I Tested the Best Open Top Dog Crate: My Honest Review for Easy Access and Comfort
I’ve always found that the right dog crate can make a huge difference in creating a calm, comfortable space for a pet, and the open top dog crate stands out as a particularly practical option. It offers a blend of convenience, accessibility, and comfort that appeals to both dog owners and their pets, making it a topic worth exploring for anyone looking to improve their dog’s daily routine. Whether you’re considering one for training, travel, or simply giving your dog a secure place to relax, this style of crate has a lot to offer.
I Tested The Open Top Dog Crate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Feandrea 36.4″ Heavy-Duty Dog Crate, Convenient Feeding Door, Double Doors
FXW Rollick Dog Playpen, Indoor, Yard & RV Camping, 24″ H, 6 Panels
36 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate for Medium Dogs, Stackable Dog Cage Kennel with Pull-Out Tray & Grid, 4 Lockable Wheels, Open Top & Door Access, Dual Lock Escape Proof Drop Cage for Dogs Indoor
FLARUZIY Dog Crate for Medium Dogs,30 inch Metal Dog Kennel Indoor Wire Dog Cage with Sliding Door and Removable Tray,Open Top Pet Crate for Medium
IRIS USA 4-Panel Dog Playpen, Pet Enclosure, White
1. Feandrea 36.4 Heavy-Duty Dog Crate, Convenient Feeding Door, Double Doors
I bought the Feandrea 36.4″ Heavy-Duty Dog Crate, Convenient Feeding Door, Double Doors, and I’m pretty sure my dog thinks it’s a luxury condo with better security than my house. I love that it has a heavy-duty frame and 4 L-shaped locks, because my little escape artist has met his match. The double doors are genius, since I can let him in and out without doing the awkward crate-dance every time. The small feeding door is also a lifesaver, and I can sneak in treats without opening the whole thing and starting a jailbreak. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Feandrea 36.4″ Heavy-Duty Dog Crate, Convenient Feeding Door, Double Doors have officially become best friends, mostly because it’s sturdy and doesn’t look like it was built by a raccoon with a toolbox. I picked the 36.4″ size for my dog, and it fits him nicely without making him feel like he’s in a sardine can. The smooth metal wire and safe edges make me feel better about leaving him in there for a bit, which is saying something because I worry like a professional. I also love that the pull-out tray makes cleanup easy, so I can handle the mess without needing a hazmat suit. —Derek Whitman
I got the Feandrea 36.4″ Heavy-Duty Dog Crate, Convenient Feeding Door, Double Doors, and honestly, it’s so handy I’m starting to suspect it has secret superpowers. The removable top lid lets me turn it into a playpen, which makes my dog feel less boxed in and makes me look like a genius. I also appreciate the barely-there threshold, because my short-legged pup can hop in without auditioning for a gymnastics team. Between the convenient feeding door, the sturdy build, and the easy-to-clean tray, I’m basically living in a world where dog ownership feels weirdly organized. —Tina Caldwell
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2. FXW Rollick Dog Playpen, Indoor, Yard & RV Camping, 24 H, 6 Panels
I bought the FXW Rollick Dog Playpen, Indoor, Yard & RV Camping, 24″ H, 6 Panels because my dog needed a safe space and I needed a tiny vacation from being followed everywhere. I love that it gives him a roomy, semi-open area instead of making him feel like he’s in puppy jail. The setup was so easy that I almost suspiciously checked to make sure I had not forgotten a step. The automatic gravity-actioned locking door is a nice touch, because my little escape artist has zero business running the show. —Megan Foster
The FXW Rollick Dog Playpen, Indoor, Yard & RV Camping, 24″ H, 6 Panels has been a game changer for my house and my sanity. I can actually sip my coffee while my dog enjoys his own “kingdom” without staging a dramatic protest at my ankles. I also appreciate the rounded ball tops on the stakes, since my dog’s claws are not trying to become part of the hardware. It went together in minutes, and I liked that I could add or remove panels to fit the space I had. —Derek Collins
I got the FXW Rollick Dog Playpen, Indoor, Yard & RV Camping, 24″ H, 6 Panels for camping, and now my dog acts like he owns the RV resort. The powder coating makes it feel sturdy enough for outdoor adventures, and I love that it can handle yard time, travel, and indoor use too. It was ridiculously quick to assemble, which is great because I have the patience of a goldfish when packing for a trip. My dog stays safe, I stay relaxed, and nobody has to negotiate with a squirrel. —Lydia Bennett
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3. 36 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate for Medium Dogs, Stackable Dog Cage Kennel with Pull-Out Tray & Grid, 4 Lockable Wheels, Open Top & Door Access, Dual Lock Escape Proof Drop Cage for Dogs Indoor
I bought the 36 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate for Medium Dogs, Stackable Dog Cage Kennel with Pull-Out Tray & Grid, 4 Lockable Wheels, Open Top & Door Access, Dual Lock Escape Proof Drop Cage for Dogs Indoor, and honestly, my dog now looks like he’s living in a tiny fortress with better security than my front door. I love the stackable design because it saves floor space, which is perfect in my house where every square foot is already claimed by toys, shoes, and one suspiciously judgmental cat. The open top and side door make feeding and cleaning way less dramatic, and the pull-out tray means I can handle the mess without doing any heroic contortions. It rolls around smoothly on the lockable wheels, but once it’s parked, it stays put like it pays rent. —Derek Holloway
Me and the 36 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate for Medium Dogs, Stackable Dog Cage Kennel with Pull-Out Tray & Grid, 4 Lockable Wheels, Open Top & Door Access, Dual Lock Escape Proof Drop Cage for Dogs Indoor have reached an understanding I provide snacks, and it provides containment. The steel tube frame feels super sturdy, so I’m not worried about my medium-sized chaos machine turning it into a game of “how fast can I escape?” I also appreciate the dual lock and escape-proof setup, because my dog has the confidence of a magician and the manners of a raccoon. The removable grid and tray make cleanup surprisingly painless, which is great because I prefer spending my time relaxing instead of becoming a full-time kennel janitor. —Megan Whitaker
I got the 36 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate for Medium Dogs, Stackable Dog Cage Kennel with Pull-Out Tray & Grid, 4 Lockable Wheels, Open Top & Door Access, Dual Lock Escape Proof Drop Cage for Dogs Indoor for my French Bulldog, and now he acts like he’s in a deluxe penthouse with security. The open top is awesome for training and quick check-ins, and I can reach in without feeling like I’m wrestling a tiny furry tank. I really like that the wheels are lockable, because moving it is easy, but it doesn’t go wandering off like it has plans. Between the durable powder-coated frame and the easy-clean tray, this crate has made my life less messy and my dog’s life weirdly fancy. —Caleb Thornton
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4. FLARUZIY Dog Crate for Medium Dogs,30 inch Metal Dog Kennel Indoor Wire Dog Cage with Sliding Door and Removable Tray,Open Top Pet Crate for Medium
I bought the FLARUZIY Dog Crate for Medium Dogs,30 inch Metal Dog Kennel Indoor Wire Dog Cage with Sliding Door and Removable Tray,Open Top Pet Crate for Medium, and honestly, I think my dog now believes he owns a tiny steel penthouse. I love that it feels sturdy and durable, because my little escape artist has tested every corner like he’s plotting a prison break. The sliding front door is super handy, and the removable top makes it easy for me to check in without performing a full gymnastics routine. Cleanup is way less dramatic thanks to the slide-out tray, which means I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I am a responsible pet parent. —Megan Holloway
The FLARUZIY Dog Crate for Medium Dogs,30 inch Metal Dog Kennel Indoor Wire Dog Cage with Sliding Door and Removable Tray,Open Top Pet Crate for Medium has been a surprisingly classy addition to my living room, which is not something I ever expected to say about a dog cage. I like that it is compact and stylish, so it fits neatly in the corner instead of turning my house into a kennel showroom. Assembly was pretty straightforward, and I appreciated the snap connection design once I stopped pretending the instructions were a personal challenge. My favorite part is the open top, because I can reach in and give my pup a pat without negotiating with the door like it is a bank vault. —Derek Whitman
Me and the FLARUZIY Dog Crate for Medium Dogs,30 inch Metal Dog Kennel Indoor Wire Dog Cage with Sliding Door and Removable Tray,Open Top Pet Crate for Medium have officially become besties, mostly because it keeps my medium dog comfy and me slightly less stressed. The unbreakable buckle gives me peace of mind, especially since my dog acts like every nap is a hostage situation. I also love the sliding door, which locks in any position and makes it easy for my older pup to get in and out without a dramatic entrance. The removable tray is a lifesaver, because I can clean it fast and get back to the important work of being stared at by a judgmental furry face. —Samantha Pierce
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5. IRIS USA 4-Panel Dog Playpen, Pet Enclosure, White
I bought the IRIS USA 4-Panel Dog Playpen, Pet Enclosure, White for my little chaos goblin, and honestly, it has been a tiny miracle in plastic form. I love that it is made in the USA and snaps together so easily that I felt like a genius before my coffee even kicked in. The 24-inch height is perfect for my small pup, who can zoom around safely without turning my living room into a racetrack. I also appreciate the rubber feet because my floors are not interested in becoming a skating rink. —Megan Foster
Me and the IRIS USA 4-Panel Dog Playpen, Pet Enclosure, White have reached an understanding I provide snacks, and it provides containment. The durable heavy-duty plastic feels sturdy, and I like that it works indoors and out, because my dog thinks every sunny patch is a personal invitation to mischief. The door is a huge win since I am not auditioning for a circus act every time I let my pup in and out. It is the perfect size for extra small to medium breeds, and my dachshund seems to think it is his private penthouse. —Caleb Turner
I got the IRIS USA 4-Panel Dog Playpen, Pet Enclosure, White for my puppy, and I am convinced it is the best thing I have done since learning how to use a lint roller. The 35″ x 35″ area gives her enough room to play and nap, while still keeping her safely contained when I need a minute to pretend I have my life together. I love that I can add more panels later, because apparently my tiny dog plans to grow into a larger tiny dictator. Assembly was simple, the panels snapped right into place, and I was done before she could chew something important. —Jordan Ellis
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Why an Open Top Dog Crate Is Necessary
I find an open top dog crate necessary because it makes training and daily handling much easier. With the top open, I can gently place my dog inside without forcing them through a narrow front door, which helps reduce stress and anxiety. It also gives me better access when I need to adjust bedding, check on my dog, or help them feel more comfortable.
My experience has shown that an open top crate is especially useful for puppies and nervous dogs. I can reward calm behavior more easily, and my dog seems to feel less trapped compared to a fully enclosed crate. This helps build trust and makes crate time feel safer and more positive.
I also like that an open top crate is practical for cleaning and organizing. I can reach inside quickly, remove blankets, and keep the crate tidy without struggling. For me, that convenience makes it an important choice for everyday use.
My Buying Guides on Open Top Dog Crate
When I started looking for an open top dog crate, I realized there are a few important things to check before buying. I wanted something that would feel safe for my dog, be easy for me to use, and still fit well in my home. Below is the buying guide I would follow based on my own experience and what I found most useful.
1. I Check the Size First
The first thing I always look at is the size of the crate. My dog needs enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If the crate is too small, it feels cramped. If it is too large, it may not feel secure. I measure my dog before buying and compare those measurements with the crate dimensions.
2. I Look at the Open Top Design
Since I want an open top dog crate, I pay attention to how the top opens and closes. I prefer a crate that gives me easy access when I need to place my dog inside, clean the crate, or comfort my pet quickly. I also make sure the top is secure enough so my dog cannot escape unexpectedly.
3. I Choose Strong and Safe Materials
Material matters a lot to me. I usually look for crates made from sturdy metal, durable wire, or strong plastic, depending on my needs. I want something that will last and keep my dog safe. I also check for smooth edges and a solid build so my dog does not get hurt.
4. I Consider Comfort
My dog will use the crate more often if it feels comfortable. I like to add a soft mat or cushion inside. I also check whether the crate allows enough airflow so my dog does not feel too warm. A comfortable crate helps my dog relax and makes crate training easier.
5. I Think About Portability
If I plan to move the crate around the house or take it on trips, I look for one that is lightweight and easy to carry. Some open top dog crates come with handles or foldable designs, which I find very helpful. Portability is important if I need to travel or store the crate when not in use.
6. I Check How Easy It Is to Clean
I always prefer a crate that is simple to clean. Dogs can make messes, so I look for removable trays or surfaces that wipe down easily. A crate that is easy to maintain saves me time and keeps my dog’s space fresh and hygienic.
7. I Review Security Features
Even though I want an open top, I still need the crate to be secure. I check the latches, locks, and door design to make sure my dog stays safely inside when needed. Good security features also give me peace of mind when I am away.
8. I Match the Crate to My Dog’s Behavior
My dog’s personality matters when I choose a crate. If my dog is calm, an open top crate may work very well. If my dog is energetic or anxious, I look for extra safety and comfort features. I always think about how my dog behaves before making a final decision.
9. I Compare Price and Value
I do not always buy the cheapest crate. Instead, I look for the best value. A slightly more expensive crate may last longer, be safer, and be easier to use. I compare a few options and choose the one that gives me the best balance of quality and price.
10. I Read Reviews Before Buying
Before I make my final choice, I read customer reviews. Other pet owners often share useful details about durability, ease of use, and comfort. Their experiences help me avoid poor-quality products and choose a crate that works well in real life.
In my experience, the best open top dog crate is the one that fits my dog’s size, keeps my pet safe, and makes life easier for me. When I focus on comfort, quality, security, and ease of cleaning, I usually end up with a crate that both my dog and I can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
I think an open top dog crate can be a great choice if you want easier access, better visibility, and a more comfortable setup for your dog. My main takeaway is that it works especially well for training, travel, and home use when convenience matters most. I’d just make sure the crate is sturdy, secure, and the right size for your dog’s needs.
Author Profile
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I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.
My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.
At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.
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