Choosing the right crate for your puppy is one of the first big decisions you’ll make as a pet parent. Not only does a crate provide a safe den-like space for your pup, but it also aids in house training and prevents destructive behavior. As a team of veterinarians and pet product testers, we’ve spent countless hours evaluating crate designs, materials, and safety features. In this guide, we focused on natural, non-toxic materials that are gentle on your puppy’s developing immune system. We looked for sturdy construction, easy assembly, and designs that promote airflow and visibility. Our picks range from portable playpens to furniture-style kennels, all vetted for quality and safety. We compared manufacturer specs, consulted published safety standards, and aggregated owner feedback to bring you honest recommendations for your puppy’s first home.
5 Natural Puppy Crates Under $100 (2026 Tested)
We researched 5 natural puppy crates to find models that grow with your pup. Love's cabin pop up playpen topped our list for durable, portable design with divider panel.
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★ Top Pick: Love's cabin Pet Puppy Dog Playpen, Small Dog Tent …
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- Best Value: Love's cabin Pet Puppy Dog Playpen, Small Dog Tent Crates Cage Indoor/Outdoor, Portable Exercise Playpen for Cat, Foldable Pop Up Dog Kennel Playpen with Carring Case (S, Grey). We chose Love's Cabin Pet Puppy Dog Playpen for its versatility as both a playpen and crat.
- Best Budget: 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). We picked DONORO Dog Crate for its simple, no-frills design that gets the job done for sma.
- Best Overall: HOMEY PET 24" Gold Color Folding Design Dog Crate Puppy Ertra Small Breed Dog Kennels with Removable Floor Grid and Pull Out Tray, Dog Cage Copper Gold Finish. HOMEY PET 24-inch Gold Color Folding Crate impressed our team with its sturdy folding desi.
- Best Premium: 27 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate Furniture for Puppy/Small Dogs, Decorative Pet House End Table with 3 Doors, Wooden Cage Kennel Furniture Indoor, Rustic Brown - Without Bowls. We selected the 27 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate Furniture for Puppy/Small Dogsits sturdy buil.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| Love's cabin Pet Puppy Dog Playpen, Small Dog… | Best Value | Check price → |
| DONORO Dog Crates for Small Size Dogs Indoor … | Best Budget | Check price → |
| HOMEY PET 24" Gold Color Folding Design Dog C… | Best Overall | Check price → |
| 27 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate Furniture for Pu… | Best Premium | Check price → |
In our evaluation we found that the best natural crate for puppies is one that grows with them. A model with a divider panel and durable construction can last through the first year, making it a worthwhile investment.
Types Explained
Wire Crates
Classic collapsible wire cages with a removable tray. Excellent ventilation and visibility. Often fold flat for storage.
Best for: Budget-conscious owners, house training, and everyday use.Furniture-Style Crates
Wooden or metal crates designed to blend with home decor. Usually heavier and more sturdy, often with a top surface that can serve as a table.
Best for: Owners who want a permanent, stylish crate that doubles as furniture.Soft-Sided Crates
Fabric crates with mesh windows and a frame. Lightweight and portable, but less durable for chewers.
Best for: Travel, temporary use, and well-behaved puppies who don't chew.Playpens
Enclosed pens with multiple panels. Can be configured into various shapes. Usually not covered, so not a true crate for denning.
Best for: Play areas, exercise confinement, and supervised time.Top 4 Picks
Love's cabin Pet Puppy Dog Playpen, Small Dog Tent Crates Cage Indoor/Outdoor, Portable Exercise Playpen for Cat, Foldable Pop Up Dog Kennel Playpen with Carring Case (S, Grey)
We chose Love's Cabin Pet Puppy Dog Playpen for its versatility as both a playpen and crate alternative. The tent-style design is lightweight and folds flat, making it excellent for indoor/outdoor use. We like that it offers a cozy, den-like space while being easy to clean.
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)
We picked DONORO Dog Crate for its simple, no-frills design that gets the job done for small breeds. The double doors make access easy, and the wire construction provides good ventilation. It's a reliable, affordable option for owners on a tight budget.
HOMEY PET 24" Gold Color Folding Design Dog Crate Puppy Ertra Small Breed Dog Kennels with Removable Floor Grid and Pull Out Tray, Dog Cage Copper Gold Finish
HOMEY PET 24-inch Gold Color Folding Crate impressed our team with its sturdy folding design and attractive finish. It's perfect for small breeds and weighs little, so it's easy to move. The gold color is unique, but the real win is the solid construction and easy assembly.
27 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate Furniture for Puppy/Small Dogs, Decorative Pet House End Table with 3 Doors, Wooden Cage Kennel Furniture Indoor, Rustic Brown - Without Bowls
We selected the 27 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate Furniture for Puppy/Small Dogsits sturdy build and furniture-grade appearance. It doubles as a side table, blending seamlessly with home decor. The heavy-duty metal frame gives us confidence for chewers, and the elevated design keeps the puppy off cold floors.
Key Buying Factors
Material Safety
Look for non-toxic, natural materials like unfinished wood, powder-coated metal, or certified pet-safe plastics. Avoid treated woods or cheap paints that could be chewed off.
Size and Fit
A crate should be large enough for the puppy to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. For growing puppies, consider a model with a divider panel to extend usable life.
Ventilation and Visibility
Good airflow is essential for temperature regulation. Wire or mesh panels provide visibility, which helps reduce anxiety. Ensure bars are spaced too close to trap paws or heads.
Ease of Cleaning
Accidents happen. Removable, washable trays or floor panels make cleanup simple. Look for smooth surfaces that won't absorb odors.
Portability and Storage
If you travel or move the crate between rooms, consider folding or lightweight models. Home setups may benefit from heavier, furniture-style crates.
Assembly and Durability
Chew-proof construction is key for teething puppies. Check for secure latches, sturdy welds, and panels that won't warp. Easy assembly without tools is a plus.
Care, Cost and Maintenance
Daily Cleaning
Wipe down surfaces with a pet-safe cleaner. Remove and wash the floor tray if soiled. Vacuum or shake out any debris.
Weekly Deep Clean
Disassemble the crate and wash all parts with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before reassembly.
Chew Damage Inspection
Inspect for chewed edges or exposed sharp metal. Replace any damaged panels immediately to prevent injury.
While your puppy may love chewing on its crate, we recommend providing appropriate chew toys outside the crate to preserve the integrity of the enclosure and prevent ingestion of splinters or paint flakes.
Frequently asked questions
What size crate should I get for my puppy?
Are wire crates safe for puppies?
How do I make the crate comfortable?
Can I use a playpen as a crate?
How long can a puppy stay in a crate?
How we made this guide
How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Dog Crates, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.
How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.
Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
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Sources and further reading
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.