A crate can be a safe den for your dog—and a hassle if it eats your whole hallway. In apartments you want something sturdy that folds, looks decent when guests come over, and doesn’t block the only path to the kitchen.
Here are three crate styles we think work well in small spaces, plus a simple guide to choosing the right one.
Quick Picks
| Crate | Approx. Price | Space Trick | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate Folding Metal Crate | ~$40–$90 | Folds flat; divider for growing pups | Most apartment dogs, classic setup |
| Diggs Revol Dog Crate | ~$200–$300 | Sleeker look; doubles as end-table vibe | Design-conscious small homes |
| Petmate Sky Kennel / Vari Kennel | ~$50–$120 | Stackable plastic; travel + home use | Car trips, flying, dual-purpose |
Prices change often. Check the current price at each link.
1. MidWest iCrate Folding Metal Crate
Check Amazon for current price: MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate
The MidWest iCrate is the apartment workhorse. It folds flat when you move or need floor space, sets up without tools, and many sizes include a divider so a puppy crate can grow with your dog—one purchase instead of three. That matters when closet space is already full of winter coats.
Wire crates give airflow (helpful in stuffy buildings) and let your dog see the room, which some pups prefer. Toss a fitted cover on at night if you want a cozier den look and less visual clutter.
Best for: Most sizes of dogs, renters who move, and anyone who wants a proven fold-flat crate.
Pros
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Folds flat for closets and U-Haul days
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Divider panels on many models save rebuying as puppies grow
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Good airflow in warm apartments
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Widely available replacement pans and covers
Cons
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Looks more “pet gear” than furniture
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Can rattle if the pan isn’t seated or the dog paws the door
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Wire may feel less den-like without a cover
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Measure door swing so it doesn’t block a narrow hall
2. Diggs Revol Dog Crate
Check Amazon for current price: Diggs Revol Dog Crate
If you hate how wire crates look in a living room, the Diggs Revol is aimed at you. It’s a modern, furniture-leaning crate with rounded corners, a strong frame, and a design that many apartment dwellers leave out as part of the room instead of hiding it. That means you may not need a spare closet just for crate storage.
It’s a premium price, so it’s for people who know the crate will live in the open. Check current size options against your dog’s standing height and length—always size for standing up and turning around comfortably.
Best for: Open-plan studios and design-focused homes where the crate stays visible.
Pros
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Looks intentional in small living rooms
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Sturdy build with an apartment-friendly aesthetic
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Often easier to live with “out” than a basic wire crate
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Thoughtful door and latch design on many configurations
Cons
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Much higher price than a basic folding crate
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Heavier; less “toss in the trunk” than wire folders
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Fewer bargain replacement parts than big-box wire brands
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Still takes floor space—beauty doesn’t shrink the footprint
3. Petmate Sky Kennel (Vari Kennel-style)
Check Amazon for current price: Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier
Plastic travel kennels like the Petmate Sky Kennel earn their keep when you need one crate for home and car or airline travel. In a small apartment, dual-purpose gear beats owning a wire crate plus a separate airline kennel.
They’re more den-like and can sit along a wall without the visual “cage” look of wire. Ventilation slots matter—don’t bury it in a stuffy closet while your dog is inside. For daily apartment use, many people prefer wire for airflow and use plastic mainly for trips; others love the cozier feel full-time.
Best for: Dogs who travel, fly, or ride along on weekend trips out of the city.
Pros
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One crate for home and travel goals
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Cozier, more den-like sides
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Stackable shells help when storing (when empty and apart, depending on model)
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Familiar choice for airline-style travel (check current airline rules)
Cons
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Bulkier to store than a fold-flat wire crate
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Less airflow than open wire in hot weather
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Harder to deep-clean corners than a simple wire pan
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Not the prettiest living-room piece
Buying Guide: What Matters in a Small Space
Size for the dog, place for the room. Your dog should stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Your hallway should still be walkable. Measure both.
Fold-flat if you move or host. Wire folders win for renters. Furniture-style crates win if they’ll always be on display.
Noise and neighbors. Paws on a metal pan echo. A snug bed inside, rubber feet, and a mat underneath help. Train quietly—don’t let barking-in-crate become the building soundtrack.
One crate, multi-use. Apartment storage is limited. Prefer a crate that also works for travel or doubles as a calm “place” command spot.
Covers and aesthetics. A simple cover can make a wire crate look softer and help nervous dogs settle.
FAQ
Is crating okay in an apartment all day?
A crate is for rest and safety, not an all-day substitute for walks, potty breaks, and company. Use dog walkers or midday breaks if you’re gone long hours.
Wire or plastic for shared walls?
Wire is often cooler and lighter-looking; plastic can feel cozier. Either can work—training and exercise matter more than material.
What if I don’t have room for a full-size crate?
Confirm your dog truly needs that size. Some medium dogs do fine with a correctly measured compact crate. Exercise pens are another option if you need a larger footprint that folds.
Which One Should You Pick?
Start with how the crate will live in your place:
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Need affordable, fold-flat, and puppy-to-adult flexibility? Go with the Check Amazon for current price: MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate.
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Want the crate to look like it belongs in the living room? The Check Amazon for current price: Diggs Revol Dog Crate is our style-forward pick.
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Need home use plus car or airline travel? The Check Amazon for current price: Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier pulls double duty.
Whichever you choose, set it up in a low-traffic corner, add a washable pad, and keep training positive. A crate that fits your floor plan is easier to use consistently—and consistency is what makes it feel like a den, not a punishment.
Disclosure: City Pups is reader-supported. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission from Amazon or other retailers, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend gear we think suits apartment life.