WIRE
DOG CRATES

What Is a Wire Dog Crate?

A wire dog crate — also called a metal crate, wire kennel, or folding crate — is a steel wire enclosure with a removable plastic tray at the bottom and one or two steel wire doors with slide-bolt latches. The open wire construction provides 360-degree ventilation and full visibility, making wire crates the most popular crate type for everyday home use. Wire crates fold flat for storage and transport, which no other rigid crate type can do.

Wire dog crates are available in single-door, double-door, and divider-included configurations. Single-door crates have one front-facing door — the simplest and most affordable option. Double-door crates add a side door for more placement flexibility. Every wire crate in our lineup includes a free adjustable divider panel for puppy training, so you can buy one crate that grows with your dog from puppy to adult.

Advantages of Wire Crates Over Other Types

Wire crates offer several advantages that make them the go-to choice for most dog owners. Superior ventilation from all sides keeps dogs cool and comfortable, especially important for thick-coated breeds and brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds. The open wire design gives dogs full visibility of their surroundings, which most dogs prefer over the enclosed feel of plastic or fabric crates. Every wire crate folds completely flat — a 42" crate collapses to just 3 inches thick in under 30 seconds.

The included adjustable divider panel makes wire crates the best choice for puppy owners — buy one adult-sized crate and adjust the interior space as your puppy grows. Wire crates are also the easiest to accessorize: crate covers slip over the wire frame to create a den-like feel when needed, crate pads and beds fit inside the removable tray, and water bottles attach directly to the wire panels. No other crate type offers this combination of ventilation, storage convenience, and versatility.

Wire Crate Maintenance

Wire crates require minimal maintenance. The removable plastic tray handles most cleaning — slide it out and wash with warm soapy water weekly. For the wire frame, wipe the bars with a damp cloth monthly. For deep cleaning, take the crate outside and spray it down with a hose, then dry it completely to prevent rust. The e-coated steel finish on quality wire crates resists rust and corrosion under normal indoor conditions.

The main maintenance concern with wire crates is preventing rust. Keep wire crates indoors, dry wet crates promptly, and avoid leaving damp bedding inside for extended periods. Check slide-bolt door latches monthly to ensure they operate smoothly — apply a drop of silicone lubricant if they become stiff. Inspect corner clips and panel connections annually for any loosening. With basic care, a quality wire crate lasts 8–15 years.

Wire Dog Crates at SimpleWag.com

SimpleWag.com carries wire dog crates from 24" to 48" in single-door, double-door, and divider-included configurations. Every wire crate we sell uses electro-coated steel wire for rust resistance, includes a leak-proof removable plastic tray, and comes with a free adjustable divider panel. From $39 standard wire crates to $109 XL divider-included models, we stock the full range. Use our kennel finder tool to match your dog's size and needs to the right wire crate — we'll recommend what works, not what's expensive.