Wire, soft, travel and furniture crates – the best option at every price point.
Dog crates range from under $50 to over $500 in Australia, and the difference in quality is significant. We evaluated 6 crates across wire, soft and travel categories with 8 dogs across sizes and temperaments. Assessment covered: structural durability, door latch security, ease of assembly/collapse, ventilation, and how quickly dogs accepted each crate during introduction.
| # | Name | Score | Price | Type | Dimensions | Folds Flat | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MidWest iCrate Single Door★ Top Pick | 9.1 | From $89 (Amazon AU/Petstock) | Wire fold-flat + divider panel included | 24 to 48 inch (verify AU availability) | Slide-out tray – hose clean | 12 months |
| 2 | MidWest Life Stages Double Door | 9.0 | From $129 (Amazon AU) | Double-door heavy gauge wire – large breeds | 30 to 54 inch | Slide-out tray | 12 months |
| 3 | Kazoo Pop Up Pet Travel Crate | 8.5 | $104.95 | Pop-up soft travel crate – camping and visits | M, L | Spot clean; some panels removable | 6 months |
| 4 | Ellie-Bo Folding Dog Crate | 8.2 | From $79 (Amazon AU) | Budget fold-flat wire crate – calm dogs | 24 to 48 inch | Tray removable; hose clean | Verify on site |
| 5 | Impact High-Anxiety Dog Crate | 9.3 | From ~$400-600 (import) | High-security aluminium – severe anxiety escape artists | Small to XL | Spray clean | Lifetime (US warranty – verify AU process) |
| 6 | PawHut Wooden Crate End Table | 8.0 | From $150 (Amazon AU) | Furniture-style crate end table – calm dogs, home decor | Small to XL | Wipe clean | Verify on site |
What to look for – AU buying advice
Common Questions
What is the best dog crate brand in Australia?
MidWest is the most widely available and consistently rated dog crate brand in Australia, available from Amazon AU and Petstock. The iCrate series is the best starting point for most dogs. For escape artists, Impact Dog Crates (imported from the US) is the only truly inescapable option.
Should I cover my dog’s crate?
Yes – for most dogs, covering three sides of the crate with a blanket or purpose-made crate cover creates a den-like environment that promotes calmer sleep. Leave the front door uncovered so the dog can see out. Dogs with severe heat sensitivity (in summer without air conditioning) may be better with less cover for ventilation.
What is a safe crate for an anxious dog?
For dogs with separation anxiety who escape or injure themselves in standard wire crates, the Impact High-Anxiety Crate is the most humane safe solution. It should always be combined with veterinary assessment (medication may help the underlying anxiety) and professional behavioural support – crating an anxious dog without addressing the anxiety is not a long-term solution.
Can I leave water in a dog’s crate?
For crating periods over 2 hours, yes – a crate-clip water bowl attached to the door is the most practical option (a bowl on the floor gets spilled immediately). For short periods under 2 hours, water is usually unnecessary if the dog was well-watered before crating. Always provide water for overnight crating.
Label
Top Pick
H2
MidWest iCrate for Most Dogs; Impact for Escape Artists
Para 1
The MidWest iCrate is the best all-round dog crate in Australia – reliable double latches, fold-flat design, included divider and slide-out cleaning tray cover everything most dog owners need. Available from Amazon AU and Petstock.
Para 2
For dogs that have escaped multiple standard wire crates or injure themselves trying to escape, only the Impact High-Anxiety Crate provides the structural security needed. The cost is significant but the alternative – an injured, escaped dog – is worse.
Sign-off
– Hannah Reid, Certified Vet Nurse | Pawkeen.com