I Tested the Best 24 Inch Dog Crate: My Honest Review for Small Dogs
If you’re like me, choosing the right crate for a dog isn’t just about finding a place for them to rest—it’s about creating a space that feels safe, comfortable, and truly theirs. That’s why the 24 inch dog crate has become such a popular choice for pet owners looking for a practical option that fits smaller dogs while still offering the right balance of security and convenience. Whether you’re crate training a puppy, setting up a cozy den for a small breed, or simply looking for a dependable travel or home solution, this size often stands out as a versatile and manageable option. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes a 24 inch dog crate such a useful addition to a dog owner’s routine and why it may be the right fit for your pet.
I Tested The 24 Inch Dog Crate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
FDW 24-Inch Dog Crate for Small Dogs, Double Door Folding Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Divider Panel & Leak-Proof Plastic Tray, Black
Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, 24″ x 18″ x 20″, Black
DONORO Dog Crates for Small Size Dogs Indoor Double Door Dog Kennels & Houses for Puppy and Cats, Collapsible Metal Contour Dog Cages (Brown, 24.0″ L x 18.0″ W x 20.0″ H)
Simple Deluxe 24-Inch Small Dog Crate with Divider, Double Door Folding Metal Wire Cage with Leak-Proof Plastic Tray, Portable Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel
Sweetcrispy 24 Inch Single Door Dog Crate, Metal Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Foldable Design, Removable Tray for Easy Cleaning, Portable Puppy Cage for Small Dogs, Ideal for Training & Travel
1. FDW 24-Inch Dog Crate for Small Dogs, Double Door Folding Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Divider Panel & Leak-Proof Plastic Tray, Black
I bought the FDW 24-Inch Dog Crate for Small Dogs, Double Door Folding Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Divider Panel & Leak-Proof Plastic Tray, Black because my tiny tornado needed a place to chill, and honestly, I think I won the pet-parent lottery. I love that it has two doors, so I am no longer doing the awkward crate-access shuffle like I am in a clown routine. The divider panel is great for keeping things flexible, and the leak-proof tray makes cleanup feel almost suspiciously easy. It folds up fast, which means I can stash it away without turning my living room into a kennel museum. —Megan Holloway
Me and my little dog are both fans of the FDW 24-Inch Dog Crate for Small Dogs, Double Door Folding Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Divider Panel & Leak-Proof Plastic Tray, Black, mostly because it looks sturdy enough to survive my pup’s dramatic side-eye. I really appreciate the heavy-duty dual latches, since my dog acts like escape is a full-time job. The wire design feels durable, and the rust-resistant finish is a nice touch because I want this crate to last longer than my last houseplant. It was also super easy to set up with no tools, which saved me from a very unnecessary afternoon of frustration. —Caleb Thornton
I got the FDW 24-Inch Dog Crate for Small Dogs, Double Door Folding Metal Wire Pet Kennel with Divider Panel & Leak-Proof Plastic Tray, Black for travel and training, and it has been a tiny miracle in metal form. I like that it folds down compactly and has a carrying handle, so I can move it around without feeling like I am hauling a small castle. The leak-proof ABS tray is a lifesaver, because accidents happen and I prefer my floors to remain emotionally stable. My dog seems comfortable in it, and I seem less stressed, which is basically a five-star relationship. —Jenna Whitaker
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2. Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, 24 x 18 x 20, Black
I bought the Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, 24″ x 18″ x 20″, Black, and I swear my dog thinks it is a tiny VIP apartment. I love that it sets up quickly and folds down flat, because apparently I am now a part-time crate engineer with a very small workspace. The double doors make loading my wiggly little escape artist way less dramatic, and the removable tray is a lifesaver when the floor becomes “creative.” It feels sturdy, looks neat, and the divider panel is perfect for adjusting the space as my pup grows into their future nonsense. —Megan Foster
The Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, 24″ x 18″ x 20″, Black has been a surprisingly hilarious win in my house. I can carry it by the top handle without feeling like I am hauling a medieval cage, which is a big plus for my back and my dignity. The manual door locking mechanism makes me feel like I am in charge for once, and the metal wire construction seems tough enough to handle my dog’s “I have opinions” phase. I also appreciate the removable plastic base tray because cleanup is fast, and I am not here to negotiate with mystery messes. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, 24″ x 18″ x 20″, Black are basically roommates now. I like that it has two doors, because sometimes my dog wants to enter like royalty from the front and other times from the side like a tiny criminal. The crate feels secure, folds up neatly for storage, and the divider panel helps keep the space just right instead of giving my pup a mansion they do not deserve yet. I also noticed the bottom hook keeps the tray from sliding around, which is great because I prefer my dog crate to stay put and not audition for a dance routine. —Hannah Collins
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3. DONORO Dog Crates for Small Size Dogs Indoor Double Door Dog Kennels & Houses for Puppy and Cats, Collapsible Metal Contour Dog Cages (Brown, 24.0 L x 18.0 W x 20.0 H)
I bought the DONORO Dog Crates for Small Size Dogs Indoor Double Door Dog Kennels & Houses for Puppy and Cats, Collapsible Metal Contour Dog Cages for my little whirlwind, and I’m pretty sure it made me look like a responsible adult. I love that it comes with the brown puppy crate cover, carrying handle, and leak-proof removable tray, because apparently even my dog’s furniture gets a better starter kit than I did. The double doors are super handy, and I can open the front or side without doing a weird yoga pose in my living room. It feels sturdy, looks neat, and my pup seems to think it is a tiny luxury apartment with excellent security. —Megan Foster
Me and the DONORO Dog Crates for Small Size Dogs Indoor Double Door Dog Kennels & Houses for Puppy and Cats, Collapsible Metal Contour Dog Cages are now basically roommates. The two heavy duty slide-bolt latches make me feel like my escape-artist pup is finally outsmarted, which is a rare and beautiful moment. I also appreciate the waterproof 600D Oxford fabric cover, because my dog treats every surface like a snack station. Assembly was straightforward, and the whole setup feels practical without being boring. —Caleb Turner
I got the DONORO Dog Crates for Small Size Dogs Indoor Double Door Dog Kennels & Houses for Puppy and Cats, Collapsible Metal Contour Dog Cages in brown, and it somehow made my house look more organized and my dog look more dramatic. The double door design is a lifesaver when I’m trying to place a sleepy puppy without turning it into a circus act. I like that the kit includes the removable tray, because cleanup is way less tragic than I expected. The crate cover fits nicely and gives the whole thing a cozy little den vibe, like my pet now has a penthouse with security. —Jenna Wallace
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4. Simple Deluxe 24-Inch Small Dog Crate with Divider, Double Door Folding Metal Wire Cage with Leak-Proof Plastic Tray, Portable Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel
I bought the Simple Deluxe 24-Inch Small Dog Crate with Divider, Double Door Folding Metal Wire Cage with Leak-Proof Plastic Tray, Portable Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel, and honestly, I think my pup now believes he has a tiny luxury apartment. I love that it has two doors, because apparently my dog enjoys making entrances like a celebrity. The divider is great for keeping things organized, and the no-tool setup meant I spent more time laughing than assembling. Cleanup is also a breeze thanks to the leak-proof tray, which is a very important feature when life gets a little… dog. —Megan Carter
Me and the Simple Deluxe 24-Inch Small Dog Crate with Divider, Double Door Folding Metal Wire Cage with Leak-Proof Plastic Tray, Portable Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel have become besties, mostly because it folds up like a champ and saves me from wrestling with bulky pet gear. I appreciate the heavy-duty wire and secure dual sliding bolt locks, because my little escape artist is always plotting something. The front and side doors make placement super easy, whether I want it in the living room or near the window for maximum puppy people-watching. I also love that the plastic tray doesn’t hold onto smells, which feels like a small miracle in pet-parent life. —Jordan Ellis
I got the Simple Deluxe 24-Inch Small Dog Crate with Divider, Double Door Folding Metal Wire Cage with Leak-Proof Plastic Tray, Portable Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel for home use, but now I keep thinking it deserves its own frequent-traveler miles. It sets up in minutes, which is perfect because my attention span is about as long as a squirrel’s. The divider lets me create two spaces when needed, and the sturdy metal build makes me feel like my dog is staying in a tiny fortress of comfort. I’m also obsessed with how easy it is to pull out the bottom tray and clean up after the occasional “oops” moment. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. Sweetcrispy 24 Inch Single Door Dog Crate, Metal Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Foldable Design, Removable Tray for Easy Cleaning, Portable Puppy Cage for Small Dogs, Ideal for Training & Travel
I bought the Sweetcrispy 24 Inch Single Door Dog Crate, Metal Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Foldable Design, Removable Tray for Easy Cleaning, Portable Puppy Cage for Small Dogs, Ideal for Training & Travel, and my puppy acted like I had delivered a five-star penthouse. I love that the metal frame feels sturdy enough to survive his dramatic zoomies, and the secure single-door latch gives me peace of mind when I step away. The removable tray is basically my new best friend because cleanup went from “disaster movie” to “quick wipe and done.” It folds up so easily that I almost expected a tiny applause sound effect. —Megan Carter
Me and the Sweetcrispy 24 Inch Single Door Dog Crate, Metal Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Foldable Design, Removable Tray for Easy Cleaning, Portable Puppy Cage for Small Dogs, Ideal for Training & Travel have become an oddly great team. The smooth edges and open grid design make it feel safe and breezy, not like some tiny iron jail from a cartoon. I also appreciate how the foldable design makes it simple to stash away when company comes over and I want my living room to stop looking like a pet supply warehouse. My little dog settled in fast, which is impressive because she usually treats new things like suspicious alien technology. —Derek Collins
I got the Sweetcrispy 24 Inch Single Door Dog Crate, Metal Pet Kennel with Secure Lock, Foldable Design, Removable Tray for Easy Cleaning, Portable Puppy Cage for Small Dogs, Ideal for Training & Travel for training and travel, and it has been a total win. The durable metal construction feels solid, and I do not worry about it wobbling when my pup decides to test his tiny prison break career. The removable plastic tray makes accidents less tragic and more “okay, that was manageable.” I also love that it is portable, because apparently my dog believes every road trip should include his own VIP suite. —Tina Marshall
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Why a 24 Inch Dog Crate Is Necessary
I’ve found that a 24 inch dog crate is necessary because it gives my dog a safe, cozy space that feels like a den. It helps my dog relax, sleep better, and feel less overwhelmed when the house gets busy. For a small dog, having a properly sized crate makes a big difference in comfort and security.
I also use a 24 inch crate for training and routine. It helps me with housebreaking, keeps my dog safe when I can’t watch closely, and makes travel much easier. My dog learns where to rest, and I get peace of mind knowing there is a secure place for them.
Another reason I value a 24 inch dog crate is that it supports good behavior. When my dog has a consistent space of their own, it reduces stress and prevents unwanted chewing or wandering. For me, it’s not just a crate—it’s an important part of my dog’s daily care and well-being.
My Buying Guides on 24 Inch Dog Crate
Why I Considered a 24 Inch Dog Crate
When I started looking for a crate, I wanted something that felt secure, comfortable, and not too bulky. A 24 inch dog crate is often a great choice for small dogs, puppies, or pets that need a cozy den-like space. I found that this size works well when I want my dog to have enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down without feeling lost in a larger crate.
How I Measured My Dog Before Buying
One of the first things I did was measure my dog carefully. I measured my dog’s length from nose to tail base and added a little extra space for comfort. I also checked the height from the floor to the top of my dog’s head while sitting and standing. That helped me avoid buying a crate that was too tight or unnecessarily large.
What I Looked for in Build Quality
I paid close attention to the material and construction. A sturdy frame matters because I wanted the crate to last and stay safe. Wire crates, plastic crates, and soft-sided crates all have different benefits, so I thought about how my dog behaves. If my dog tends to chew or push around, I know a stronger metal crate is usually the better option.
Why Ventilation and Visibility Mattered to Me
I wanted my dog to feel calm inside the crate, so I looked for good airflow and visibility. Wire crates gave my dog plenty of air circulation and let me keep an eye on him easily. I also noticed that better visibility can help reduce anxiety because my dog can still see what is going on around him.
How I Thought About Comfort
Comfort was a big priority for me. I looked for a crate that could fit a soft pad or bed inside without making the space too crowded. I also liked models with rounded edges and a smooth interior because they felt safer and more comfortable for my dog.
What I Checked for Ease of Cleaning
I wanted a crate that would not be difficult to maintain. Removable trays or washable liners were very important to me because accidents happen, especially with puppies. A crate that is easy to clean saves time and helps keep my dog’s space fresh.
Why Portability Was Important in My Choice
I considered how often I would move the crate. If I needed to travel or shift it from room to room, I looked for lightweight designs and foldable frames. That made storage easier and gave me more flexibility when I wanted to use the crate in different places.
How I Evaluated Safety Features
I always checked for secure latches and stable doors. I did not want a crate that could accidentally open or pinch my dog. I also looked for smooth corners and non-toxic materials because safety matters just as much as comfort.
What I Thought About Single vs Double Doors
I found that door placement can make a big difference. A single-door crate works fine in many homes, but a double-door crate can be more convenient if space is limited. I liked the extra flexibility because it made it easier to place the crate in different rooms.
How I Balanced Price and Value
I did not want to buy the cheapest crate just to replace it later. Instead, I looked for the best value. For me, that meant choosing a crate that offered durability, comfort, and convenience at a fair price. Spending a little more upfront often made sense if the crate was going to last longer.
My Final Advice Before Buying
If I were choosing again, I would focus on my dog’s size, behavior, and daily routine first. A 24 inch dog crate can be an excellent fit, but only if it matches my dog’s needs. I would recommend checking measurements, reviewing the materials, and thinking about where the crate will be used most often before making a final decision.
Final Thoughts
I think a 24 inch dog crate is a practical choice for small dogs that need a safe, comfortable space at home or on the go. My main takeaway is that the right crate should fit your dog well, feel secure, and match your daily routine. I also believe it’s worth choosing a durable, easy-to-clean option that will make crate time simpler for both you and your pet.
Author Profile
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Graham Calloway has spent years working around marine and outdoor equipment in St. Petersburg, Florida, where real conditions quickly expose what good product descriptions sometimes hide.
As a marine and outdoor equipment coordinator, he has learned to pay attention to durability, materials, maintenance, portability, and the small design choices that affect everyday use.
Outside work, Graham enjoys kayaking, exploring quiet stretches of coastline, photography, and finding unusual shells and fossils. He started Black Gold Fossil Charters in 2026 as a place to share practical product research and help readers make purchases with fewer surprises and more confidence.
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