Best Double Dog Crate for 2026: Top Picks, Sizing & Safety Guide

Why a Double Dog Crate Might Be Exactly What Your Household Needs

Multi-dog households face a unique logistical challenge: providing each dog with a safe, personal den while managing floor space and budget. A double dog crate solves this by housing two dogs in a single footprint — either side by side with a fixed or removable divider, or stacked in a two-tier configuration. According to the American Kennel Club, crate training supports housebreaking, reduces separation anxiety, and gives dogs a predictable retreat. When you have two dogs, a double crate keeps that benefit intact without doubling the clutter.

But not all double crates are built alike. Wire gauges vary from flimsy 14-gauge to heavy-duty 9-gauge steel. Divider panels range from thin mesh to full-load-bearing steel walls. And a poorly sized crate can cause joint stress in large breeds or fail to provide a den-like sense of security for smaller dogs. This guide breaks down exactly what to look for, compares seven real models across six attributes, and shows you how to set one up safely.

How to Choose the Right Double Dog Crate: Buying Criteria

The most common mistake buyers make is choosing a crate based on overall exterior dimensions rather than individual compartment size. A "48-inch double crate" with a center divider gives each dog only about 22–24 inches of usable length — adequate for a Beagle, but far too tight for a Labrador Retriever. Always verify interior compartment measurements, not just the total crate length.

7 Best Double Dog Crates Compared (2026 Picks)

1. Midwest Homes for Pets Solution Series Double Door Divider Crate

Price range: $85–$130 depending on size (36", 42", 48")
Best for: Two small-to-medium dogs that are already crate-trained and non-destructive

• 12-gauge steel wire with electro-coat finish
• Removable center divider panel (included)
• Two front doors with slide-bolt latches
• Composite plastic pan (leak-proof, removable)
• Folds flat for storage and transport

2. Frisco Ultimate Double Door Heavy-Duty Crate

Price range: $110–$175 (36", 42", 48")
Best for: Two medium-to-large dogs where durability matters but budget is a concern

• 9-gauge steel wire frame with hammer-tone powder coat
• Fixed welded center divider (structural reinforcement)
• Dual front doors plus side door on each compartment
• Dual slide-bolt latches per door with safety clips
• Heavy-duty ABS plastic tray

3. ProSelect Empire Zinger-Style Double Crate

Price range: $450–$650 (custom configurations)
Best for: Two large or powerful breeds (Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Huskies) with escape history or anxiety-driven destruction

• 20-gauge steel tube frame with 0.5-inch diameter reinforcement bars
• Full welded construction (no assembly bolts to loosen)
• Double-door locking system with padlock-compatible hasps
• Removable steel divider or fixed option at purchase
• Steel floor grate over removable tray

4. Carlson Design & Studio Double Stack Crate

Price range: $200–$320 (stacked two-tier)
Best for: Space-constrained homes, apartments, or separating dogs that react to proximity

• Stacked vertical design (two independent compartments, one above the other)
• Each tier holds dogs up to 50 lb (lower) or 35 lb (upper)
• Independent front doors per tier with slide-bolt latches
• Powder-coated steel wire with rounded corners
• Two removable plastic trays (one per tier)

5. Impact Dog Crates Collapsible Double (Side-by-Side)

Price range: $550–$780
Best for: Owners who travel with two dogs and need airline-adjacent durability in a collapsible format

• Aluminum frame with steel corner reinforcements
• Collapses to 8 inches flat without tools
• Marine-grade slam latch doors (one per compartment)
• Stackable design with interlocking feet
• Removable divider option at time of order

6. Casual Home Wooden Double Crate Furniture (Enclosed)

Price range: $250–$400
Best for: Design-conscious homes where the crate doubles as an end table or media console

• Solid wood frame with wire mesh doors and divider
• Flat top surface functions as furniture (supports up to 75 lb)
• Two front doors with magnetic catch latches
• Available in espresso, walnut, and white finishes
• Removable plastic tray per compartment

7. Noz2Noz Soft-Krater Double Compartment Portable Crate

Price range: $70–$120
Best for: Two small, calm dogs for temporary use at events, hotels, or vet visits

• Heavy-duty nylon mesh with steel frame skeleton
• Fabric divider creates two compartments
• Three mesh doors (front, top, side) per compartment
• Folds into carrying bag (included)
• Water-resistant base with fleece pad included

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Product	Wire Gauge	Max Weight/Side	Divider Type	Price Range	Portability
Midwest Solution Series	12-gauge	70 lb	Removable	$85–$130	★★★★☆
Frisco Ultimate Heavy-Duty	9-gauge	100 lb	Fixed welded	$110–$175	★★★☆☆
ProSelect Empire Zinger	20-gauge tube	150 lb	Fixed or removable	$450–$650	★☆☆☆☆
Carlson Double Stack	14-gauge	50 lb (lower)	Full separation	$200–$320	★★☆☆☆
Impact Collapsible Double	Aluminum/steel	120 lb	Removable	$550–$780	★★★★☆
Casual Home Wooden	Wood + mesh	60 lb	Fixed wood	$250–$400	★☆☆☆☆
Noz2Noz Soft-Krater	Nylon mesh	25 lb	Fabric	$70–$120	★★★★★

Safety Considerations Every Double Crate Owner Must Know

How to Set Up and Use a Double Dog Crate: Step-by-Step

1. Assemble in the final location. Double crates are heavy and awkward once built. Position the crate against a wall in a low-traffic but socially connected area (living room corner, not a basement or garage). Dogs are social animals — isolation from the family undermines the den-security benefit.
2. Install the divider before adding bedding. If your crate has a removable divider, secure it now. Verify there are no gaps wider than 1.5 inches between the divider and the crate walls — small dogs can squeeze through surprisingly narrow spaces.
3. Add compartment-specific bedding. Use washable crate pads sized to each compartment (not oversized blankets that bunch up). For breeds prone to hip dysplasia (German Shepherds, Labs, Golden Retrievers), consider an orthopedic foam pad at least 2 inches thick.
4. Introduce each dog to their assigned side separately. Start with one dog at a time. Use high-value treats (freeze-dried liver, chicken) tossed into the back of their compartment. Let them enter and exit freely for 5–10 minutes. Do not close the door on day one.
5. Feed meals in the crate. Place each dog's food bowl at the back of their compartment. This builds positive association and establishes the routine that mealtime = crate time. Keep the other dog out of the room during initial feeding sessions to prevent resource guarding.
6. Begin short closed-door sessions. Once both dogs enter willingly, close the doors for 5 minutes while you remain visible and seated nearby. Gradually increase to 15, 30, then 60 minutes over the course of a week.
7. Practice absence. Leave the room for 1 minute, then return calmly. Extend absences to 5, 10, 15 minutes. If either dog shows distress (sustained barking, pawing at the door, panting), reduce the duration and progress more slowly. Force-free desensitization takes patience but produces lasting results.
8. Establish a consistent schedule. Dogs thrive on predictability. Crate at the same times daily — overnight, during work hours, or for 1–2 hour rest periods. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that predictable routines reduce stress-related behaviors by up to 40% in kennel-housed dogs.

Alternatives to a Double Dog Crate

A double dog crate isn't the only solution for multi-dog containment. Depending on your space, budget, and dogs' temperaments, one of these alternatives may serve you better:

• Two separate single crates: Gives maximum placement flexibility — you can put one in the bedroom and one in the living room. Costs roughly the same as a mid-range double crate ($80–$175 × 2). Best when dogs have different schedules or when one dog is still in active crate training.
• Exercise pen (x-pen) with divider: A 36-inch-tall wire exercise pen configured in a rectangle with a panel divider gives each dog more floor space than a standard crate. Ideal for puppies or small breeds during the day. Not escape-proof for jumpers or climbers.
• Baby gate-separated rooms: For well-trained adult dogs, gating each dog into a separate dog-proofed room (laundry room, bathroom) provides more space and enrichment. Requires thorough puppy-proofing (electrical cords, toxic plants, small objects).
• Custom-built wooden crate furniture: A carpenter or woodworking hobbyist can build a double crate that exactly matches your space and décor. Expect to pay $400–$900 for custom work. Ensure wire mesh is welded steel (not chicken wire) and all wood is sealed with pet-safe, non-toxic finish.
• Rotating crate schedule: If budget is tight, one appropriately sized single crate with a rotation schedule (Dog A crated while Dog B has free access, then swap) works for dogs that don't need simultaneous containment. Requires more active management from the owner.

When to Skip the Crate and Consult a Professional

A double dog crate is a management tool, not a treatment for underlying behavioral or medical issues. Consult your veterinarian or a certified veterinary behaviorist if you observe any of the following:

• Self-injury in the crate: Broken teeth, worn nails to the quick, or facial abrasions from repeated bar-biting indicate severe confinement distress. This requires behavioral intervention, not a sturdier crate.
• Elimination refusal: A dog that holds urine for 12+ hours rather than eliminate in the crate may have a negative association requiring counter-conditioning — or a urinary tract issue that needs veterinary diagnosis.
• Aggression at the divider: If dogs display sustained snarling, snapping, or lunging at the shared divider, they may need separate rooms entirely. Forced proximity through a wire barrier can escalate reactivity.
• Excessive drooling, panting, or vocalization lasting more than 30 minutes: These are clinical signs of separation anxiety that respond best to a combination of behavior modification and, in some cases, prescription anti-anxiety medication your veterinarian can discuss with you.
• Destructive behavior that began after crating: Chewing furniture, digging at doors, or shredding bedding when released from the crate can signal that crating duration exceeds the dog's tolerance threshold.

For separation anxiety specifically, the AVMA recommends a multimodal approach combining gradual desensitization, environmental enrichment, and professional behavioral guidance — not simply longer crating periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best double dog crate for two large dogs?

For two large dogs (70+ lb each), the Frisco Ultimate Heavy-Duty at $110–$175 offers the best value with its 9-gauge steel and 100 lb per-side capacity. If your dogs are escape-prone or anxiety-driven destroyers, the ProSelect Empire Zinger at $450–$650 provides near-indestructible 20-gauge construction with padlock-compatible latches.

How much does a double dog crate cost?

Double dog crates range from $70 for a soft-sided portable model to $780 for a premium collapsible aluminum unit. The practical sweet spot for most households is $110–$200, which covers durable 9–12 gauge wire crates with proper dividers and safety latches for dogs up to 100 lb per compartment.

Can two dogs share a crate without a divider?

It is not recommended. Even bonded pairs can develop resource guarding or redirected aggression in a confined space. A divider ensures each dog has a predictable, defensible territory — which is fundamental to canine den psychology. If your goal is togetherness, supervised free-roam time outside the crate is a safer option.

Are there natural alternatives to crating for separation anxiety?

Yes, though they complement rather than replace crate training. Adaptil (dog-appeasing pheromone) diffusers placed near the crate can reduce stress markers by an estimated 25–35% based on published studies. Calming supplements containing L-theanine, L-tryptophan, or hydrolyzed milk protein (e.g., Zesty Paws Calming Bites, VetriScience Composure) can be given 30–60 minutes before crating. However, consult your veterinarian before starting any supplement, especially if your dog takes other medications.

How long can dogs stay in a double crate?

Adult dogs can safely remain crated for 6–8 hours overnight and up to 4–5 hours during the day. Puppies under 6 months should not exceed 2–3 hours (following the general guideline of one hour per month of age, plus one). Extended crating beyond these limits risks urinary tract issues, muscle stiffness, and psychological distress.

Where can I buy a double dog crate?

Most models are available through Chewy, Amazon, Petco, and direct from manufacturer websites. Heavy-duty and custom models (ProSelect, Impact) typically ship direct or through specialty retailers. In-store availability is limited to the Midwest and Frisco lines at Petco and PetSmart locations. Always verify return policies — a crate that doesn't fit your space or your dogs' temperaments should be returnable within 30 days.