Best Indestructible Dog Crate

Some dogs break every crate you put them in. Some are upset by being confined, others get bored. Other dogs just like the challenge of breaking out of their crate and prefer destroying the crate to get out. If you frequently come home to a loose dog and a destroyed crate, this list is for you.

What type of Dog Crate is Indestructible?

How do I get my dog to stop destroying their crate?

The answer to this depends on their reason for breaking out. Some dogs don’t like being trapped and will try their hardest to break out of any crate you put them in. Some are fearful of being confined thanks to previous negative experiences. Some have separation anxiety and act out because of that. Smarter breeds like border collies get bored when left alone and may view trying to break out as entertainment. All of these issues are best dealt with by consulting with your vet and developing a training program to address the issues.

Patience and consistent positive training is the best way to deal with any behavior issues. In the meantime, appropriate tools such as a stronger crate can help save your sanity when dealing with difficult behavior. If you’d like some more specific help with your dog’s issues, here are some specific links for you.

For dogs who break crates due to separation anxiety, this article is a great resource. It is written specifically with the condition in mind when reviewing the crates listed. The crates on that list were all loved by owners of dogs with separation anxiety. With all this in mind, let’s move onto the reviews.

Guardian Gear ProSelect Empire Dog Cage

Things to Watch For

As the latches are accessible, some dogs might figure out how to open them. Most owners were able to fix the issue with carabiners to stop the dog from sliding it out. As the floor is a grate, some dogs might not find it very comfortable. There is also a risk of paws or toes being trapped like all grate flooring. Many owners reported success with using the included tray inside the crate to help with this. Another solution suggested was bedding meant for horses since most dogs aren’t strong enough to destroy it. There have been reports of rusting in the bolts and wheel attachments after a year. There have been reports of the holes not lining up well. Be sure you don’t fully tighten the bolts until all pieces are in place to make this easier to deal with. The plate with the brand name can be sharp and multiple owners have noted that their dog tries to chew on it. The floor and the tray are held in with steel tabs, and some dogs have managed to bend these enough to drop the floor and escape that way. The bars for the floor and the tray can rust after a few years as well. Customer service is also difficult to contact if you have any issues.

Pros

• Steel construction
• Lockable wheels
• 2 sizes to fit many sizes of dog
• Removable tray for easier cleaning

Cons

• Latches are accessible to the dog
• Grate flooring can be uncomfortable for dogs to lay on or dangerous for smaller dogs
• Tabs that hold the floor can be accessed by the dog
• Customer service is poor

LUCKUP Heavy Duty Dog Cage Strong Metal Kennel and Crate for Large Dogs

Things to Watch For

The bars are hollow, so dogs with strong jaws can deform them. The locks are noted as being flimsy, particularly on top so many owners have resorted to chaining the doors shut. The slatted flooring can be uncomfortable for some dogs so you may need some form of flooring for comfort. It can also be dangerous for smaller dogs since toes can get caught. Some customers reported missing holes so the cage can’t be assembled fully. There are quality issues like poor welding that can result in pieces breaking off. Customers have also not received the hardware in the package and were forced to return the crate. Customer service is also noted to be difficult to contact. While there is a three-year warranty, most customers noted that they couldn’t figure out how to use it.

Pros

• Heavy steel construction
• Plastic tray for easy cleaning
• Lockable wheels
• 4 sizes
• Two doors

Cons

• Hollow bars can be dented by dogs with strong jaws
• Flimsy locks that some dogs can work out how to open
• Slatted flooring isn’t comfortable and can be dangerous for smaller breeds
• Quality issues like poor welding and quality controls
• Customer service is hard to reach

Sliverylake Dog Cage Crate Kennel – Heavy Duty Double Door Pet Cage

Things to Watch For

There have been reports of the bars arriving cracked. The locks, particularly the top lock have been broken. The top door can be forced open more easily thanks to having only one lock on it. Many owners have either chained it or used heavy-duty zip ties to secure it. The bars can be bent by strong dogs as well since they are hollow. The latches can be opened from inside the crate. Many owners used carabiners to hold it closed. The pan can be pushed out by the dog, so it can access the flooring the cage is on. Most owners have added zip ties or similar solutions to help prevent this. There are quality issues like screws not laying flush on the latches or bolt holes not lining up properly. There have been owners reporting their dog breaking a bar and escaping.

Pros

• Steel crate at a lower price point
• Multiple sizes and color options
• Both tray and grate are removable for cleaning
• Lockable wheels

Cons

• Bars have cracked during shipping
• Dogs can access the latches and push out the tray
• Quality issues
• Bars can be broken by strong dogs

Petmate Sky Kennel

Things to Watch For

The handle on the smaller sizes has been noted as breaking off with animals under 30 pounds. Customers have also reported crates arriving with cracks. The sizing chart provided by the company is inaccurate and doesn’t include head height as most airlines require. The usable internal size is smaller than what is listed as well resulting in people ordering the wrong size. Strong dogs can pull the door inward at the bottom and use that to escape. You need to buy separate metal hardware if you’re planning to fly with this. Customers have also reported the bowls not being in the box when it arrives. The ventilation windows can also be pushed out by a determined dog, breaking the crate. As the back ventilation is plastic, it can be chewed through.

Pros

• Airline approved
• Ventilated on all sides
• Includes food dishes and live animal stickers
• Made of recycled plastic
• 4 point lock on larger sizes
• Lightweight

Cons

• Not sturdy enough to stand up to determined escape artists
• Handle breaks
• Needs metal hardware to be used to fly with your pet
• Missing bowls
• Ventilation holes can either be chewed through or pushed out
• Inaccurate size chart

Impact Collapsible, Durable Aluminum Dog Crate

Best Indestructible Travel Crate

Things to Watch For

Customers have reported issues with getting the side bars attached. One customer had the crate collapse and pinch their finger while attempting to set it up. Customer service was noted as being poor and refusing to give a full refund for a crate that couldn’t be assembled thanks to faulty side bars. If a dog can get their paws through the ventilation holes, they are likely to be injured due to how thin the aluminum is. The company sells inserts for the door to help prevent high anxiety dogs from chipping teeth on the bars.

Pros

• Aluminum construction with crush-resistant corners for serious toughness
• Marine grade steel and welded rivets to avoid corrosion
• All coatings are non-toxic if ingested
• Lighter weight means you can transport anxious dogs more easily
• Collapsible for ease of transport and storage
• Alcatraz for dogs

Cons

• Customer service can be a problem if you need to return it
• Lots of pinch points, be careful when assembling
• Some dogs can get their paws through the ventilation holes and hurt themselves
• Dog will get hurt before cage will break, might be a positive depending on your dog

MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate | iCrate Single Door & Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crates | Fully Equipped

Things to Watch For

As the top can be forced away, dogs can escape that way. However, they can become stuck, which is a dangerous situation for any dog since they could strangle if their neck is stuck. The latches can also be worked open by a dog since they’re straight. Owners have noted that the bars near the hinges are very sharp and can injure a dog. Customers have had issues with their dogs getting their jaws trapped when they try to chew on the bars. Others have reported the crate arriving with bent bars. It also isn’t suited to outdoor use, since it can rust easily.

Pros

• Wire construction is good for dogs who like full visibility
• Multiple sizes to fit most dogs
• Comes with divider

Cons

• Can be easily broken by a determined dog
• Wire can be sharp
• Lid can flex enough for dogs to attempt escape through it, which can be dangerous
• Animals attempting to break out can get stuck and injured

SmithBuilt Heavy-Duty Dog Crate Cage – Two-Door Indoor Outdoor Pet & Animal Kennel with Tray

Things to Watch For

Like all grated floors, there is a risk of toes getting caught. The design of this grate floor makes this a bit less likely, but it’s still something to consider. The bars can be bent since they are hollow. The locks are easy for dogs to access, most owners suggest using carabiners or luggage locks to keep them from being slid open. There have been reports of dogs being able to break the hinges. Customer service is poor, refusing to cover what they call pet damage. Quality issues like bolt holes not lining up have been reported. Customers have also reported the crate ariving with bent, warped or broken pieces. The hardware also has come with stripped or otherwise useless pieces.

Pros

• Steel construction
• Rust-resistant coating
• Wheels, with two of them lockable
• Removable tray and grate for cleaning

Cons

• Floor grate isn’t comfortable
• Locks need additions to prevent dogs from opening them
• Quality issues and shipping damage
• Poor customer service

SMONTER Heavy Duty Dog Crate

Things to Watch For

As the lock can be manipulated by the dog while they’re locked in, you need to get some kind of lock to keep the cage shut. The grate floor is also uncomfortable, particularly for smaller dogs. As the crate is made of hollow tubes, dogs with strong jaws can deform the bars, weakening them to the point that they can escape. As the bars are 2 inches apart, dogs can stick their snouts out and drag things into the crate or fight as one owner reported. Owners have reported that the cage rattles even when all bolts are tightened. Multiple customers reported shipping damage to the crate, from dents in the bars to broken welds. The welds on stress areas like the hinges have been noted as being poor quality.

Pros

• Steel crate
• Two doors for more access to your pet
• Anti-corrosion coating
• Can be used outdoors
• Locking wheels
• Removable tray for easy cleaning

Cons

• Grate flooring can be uncomfortable or even dangerous for small dogs
• Bars are hollow tubes so dogs can deform them
• Latches need additional hardware to keep them shut
• Low quality welding doesn’t stand up to strong dogs
• Shipping issues resulting in damage

Stackable Open Top Heavy Duty Cage w/Casters

Things to Watch For

There have been multiple reports of dogs breaking off the panels be pulling and breaking the welds. The instructions are noted as being poorly translated. The plastic floor can move around, which can be a safety and security issue. As the floor is plastic, some dogs may be able to destroy it. This is more likely with dogs that like chewing plastic. The wheels have been noted to break easily. This crate also had the fewest reviews of any crate on this list. This means there aren’t as many complaints or other notes about issues with the cage. Customer service does seem responsive to issues at least, so issues should be resolved more easily.

Pros

• Steel wire crate in a sturdier style
• Stackable to save floor space
• Wheeled
• Has a food door
• Slide out tray for cleaning
• Plastic floor for more comfort for your pet
• Good customer service

Cons

• Thin wire can be deformed or broken by strong dogs
• Plastic floor can be chewed
• Flastic floor also moves around
• Wheels can break
• Poor instructions