Metal vs Plastic vs Fabric Dog Crate: Which to Buy

The crate type you choose matters as much as the size. A metal crate suits home training, a plastic one suits travel, and a fabric one suits calm adult dogs only. This guide compares the four main types so you buy the right one for your dog and avoid an expensive mistake.

The four crate types at a glance

Metal wire crates

This is the default UK training crate and for good reason. It folds flat, offers excellent airflow for our warmer summers, and almost always includes a divider for puppy training. Your dog can see out, which most tolerate well once used to it.

The downsides are weight and noise. A 42″ wire crate is heavy to move, the metal floor is cold without a bed, and an anxious dog can rattle the panels. For most owners training a puppy at home, this is still the sensible first buy.

Plastic crates

Plastic crates feel more den-like because they are enclosed on most sides. That solid feel suits nervous dogs and makes them the standard choice for car travel, as the walls give some protection and contain mess. Many are also the type accepted for air travel, though you must check each airline’s exact requirements.

The trade-off is airflow and visibility. In a hot car a plastic crate needs careful ventilation and shade. They also do not fold flat, so storage is bulkier.

Fabric and soft crates

Fabric crates are light, quick to fold, and easy to carry to shows or a friend’s house. That is their whole appeal. The catch is critical: they only suit calm, fully trained adult dogs. A puppy, a chewer or an anxious dog will claw or bite through the mesh in minutes and may escape. Never use one for training or unsupervised confinement.

Furniture crates

Furniture-style crates double as a side table or TV unit, usually in wood. They look far better in a living room than bare wire. But they carry the same rule as fabric: trained, non-chewing adults only. A teething puppy will damage the wood and possibly itself. They also cost considerably more.

A real scenario

An owner with a teething spaniel buys a smart fabric crate for the lounge. Within a week the pup has chewed a hole in the mesh and pulled out the stuffing. They switch to a wire crate for training and keep the fabric one for later, once the dog is calm and reliable. Right product, wrong stage.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

• Buying fabric or furniture for a puppy. Wrong stage. Use wire or plastic until the dog is a settled, non-chewing adult.
• Choosing plastic for a hot-climate home with no plan for airflow. Add ventilation and shade, or pick wire for better airflow.
• Picking a crate you cannot lift. If you move it often, weight matters. Check it before buying.
• Assuming any plastic crate is airline-approved. It is not. Confirm the exact model against your airline’s rules.
• Ignoring the floor. Bare metal or plastic is cold and hard. Always add a proper bed or mat.

How to choose: quick action steps

• Training a puppy at home? Choose a metal wire crate with a divider.
• Mostly for the car? Choose a sturdy plastic crate and plan ventilation.
• Calm trained adult for the living room? Consider furniture or fabric.
• Frequent flyer? Check airline rules first, then buy a compliant plastic crate.
• Whatever you pick, add a comfortable bed and check the size fit.

Conclusion and next step

Match the crate type to your dog’s stage and your main use. Wire for training, plastic for travel, fabric and furniture for reliable adults only. Your next step is to decide your primary use case, then pick the type that fits it rather than the one that looks nicest on the shelf.

Frequently asked questions

Are metal or plastic crates better?

Metal is better for home training thanks to airflow and a divider. Plastic is better for car travel because it feels enclosed and contains mess. Choose by main use, not brand.

Can I use a fabric crate for a puppy?

No. Puppies chew and can tear through the mesh and escape. Use fabric crates only for calm, fully trained adult dogs.

Which crate is best for car travel in the UK?

A well-ventilated plastic crate, secured in the boot, is the usual choice as it offers some protection and contains mess. A crash-tested crate is worth the extra cost if you travel often.

Are furniture crates worth the money?

Only for trained, non-chewing adult dogs where looks matter in a living room. For a puppy or a chewer they are a costly mistake, as they are easily damaged.

References

• PDSA advice on choosing and using dog crates.
• RSPCA guidance on safe travel with dogs.