Dog Crates, Gates and Pens: Shop by Type

A wire crate with a divider suits most puppies and home use. Plastic crates suit travel, and soft-sided crates suit calm, crate-trained dogs on the go. Exercise pens give more room than a crate, gates keep dogs out of rooms, and pet doors and outdoor runs give safe access outside. Measure your dog first.
A puppy in an indoor exercise pen next to an open wire crate, with a pet gate across a doorway behind

Start with our crate sizing guide and crate training pages. Each section below opens a matching search in your own country's Amazon store.

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Wire Crates

Airy, easy to clean and usually foldable. A divider panel lets one crate grow with a puppy. Add a mat and a cover to make it cozy.

Plastic and Soft-Sided Crates

Plastic crates feel enclosed and are common for car and air travel; check your airline's rules if you fly. Soft-sided crates are light and portable but only suit calm dogs that are already crate trained, as determined chewers can escape.

Exercise Pens

A pen gives a puppy a safe play area with room for a bed, water and a toilet spot. It's often better than a crate for longer spells at home. Choose a height your dog can't jump.

Pet Gates

Gates keep dogs out of kitchens, away from stairs and separate from children or other pets. Pressure-mounted gates suit doorways; screw-in gates are safer at the top of stairs. Extra-tall gates stop jumpers, and gates with a small pet door let cats through.

Pet Doors

A pet door gives access to a secure yard or garden. Microchip doors only open for your registered pets. Measure your dog's shoulder width and height, and think about security for the human door too.

Outdoor Runs and Kennels

An outdoor run gives safe fresh air while you're nearby, with shade, shelter and water. It isn't a substitute for walks, company or living indoors with the family. Animal welfare rules on keeping dogs outdoors differ by country, so check yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boxes, barriers and doors: quick answers.

Crate or pen for a new puppy?

Many people use both: a crate for sleep and short spells, a pen for longer play and toilet-training time.

Which gate is safe at the top of the stairs?

A hardware-mounted gate that screws into the wall. Pressure-mounted gates can be pushed out.

Can my dog live in an outdoor kennel?

Dogs are social and do best living with their family. An outdoor run is for supervised time outside, with shade, shelter and water.

If your dog hurts itself trying to escape a crate or pen, stop using it and talk to your vet.

Updated October 2026 · General information, not veterinary advice.