I Tested the Best Side Door Dog Crate for Easy Access and Everyday Comfort
I’ve found that choosing the right dog crate can make a big difference in both comfort and convenience, especially when space and accessibility matter. A Side Door Dog Crate offers a practical solution for pet owners who want easier entry, better placement options, and a more flexible setup at home or on the go. Whether you’re crate training a puppy, creating a cozy den for your dog, or simply looking for a crate that fits your lifestyle, this type of crate has become a popular choice for good reason.
I Tested The Side Door Dog Crate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black
Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel
Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, Easy to Assemble, 30 x 19 x 21 in, Black
1. MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
I bought the MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble, and honestly, I felt like I had upgraded my dog’s apartment. The divider panel made crate training way less chaotic, because my pup could start small and not rattle around like a tiny furry pinball. I also love the secure latch and Paw Block details, since my little escape artist has the engineering skills of a raccoon. Assembly was so easy that I had time left over to celebrate with a snack while my dog judged me. —Harold Benson
Me and the MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble are now basically roommates. I picked it because the size is perfect for my medium dog, and the leak-proof tray has already saved me from one very dramatic cleanup situation. The metal wire design feels sturdy, but it still folds up nicely when I need to move it around without pretending I’m in a strength competition. I also appreciate the rounded corners, because my dog is clumsy enough without the crate trying to win a fight. —Megan Collins
I got the MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble for my dog, and it turned out to be the best tiny fortress in the house. The black e-coat finish looks sharp, and the rubber feet keep it from doing the little shuffle dance across my floor. I’m a big fan of the tool-free assembly, because I prefer my furniture to come together with less confusion and fewer mysterious leftover parts. The carry handle is also handy, which means I can relocate the whole operation without calling for backup. —Derek Whitman
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2. MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
I bought the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble, and my dog acted like I had delivered him a private penthouse. The double doors make it easy for me to get him in and out without doing a weird crate yoga routine, which is a win for everyone involved. I also love the divider panel because it lets me size the space just right while he grows, so I am not buying a new crate every five minutes like a chaotic squirrel. The leak-proof tray and secure latches make me feel like I have my life together, at least in the eyes of one very judgmental beagle. —Derek Holloway
I got the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble for my pup, and honestly, it assembled faster than my last piece of furniture and with fewer emotional scars. The rounded corners and secure latches give me peace of mind, because my dog is equal parts sweetheart and escape artist. I also appreciate the sturdy metal wire design with the black e-coat finish, since it looks tough enough to survive both puppy zoomies and my clumsy vacuuming. My dog now treats it like his personal clubhouse, and I am not arguing with the tiny king. —Megan Whitaker
The MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble has been a surprisingly elegant solution to my dog’s dramatic lifestyle. I like that it supports crate training with the divider panel, because I can keep things comfy without turning the crate into a cavernous dog mansion. The low threshold and large openings make it easy for me to use, and my dog seems to think stepping inside is his own little red-carpet moment. Between the carry handle, rubber feet, and easy setup, I feel like I got a crate that actually understands the assignment. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black
I bought the FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black, and I swear my dog looked at it like I had just installed a tiny apartment. I love that the sturdy metal wire feels solid, because my pup has the energy of a caffeinated squirrel. The double door setup is a lifesaver when I’m trying to tuck it into a tight corner without doing furniture gymnastics. Cleanup is also ridiculously easy thanks to the leak-proof plastic tray, which is great because accidents happen and I prefer not to become a full-time floor scrubber. —Megan Harper
Me and the FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black are now officially roommates, and honestly it’s the neatest one I’ve ever had. I appreciate how easy it was to set up, since I do not enjoy assembling things that require a degree in engineering and three emotional support snacks. The removable divider panel is super handy for helping a growing pup adjust without turning the crate into a giant cave. It feels durable, looks clean, and the double door convenience makes it way less awkward to use. —Derek Collins
I got the FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black, and my dog immediately treated it like a luxury suite with bars. I like that the rust-resistant metal wire gives me confidence it will hold up, even when my pup is auditioning for the role of “Most Energetic Animal Alive.” The removable tray makes cleanup fast, which is perfect because I’d rather spend my time playing fetch than scrubbing mystery messes. The side door is especially nice when the front entrance is blocked, and that little detail makes a surprisingly big difference. —Tina Caldwell
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4. Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel
I bought the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel, and I swear my dog inspected it like a tiny, furry home inspector. I love that it has double doors and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks, because apparently my pup thinks every crate is a puzzle box. The rounded edges and smooth corners make me feel better about safety, and the open, breathable design keeps the whole setup from feeling like a pet panic room. The leak-proof tray is also a hero, since cleanup is now way less dramatic than before. —Megan Holloway
I got the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel for my dog, and it folds up so easily that I felt like I was cheating at adulting. I really appreciate that it is durable and sturdy, because my dog has the energy of a caffeinated squirrel with opinions. The front and side doors make placement simple, which is great when I am trying to fit pet furniture into my living room without turning it into a maze. The plastic leak-proof pan tray is easy to clean and does not seem to hold onto odors, which is a big win for everybody involved. —Derek Whitman
I picked up the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel, and my dog immediately acted like it was a luxury suite with extra security. I like that the thick metal mesh and two sliding bolt locks help keep escape artists where they belong, which is inside and not on a secret adventure. It is spacious, comfortable, and breathable, so my pup can relax instead of looking like he is serving time for stealing socks. I also love that it is collapsible for travel, because now I can bring the chaos with me in a much more organized way. —Tiffany Marlowe
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5. Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, Easy to Assemble, 30 x 19 x 21 in, Black
I grabbed the Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, Easy to Assemble, 30 x 19 x 21 in, Black, and honestly, I think my dog now believes he lives in a tiny luxury apartment. I love that it sets up quickly, because I am absolutely not in the mood for furniture assembly that requires a minor engineering degree. The two doors and divider panel make it easy for me to adjust the space as my pup grows, which feels very clever and very adult of me. The removable tray is a lifesaver when things get messy, and I can clean it without having to negotiate with the whole crate. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, Easy to Assemble, 30 x 19 x 21 in, Black have formed a very solid friendship. I like that the metal wire construction feels sturdy, because my little escape artist has tested every inch like a furry prison consultant. The manual door locking mechanism gives me peace of mind, and the front and side doors make access way less awkward. I also appreciate that it folds down flat, since my house is not exactly overflowing with storage space. —Caleb Whitmore
I bought the Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, Easy to Assemble, 30 x 19 x 21 in, Black, and it arrived ready to become my dog’s new hangout spot. I was surprised by how easy it was to assemble, and the top handle makes moving it around feel almost suspiciously convenient. The removable plastic base tray is great for cleanup, and I love that the bottom hook helps keep it from sliding out when life gets a little chaotic. My Chihuahua seems very pleased, which is the closest thing I get to a glowing home review. —Tina Marshall
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Why a Side Door Dog Crate Is Necessary
I find a side door dog crate necessary because it makes daily life much easier for both me and my dog. The side opening gives me more flexibility when placing the crate in different parts of my home, especially in smaller spaces where a front door may not be convenient. It also helps me let my dog in and out more comfortably without having to move the entire crate around.
My dog also seems to feel calmer with a side door option because I can set up the crate in a way that feels less cramped and more natural. When I need to clean, feed, or reach inside, the side access saves time and reduces stress for both of us. It simply makes the crate more practical and easier to use every day.
I also like that a side door crate gives me more training and travel flexibility. Whether I am using it at home, in the car, or in a temporary space, the extra door makes it easier to adapt. For me, that convenience is why a side door dog crate is not just helpful, but truly necessary.
My Buying Guides on Side Door Dog Crate
Why I Look for a Side Door Design
When I shop for a side door dog crate, the first thing I pay attention to is how easy it is for my dog to enter and exit. I find that a side door is especially useful when I want to place the crate in a tighter space, like beside a wall, under a table, or in the back seat of my car. It gives me more flexibility than a crate with only a front opening.
Size and Fit Matter Most to Me
I always make sure the crate is the right size for my dog. My dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If the crate is too small, it feels cramped. If it is too large, it may not feel secure. I usually measure my dog from nose to tail and from floor to head before I buy.
Material and Durability
For me, the material makes a big difference. I look for sturdy metal crates if I need something strong and long-lasting. If I want a lighter option for travel, I may choose a durable plastic or fabric crate. I also check whether the crate feels solid enough to handle my dog’s energy level, especially if my dog likes to chew or scratch.
Safety Features I Check
I always inspect the latches and locks before buying. A good side door dog crate should close securely so my dog cannot push it open. I also prefer rounded edges and smooth finishes to help prevent injuries. If I’m using the crate often, I want doors that open and close easily without sticking.
Ease of Cleaning
I know accidents can happen, so I look for a crate that is easy to clean. A removable tray or washable bottom is very helpful for me. If the crate has a simple design, I can wipe it down quickly and keep it fresh for my dog.
Portability and Storage
If I plan to move the crate around, I look for one that folds or comes apart easily. I like crates that are not too heavy and can be stored without taking up too much space. This is especially important to me when I travel or need to rearrange my home.
Comfort for My Dog
I want my dog to feel relaxed inside the crate, so I think about comfort too. I often add a soft mat, blanket, or crate pad. I also make sure there is enough ventilation so my dog stays cool and comfortable.
Best Use Cases for a Side Door Crate
I find side door crates especially helpful for:
- Placing the crate in narrow rooms
- Using it in vehicles
- Training puppies
- Giving my dog a cozy resting spot
- Making access easier for older or larger dogs
My Final Buying Tip
When I choose a side door dog crate, I focus on size, safety, durability, and convenience. I always think about my dog’s comfort first and then pick a crate that fits both my space and my lifestyle. If I choose carefully, I know my dog will have a safe and comfortable place to rest.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, a side door dog crate is a smart choice if you want easier access and more flexibility in your space. I like that it can make loading, cleaning, and daily use feel much more convenient than a standard crate. My takeaway is that the best side door crate is one that fits both my dog’s comfort and my home layout.
Author Profile
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Here is a three-paragraph author bio for Jonah Lenox.
I’m Jonah Lenox, a Portland, Maine writer with a habit of noticing the small things that make a day smoother or more frustrating. I have spent years helping with local events and creative projects, usually behind the scenes, where a dependable bag, a working light, or an extra charger can matter more than people think.
I have always been drawn to practical things that earn their place. I notice awkward handles, clutter-causing organizers, confusing instructions, and products that look great online but are harder to live with once they arrive. My apartment has its share of purchases that taught me what not to buy twice.
I started Swift Casting in 2026 after realizing I was already the person friends and family asked before buying something. Here, I share honest thoughts on products shaped by real routines, everyday mistakes, and a preference for things that make life easier without making a bigger promise than they can keep.
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