From puppy toilet training to airline travel, find the best dog crates available in NZ. I review wire, plastic, and soft crates for every need and budget.
Last updated
By Jess Aldridge 
A good dog crate is one of the smartest investments you’ll make as a dog owner in New Zealand. Whether you’re toilet training a puppy, creating a safe space for an anxious dog, or preparing for travel, the right crate makes life easier for both you and your dog.
Like choosing the best dog food or selecting proper parasite prevention, crate selection requires understanding your dog’s specific needs. A crate isn’t just containment — it’s part of a broader care approach that includes proper nutrition for growing puppies and health monitoring.
After researching dozens of crates available through NZ retailers and testing the most popular options, here are the best crates for different needs and budgets.
Quick Picks:
Best for: Puppy training, everyday use, dogs who like to see out
Downsides: Not airline approved, can be noisy when dog moves around
Best for: Travel (especially air travel), den-loving dogs, noise reduction
Downsides: Less ventilation, heavier, take up more storage space
Best for: Travel, temporary use, well-trained dogs
Downsides: Not suitable for destructive dogs, limited durability
Why this works for most NZ dog owners:
Key features:
Sizing available:
Cost: $129-299 depending on size Where to buy: Animates, PetStock, Pet Essentials, Amazon NZ
The honest verdict: Not the cheapest, but excellent value. The divider panel alone saves you buying a second crate as your puppy grows. Combine with proper puppy nutrition for the best start.
Check price at Pet Direct →
For dog owners who travel or might relocate:
Key features:
Popular sizes for NZ breeds:
Cost: $179-399 depending on size Best for: Anyone who might fly with their dog domestically or internationally
Travel tip: Measure your dog carefully — airlines are strict about sizing requirements. The crate must be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Check price at Pet Direct →
Perfect for:
Key features:
Available sizes:
Cost: $89-149 depending on size Important: Only suitable for non-destructive dogs. A determined dog can tear through soft walls.
Check price at Pet Direct →
For budget-conscious dog owners:
What you get:
Cost: $79-119 Where to buy: The Warehouse stores nationwide
Honest assessment: Basic but functional. No frills, no divider panel, single door only. But it’ll contain your dog safely and costs half what premium crates do.
Best for: Dog owners on tight budgets, temporary needs, or dogs who only occasionally need crating.
Check price at Pet Direct →
For dogs who only need occasional crating:
Key features:
Sizes:
Best for: Dogs who are past the destructive puppy phase, owners who want quality but don’t need the premium features of Midwest crates.
Check price at Pet Direct →
Measuring tip: Measure your dog from nose to tail base, then add 10cm. For height, measure from floor to top of head when standing, add 5cm. Use the larger dimension to determine crate length.
Golden rule: Never use the crate as punishment. It should be your dog’s safe space, not a prison.
Too big: Puppy will toilet in one end, sleep in the other Too small: Uncomfortable, creates negative associations
Right size: Dog can stand up, turn around, lie down comfortably, but not much extra space
Sending your dog to their crate when they’re naughty teaches them the crate is bad. Use time-outs in the bathroom instead.
Puppies: Maximum 1 hour per month of age (3-month puppy = 3 hours max) Adult dogs: 4-6 hours maximum for work days
First week of whining is normal. Consistency is key — if you release them every time they whine, you’ve taught them that whining works.
Proper puppy nutrition supports training success. Growing puppies need breed-appropriate nutrition — large breed puppies have specific dietary requirements that support healthy development. Combine crate training with puppy-safe treats for positive reinforcement.
Good for: Longer containment periods, giving more space to move
Best NZ option: Midwest Exercise Pen ($89-159)
Good for: Room containment without full enclosure
Best NZ option: Carlson Pet Gate ($69-129) — for a deeper look at gate options, see my best pet gate in NZ guide.
Good for: Dogs who need permanent crating setup
Availability in NZ: Limited — mostly custom furniture makers
Good second-hand buys: Wire crates in good condition, no rust or damage Avoid used: Soft crates, anything with odors, damaged latches
Where to find used: Trade Me, Facebook Marketplace, pet rescue organizations
Money-saving tip: Look for sales during Easter and Christmas holidays — pet stores often discount crates by 20-30%.
For most NZ dog owners, the Midwest Life Stages Wire Crate offers the best combination of features, durability, and value. The included divider panel and double-door design justify the higher price over basic options.
If you’re planning to travel with your dog, invest in the Petmate Sky Kennel from the start — it’s airline approved and will handle years of use. For small dogs on day trips or hiking, a dedicated dog carrier backpack is a separate option worth knowing about — see the Kurgo G-Train dog carrier backpack review for a detailed look at a popular NZ-available model.
For budget-conscious owners, The Warehouse Essentials crate gets the job done for basic containment needs.
Most important: Choose the right size, introduce the crate positively, and be consistent with training. A well-chosen crate becomes your dog’s favorite safe space and makes your life as a dog owner much easier.
Complete dog care approach: Combine proper crating with quality nutrition, preventive health care, regular grooming, and appropriate exercise gear. Consider pet insurance for solid protection, especially during the puppy training phase when accidents are more common.
This guide covers crates available in New Zealand as of March 2026. Product availability and pricing can change. Always measure your dog before purchasing and consider their individual needs and temperament.
Measure your dog's length (nose to tail base) and height (floor to top of head standing). Add 5cm to each measurement. The crate should allow your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. For puppies, buy for their adult size or get a crate with divider panels.
Wire crates with divider panels are best for puppies. The Midwest Life Stages is excellent - the divider lets you start small for toilet training, then expand as your puppy grows. This saves buying multiple crates.
Wire crates are better for everyday use and puppy training - more ventilation and visibility. Plastic crates are better for travel (airline approved) and anxious dogs who prefer enclosed spaces. Choose based on your main purpose.
Budget crates start at $79 (Warehouse Essentials). Mid-range quality is $129-199 (Midwest, Carlson). Premium/travel crates are $200-399 (Petmate Sky Kennel). Expect to pay $15-20 per kg of dog weight for good quality.
Only IATA-approved hard plastic crates are allowed for air travel. The Petmate Sky Kennel meets airline requirements. Soft crates and most wire crates are not airline approved. Check specific airline requirements before flying.
No. Adult dogs shouldn't be crated more than 4-6 hours during the day. Puppies need more frequent breaks. Crates are for short-term containment, training, and sleep - not all-day storage. Use exercise pens for longer containment.
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