Best Dog Kennels in India : 2021 Reviews & Buying Guide

A kennel is the best place for your dog to be in, especially when no one is there to supervise them. 

Kennels or dog crates also help in toilet training your dogs, and even keeps them safe from other animals and dangerous intruders. 

So you need to look for a quality dog kennel, that makes your dog feel safe and comfortable.

Check these features before buying a dog kennel:

1. Size

Kennels usually range from 23inches to 54inches long. 

• For small dogs you would need a dog crate between 30inch to 36inch long. 
• For medium to slightly bigger dogs you would need a kennel between 36inch to 45inch long. 

2. Material

There are three types of materials mainly used to build dog crates – metal, plastic and nylon or mesh.

The best are wired metal kennels that provide cross ventilation and are durable.

The next best are plastic dog crates which are usually closed, sturdy and can be carried around easily.

Nylon or mesh dog carriers are used for travel. They are like carry bags wrapped around the body, that help you to carry your dogs around easily.

3. Doors

Look for a dog kennel that has two doors, as that lets your dog to move in and out comfortably. Having multiple doors in a kennel makes it easy for you to house-train your dog.

There are other important things to look at while purchasing a dog kennel. We have provided details in our ‘Buying Guide’ section. Read to learn more.

To help you further, here is a list of 5 Best Dog Kennels chosen after a lot of research. Read to be a smart buyer. 

5 Best Dog Kennels

Best Dog Kennels in India

1. AmazonBasics Two Door Top Load Pet Kennel

The two door AmazonBasics pet kennel makes it very easy for you to put your pet inside. 

The top door of the kennel is flexible and can open from both sides.

Benefits:

• There are add-on screws to secure the top and bottom of the kennel further, a useful feature required while traveling with pets.
• The crate is made of durable plastic material that helps it to bear rough handling.
• The front door has a spring-loaded latch that allows smooth opening without scaring your pet.

The plastic kennel is 23inch long, 15inch wide and 13inch high, making it ideal for carrying miniature pooch or puppies. 

AmazonBasics Two Door Kennel has a heavy duty design with ventilations on sides, top and back of the crate, that allows cross ventilation and removes bad odor. 

Warranty: 1 year warranty against manufacturing defects.

Pros:

• Solid and secure pet kennel
• Comes with a 1 year warranty

Cons:

• Not ideal for carrying medium and big dogs

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2. Royal Pet 24-inch Iron and Plastic Cage

Royal Pet’s kennel is ideal for small breeds of dogs like Scottish Terrier, Springer Spaniel, Pug, Shih Tzu and others with a weight not more than 40 lbs.

This cage measures 63.2 x 46.4 x 10.4 cm, allowing your pet to comfortably sit, sleep or jump in or out of the cage with ease. Weighing 5.6 kgs and containing iron metal, this kennel is strong enough to not topple when your pet is coming out or getting inside.

Being a wired metal cage, it can sustain all climatic conditions. So, you can place it outdoors for your pet to easily see through the wires and alert you when there are any intruders.

The cage has a single front door with a rigid bolt, so that no stray animal can enter inside ensuring safety for your pet. There’s also a plastic tray beneath to easily collect the remains of your pet food or waste. 

Benefits:

• Removable plastic tray is easy to clean as it is dishwasher-friendly.
• Smooth curves and edges of the cage make it safe for pets.

Warranty: N/A

In a nutshell, this iron cage is spacious enough to accommodate small dogs and even rabbits. The front door opening makes it easy to use.

Pros:

• Iron material sustains bends and rough use.
• The powder coating prevents rust formation on the wires.
• Weighs 5.6 kgs and is sturdy enough to last long.

Cons:

• No warranty from the brand.

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3. AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Pet Playpen With Door

This is a unique cage from AmazonBasics that comes in the shape of a pen with 8 pre-connected panels. You can arrange these panels in square, rectangle or any other shape to suit your pet needs. So, this is a foldable kennel, which measures 36 x 24 inches after folding, making it occupy very less space to store.

When you unfold this cage, it creates an enclosed area of 36 sq. ft. So, it can accommodate medium-size dog breeds with a maximum height of 23 inches. In other words, it is ideal for chow chow, Cocker Spaniel, English Bulldog and Basset Hound.

With such a large space, you can use this kennel as a play area for your pet, for training it or to give it some space to stretch and relax. 

Made of high-quality iron, the cage never loses its shape and remains sturdy so that you can use it every day. The entire kennel has a black coating that not only gives shine but also prevents rust formation on it. 

Benefits:

• Easy to set up using the metal clips.
• Can be used both indoors and outdoors.
• The swing open front door provides easy access for your pet.
• Measures 150 x 150 x 91.4 cm after unfolding giving more space for your pet to relax.

Warranty: 1-year 

Overall, this pen-shaped cage is best for medium-size dogs, giving them a cozy resting space or a large space to roam. 

Pros:

• Foldable and resizable to any shape.
• Strong metal that does not toggle even if your pet jumps over it.
• Easy to assemble and fold.

Cons:

• The metal bars are wide, so heads of tiny pets can get stuck.

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4. Jainsons Pet Products Black Cage

Jainsons metal cage is the best for medium-sized breeds of dogs like Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, Dalmatian and Golden Retriever with the maximum weight of 6 kgs. The kennel measures 76 x 49 x 56 centimetres, so your pet can easily get-in or get-out, jump and move inside with ease. 

It is a wired metal cage, so you can use it for both indoors and outdoors. The powder-coated black paint makes this kennel look new even after prolonged use. This coating also makes the cage resist moisture. 

Benefits:

• Having two doors on the front and top, this cage is ideal for potty training or house training.
• Plastic plate at the bottom is removable and easy to clean.
• The rounded corners protect your pet from injuries. 

Coming to maintenance, as it is made of metal and plastic, you can directly wash it with water or clean it with a damp cloth.

Warranty: N/A

Overall, this 30-inch metal cage is best for training your pet. It is more spacious so it can accommodate your pet even during its growing years.

Pros:

• The cage weighs 9 kgs, so it is sturdy enough to not roll when your pet is getting in or out.
• Made of metal, so it resists all climatic conditions.
• Easy to assemble without the need of a manual.
• Powder coating prevents rust formation.

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with a warranty.

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5. Smarty Pet Paws For A Cause Metal Cage

Smarty Pet is a 30 inch long metal wire cage making it ideal for keeping small dogs, puppies and even other pets like rabbits. 

Just like Mr. Oreo, even Smarty Pet is an iron cage with a powder coated finish, that keeps it safe in all weathers. 

Benefits:

• The kennel has a removable plastic base plate that can be cleaned easily.
• It has wired setting which makes it ideal for teething puppies
• You can fold and carry it around easily.

Smarty Pet dog kennel is 19inch wide and 22inch high, so even if your puppy is growing, you can still keep using the cage for quite some time.

The kennel has two doors one on the top and the other by the side, making it convenient for you to put the pup in and pull it out.  

Pros:

• Most useful for toilet training your pups
• Ideal for medium sized dogs

Cons:

• Cannot accommodate big dogs
• A good product but does not provide any warranty

Buy Now at Amazon

 Difference Between Kennel, Crate and Carrier

Dog kennels help you to train your dogs, and also provides a personal space for your pets. Hence, you need to be sure of what you want?

Do you want to travel with your dog, or want a separate space for your dog, or both. 

To understand your requirements better you need to know about the different types of dog cages – kennel, crate and carrier. 

Hence, before making any kind of decision, you need to know the difference between the three:

1. Crate

One of the main reasons for getting a dog kennel is to give your dog a proper potty training, and a crate is the fastest way to do that.

These are a collapsible wire or metal containers, meant for home use only. They are not allowed in planes, and cannot be used for car rides either.

It is very easy to clean crates, all you would need to do is hose down water, and that would do the job. 

2. Kennels

Kennels can be used as crates for training your dogs, and they can also be used for transporting your pet, either by car or aeroplane. 

But, do note that plastic or metal kennels are not allowed inside planes, though they can be stowed inside the cargo area along with your dog.

Kennels allow food and drinks to be attached to them, for your dog to access these necessities while in transit. 

They have detachable tops and bottoms, that can be easily taken off to clean and rinse.

3. Carriers

Carriers are more like homes, providing a sense of security to your dogs, especially when they are travelling.

Just as we put on our seat belts while driving, the soft-sided carriers do the same. They are shaped like tote bags and can be slung across your body, helping you to move freely.

Carriers are best suited for small and medium-sized dogs. 

They are made of nylon or mesh and are helpful especially when you wish to keep your dog inside the flight cabin underneath your seat.

How to Choose The Right Dog Kennel?

To help you choose wisely, here are some important dog kennel buying tips:

1. Size

Kennels vary in size, from miniature to being as big as a full room. To decide which size suits your dog the best you need to first measure its size.

Follow these steps:

• Measure your dog from the top down to their paws – this is their height. 
• From the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail is the length of your dog.
• Measure your pet in inches, as most dog kennels are listed in imperial rather than metric.

The dog crate/kennel needs to be large enough for your pet to comfortably stand-up and sit-down and should be big enough for them to climb through. 

You also need to make sure that the kennel is stronger than your dog, and for that, you need to weigh him. 

Follow the chart given below:

You can buy a kennel that fits an adult size, and use dividers or a box inside the kennel for temporary set-up if you have a puppy. 

This will help you to save money and time both. 

2. Material

There are soft-sided dog kennels, wire dog kennels, dog crates without a door, plastic dog kennels. How do you decide which one to go for?

It depends on your pooch. 

While soft crates are ideal for super-energetic dogs, wired crates are for dogs who like looking out, and plastic made dog crates are for puppies who have separation anxiety. 

The stronger your pet, the sturdier the dog kennel needs to be.

Here are some important details about the material of dog kennels for your better understanding:

• Metal Wired Kennels

Metal wired dog kennels come in a range of styles and prices. Many of them are adjustable and collapsible as well, helpful for growing pups, and for homes with less space.

Wired crates made of reinforced steel, are best for outdoor use. They are heavy and stable enough to not topple even when large-sized dogs move inside them. 

Though, you need to be careful while buying wired kennels, as they are not good for puppies with separation anxiety. Puppies can see through when you are about to leave. 

• Plastic Kennels

Plastic dog kennels are softer than metal kennels, but they are smaller in size. Most of these kennels have metal doors. 

Plastic kennels with solid walls are ideal for pets who feel uncomfortable while travelling, or when you wish to hide the fact that you are taking them to the VET. 

But, plastic kennels are not appropriate when you are training your dog, as it is not easy to clean them. Also, because of the solid walls the odor does not leave the kennel space easily. 

• Wooden Kennels

The third type are wooden kennels. They are just like metal dog crates and good for outdoor use. 

Also, like metal even wooden kennels are strong and tall, which makes them long-lasting.

After going through all the points, we feel metal wired kennels are the best as:

• They are robust but can be sized with dividers 
• Do not hold any kind of odor
• Good for training your pets too

3. Breed

A dog’s kennel should also be chosen based on your dog’s breed. 

• Small Dogs

For small dogs like Cocker Spaniel, Corgi and Chinese Shar-Pei you would need small crates, especially plastic ones, as they make your dog feel cozy and comfortable and do not let cold air seep in.

But, ensure that there are no gaps or hinges, as that can be easily chewed by tiny jaws that fit into small gaps. 

• Tall Dogs

Tall dogs like Doberman, Pariah, Indian Hounds and more need spacious kennels. 

We recommend metal wire kennels for tall dogs, as they allow your pet to stretch well. Instead of big and thin sheets of plastic crates that may split, curve, and change shape in warm and sunny spots.

• Mid to Large Dogs

Wooden kennels are best suited for large dogs like the German Shepherd, Great Dane, Bulldog and more.

Here is a table of the dog breeds and the required kennel size, that will give you a fair idea:

4. Coverage

If you are planning to change the shape and size of the kennel based on spacing, then look for one that can be rearranged. 

Adjustable kennels have a tent-like structure, provide water-proof coverage, and can be folded and moved around easily. 

5. Set-Up

All those pet parents who are constantly on the move, look for a kennel that can be easily set-up and assembled. 

There are many kennels that come with pre-assembled modules. All you need to do is fit the parts together. 

Tips & Tricks of Dog Kennel

• Go up a size in kennels for small-sized dogs

Each manufacturer has a different size guide for their kennels. So, while checking the size of the kennel minus a few inches of length.

This trick will be useful especially for growing puppies if you are planning to use the crate only till the time your pup grows up to be a dog. 

• Use open kennels for creating a playing space

If your idea is to create a closed space for your dog to play, then choose an outdoor kennel. 

These kennels look and work like yards, providing enough space for dogs to move around. Open kennels keep your pets safe.

Benefits of Dog Kennel

Here are some benefits of buying a dog kennel, that will assure you why buying it is a good decision:

1. Protection for your Dog

The foremost benefit is that your dog stays safe, and feels comfortable.

Whether it is from street dogs, or other wild animals or during harsh weather conditions, or to keep harmful people away, a kennel solves multiple purposes.

2. Toilet Training

Dog trainers will agree that kennel is the best way to potty train your dogs. 

Many dog parents have successfully managed to train their pets, by not giving them enough space to use the kennel as a sleeping area and using it as toilets.

3. Cleanliness

When your pet has its boundaries set, there is less mess, and all the destruction happens inside the house or around the garden. 

You will not have angry neighbours complaining about your dog’s behaviour, or delivery persons having a tough time reaching your door. 

Frequently Asked Question

Conclusion

Your dog is your best friend, and hence needs special care, like having a special corner in your house or garden that they can call their own.

A dog kennel is the perfect way to build a cozy corner for your furry buddy. It also helps you to train your dog well, and saves them from prying neighbours. 

It is therefore important to have a fair idea about dog kennels. We have, in this article, tried to provide important information about dog crates. 

If you ask us, we find AmazonBasics Dog Cage the best, as it comes with a versatile divider so you can use it for any sized dog, is made of metal making it long lasting, and provides ample ventilation. 

But if you think otherwise, then do share your views, and help other buyers make a wise choice.

Also if you have used any of the other kennels, even then share your experiences. We are looking forward to hearing from you. 

Take good care of your beloved pets!