Wire Crates: What's the Big Difference?

Folding wire crates are extremely useful when traveling with pets. It seems like there are a zillion different types, however, so trying to figure out what to buy can be very confusing. There are budget crates which generally have fewer features, wider mesh and/or a thinner wire construction (the smaller the wire gauge, the thicker the wire).  There are different types of latches, different sizes and various options for multiple doors.  Wire crates usually come in a zinc, gold or black epoxy finish.

Here are 3 of my favorite crates. Each one fills a special niche;

Midwest Life Stages "Ultima" 3-door Crate


This is my favorite "go-to" crate.  With 3 doors - front, back, side - you can use this crate in almost any vehicle configuration.  It has rounded edges for safety and two latches per door.  It comes with a divider that can be used to separate dogs in the same crate or give a growing puppy a smaller space.

Wire gauges:  3, 6, 7, 9, 11

Mesh: 1-1/2" x 3", 4"  or 5" depending on crate size

Sizes: 24 L x 18 W x 21 H" -- 30 L x 21 W x 24 H" -- 36 L x 24 W x 27 H" -- 42 L x 28 W x 31 H" -- 48 L x 30 W x 33 H"


Precision Suitcase Crate


This crate is an excellent choice when you have little room to set up inside a vehicle. The typical folding crate requires either twice the floor space or you must "open" the crate before you place it in the vehicle and sometimes that can be difficult. This suitcase crate collapses into itself and as long as you have the floor space and height available, it can be opened from a stationary spot. I don't get the "suitcase" name, to be honest  (to me I think of the other type of folding crate), but that's what they call this model.  There is only one door latch, but it is the type that you must lift before opening, so it takes two motions to get the door open. It's not diffiult to do, but makes it more of a challenge for a dog who tries to escape.

In my small vehicle, I've used dividers and crate panels in the back so I have two "areas" facing the rear of the vehicle. I have just enough room to put one of these crates in front of that to get a 3rd dog in the car.  I can easily install or remove the crate, depending on what set-up I need at the time.

What I also like about this crate is that it is a "tad" smaller in width and height.  This might be a problem for larger dogs, but it seems to work for us.

Wire gauges: unk. (but it's pretty sturdy)

Mesh: 1-1/4x5 (front/back), 1-1/2 x 4 (sides)

Sizes: 18.5 L x 12.5 W x 14.5 H -- 24 L x 17 W x 19 H -- 30 L x 19 W x 21 H -- 36 L x 22.5 W x 25 H -- 42 L x 27.5 W x 30 H -- 48 L x 29 W x 32 H


Midwest Side-by-Side (SUV) Crate

I have yet to actually use one of these, but I think the application is terrific.  Although these crates take up a small footprint, they still require the typical "unfolding" so need to be opened before being placed into the vehicle. They're probably best suited for what they were designed as, fitting in the rear area of SUV's (or vans).  I think they're neat and certainly fill a niche.

Wire gauges:  3, 6, 7, 9, 11

Mesh: 1-1/2" x 4"

Sizes: 36 L x 21 W x 26 H" -- 42 L x 21 W x 30 H"


Please remember - unless you have breakaway collars, it's advisable to remove collars/leashes from your pets when using crates to travel. It's too easy for tags and collar parts to get caught, which can cause tragic results. However, you have to use your best judgment about removing your pet's identification, especially if you think your pet might try to escape.

A couple of other things to think about is securing the crate in the event of an accident. I secure the panels to each other - the ends to the top at least - with zip ties, bungees and/or double-sized Velcro so the ends cannot "fold" into the crate and crush the occupants in an impact. I also bungee or strap the whole crate to fixed parts of my vehicle interior to reduce sliding around. Cargo hooks are great - use them if you've got them!  Oh - and those crate doors do tend to rattle and can be really annoying on long trips!  I like to use medium-size bungees to secure the latches and that seems to cut down on the noise.

There are other crate types and other manufacturers that make crates similar to those listed above. This information can be used as a starting point to understand some of the options out there.  Based on your travel needs, you can then determine what criteria is important to you when making that next crate investment.

Happy travelling!