10 Differences Between Crates and Kennels That Every Dog Owner Should Know

Every dog has a unique personality, and their favorite place to hang out should reflect their individual vibe. Some pups love a snug hideaway, while others crave room to stretch out and play. Figuring out which setup suits your dog best is a journey every owner should take. There’s more to this choice than most people realize at first glance. Keep reading.

Size And Space

Crates wrap your pup in a cozy, snug environment, perfect for a sense of security, while kennels open up a world of space for movement and play. For instance, larger dogs might feel more at ease in a kennel, but some pups love the den-like feel of a crate.

Portability

When it comes to hitting the road, crates are the clear winner—they’re not only lightweight but also easy to carry and often collapsible for storage. On the other hand, kennels are built for staying put, offering a stable home base for dogs who prefer a permanent spot to call their own.

Security

Crates provide a secure and enclosed space, especially useful for travel or when you need to keep your dog safe and contained. Although kennels are spacious, they may have open designs that make escape easier, so extra precautions are sometimes needed to ensure your pup stays put.

Design Purpose

Crates are primarily designed for short-term confinement and training, helping dogs learn boundaries. Kennels, meanwhile, focus on comfort, offering extra room, plush bedding, and a dog-house vibe that makes them ideal for pets who want to relax in their own little domain.

Durability

Crates are constructed from tough materials like plastic or metal to withstand the bumps and jolts of travel. However, kennels are comfortable for lounging but may not be as sturdy for moving around as they’re designed to stay in one place and provide a cozy retreat.

Ventilation

Kennels excel in terms of airflow, thanks to their open design and built-in ventilation, which keeps your dog cool and comfortable. Crates, while sometimes featuring mesh panels, can feel stuffier, especially if they’re made with fewer vents or placed in warm environments.

Accessibility

Large dogs find kennels comfortable due to their spacious interiors and convenient access points. Due to their more enclosed design, crates can be hard for larger dogs to move around in, and this leads many big breeds to choose kennels for extra space and ease of movement.

Training Benefits

Crates create a snug and safe space that encourages dogs to keep their sleeping area clean, which makes them a top choice for housebreaking. Kennels, with their extra room, don’t offer the same level of control, so they’re less effective for training pups to avoid accidents indoors.

Cleaning

Crates are small and straightforward to wipe down, with some models featuring removable trays for quick cleanup. Due to their size and multiple surfaces, kennels require more effort to keep clean and may need to be taken apart for a thorough scrub.

Cost

Crates are generally kinder to your wallet due to their simpler and smaller design, with many options available for under $50. While Kennels offer more space and comfort, they often come with a higher price tag, sometimes exceeding $100, especially for models with added features.