable design support easy transport
- Leak-proof tray is designed for simple cleaning
Cons:
- Smaller size may not suit dogs that need more room
- Single-door layout limits access options
This is a compact crate that leans into convenience: quick setup, easy cleaning, and secure latching. If your priority is a lightweight small-dog kennel for travel or occasional home use, it delivers the basics cleanly.
Best Adjustable Portable Pick – 24-Inch Foldable Dog Crate with Divider
If you’re shopping for dog crates for small dogs and want a little more room, this 24-inch DUMOS crate is built for flexibility. It uses rounded corners, a durable black-coated metal wire frame, and a removable deep-lip tray to help with mess control. The fold-flat design and carrying handle make it easy to move, while the included divider lets you adjust the living area over time.
Best For: Small dogs or puppies that need a portable crate with adjustable interior space.
Pros:
- Divider helps change the interior size as your pet grows
- Foldable design stores flat at less than 3 inches thick
- Removable deep-lip tray helps prevent overflow and simplifies cleanup
- Heavy-duty sliding bolt latch secures the door
Cons:
- Single-door access may feel limiting in some rooms
- 24-inch size may be larger than needed for very tiny dogs
This crate balances portability with adjustability, which makes it a strong middle-ground choice. If you want a small-dog kennel that can handle training, travel, and growth stages, it offers the right mix of practical features.
How We Picked the Best Dog Crates for Small Dogs
For this roundup, we focused on size-appropriate designs, build quality, ease of assembly, portability, and features that help with training and cleanup. We also favored crates with practical details like secure latches, removable trays, fold-flat storage, and door layouts that fit tighter spaces.
Quick Comparison
Most of the picks here are wire crates in 18- to 24-inch sizes, which is the sweet spot for many small breeds and puppies. Shorter 18-inch models are better for very petite dogs, while 24-inch crates usually offer more room for growing pups or small breeds that like to stretch out. Double-door designs can be easier in apartments or cars, and folding frames are helpful if you need to store the crate between uses.
Key Buying Factors for Dog Crates for Small Dogs
Correct Size
A crate should be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that it feels like a free-roam pen. If you are crate-training a puppy, a divider panel can help you start smaller and adjust as your dog grows.
Door Style and Security
Single-door crates are simple and space-efficient. Double-door crates are more flexible when wall placement, furniture, or car loading makes access awkward. Look for secure locks and sturdy latches, especially if your dog is clever or anxious.
Portability and Storage
Foldable frames are a major advantage if you need to move the crate often or store it out of the way. For Dog Crates for Small Dogs used on trips or in shared living spaces, lighter weight and compact folded dimensions can matter as much as durability.
Cleaning and Comfort
Removable trays make cleanup much easier after accidents, shedding, or muddy paws. Rounded edges, good ventilation, and compatibility with a crate mat or pad can also improve comfort for everyday use.
Who Should Buy Which Dog Crates for Small Dogs?
If you want a straightforward at-home crate for training, a standard 24-inch wire model is usually the most versatile choice. If your dog is very small, a compact 18- or 19-inch option may feel more secure. For frequent travel or easy storage, look for a foldable crate with a removable tray and a lightweight frame. If appearance matters in a living room or bedroom, color options and streamlined designs may be worth considering.
In the end, the best choice depends on your dog’s size, temperament, and your space. Match those needs to the features that matter most, and you’ll get a crate that works well every day.