Best Dog Crate for Older Dogs: Size, Doors and Who Should Skip One
The best crate for an older dog has two doors, room to stand and stretch out, and a non-slip pad. How to measure, picks by size, and when a pen works better.
Your old dog walks up to the crate, stops at the door, and lies down outside it. For a stiff senior dog, the best crate is a two-door wire crate big enough to stand, turn and stretch out in, with a soft, non-slip pad inside. The AKC says to measure your dog standing, top of the head to the floor and nose to the tip of the tail, then add 3 to 4 inches to each number.
Quick pick: A MidWest Ovation Double Door crate (#ad) with a side door that lifts up and out of the way.
Best dog crates for senior dogs (#ad)
- Best for medium to large seniors (41 to 70 lb): MidWest Ovation Double Door Crate, 36-inch (#ad). A swing-out front door, a side door that lifts and locks overhead, and a leak-proof pan, per the maker.
- Best for medium seniors (21 to 40 lb): MidWest Ovation Double Door Crate, 30-inch (#ad). Same two-door design, smaller, per the maker.
- Best for small seniors: MidWest Double Door iCrate Starter Kit, 24-inch (#ad). Crate, fleece bed, cover and two bowls in one box, per the maker.
- Best if a crate feels too tight: MidWest 36-Inch Exercise Pen with Door (#ad). About 16 square feet of space, per the maker, so your dog can get up and shift around.
- Quick buy: K&H Self-Warming Crate Pad, Large (#ad). No cord. It holds body heat, has a non-slip bottom and is machine washable, per the maker.
Which setup fits your dog?
| Your dog | Best setup | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Stiff joints, slow to get up | Two-door wire crate + thick pad | Side door means no tight turn |
| Accidents at night | Wire crate with pan + washable pad | Easy to wipe and wash |
| Wanders or paces at night | Exercise pen in your bedroom | Room to move without being shut in |
| Resting after surgery | Crate or pen, per your vet's rest plan | Limits jumping and running |
How to measure an older dog for a crate
- Height: with your dog standing, measure from the top of the head to the floor.
- Length: measure from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail.
- Add 3 to 4 inches to each number, per the AKC.
- If your dog sleeps stretched out on their side, check that the crate floor fits that length.
Don't jump two sizes up. The AKC notes an oversized crate can lead to accidents.
Who should skip a crate
Not a good fit: a dog who pants, paces, drools or claws at the door once it's closed, a dog with dementia who panics when shut in, or a dog who can't step over the door frame. Use a pen or a gated room instead. A crate is for rest and sleep, not long days alone.
When to call the vet first
If your senior suddenly refuses a crate they used to like, or pants and paces inside it, book a vet visit before you buy anything. A change like that can have a medical cause. See senior dog dementia at night.
Checklist
- Height and length measured standing, plus 3 to 4 inches
- Two doors, so your dog can walk straight in
- Non-slip, washable pad on the crate floor
- Crate in a room where the family spends time
- Door left open during the day at first
- Vet visit if your dog suddenly refuses the crate
FAQ
Can you crate an older dog who was never crate trained?
Often, yes, if you go slowly. Leave the door open, put a bed and a treat inside, and let your dog choose it. If stress doesn't ease, use a pen.
What size crate does a senior dog need?
Measure height and length with your dog standing, then add 3 to 4 inches to each, per the AKC. If your dog is near the top of a crate's weight range, MidWest suggests sizing up.
Wire or plastic crate for an old dog?
The AKC says metal crates give good airflow and visibility, while plastic crates are easy to clean and double as travel carriers. For a stiff senior, a wire crate with a side door is easier to walk into.
Sources
Related guides
- Setting up a safe recovery space after surgery
- Managing sundowning in dogs with canine dementia
- A calm bedtime routine for an anxious senior dog
Product details are from the makers' Amazon listings, checked October 2026. Not veterinary advice. As an Amazon Associate, SILVERPAW earns from qualifying purchases.
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