The MidWest iCrate 36-inch is a market-leading medium wire crate known for its balance of durable construction, a removable divider and a sliding plastic pan — features that make it an all-purpose choice for home, training and travel. It holds its position by offering heavier-gauge wire and a broad accessories ecosystem than budget alternatives, delivering better resale value and long-term reliability compared with the simpler Petmate or AmazonBasics models. Financially it sits in the mid-range: slightly more expensive than bare-bones crates but cheaper than premium specialty crates while giving a strong technical feature set for the price.
Sturdy steel
Grows with pup
Sturdy steel
Grows with pup
Review Summary
"Sturdy, well-built crate that's easy to assemble and transport; users praise the durable construction and removable pan but occasionally note minor weld or finish inconsistencies after long use."
Quick fold
Removable plastic pan for easy cleaning.
Quick fold
Removable plastic pan for easy cleaning.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The MidWest iCrate 36-inch is a market-leading medium wire crate known for its balance of durable construction, a removable divider and a sliding plastic pan — features that make it an all-purpose choice for home, training and travel. It holds its position by offering heavier-gauge wire and a broad accessories ecosystem than budget alternatives, delivering better resale value and long-term reliability compared with the simpler Petmate or AmazonBasics models. Financially it sits in the mid-range: slightly more expensive than bare-bones crates but cheaper than premium specialty crates while giving a strong technical feature set for the price.
Sturdy steel
Grows with pup
Quick fold
Removable plastic pan for easy cleaning.
Single-door design with a secure slide-bolt latch.
Sturdy steel
Grows with pup
Quick fold
Removable plastic pan for easy cleaning.
Single-door design with a secure slide-bolt latch.
$120-180 CAD
The Petmate Sky Kennel is the market leader for airline-approved dog plastic kennels thanks to its reinforced design, secure hardware, and broad size range that meets most airline regulations. Compared with the other products on this list it prioritizes regulatory compliance and long-term durability—often costing more upfront but reducing risk and replacement costs for frequent travelers who need certified, travel-ready carriers.
Airline-ready travel
Durable snap-locks
Airline-ready travel
Durable snap-locks
Review Summary
"Longtime users praise the Petmate Sky Kennel for its rugged, airline-approved construction and reliable ventilation; some note it is heavy and the plastic can show scuffs over time. Overall owners find it secure and durable for frequent travel and extended use."
Sky-high ventilation
Meets most major airline size and construction requirements.
Sky-high ventilation
Meets most major airline size and construction requirements.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The Petmate Sky Kennel is the market leader for airline-approved dog plastic kennels thanks to its reinforced design, secure hardware, and broad size range that meets most airline regulations. Compared with the other products on this list it prioritizes regulatory compliance and long-term durability—often costing more upfront but reducing risk and replacement costs for frequent travelers who need certified, travel-ready carriers.
Airline-ready travel
Durable snap-locks
Sky-high ventilation
Meets most major airline size and construction requirements.
Durable two-piece plastic design with metal door and secure fasteners.
Airline-ready travel
Durable snap-locks
Sky-high ventilation
Meets most major airline size and construction requirements.
Durable two-piece plastic design with metal door and secure fasteners.
$80-220 CAD
Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier is the premium choice for owners who prioritize safety and durability, featuring a rigid internal frame and high-quality materials that justify its higher price for frequent travelers or those wanting crash-tested engineering. Technically superior to the softer mesh designs like AmazonBasics and more robust than Sherpa’s flexible frame, Sleepypod is best when longevity and protective structure outweigh cost or lightweight portability.
Crash-tested peace
Memory-foam comfort
Crash-tested peace
Memory-foam comfort
Review Summary
"Users consistently praise the premium materials, safety, and long-term durability and generally feel the higher price is justified for in-cabin air travel."
Compressible design
Premium in-cabin carrier with a reinforced structure and secure zip closures.
Compressible design
Premium in-cabin carrier with a reinforced structure and secure zip closures.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier is the premium choice for owners who prioritize safety and durability, featuring a rigid internal frame and high-quality materials that justify its higher price for frequent travelers or those wanting crash-tested engineering. Technically superior to the softer mesh designs like AmazonBasics and more robust than Sherpa’s flexible frame, Sleepypod is best when longevity and protective structure outweigh cost or lightweight portability.
Crash-tested peace
Memory-foam comfort
Compressible design
Premium in-cabin carrier with a reinforced structure and secure zip closures.
High-quality ballistic nylon exterior and plush interior that compresses for under-seat storage.
Crash-tested peace
Memory-foam comfort
Compressible design
Premium in-cabin carrier with a reinforced structure and secure zip closures.
High-quality ballistic nylon exterior and plush interior that compresses for under-seat storage.
$280-380 CAD
Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier
The Sleepypod Air is a premium in-cabin carrier focused on safety and comfort, featuring a highly protective, crash-tested pedigree and plush internal design that justifies its higher price for owners prioritizing technical safety features during air travel. Compared to budget soft carriers such as Sherpa and SturdiBag, Sleepypod delivers a measurable safety and build-quality advantage, while still offering the in-cabin convenience that hard-sided kennels like Petmate cannot provide.
Crash-tested cozy
Pillow-like interior
Crash-tested cozy
Pillow-like interior
Review Summary
"The Sleepypod Air is widely considered a top-tier in-cabin carrier with premium materials, excellent comfort and fit for pets, and strong build quality, but it carries a higher price than most alternatives. Customers consistently report long-term satisfaction and airline acceptance for standard in-cabin use."
Folds flat — suitcase vibes
Structured but soft design made to conform to airline under-seat dimensions
Folds flat — suitcase vibes
Structured but soft design made to conform to airline under-seat dimensions
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
The Sleepypod Air is a premium in-cabin carrier focused on safety and comfort, featuring a highly protective, crash-tested pedigree and plush internal design that justifies its higher price for owners prioritizing technical safety features during air travel. Compared to budget soft carriers such as Sherpa and SturdiBag, Sleepypod delivers a measurable safety and build-quality advantage, while still offering the in-cabin convenience that hard-sided kennels like Petmate cannot provide.
Crash-tested cozy
Pillow-like interior
Folds flat — suitcase vibes
Structured but soft design made to conform to airline under-seat dimensions
Robust zipper system, quality fabrics, and washable liner for hygiene and durability
Crash-tested cozy
Pillow-like interior
Folds flat — suitcase vibes
Structured but soft design made to conform to airline under-seat dimensions
Robust zipper system, quality fabrics, and washable liner for hygiene and durability
$220-320 CAD
The Petmate Sky Kennel leads the market for secure, airline-compliant travel crates, offering a rugged, hard-sided design and sturdy locking hardware that outperforms soft-sided alternatives when strict airline or long-haul durability is required. While heavier and pricier than quick-fold soft crates like EliteField or AmazonBasics, its investment-level build and regulatory acceptance provide superior protection and fewer costly travel complications for owners who need guaranteed compliance and maximum protection.
Airline-approved
Bolt-lock security
Airline-approved
Bolt-lock security
Review Summary
"Buyers report the Petmate Sky Kennel is very sturdy, airline-compliant, and reliable for long-distance travel; negatives noted are its weight and bulk and occasional concerns about ventilation and hardware tightness."
Tough-shelled tank
Hard-sided, airline-approved design meets most carrier requirements for air travel
Tough-shelled tank
Hard-sided, airline-approved design meets most carrier requirements for air travel
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The Petmate Sky Kennel leads the market for secure, airline-compliant travel crates, offering a rugged, hard-sided design and sturdy locking hardware that outperforms soft-sided alternatives when strict airline or long-haul durability is required. While heavier and pricier than quick-fold soft crates like EliteField or AmazonBasics, its investment-level build and regulatory acceptance provide superior protection and fewer costly travel complications for owners who need guaranteed compliance and maximum protection.
Airline-approved
Bolt-lock security
Tough-shelled tank
Hard-sided, airline-approved design meets most carrier requirements for air travel
Heavy-duty plastic shell with abundant ventilation and metal hardware for security
Airline-approved
Bolt-lock security
Tough-shelled tank
Hard-sided, airline-approved design meets most carrier requirements for air travel
Heavy-duty plastic shell with abundant ventilation and metal hardware for security
$120-300 CAD
The ProSelect Empire dog cage is positioned as a market leader for extreme durability and welded construction that resists bending and tampering, making it a top choice for dogs that attempt escape through force. Though heavier and less portable than collapsible options such as the Impact crate, its rugged steel and commercial-grade latches often justify the higher upfront cost for owners prioritizing maximum containment over mobility. Compared with budget heavy-duty brands on this list, ProSelect trades off some price and convenience for long-term strength and professional-grade security.
Armored Fortress
Chewproof Titan
Armored Fortress
Chewproof Titan
Review Summary
"Reviewers call it one of the most secure, professional-grade cages for escape-prone dogs—very heavy-duty and dependable—though it's bulky and pricier than basic crates."
Fort-Knox Lock
Welded steel construction designed to resist bending and breakouts.
Fort-Knox Lock
Welded steel construction designed to resist bending and breakouts.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The ProSelect Empire dog cage is positioned as a market leader for extreme durability and welded construction that resists bending and tampering, making it a top choice for dogs that attempt escape through force. Though heavier and less portable than collapsible options such as the Impact crate, its rugged steel and commercial-grade latches often justify the higher upfront cost for owners prioritizing maximum containment over mobility. Compared with budget heavy-duty brands on this list, ProSelect trades off some price and convenience for long-term strength and professional-grade security.
Armored Fortress
Chewproof Titan
Fort-Knox Lock
Welded steel construction designed to resist bending and breakouts.
Secure double-latch door and reinforced hinges for escape prevention.
Armored Fortress
Chewproof Titan
Fort-Knox Lock
Welded steel construction designed to resist bending and breakouts.
Secure double-latch door and reinforced hinges for escape prevention.
$700-1,200 CAD
ProSelect Empire Dog Cage is the premium choice for heavy-duty kennels thanks to commercial-grade welded steel construction, oversized gauge bars and secure dual-latch doors. It outperforms the other entries on build quality and security, making it ideal where maximum containment and durability justify a higher price; compared with the other models it offers superior corrosion-resistant finishes and professional-grade fittings.
Crushproof steel (Houdini)
Escape-proof latches
Crushproof steel (Houdini)
Escape-proof latches
Review Summary
"Buyers consistently praise the ProSelect Empire for its extremely sturdy welded construction and secure latches, noting it holds up well to strong, active dogs; occasional comments mention its heavy weight and high price but say durability justifies it. Overall owners report long-term reliability with minimal deformation or rust when used indoors."
Roomy interior
Welded heavy-gauge steel frame built for long-term commercial and working-dog use.
Roomy interior
Welded heavy-gauge steel frame built for long-term commercial and working-dog use.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
ProSelect Empire Dog Cage is the premium choice for heavy-duty kennels thanks to commercial-grade welded steel construction, oversized gauge bars and secure dual-latch doors. It outperforms the other entries on build quality and security, making it ideal where maximum containment and durability justify a higher price; compared with the other models it offers superior corrosion-resistant finishes and professional-grade fittings.
Crushproof steel (Houdini)
Escape-proof latches
Roomy interior
Welded heavy-gauge steel frame built for long-term commercial and working-dog use.
Multiple reinforced lock points and escape-proof latches for maximum security.
Crushproof steel (Houdini)
Escape-proof latches
Roomy interior
Welded heavy-gauge steel frame built for long-term commercial and working-dog use.
Multiple reinforced lock points and escape-proof latches for maximum security.
$1,200-2,500 CAD
Ruff Tough Kennels SUV Tie-Down Kit
The Ruff Tough SUV Tie-Down Kit is positioned as the value-focused, easy-install solution for owners who need secure anchoring without permanent vehicle modification; its simple hardware and broad compatibility make it a budget-friendly alternative to custom floor mounts. While it may not match the crash-certified performance of Variocage or the billet hardware of Gunner, it delivers excellent cost-to-security for occasional transport and a fast retrofit for existing carriers.
SUV-ready straps
Rapid anchor points
SUV-ready straps
Rapid anchor points
Review Summary
"Buyers report solid, heavy-duty components that keep crates secure in SUVs and generally easy installation, though some note missing hardware or vehicle-specific fit issues. Overall it's seen as a durable, practical tie-down option for frequent users."
Rugged nylon webbing
Includes heavy-duty straps and steel brackets engineered for SUV installations.
Rugged nylon webbing
Includes heavy-duty straps and steel brackets engineered for SUV installations.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The Ruff Tough SUV Tie-Down Kit is positioned as the value-focused, easy-install solution for owners who need secure anchoring without permanent vehicle modification; its simple hardware and broad compatibility make it a budget-friendly alternative to custom floor mounts. While it may not match the crash-certified performance of Variocage or the billet hardware of Gunner, it delivers excellent cost-to-security for occasional transport and a fast retrofit for existing carriers.
SUV-ready straps
Rapid anchor points
Rugged nylon webbing
Includes heavy-duty straps and steel brackets engineered for SUV installations.
Adjustable anchor points fit a wide range of Ruff Tough kennel sizes.
SUV-ready straps
Rapid anchor points
Rugged nylon webbing
Includes heavy-duty straps and steel brackets engineered for SUV installations.
Adjustable anchor points fit a wide range of Ruff Tough kennel sizes.
$200-350 CAD
MidWest Homes for Pets Foldable Metal Exercise Pen earns a best-in-class spot for dog play pens thanks to its heavy-gauge welded-steel construction, reliable locking hardware, and flexible panel configurations that handle medium to large dogs securely. While typically priced above budget options, it outperforms the lighter IRIS and travel-focused Zampa models on durability and long-term outdoor/indoor use, and offers a sturdier alternative to the more value-oriented AmazonBasics and the versatile but lighter Carlson convertible yard.
Heavy-duty build
Fold-and-go design
Heavy-duty build
Fold-and-go design
Review Summary
"Users praise its heavy-duty steel construction, easy foldability, and reliable containment for puppies and medium dogs; some note it's heavy and larger dogs can push panels or bend pins over time."
Veterinarian-approved vibe
Durable welded metal panels that fold flat for easy storage and transport.
Veterinarian-approved vibe
Durable welded metal panels that fold flat for easy storage and transport.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
MidWest Homes for Pets Foldable Metal Exercise Pen earns a best-in-class spot for dog play pens thanks to its heavy-gauge welded-steel construction, reliable locking hardware, and flexible panel configurations that handle medium to large dogs securely. While typically priced above budget options, it outperforms the lighter IRIS and travel-focused Zampa models on durability and long-term outdoor/indoor use, and offers a sturdier alternative to the more value-oriented AmazonBasics and the versatile but lighter Carlson convertible yard.
Heavy-duty build
Fold-and-go design
Veterinarian-approved vibe
Durable welded metal panels that fold flat for easy storage and transport.
Multiple panel configurations allow circular, rectangular, or custom shapes to suit space.
Heavy-duty build
Fold-and-go design
Veterinarian-approved vibe
Durable welded metal panels that fold flat for easy storage and transport.
Multiple panel configurations allow circular, rectangular, or custom shapes to suit space.
$80-160 CAD
The Molly Mutt Crate Cover is a premium, durable fabric cover that adds privacy, noise dampening, and stylish aesthetics to a crate, appealing to owners who want a finished look and added comfort beyond a simple pad. It differentiates itself from cheaper options by offering higher-quality materials and design that also function as a blanket, making it a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing long-term appearance and multifunction use alongside trays and warming pads.
Dim den vibe
Designer prints
Dim den vibe
Designer prints
Review Summary
"Molly Mutt Crate Covers receive high marks for quality fabric, stylish designs, and good light/privacy control; some reviewers mentioned the price and occasional fit mismatches with non-standard crates. Overall customers praise the build and look, making it a popular premium cover choice."
Hideaway comfort
Decorative fabric cover provides privacy, reduces light and helps calm anxious dogs
Hideaway comfort
Decorative fabric cover provides privacy, reduces light and helps calm anxious dogs
Recreational Enjoyment
Increased Safety & Security
The Molly Mutt Crate Cover is a premium, durable fabric cover that adds privacy, noise dampening, and stylish aesthetics to a crate, appealing to owners who want a finished look and added comfort beyond a simple pad. It differentiates itself from cheaper options by offering higher-quality materials and design that also function as a blanket, making it a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing long-term appearance and multifunction use alongside trays and warming pads.
Dim den vibe
Designer prints
Hideaway comfort
Decorative fabric cover provides privacy, reduces light and helps calm anxious dogs
Breathable material with side openings for ventilation and access
Dim den vibe
Designer prints
Hideaway comfort
Decorative fabric cover provides privacy, reduces light and helps calm anxious dogs
Breathable material with side openings for ventilation and access
$80-160 CAD