Choose the best dog crate for separation anxiety

To help a dog suffering from separation anxiety, you can try using a crate. In it, your pet will feel more comfortable and calm. Besides, he won’t be able to destroy objects in the house or hurt himself.

However, regular crates aren’t suitable for anxious dogs, as the animal can get out and even hurt himself. You need to choose a sturdy crate with good locks. It wasn’t easy to find one, but I finally wrote this review about the 6 best dog crates for separation anxiety. I hope one of them will help you!

Quick Pick Table with the best dog crates for anxiety dogs

The sturdiest crate for anxious dogs
Pro Select Empire Cage - LARGE
The best wooden, portable crate at an affordable price
MCombo Wooden Dog Crate Furniture, Dog Kennel Pet House...
Cheap, heavy duty crate for strong, destructive dogs
AGESISI Heavy Duty Dog Crate - Strong Metal Dog Cage...
Beautiful furniture-style dog crate
Heavy 40 Inch Dog Crate Furniture, Heavy Duty Dog...
Pro Select Empire Cage - LARGE
MCombo Wooden Dog Crate Furniture, Dog Kennel Pet House...
AGESISI Heavy Duty Dog Crate - Strong Metal Dog Cage...
Heavy 40 Inch Dog Crate Furniture, Heavy Duty Dog...
$467.66
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
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The sturdiest crate for anxious dogs
Pro Select Empire Cage - LARGE
Pro Select Empire Cage - LARGE
$467.66
-
The best wooden, portable crate at an affordable price
MCombo Wooden Dog Crate Furniture, Dog Kennel Pet House...
MCombo Wooden Dog Crate Furniture, Dog Kennel Pet House...
Price not available
-
Cheap, heavy duty crate for strong, destructive dogs
AGESISI Heavy Duty Dog Crate - Strong Metal Dog Cage...
AGESISI Heavy Duty Dog Crate - Strong Metal Dog Cage...
Price not available
-
Beautiful furniture-style dog crate
Heavy 40 Inch Dog Crate Furniture, Heavy Duty Dog...
Heavy 40 Inch Dog Crate Furniture, Heavy Duty Dog...
Price not available
-

Last update on 2024-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What criteria should I use to choose a crate for dogs with separation anxiety?

When choosing the best crate for dogs with separation anxiety, I focused on such characteristics:

  • reliable construction and lock (anxious dogs will try to get out of the crate, and if it is unreliable, the animal could end up getting hurt, especially if we are talking about a large dog);
  • sturdy, chew proof material (metal or wood are best, but plastic, soft or wire mesh crates are not suitable);
  • easy to use (for example, I like when crate can be easily washed and having an extra entrance is an added plus);
  • Size (for dogs with separation anxiety, it’s especially important that the crate has enough space, but at the same time isn’t too big. Measure your dog and choose the right size).

Also, give preference to more enclosed models. Your pet will feel calm in them. It is also better to buy a crate cover.

Important: If you buy a new dog crate, try to use it in front of you. Make sure that your pet can't open the lock.

Below you can find a list of 6 crates for dogs with separation anxiety.

#1 – IMPACT High Anxiety Crate

the dog sleeping in the impact dog crate

If you have already tried many crates and your dog has managed to get out of all of them, it’s time to move on to more radical solutions. The military grade crate from IMPACT is made of aluminum that no dog can bend. And the four additional butterfly latches definitely inspire confidence. The dog definitely can’t open them.

This model can be used for both housing and transporting dogs. IMPACT offers different sizes for dogs of all breeds. The price of this wonderful thing is very high, but it’s worth the money. Plus, you get a 10-year warranty!

Pros
  • your dog 100% will not get out of it;

  • there are sizes for all dog breeds;

  • can be used for transportation and airplane travel.

  • lifetime guarantee
Cons
  • the design is unlikely to fit in the house interior;

  • expensive;


#2 – ZINGER HEAVY DUTY CRATE

Choose the best dog crate for separation anxiety

This crate is made to withstand the harshest conditions. Every detail of this product has been designed to ensure reliability and durability. I’m talking about the wide square bars, reinforced door and incredibly secure lock. The aluminum construction is strong yet lightweight.

No dog will be able to break such a kennel. It can even be safely transported in the car, because the ZINGER crate can withstand even an accident.

Pros
  • Excellent ventilation
  • Super secure lock
  • Reinforced door
  • 90-day “no escape” warranty
  • Great durability
  • Protective powder coating
  • You can choose the location and number of doors
Cons
  • High price (but justified for this quality)

#3 – ProSelect Empire Dog Cage

Choose the best dog crate for separation anxiety

Price: $467.66

Rating:

ProSelect Empire Dog Cage is popular as a one-of-a-kind heavy-duty crate for medium and large dogs. It’s made of heavy-duty 20-gage steel and reinforced with ½” diameter steel tubing.

This not only prevents your dog from breaking out, but also ensures durability as it’s rust-proof. A heavy-duty door with double latches ensures escape resistance.

Pros
  • it has a highly chewed-proof material;

  • easier to clean due to the removable steel tray under the floor;

  • the hammer tone finish makes it rust-proof.

Cons
  • it is relatively expensive

  • not a very pretty design (but you can use a crate cover)

I think the ProSelect Empire Dog Cage is worth the money, so I put it on my list. I’ve read reviews of cheaper models and found that you can’t skimp. Even a metal crate that looks sturdy can be a dud that your dog will quickly ruin.


#4 – Snimoy Heavy Duty Dog Crate

Snimoy Heavy Duty Dog Crate

Price: Price not available

Rating:

I don’t think a dog can break out of this crate (although a Hercules can do anything)! It has strong locks and is made of sturdy steel. I like this model because it’s more enclosed than the classic metal crates. It’s just the thing for a fearful dog.

But what I liked even more is that it’s the only heavy duty crate with a nice design. Because the others look like some kind of animal kennel. It’s not embarrassing to put such a crate in the house, and you can also use it as a table.

The idea of rounded corners will appreciate all who, like me, once kicked the corners of furniture.

Pros
  • the most beautiful design among heavy duty dog crates;

  • two safe locks;

  • trays;

  • convenient double doors;

  • rotating wheels with locking function;

  • ability to use the crate as a table.

Cons
  • the price is not low, in comparison with all typical crates;

  • you can’t choose the size, for small breeds this crate will be too big.


#5 – AGESISI Heavy Duty Dog Crate

AGESISI Heavy Duty Dog Crate

Price: Price not available

Rating:

This model isn’t so pretty and can’t be used as a table, but they have a cheap model for small dogs. Also, this crate has a different type of lock.

If you don’t particularly like its design you can buy a crate cover right away. As I said before, a more enclosed space is better for anxious dogs.

The AGESISI Heavy Duty dog crate is made of durable stainless steel, so unlike a wooden crate, it’ll last for many years. And you can safely put it outside.

Pros
  • two entrances (side and top);

  • two self-locking gate latches;

  • there is a tray;

  • rolling with locking wheels.

Cons
  • not a pretty design (but you can buy a cover);

  • Although this model has many positive reviews, some owners claim that their dogs have opened the lock.


Lovupet Wooden Portable Crate

Lovupet Wooden Portable Crate

Price: Price not available

Rating:

The crate is quite sturdy, made of spruce wood and the metal bars. It is lightweight (11kg) and can simply be folded up to move it to another room or take it with you on a trip. I have not found similar models at this price. 

The Lovupet crate is available in 3 sizes for small, medium and large breeds. It would look very nice in the house, plus it could be used as a table. On their website they say it can be used both indoors and outdoors, but I think the wood needs to be varnished for outdoor use.

Pros
  • portability;

  • relatively low price for such crate;

  • retractable tray;

  • beautiful design;

  • different sizes for all dogs.

Cons
  • needs to be painted;

  • only one lock (I would add another one right away);

  • not suitable for destructive dogs who tend to chew on furniture.

Important: Large, furniture chewing dogs can ruin a wooden cage. In this case, you'd better consider the previous model.

If your dog has separation anxiety, I recommend getting a pet camera to keep an eye on your pet while you are away. I like the cameras from Petcube because they have a 2-way audio feature and a treat dispenser.

Choose the best dog crate for separation anxiety
Petcube Bites 2 Lite – $124.95

Smart HD pet camera with treat dispenser, 160 lens, and 2-way audio

FAQ

Is a crate good for a dog with separation anxiety?

A crate can be a place that helps an anxious dog get some privacy and calm. But you should do crate training gradually and get your dog used to the crate before using it.

Conclusions

If your dog is very anxious and escapes from all the cages you’ve bought, try the IMPACT Dog Crate.

But remember, the crate is just a way to calm dogs with separation anxiety. To solve the problem, you also need to find out the cause and help your dog change his behavior. Read about it in my article about Best tips to help a dog with separation anxiety at night.

You need to create a suitable environment for the dog in the crate. For this you’ll need a crate bed and toys (read the article about the best crate toys for dogs).

Anastasia
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