DOUBLE DOOR
DOG CRATES

What Is a Double Door Dog Crate?

A double door dog crate has two entry points — a front door and a side door — giving you and your dog more ways to access the crate. Both doors operate independently with their own latch mechanisms, so you can use one or both depending on how the crate is positioned. Double door crates are available in wire, plastic, and heavy duty configurations across all standard sizes.

The design is simple: the front door is on the shorter end of the crate (same as a single door model), and the side door is on one of the longer sides. This gives you two perpendicular access points. Wire double door crates fold flat just like single door wire crates — the second door doesn't affect portability. Plastic double door crates have steel wire doors on both the front panel and one side panel.

Advantages of Double Door Crates

The primary advantage is placement flexibility. A single door crate must face open space — push it against a wall and you block the only entrance. A double door crate can go against a wall, into a corner, or lengthwise along furniture because you always have a second access point. In vehicles, the side door often faces the trunk opening while the front door faces the back seat — giving you loading options from either direction.

Double door crates also help with crate training. Nervous dogs often feel more comfortable entering when they can see a second exit. The side door provides an alternative entry angle that some dogs prefer over the front opening. For cleaning, the second door lets you reach more of the interior without removing the tray. The practical benefits are real and the price premium is small — typically $10–$20 more than the equivalent single door model.

When to Choose a Double Door Crate

Choose a double door crate if you move the crate between rooms, use it in a vehicle, live in a smaller space where placement is constrained, or if your dog shows hesitation entering a single-door crate. The second door is also valuable during puppy training — you can sit beside the side door during crate acclimation while the front door stays open, giving your puppy two ways to enter and exit.

A single door crate is fine if it will stay in one permanent location with the door facing open space, or if you want the absolute simplest design. But for most owners, the flexibility of a second door is worth the small additional cost. If you're unsure, go with double door — you can always leave the second door latched shut, but you can't add a second door to a single door crate later.

Double Door Dog Crates at SimpleWag.com

SimpleWag.com carries double door dog crates from 24" to 48" in wire, plastic, and heavy duty configurations. Every wire double door crate includes a free adjustable divider for puppy training, a leak-proof removable plastic pan, and fold-flat design for storage. From $44 small wire double door crates to $219 heavy duty reinforced double door models, we stock the full range. Use our kennel finder tool to match your dog's size and needs to the right double door crate — we'll recommend what works, not what's expensive.