Dog crates are pretty big things — even small ones take up quite a bit of space. This may not be a huge problem for the average pet owner, but those who have several pets or work with dogs professionally can quickly run out of space for all of the crates they need.
Fortunately, there is a pretty simple solution: Just use the often-overlooked and underutilized vertical space available to you. Do this, and you’ll likely find that you can easily accommodate more dogs than you previously thought possible.
The best way to take advantage of the vertical space you have is by using stackable dog crates.
But, picking a good set of stackable crates is a big decision. Stackable crates are not cheap, and once you purchase one, you’ll usually be forced to stick with that model when you need to expand your capacity.
Below, we’ll help you pick the best stackable dog crate for your needs and explain a few of the key things to look for when making your choice. But first, let’s talk about some of the situations in which stackable dog crates provide the most value.
Best Stackable Dog Crates: Quick Picks
- #1 Go Pet Club 44-inch Heavy-Duty Stackable Dog Crate [Best Option for Large Breeds] — Housing a lot of large dogs in a small space is often exceptionally challenging, but this Go Pet Club crate system will get the job done.
- #2 Homey Pet 31-Inch Crate [Best Option for Small Breeds] — Made with heavy-duty casters and removable plastic trays, this is the perfect stackable crate option for dogs under 30 pounds.
- #3 Rubalcava Modular Pet Crate [Best for Groomers or Dog-Care Professionals] — The Rubalcava Modular Crate is a great option for those who need to temporarily crate a large number of dogs in a very small amount of space.
What Types of People Need Stackable Dog Kennels?
Stackable dog kennels can be a great option for anyone with more than one dog, but they’re especially helpful for those who fall in one of the following categories:
Professional Breeders
If you are in the business of producing more puppies for the world (and you are doing so in an ethical, humane, and benevolent fashion), you’ll almost always find that stackable crates are the best way to maximize the space available to you.
Professional Pet Sitters
Professional pet sitters will usually need several crates to keep their charges safe, sound, and separated. Consequently, space is just as important an issue for pet sitters as it is for breeders, and stackable crates provide the best way to house a number of dogs in relatively tight quarters.
Groomers
Even small-time groomers will often find themselves caring for more than one dog at a time, and the only way to do this without renting out a warehouse worth of space is by taking advantage of the space-saving benefits stackable dog crates provide.
Kennels and Shelters
No matter how big or small they are, kennels and shelters will always need a number of individual crates. And, because it’ll often be necessary to rearrange the individual crates within the facility, stackable crates provide the kind of flexibility these organizations need.
Multi-Pet Families
Even if you aren’t a dog-care professional, you may still benefit from stackable dog crates if you have several pets. By going with stackable crates, you can make better use of space and keep your house a bit tidier.
Modular or Multi-Tiered Design: A Big Decision
Most people probably think of stackable dog crates as single units that are designed to be stacked on top of one another.
While this accurately describes many stackable crate designs, some kennels labeled as “stackable” are really multi-tiered crates that are permanently connected. These types of crates are actually like one big crate that has been divided into multiple levels.
Neither style is inherently better than the other, but they each offer a different set of strengths and weaknesses. So, to ensure you get the best crate for your needs, you’ll need to carefully consider your circumstances before making your choice.
Modular designs consisting of individual crates are much easier to move around, and you can alter their arrangement as your needs dictate (you may, for example, need a two-high stack this week, but a three-high stack will better suit your needs next week).
On the other hand, multi-tiered crates are much sturdier and less likely to topple. They’re also much easier to move around in groups. However, you can’t alter their arrangement, so you’re pretty much stuck using them in the manner they’re constructed.
Important Things to Consider when Purchasing Stackable Dog Crates
As with any other dog-related product, you’ll need to consider a few different things before picking a specific stackable dog crate.
Be Careful with Collapsible Models
Unless you have a particularly mischievous pet who needs a heavy-duty, escape-proof crate, collapsible crates are almost always helpful for owners of a single pet. Collapsing crates are easy to store when you don’t need them, and they’re also easy to transport.
But, these types of crates are rarely built to support the weight of additional crates (and the dogs they contain). This could cause them to collapse unexpectedly, with potentially horrific results.
Note that most stackable crates can still be disassembled when necessary, but the good ones use heavy-duty pins or bolts to keep them stable and safe while in use.
Removable Litter Trays Are a Must
Unless you like the idea of unstacking and restacking dog crates on a daily basis (or anytime one of the inhabitants answers nature’s call), you’ll want to stick to stackable crates that feature removable litter trays. This way, you can simply pull out the tray, deal with the mess, and replace it, without moving kennels or disturbing the dogs.
Fortunately, most stackable dog kennels come equipped with removable trays, but a few economy-priced models try to skip them to keep prices low.
Always Select Stackable Crates with Secure Attachment Points
If you opt for modular kennels that are designed to be stacked atop each other, it is imperative that you stick to models that feature secure attachment points.
Even the heaviest and sturdiest crates will tend to “migrate” a bit as the dogs move around inside, so you always want stackable crates to feature heavy pins, latches, or some other type of locking mechanism to keep the individual units in place. This is the only way to prevent the stack from toppling.
Try to Select Crates with Wheels
Many professionals in the market for stackable crates consider foregoing models with wheels to save a bit of money, but this is almost always a bad idea. In practice, you’ll end up facing a number of challenges that require you to move a stack of kennels around, and the only way to do this without giving yourself a hernia is to buy stackable dog crates on wheels.
Just think about it: Anytime one of your dogs drops a chew toy, spills a little food or has a violent number-two, you’re going to need to move the crates and deal with the problem. Wheels will make this so much easier that you’ll quickly forget about the relatively minor increase in cost.
Best Stackable Dog Crates on the Market
There aren’t that many different stackable dog crates on the market, but that just makes it easier to identify some of the very best options available. If you’re looking for a high-quality set of stacking crates, start by considering the three detailed below.
1. Homey Pet 37-Inch Heavy Duty Dog Kennel
Homey Pet 37-Inch Heavy-Duty Dog Kennels are high-quality, all-metal dog crates, which can be used singly or in stacks of two or three. Each crate features two doors (one on the front and another on the top), which provide great convenience, although you obviously won’t be able to use the top door on the lower kennels when the units are stacked.
Product
Details
- STACKABLE Cage; Size: L37"xW22"xH31"; Side Bar Space: 1", Floor Grid Bar Space: 0.48"; fits for...
- Open top makes it easier to put your dog/animal in and out
- Lockable casters provide more convenience to move the cage. Floor grid keeps your pet clean and dry
- All metal heavy duty design with safety auto lock design; Nontoxic finished surface
These crates also come with heavy-duty removable litter trays, which will even fit inside the main kennel compartment. This can be helpful for pets who aren’t comfortable resting on the wire mesh floor. Alternatively, you can purchase models with an included plastic grid, which will also provide your pet with additional comfort.
The crates also come with locking wheel casters and secure connection points for maximum stability. Both the top and front doors come with escape-proof latches, and the front door also features a chain lock (included). The manufacturer recommends using these kennels for dogs weighing up to 70 pounds. They can be purchased singly, or in sets of two or three.
Note that the wires on the Homey Pet 37-Inch Heavy-Duty Dog Kennels are much closer together than those of most other stackable crates. This can help reduce the likelihood that your pet will stick his paw or muzzle between the bars and become injured.
Size: 37” long x 22” wide x 31” high
PROS
There are a lot of nice features included with the Homey Pet 37-inch Heavy-Duty Dog Kennel, and it received great reviews from most owners who tried it. It appears to be very secure, as it was able to thwart a number of confirmed escape artists, and most owners found that it was durable, well-made, and easy to assemble.
CONS
There aren’t many obvious drawbacks to the Homey Pet Kennels, and negative reviews were pretty rare. Most complaints centered around one-off manufacturing defects.
2. Homey Pet 31-Inch Two-Tier Dog Kennel
The Homey Pet 31-Inch Crate is a two-tiered unit that provides separate housing for two small or medium-sized dogs weighing up to about 40 pounds. It’s a lot like a smaller version of the Homey Pet 37-Inch Kennels, as it has roughly similar bar spacing, heavy-duty plastic trays that’ll fit inside the main compartment, and locking casters.
Product
Details
- Search "Homey Pet TF46A Cage Installation" on Youtube for video installation guide
- Size: L31"xW20"x46", Each Tier's Height is 19", Side Bar Space is 1.1". Floor Grid Bar Space: 0.41";...
- Ultra strong pull out tray allows you to clean the waste easily; Tray can also fit inside the cage...
- Open top allows you to put your pet in and out safely to avoid pet jump out from door open
However, unlike the other stackable dog crates we recommend in this review, the Homey Pet Kennel is a permanently stacked multi-unit kennel; it is not two separate crates stacked together. This makes it safer and more secure than any stackable alternative available. You’ll have to sacrifice a bit of convenience and flexibility for this safety, but that’s a minor cost to pay for additional peace of mind.
The Homey Pet 31-Inch Two-Tier Kennels feature secure latches on both of the front doors to keep your pooch safely contained. The upper unit also features an opening top, which provides additional convenience.
Size: 31” long x 20” wide x 46” high
PROS
If a multi-tiered kennel is what you want, the Homey Pet 31-Inch Two-Tiered Dog Kennel is easily the best option available. Most owners who tried it were very pleased with the kennel and found that (like the Homey Pet Stackable Kennel reviewed above) it is very durable and well-made.
CONS
Aside from the sacrifices you’ll have to make by picking a multi-tiered unit, there aren’t a lot of drawbacks to the Homey Pet 31-Inch Two-Tier Dog Kennel. However, a number of owners did complain that the instructions provided were quite poor, so you’ll need to be ready to take your time while putting it together.
3. Go Pet Club 44-inch Heavy-Duty Stackable Dog Crate
The Go Pet Club 44-inch Heavy-Duty Stackable Crate is a great option for those who need relatively large crates, as they’re the largest stackable crates on the consumer market (you can find larger models, but you’d have to buy them from a veterinary supply organization, and you’d likely have to order 10 or so at a time).
However, you can also use the dividers included with these stackable crates to double the occupancy provided, so they are also a great choice for those who care for a large number of small pups.
Each crate comes with two double-latching doors, and each door also includes a smaller door that makes it easy to feed your critters. These crates are made from hammertone-finished metal and are capable of supporting 120 pounds of weight (although the manufacturer recommends only using these with dogs in the 25- to 50-pound range).
Like all good stackable crates, the Go Pet Club Stackable Crates feature locking casters, a removable litter tray, and plastic alignment pins to ensure that the crates remain stable while stacked. They can be stacked up to three high if necessary.
Size: 44” long x 28” wide x 32.5” high
PROS
Most customers who purchased the Go Pet Club Stackable Crates were very happy with the quality, durability, and stability of these kennels. The feeding doors are a very handy feature, and the included divider provides the kind of flexibility many dog-care professionals will appreciate.
CONS
There aren’t many things wrong with the Go Pet Club Heavy-Duty Stackable Crates. They are a bit expensive, and they’re slightly heavier than many other stackable crates, but this is to be expected given their larger size.
4. Rothermel Modular Pet Crate
The Rothermel Modular Pet Crate is a powder-coated containment system featuring two side-by-side kennels. Its ivory finish gives it a cozier feel than many other stackable crates, while both horizontal and vertical bars keep your canines safely contained.
Crafted of steel, this pet crate is designed to last. It features plastic slide-out trays, which are removable for cleaning, yet lock firmly into place when you’re done.
You can also get this one with optional floor grates, which elevate your dog just in case he has an accident, allowing him to stay dry despite any bladder malfunctions.
Two spring-loaded doors on either side allow for easy access, and the triple-locking door latch keeps everyone safe. The crate’s 50-pound weight limit is suitable for most small and some medium-sized breeds, and the solid kennel separator is removable, allowing you to use the full space as needed.
Size: 47.5” long x 23.63” wide x 23.75” high and 47.5” long x 23.63” width x 32.5” high options
PROS
Most owners praised the durability of this crate, and assembly was easy for the bulk of reviewers too. The 50-pound weight limit is better than other stackable kennels, too.
CONS
The lack of casters was an issue for some reviewers, who found locating matching ones difficult. Other reviewers noted that the space where casters attach is inconsistent, which appears to be a manufacturing error.
5. Rubalcava Modular Pet Crate
Stacking is easy with the Rubalcava Modular Pet Crate, a steel-framed structure that can be used as one long pen or two smaller kennels. It’s also collapsible, allowing for easy transport or storage when not in use.
The Rubalcava’s design is made with dogs in mind, and its black powder-coated finish and sliding plastic tray making clean up easy. The elevated floor grate has your doggo covered if he has an accident, as it’ll keep him dry, and help air everything out.
Small dog safety is paramount with this unit, as its triple-locking door latch holds firm, while 1-inch bar spacing keeps your pup contained. Both the kennel divider and removable trays lock into place, and the solid divider design prevents any quarrels between neighboring pooches.
Rated for only 25 pounds, these stackable crates are made for small dogs only.
Size: 47.5” long x 23.63” wide x 20” high
PROS
At 49 pounds, this stackable unit is lighter than some other options on the market. The optional wheels are also a nice feature, which eliminates the need to search for casters after making the purchase.
CONS
The weight restriction can be very limiting, especially in a grooming or service setting where dogs of all shapes come in and out.
Have you ever used stackable dog crates? Did you find a model that worked well, or did you pick one that didn’t work out like you’d hoped? What kinds of things do you wish you’d have thought about before you made your choice? Have you ever tried one of the stackable dog crates we recommended above?
Tell us all about your experiences in the comments below!
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