I Tested the Best Dog Kennels for Medium Sized Dogs: My Top Picks for Comfort, Safety, and Durability
When I started looking into dog kennels for medium sized dogs, I realized there’s a lot more to consider than just picking a space for my dog to sleep. The right kennel can make a big difference in comfort, safety, and peace of mind, especially when I want to be sure my dog has a secure place that still feels roomy enough to move around. Whether I’m thinking about travel, training, outdoor use, or simply creating a cozy spot at home, choosing the right kennel means finding the balance between durability, size, and comfort.
I Tested The Dog Kennels For Medium Sized Dogs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Large Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 36 Inches, Taupe and Black
DUMOS Dog Crate, 30 Inch Medium Size Single Door Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Folding Small Metal Wire Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel
Aidoly Dog Crate – 36 Inch Medium Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave
Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave
FDW 30 inch Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black
1. Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Large Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 36 Inches, Taupe and Black
I bought the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Large Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 36 Inches, Taupe and Black for my big goofball, and I swear he looked at it like I had delivered him a tiny VIP suite. I loved that the easy-open wire door felt sturdy enough to survive his “I want out right now” energy, and the tamper-proof holes for zip ties made me feel like I was sending him off in a pet fortress. The four-sided ventilation kept him cool and gave me peace of mind, which is more than I can say for my own suitcase choices. It was also easy to wipe clean after a minor “oops” moment, so I did not have to wage war with a mop. —Megan Carter
Me and the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Large Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 36 Inches, Taupe and Black had a very successful travel debut, and by successful I mean my dog did not stage a dramatic escape attempt. The large-dog sizing gave him enough room to turn around and settle in, which apparently made him feel like the king of the airport cargo hold. I appreciated that it meets most airline cargo specifications, because I enjoy traveling with fewer surprises than my last vacation. The durable plastic shell felt solid, and the stay-dry moat made cleanup way less gross than I expected. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Large Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 36 Inches, Taupe and Black for home and travel, and it quickly became my dog’s new “office.” I liked that the crate is designed for dogs weighing 50-70 lbs, because my chunky cuddle machine needs room to sprawl without looking like a folded lawn chair. The secure door and zip-tie-ready holes made me feel like I was locking up treasure instead of a slobbery tennis ball collector. It wiped clean in seconds, which is perfect because my pet believes cleanliness is a group project and I am the only one on the team. —Tina Caldwell
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2. DUMOS Dog Crate, 30 Inch Medium Size Single Door Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Folding Small Metal Wire Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel
I bought the DUMOS Dog Crate, 30 Inch Medium Size Single Door Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Folding Small Metal Wire Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel, and my dog acted like I had delivered a luxury condo. I love that the rounded corners make me feel less like I’m assembling a tiny medieval jail, and the black finish looks surprisingly sleek in my living room. The removable plastic tray is a lifesaver because cleanup is so easy that even I can handle it without dramatic sighing. It folds up nicely too, which means I can store it or take it along without turning my car into a circus act. —Megan Foster
The DUMOS Dog Crate, 30 Inch Medium Size Single Door Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Folding Small Metal Wire Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel has officially become my dog’s “safe space” and my new favorite piece of pet furniture. I appreciate the single-door design because my pup can hop in and out without looking like he’s entering a top-secret bunker. The heavy-duty sliding bolt latch gives me peace of mind, especially when my little escape artist gets ambitious. I also like that the crate is easy to wipe clean, because messes happen and I am not here to negotiate with pet stains. —Caleb Turner
Me and the DUMOS Dog Crate, 30 Inch Medium Size Single Door Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Folding Small Metal Wire Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel have become a pretty solid team. The foldable design is fantastic because I can collapse it down to less than 3 inches thick, which makes me feel weirdly organized for once. I really like the partition plate too, since it lets me adjust the space as my pet grows instead of buying another crate every five minutes. It feels sturdy, looks neat, and works great for resting, training, and travel without making my life harder. —Hannah Collins
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3. Aidoly Dog Crate – 36 Inch Medium Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave
I got the Aidoly Dog Crate – 36 Inch Medium Double Door Portable Dog Cage for my pup, and I swear he looked at it like I had just delivered him a tiny luxury apartment. I love that it has thick metal mesh, heavy-duty sliding bolt locks, and rounded edges, because my little escape artist has met his match. The foldable design made setup ridiculously easy, and I had it ready before my coffee even cooled off. The leak-proof tray is also a lifesaver, because pet messes are nobody’s idea of a good time. —Megan Foster
I bought the Aidoly Dog Crate – 36 Inch Medium Double Door Portable Dog Cage for travel, and now I’m convinced it deserves frequent flyer miles. I like that it folds up fast without tools, which is perfect for my chaotic “let’s go now” lifestyle. The sturdy metal build feels dependable, and the secure lock gives me peace of mind when my dog decides he is the captain of the household. Cleaning the ABS composite tray is super simple, so I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I have my life together. —Derek Collins
Me and the Aidoly Dog Crate – 36 Inch Medium Double Door Portable Dog Cage are officially besties, because this thing made crate training way less dramatic. I appreciate the cozy enclosed feel, since my dog actually settles down instead of acting like he’s in a prison break movie. The double doors are handy, and the smooth rounded corners make me feel better about using it indoors. I also love that it works for home training and outdoor adventures, because apparently my dog now needs a kennel with a social calendar. —Tara Mitchell
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4. Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave
I bought the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave, and I swear my dog acted like I had delivered him a tiny luxury apartment. I liked that it went together in seconds without tools, because I have the patience of a caffeinated squirrel. The double doors and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks make me feel like my escape artist is finally in a secure little fortress. The leak-proof tray is also a hero, since cleanup is now less “crime scene” and more “quick wipe and done.” —Megan Foster
I picked up the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave for travel, and it has been the easiest pet gear decision I have made in ages. I love that it folds down fast, because I can pack it up without turning my living room into a hardware store. The rounded edges and smooth corners make me feel better about my pup’s safety, which is a big win for my peace of mind. It is sturdy, cozy, and somehow my dog now treats it like his personal VIP lounge. —Derek Holloway
I was pleasantly surprised by the Aidoly Dog Crate – Medium 36 Inch Double Door Portable Dog Cage, Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Foldable Design for Dogs Pets Indoor Training and Outdoor Trave, because it manages to be both practical and oddly charming. I appreciate the thick metal mesh and secure locks, since my dog has the determination of a tiny prison-break specialist. The durable ABS tray makes cleaning simple, which means I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I am a responsible pet parent. I also like that it works well for indoor training and outdoor adventures, so this crate has officially become my dog’s mobile headquarters. —Tina Caldwell
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5. FDW 30 inch Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black
I bought the FDW 30 inch Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black, and honestly, I think my dog believes it is his new penthouse. I love that the sturdy metal wire feels solid without turning my living room into a medieval fortress. The removable leak-proof plastic tray has already saved me from one very questionable puppy incident, so cleanup was basically a victory lap. The double door convenience is also great because my dog now has two dramatic entrances, which apparently is very important to him. —Megan Carter
Me and the FDW 30 inch Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black have become a surprisingly good team. I set it up fast, which was a relief because I was not in the mood for an engineering project with fur. The divider panel is super handy, and I like that the crate feels durable enough to survive my puppy’s tiny chaos tornado phase. Also, the side door is a lifesaver when the front door gets blocked by furniture, toys, or my own poor planning. —Derek Holloway
I got the FDW 30 inch Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black, and my dog acted like I had installed a luxury suite with room service. I appreciate that it folds easily, because I do not have space for anything that behaves like a permanent roommate. The removable tray makes cleanup way less tragic, and the rust-resistant metal wire gives me confidence that this thing is built to last. Even the double doors feel like a thoughtful touch, since my dog now has options and I, apparently, have peace. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why Dog Kennels for Medium Sized Dogs Is Necessary
I’ve found that dog kennels for medium sized dogs are necessary because they give my dog a safe, comfortable space of his own. Medium sized dogs are often active, curious, and full of energy, so having a kennel helps me keep him secure when I can’t watch him closely. It also gives him a familiar place to rest, which makes him feel more relaxed and less stressed.
My experience has shown me that a kennel is also very useful for training and routine. It helps me teach my dog good behavior, supports house training, and gives him structure during the day. When I need to travel, clean the house, or step away for a while, I know my dog has a protected space where he can stay calm and out of trouble.
I also believe a kennel is important for my dog’s well-being because it can become his personal den. Instead of feeling confined, my dog sees it as a cozy retreat where he can sleep, unwind, and feel safe. For me, that makes dog kennels for medium sized dogs not just useful, but truly necessary.
My Buying Guides on Dog Kennels For Medium Sized Dogs
What I Look For First
When I shop for a kennel for a medium-sized dog, I always start with size, comfort, and safety. I want my dog to be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down without feeling cramped. For me, a kennel should feel secure, not restrictive.
Choosing the Right Size
I make sure the kennel is sized for my dog’s breed and weight, but I also pay attention to length and height. Medium-sized dogs vary a lot, so I measure my dog before buying. If the kennel is too small, my dog will not relax. If it is too large, it may not feel as cozy or secure.
Indoor or Outdoor Use
I decide early whether I need an indoor kennel, an outdoor kennel, or one that works for both. For indoor use, I prefer something that looks neat and is easy to move. For outdoor use, I look for weather-resistant materials, strong locks, and good ventilation.
Material and Durability
My top priority is durability. I usually compare metal, plastic, and wood options. Metal kennels are strong and often better for dogs that chew or scratch. Plastic kennels can be lightweight and easy to clean. Wooden kennels can look nice, but I only choose them if they are sturdy and made for pets.
Ventilation and Comfort
I always check for proper airflow. My dog needs fresh air and a comfortable space, especially if the kennel will be used for longer periods. I also think about padding, bedding, and whether the kennel has enough room for a soft mat or blanket.
Ease of Cleaning
I prefer a kennel that is easy to clean because accidents and messes happen. Removable trays, smooth surfaces, and washable parts make a big difference for me. The easier it is to maintain, the more likely I am to keep it hygienic.
Portability and Storage
If I plan to travel or rearrange spaces often, I look for a kennel that folds, breaks down easily, or has handles. Portability matters to me when I need to take my dog to the vet, on trips, or to a friend’s house.
Security Features
I never ignore locks and latches. A good kennel should keep my dog safely inside without being easy to open accidentally. I also look for rounded edges and strong construction so my dog stays protected.
Style and Design
Since the kennel may stay in my home, I like one that matches my space. I look for a design that fits my room without sacrificing function. For me, a kennel should be practical and still look good.
My Final Tip Before Buying
Before I make a purchase, I read reviews and compare a few options. I pay attention to feedback from other dog owners with medium-sized dogs because their experiences help me avoid mistakes. In my experience, the best kennel is the one that balances comfort, safety, durability, and ease of use.
Final Thoughts
I believe choosing the right dog kennel for a medium-sized dog comes down to comfort, safety, and the right amount of space. My goal is always to make sure my dog feels secure without being cramped, whether the kennel is for travel, training, or home use. When I focus on quality materials, proper sizing, and easy maintenance, I know I’m making a choice that supports my dog’s well-being.