Crates & Gates

7 Best Puppy Crate of 2026: Divider Included for House Training

Updated June 20, 2026

Find the best puppy crate with a built-in divider to support house training and growth, from budget to complete starter kits.

Many new puppy owners quickly learn that a crate without a divider turns house training into a losing battle. Too much space means a puppy will use one end as a bathroom, making cleanup and habit-forming much harder than it needs to be.

The right crate solves that from day one. This guide focuses on models that include a divider panel, so you can adjust the space as your puppy grows. We also weigh trade-offs like door count, weight, latch security, and build quality to match your specific situation.

1

MidWest iCrate Kit 24"

Top Pick
MidWest iCrate Kit 24"

Small breed puppies

Our Score 9.6/10
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Worth Noting

Door Type
Double
Divider Panel
Yes
Tray Material
Leak-proof plastic
Latch Security
Slide-bolt latches
Read the full review

This kit bundles everything a new small-breed puppy owner needs: a 24-inch double-door crate with divider, a fleece bed, stainless steel bowls, and a privacy cover. It's best for those who prefer a complete setup out of the box rather than buying accessories separately. However, the Snap'y Fit bowl holders can be stubborn to remove, and the privacy cover may be pulled inside by a determined puppy – a manageable tradeoff for the convenience.

Bottom line: For small-breed puppy owners who want a one-box solution, this kit delivers – just be prepared to work around the bowl holder and cover quirks.

2

MidWest iCrate 36"

MidWest iCrate 36"

Medium-large puppies

Our Score 9.4/10
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Worth Noting

  • Frame or tray damage may appear on arrival in some units; the door latch can be manipulated by a determined dog.
  • Single door limits placement flexibility compared to double-door models.
Door Type
Single
Divider Panel
Yes
Tray Material
Leak-proof plastic
Latch Security
Slide-bolt latches
Read the full review

The iCrate folds flat in seconds without tools and includes a divider panel that adjusts the living space as your puppy grows — a simple setup for house training. The metal frame and leak-proof plastic tray handle daily use, though the single door means you will need to plan placement so the door swings into an open area.

This crate suits owners of medium-large breed puppies (up to 70 lbs adult weight) who want a cost-effective option with growth adaptability. Inspect the unit upon arrival, as some frames arrive bent or trays cracked. The door latch can be opened by a determined dog, so it is best for puppies that are not persistent chewers or escape artists.

Place the crate so the door opens into an open area for easy access — single-door crates need more floor space.

Bottom line: A dependable wire crate with a divider at a mid-range price — suits the needs of medium-large breed puppy owners looking for a no-fuss training tool.

3

Amazon Basics 30"

Amazon Basics 30"

Budget small-medium pups

Our Score 9.4/10
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Worth Noting

  • Bars can bend if the crate is frequently disassembled and reassembled; tray may not sit perfectly flush, causing a slight rattle
Door Type
Single
Divider Panel
Yes
Tray Material
Removable tray
Latch Security
Slide-bolt latches
Read the full review

Under $45, the Amazon Basics 30" crate includes a divider panel for growing puppies and assembles in seconds. While the MidWest iCrate is sturdier for frequent folding, this model holds up well for first-time owners who set it up once and leave it. The metal bars can bend if you repeatedly take it down and set it up again, and the tray may sit slightly loose causing a rattle — tradeoffs that matter less if the crate stays in one spot. This is a smart fit for small to medium breed puppies and buyers on a tight budget who want the essential training features without overspending.

If you need to frequently fold and unfold the crate, consider a sturdier option like the MidWest iCrate; this one works best as a semi-permanent setup.

Bottom line: For first-time puppy owners on a budget who don't plan to move the crate often, this delivers the core features at a fair price.

4

Precision Pet 24"

Precision Pet 24"

Small latch-security pups

Our Score 9.2/10
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Worth Noting

  • Some crates may have a bent pan or a divider that fails to seal the gap completely
Door Type
Double
Divider Panel
Yes
Tray Material
Plastic tray
Latch Security
5-point locking system
Read the full review

Most budget crates rely on simple twist latches, but the Precision Pet 24" uses a 5-point slide-bolt system that secures firmly — a real advantage for puppies that learn to lift standard latches. Double doors and a divider are included, though the divider may leave a slight gap when installed. Some units arrive with bent pans or minor defects, so immediate inspection is wise. This crate suits owners of small breeds (15-30 lbs) who want maximum lock security at a low price, provided they can accept occasional QC inconsistencies.

Check the pan and divider fit before setting up; a quick exchange if needed is covered by most retailers.

Bottom line: A cost-effective choice for owners who prioritize latch security over perfect build consistency — worth inspecting upon arrival.

5

BestPet 24" DD

BestPet 24" DD

Ultra-budget short-term

Our Score 9.0/10
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Worth Noting

  • Latch can stick or seize; frame may bend with repeated setup
Door Type
Double
Divider Panel
Yes
Tray Material
Leakproof tray
Latch Security
Slide-bolt latches
Read the full review

At a budget-friendly price, this crate includes a divider and double doors for small breeds. However, the latch mechanism can stick or require extra force, and the frame may bend during assembly or folding. Best suited for very short-term use or as a backup crate for calm dogs.

Bottom line: Pick this only if you need an ultra-cheap temporary crate for a calm small dog and can accept variable build quality.

6

FDW 36" DD

FDW 36" DD

Budget medium crate

Our Score 9.0/10
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Worth Noting

  • Latches can be stiff to operate and the frame may bend during assembly or relocation.
Door Type
Double
Divider Panel
Yes
Tray Material
Removable tray
Latch Security
Slide-bolt latches
Read the full review

This 36-inch crate offers a generous size and includes a divider for growth at a budget-friendly price. Assembly is quick with snap-together panels. However, the latches can be stiff to operate and the frame may bend if the crate is moved frequently. These limitations make it suitable only for buyers on a tight budget who rarely need to relocate the crate and can tolerate the latch sticking.

Bottom line: Best for budget-focused buyers who need a large crate for occasional, stationary use and can accept sticky latches and potential frame bending.

7

EliteField Soft 36"

EliteField Soft 36"

Travel calm pups

Our Score 9.0/10
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Worth Noting

  • Mesh panels and zippers can be damaged by a puppy that pulls or chews at them
Door Type
3 mesh doors
Divider Panel
No
Tray Material
—
Latch Security
Zippers
Read the full review

Folds flat in seconds with a carrying bag for easy transport. Three mesh doors provide good ventilation. But the fabric and zippers can be torn by a chewing dog, so this crate is best for calm, non-chewing dogs during travel, not as a primary home crate.

Bottom line: A good choice for calm dogs during travel or temporary containment, but not a substitute for a sturdy wire crate for home training.

How to Choose

Divider Panel

A divider lets you shrink the crate interior as your puppy grows, creating a den-like space that discourages soiling. Without one, you either buy a new crate later or deal with cleanup setbacks.

Some budget crates omit the divider or include one that does not fit securely. Check the product details; a poorly fitting divider can create a gap or wobble, reducing its effectiveness.

Door Type

Double doors give you placement flexibility: you can put the crate in a corner or against a wall and still access it from the front or side. Single doors are simpler but limit where the crate can sit without blocking access.

If you plan to move the crate between rooms, double doors also make it easier to slide it into tight spots. The trade-off is a slight increase in cost and weight.

Weight & Portability

Lightweight crates under 10 pounds are easy to carry but often use thinner wire that bends under stress, especially if you fold and unfold them often. Heavier models (16–22 pounds) use thicker wire that withstands repeated setup and daily use.

If you rarely move the crate, weight matters less. But for travel or shifting rooms, a 13–16 pound model offers the best balance of durability and carry comfort.

Latch Security

Slide-bolt latches are standard on most wire crates, but quality varies. Some latches stick or loosen over time, especially on ultra-budget models. A 5-point locking system adds security by engaging at multiple points, making it harder for clever puppies to nudge open.

Test the latch before relying on it. If you have an escape artist, consider models with reinforced latches or positive reviews on lock reliability.

Tray Material

Leak-proof plastic trays are easier to clean and contain spills, but some snap or crack if stepped on. Removable trays simplify cleanup, but a snug fit prevents rattling. Metal trays are rare and more durable but can rust over time.

For a growing puppy, a leak-proof tray that slides out easily is the most practical. Check reviews for reports of cracks or warping after a few months of use.

Frequently Asked Questions