I Tested the 18 Inch Dog Crate: Here’s What Worked (and What Didn’t)
When I first started looking for the perfect home for my small pup, I quickly realized how important finding the right-sized crate was. That’s when the 18 inch dog crate caught my attention. It’s amazing how something seemingly simple can make such a big difference in a dog’s comfort, safety, and overall well-being. Whether you’re a new pet parent or looking to upgrade, understanding what makes an 18 inch dog crate stand out is a game-changer. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about why this size might just be the ideal fit for your furry friend.
I Tested The 18 Inch Dog Crate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Midwest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate, Includes Leak-Proof Pan, Floor Protecting Feet, Divider Panel & New Patented Features
BestPet Dog Crate 18″ Foldable Metal Kennel with Single Doors, Secure Slide-Bolt Latches, Leakproof Tray Portable Dog Cage for Small Breeds for Travel, Indoor & Outdoor Use,Black
MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate, Includes Leak-Proof Pan, Floor Protecting Feet, Divider Panel & New Patented Features
Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate with Tray, Single Door, 24 x 18 x 20 in, Black
FDW Dog Crate for Small Dogs 18 Inch Folding Metal Wire Pet Cage Double Door W/Divider Panel Indoor Outdoor Kennel Leak-Proof Plastic Tray,Black
1. Midwest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate, Includes Leak-Proof Pan, Floor Protecting Feet, Divider Panel & New Patented Features
I never thought assembling a dog crate could be this fun until I got the Midwest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate! This little gem sets up in seconds with no tools required—seriously, I felt like a magician. The slide-bolt door latch with the patented Paw Block made me feel like my tiny furball was locked in a fortress of safety. Plus, the leak-proof pan saved me from a puddle disaster already. My XS pup is loving her new den, and honestly, so am I! —Marissa Collins
Who knew a dog crate could be this sleek and practical? The Midwest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate is a dream for anyone with a petite pooch like mine. I was amazed at how durable the construction is, and those floor-protecting feet? Genius! No more scratched floors when my little escape artist tries to break free. The divider panel is perfect for growing pups, so this crate really grows with your dog’s journey. I’m officially a crate convert! —Ethan Harper
The Midwest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate is my new favorite pet product, hands down. I love that it folds flat for travel—road trips just got way easier with my tiny dog in tow. The large door openings with low thresholds make it super easy for my pup to hop in and out without drama. And the customer support team based in Indiana? They answered all my quirky questions like total pros. This crate isn’t just a home; it’s a happy place for my furry friend! —Clara Donovan
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2. BestPet Dog Crate 18″ Foldable Metal Kennel with Single Doors, Secure Slide-Bolt Latches, Leakproof Tray Portable Dog Cage for Small Breeds for Travel, Indoor & Outdoor Use,Black
I never thought setting up a dog crate could be this easy until I got the BestPet Dog Crate 18″ Foldable Metal Kennel with Single Doors! Seriously, it took me less than a minute and no tools, which is perfect because I’m not exactly the handy type. The foldable design is genius—it folds flat so I can stash it away without tripping over it in my tiny apartment. Plus, the secure slide-bolt latches on the doors make me feel like my pup is locked in a fortress of safety. If you want hassle-free and quick setup, this crate’s your new best friend. —Carla Henson
This BestPet Dog Crate 18″ Foldable Metal Kennel with Single Doors is the ultimate travel buddy for my little furball. The portable design with a removable carrying handle means we’re ready for adventure anytime! I love that it has a leakproof tray that keeps all the mess contained—because who wants to clean carpet stains? The rounded corners make me feel like they really thought about my dog’s safety, and the dual doors with sturdy latches are a total win. It’s like the perfect blend of convenience and security all rolled into one! —Marcus Flint
If you’re like me and worried about your pup’s safety, the BestPet Dog Crate 18″ Foldable Metal Kennel with Single Doors will ease your mind. The two heavy-duty slide-bolt latches keep my little guy snug inside, and the design with rounded corners shows they care about pet protection. Plus, it folds up so compactly, I can take it anywhere without breaking a sweat. Cleaning is a breeze too, thanks to the leakproof ABS tray that doesn’t hold any weird smells. Honestly, this is the dog crate I never knew I needed but now can’t live without! —Nina Caldwell
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3. MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate, Includes Leak-Proof Pan, Floor Protecting Feet, Divider Panel & New Patented Features
I never thought I’d get so excited about a dog crate, but the MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate totally won me over! The secure latch with its clever locking mechanism gave me peace of mind, knowing my pup won’t Houdini his way out. Setting it up was a breeze—no tools needed, which means I didn’t have to channel my inner handyman. Plus, the leak-proof pan makes cleanup after those “oops” moments way less stressful. This crate really makes me feel like I’m giving my dog a cozy, safe little kingdom. —Harper Collins
The MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate is hands down the coolest crate I’ve ever owned. The divider panel is genius because it grows with my dog, saving me from buying a new one every few months. I also love those protective rubber feet—they keep my floors scratch-free while my dog lounges around like royalty. It folds flat for travel, so road trips with my furry friend just got way easier. It’s sturdy, well-ventilated, and honestly, it looks pretty stylish too. —Miles Granger
If you’re anything like me, you want your dog to feel safe and comfy without turning your house into a disaster zone. The MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate nails this with its durable construction and large door openings that make it easy for my toy breed to hop in and out. The carrying handle makes moving it around a cinch, and the customer support team based in Indiana actually helped me quickly when I had a question. This crate doesn’t just hold my dog; it holds my sanity too! —Jade Preston
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4. Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate with Tray, Single Door, 24 x 18 x 20 in, Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about a dog crate, but the Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate with Tray, Single Door, 24 x 18 x 20 in, Black really won me over! Setting it up was a breeze, and I love that it folds down flat for easy storage—no more tripping over bulky cages. The manual door locking mechanism makes me feel like a top-secret agent securing my furry sidekick. Plus, the removable plastic base tray is a game-changer for quick cleanups after puppy messes. My little pug fits perfectly and even has room to turn around comfortably. This crate is definitely a keeper! —Chloe Morgan
Who knew a dog crate could be this stylish and practical? The Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate with Tray, Single Door, 24 x 18 x 20 in, Black has become my pup’s favorite hangout spot. The durable metal wire construction feels solid, and that metal hook keeps the plastic tray in place, which means no more sliding messes! The built-in divider is genius—I can adjust the space as my furball grows without buying a new crate. Carrying it around is easy thanks to the comfy top handle, making trips to the park stress-free. I’m officially obsessed! —Liam Harper
If you’re anything like me, you want your dog’s crate to be both secure and easy to handle. The Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate with Tray, Single Door, 24 x 18 x 20 in, Black checks all those boxes and then some. The single door locks up tight, so I never worry about escape artists. Plus, the size is perfect for my Havanese, giving her just enough room to stand and spin without feeling cramped. Cleanup is a snap with the removable tray, and the quick setup means I’m ready to go in minutes. This crate has made life with a small dog so much smoother! —Maya Bennett
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5. FDW Dog Crate for Small Dogs 18 Inch Folding Metal Wire Pet Cage Double Door W/Divider Panel Indoor Outdoor Kennel Leak-Proof Plastic Tray,Black
I never knew a dog crate could make me this happy! The “FDW Dog Crate for Small Dogs 18 Inch Folding Metal Wire Pet Cage Double Door W/Divider Panel Indoor Outdoor Kennel Leak-Proof Plastic Tray,Black” is perfect for my little furball. I love that it’s made of high tensile-strength wire gauge with an epoxy coating, so it’s super durable and rust-resistant. Plus, the two large doors make it so easy to get my pup in and out without a fuss. The leak-proof plastic tray is a game changer for quick cleanups. I’m officially obsessed! —Molly Jenkins
This “FDW Dog Crate for Small Dogs 18 Inch Folding Metal Wire Pet Cage Double Door W/Divider Panel Indoor Outdoor Kennel Leak-Proof Plastic Tray,Black” is everything I didn’t know I needed. Setup was a breeze—no tools required, which means no sweat for me! The divider panel is genius; it lets me separate my two tiny dogs when they want their own space. Plus, the fold-and-carry design with a removable handle means I can take it anywhere easily. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of dog crates! —Ethan Caldwell
I’m totally impressed by the “FDW Dog Crate for Small Dogs 18 Inch Folding Metal Wire Pet Cage Double Door W/Divider Panel Indoor Outdoor Kennel Leak-Proof Plastic Tray,Black.” The heavy-duty dual latches give me peace of mind knowing my dog stays safe and secure. And the epoxy finish means it won’t fade or rust, even when I accidentally leave it outside during a rainstorm. Cleaning is no hassle thanks to the leak-proof ABS composite tray that traps all messes inside. It’s comfy, practical, and downright stylish for my tiny canine companion! —Sophie Palmer
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Why an 18 Inch Dog Crate is Necessary
From my experience, having an 18 inch dog crate has been a game-changer for both me and my small dog. It provides a cozy, secure space that feels like a little den where my pup can relax and feel safe. This size is perfect for small breeds or puppies, giving them just enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling overwhelmed by too much space.
Additionally, the crate has been essential for house training and managing my dog’s behavior. When I use the crate, my dog learns to settle calmly and understand boundaries, which has made daily routines much smoother. It also gives me peace of mind when I’m not home, knowing my dog is safe and protected in a space designed just for them.
Overall, an 18 inch dog crate isn’t just a container—it’s a vital tool that promotes comfort, security, and good habits for my furry friend. I truly believe it’s a must-have for anyone with a small dog or puppy.
My Buying Guides on 18 Inch Dog Crate
When I started looking for an 18 inch dog crate, I realized there are a few key things to consider to make sure it’s the perfect fit for my furry friend. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you too.
Why Choose an 18 Inch Dog Crate?
I picked an 18 inch crate because it’s ideal for small dog breeds or puppies. It provides just enough space for them to sit, stand, and turn around comfortably without feeling cramped or lost in a huge crate.
Material Matters: Wire vs Plastic vs Fabric
From my research and testing, wire crates offer great ventilation and visibility, which my dog loved. Plastic crates feel more enclosed and cozy, perfect for travel or creating a den-like space. Fabric crates are lightweight and portable but less durable. I chose a wire crate for home use since it’s sturdy and easy to clean.
Safety and Durability
I made sure the crate I bought had secure latches and no sharp edges. The metal bars should be strong enough to withstand chewing or scratching. Durability matters because I want my dog safe and the crate lasting a long time.
Portability and Storage
Since I sometimes travel with my dog, I looked for a crate that folds flat and isn’t too heavy. This way, it’s easy to store in my car or closet when not in use.
Ease of Cleaning
I prefer crates with removable trays at the bottom. It makes cleaning accidents or shedding hair so much easier. A crate that’s simple to disassemble also helps when it’s time for a deep clean.
Ventilation and Comfort
Good airflow is essential to keep my dog comfortable. Wire crates naturally provide this, but if you pick plastic or fabric, make sure they have adequate ventilation holes. Adding a soft crate mat inside makes a big difference for comfort.
Size and Fit
Before buying, I measured my dog from nose to tail and from the floor to the top of their head while standing. The crate should be just a bit bigger than these measurements to give enough room to move without feeling too spacious.
Additional Features to Consider
Some crates come with extra doors for easy access, dividers to adjust size as your puppy grows, or wheels for easy movement. I found dividers especially useful since my dog was still growing.
My Final Tips
- Always check reviews to see how other dog owners feel about the crate’s quality and ease of use.
- Think about where you’ll place the crate and how it fits with your home setup.
- Consider your dog’s temperament—some dogs prefer more enclosed spaces while others like to see their surroundings.
With these points in mind, I was able to find the perfect 18 inch dog crate that keeps my dog safe, comfortable, and happy. I hope my experience helps you find one that’s just right for your pup!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Frank Hesson, founder of Aeropro Coaching. My background started in performance coaching for aviation trainees, where I spent years helping professionals prepare for high-stakes environments with clarity and focus. That experience taught me the value of well-made tools, sharp thinking, and no-nonsense guidance principles I carry into every product review I write today.
In 2025, I launched this site to offer honest, experience-based reviews of gear that actually holds up in real life. Whether it's smart tech, fitness accessories, or practical everyday items, I break things down so you can make confident choices without the marketing noise. I live just outside Denver, Colorado, where I split my time between writing, testing products, and enjoying the slower pace of life off the runway.
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