Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety, which makes it difficult for them to be left alone. Dog crates can help calm down your furry friend if they get stressed when you leave. A crate is a secure, cozy, and comfortable place where your dog can relax when you can’t take them with you. Crates come in various shapes and sizes, so it’s important to find the one that will work best with your dog’s size and personality. It can take a little time to crate-train¹ your pup, but soon, they will see it as a safe haven.

Our reviews below can help you decide which crate for separation anxiety will work best for your dog’s needs.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (2024 Update)

The 10 Best Dog Crates for Separation Anxiety

1. Frisco Ultimate Heavy Duty Steel Metal Single Door Dog Crate– Best Overall

The Frisco Ultimate Heavy Duty Steel Metal Single Door Dog Crate is our pick for the best overall dog crate for separation anxiety. Unlike plastic or wire crates, which may be unsuitable for dogs prone to escaping, this premium crate is made from 22-gauge steel with 1/2-inch steel tubing. There are two locks on the door, positioned out of reach so your dog can’t tamper with them, and the crate is durable and heavy but still easy to use. It is durable enough for dogs that chew, dig, or throw their weight around.

It has wheels with foot brakes so you can move it around easily and lock it securely. With powder-coated steel and welded stress points, it resists scratches, dents, and rust and is a great crate for daily use. Dirk and debris fall through a grate on the floor, and a slide-out tray underneath makes cleaning quick and easy. Lastly, the hammer-tone finish looks great with any décor!

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2. Carlson Pet Products 36-in Extra Tall Dog Gate – Best Value

Some anxious pups do better in a larger area instead of cooped up in a crate. If that is your pup, the Carlson Extra Tall Gate is the most effective solution. Its open design lets your dog see between rooms and stay involved instead of feeling shut away. The Carlson gate is made of New Zealand pine, so it’ll look gorgeous in your home; plus, it fits most doorways and is suitable for small and large-sized breeds.

Since it’s wall-mounted with tension rods, it can also be used to secure dangerous areas such as stairs, and the lever-style handle features a one-touch release safety lock so you can get in and out easily. It even features a smaller door for other pets!

We love that it is freestanding and doesn’t require tools or wall-damaging drilling. With so many features, we think this is the best dog crate for separation anxiety for the money.

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3. ProSelect Empire Dog Cage – Premium Choice

With the ProSelect Empire Dog Cage, you can safely contain even the most nervous or unpredictable dogs. It features casters, a removable tray, and other safety features that make it a great choice for dogs that tend to escape. It is a bit more expensive but certainly worth the investment regarding your dog’s safety. It is made of 20-gauge steel with half-inch reinforced steel tubes. As a result, the crate is open and airy, and your dog can see out in all directions.

Its heavy-duty fabrication is especially effective for dogs that try to escape and chew when their handlers leave them alone. The floor grate has a tray that slides out for easy cleaning, and the crate comes with casters so you can move it around. You can always add a dog bed, mat, and toys to make the crate more comfortable.

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4. Petmate Sky Kennel – Best for Puppies

The Petmate Sky Kennel is a high-quality, no-frills kennel that keeps your pup safe and comfortable while you’re at work. If you move your dog around frequently, you’ll love this plastic-sided crate as it is lightweight and portable. This kennel is marketed to owners looking for an airplane-friendly kennel, but it’ll also keep your separation anxiety-ridden dog out of trouble while you’re at work.

Petmate offers six sizes of Sky Kennels for your pup. Each is made of durable plastic and has noncorrodible wing nuts, extra-strength steel wire, and an interlocking door. We like this unit for puppies because although it has plenty of ventilation, it’s cozy, dark, and secure.

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5. Noz2Noz Soft-Krater Crate for Pets

The Noz2Noz Soft-Krater is the first fabric crate on our list. Five sizes are available (21–42 inches), and it can be used indoors and outdoors. The 42-inch crate holds dogs up to 100 pounds with mesh windows and doors that let in plenty of air and allow your pup to see all around the crate. This ability to see what’s around them is calming for some dogs and stressful for others, so the crate has zippered flaps, too. This unit is quick to set up and folds and travels well.

As with any fabric crate, you’ll need to train your pet to chew only their toys and not tear up the sides of their crate.

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6. Merry Products 2-in-1 Configurable Single Door Dog Crate & Gate

The Merry Products 2-in-1 Configurable Dog & Cat Crate & Gate gives your companion a safe place to relax and keep them feeling secure. You can use it as a crate and an adjustable gate to shut off your home’s doorways, rooms, and open spaces. With its wood veneer cover and tabletop surface, it blends seamlessly with your furniture when in crate mode. The assembly for both modes is easy with no tools needed; simply slide the wood panels together to use as a crate or use the small pins to set up a four-panel fence.

This unit is very open, and the ability to see the whole environment may have a calming effect on some anxious dogs. However, if your dog rams the crate to break free, you may want to pass on this model, as it will not withstand aggressive attempts to escape.

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7. Frisco Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel

Your anxious dog is safe in the Frisco Plastic Kennel, regardless of where you are. This carrier provides comfort and protection on a road trip, going to the vet, or boarding a plane. It is easy to assemble, with two halves that lock into place. Ventilation holes on the sides and back allow air to flow easily, giving your pet a clear view of the outside. The kennel is made from 95% recycled plastic, making it eco-friendly and easy to clean, with an interior moat that keeps paws dry in case of spills or accidents.

You can choose from multiple sizes for the perfect fit and add your doggie’s favorite bed and toy to make it more appealing. It’s important to note that the dimensions given are for the outside of the crate, and many customers have found the size they order turns out to be too small.

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8. EliteField 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate

Your anxious pup will be safe in this 3-Door Folding Soft-Sided Dog Crate by EliteField. Nervous dogs will love this sturdy, soft-sided kennel because the three zippered doors keep them from feeling claustrophobic with easy access, ventilation, and visibility. Made from solid, easy-to-clean fabric, both the cover and mat are machine washable, so you can easily clean up after an accident.

The EliteField crate is easy to assemble, set up, and collapse in seconds and has easy-to-clean polyester and mesh fabric. It also includes a free carrying case and fleece bed.

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9. MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate

Your jittery dog will feel secure, comfortable, and safe in the Midwest iCrate Double Door Fold & Carry Dog Crate. It’s simple and convenient for pet parents to set up this crate, and two plastic handles make it easy to move it from place to place. You can access your dog inside from the front or the side door.

It comes with a durable, replaceable composite plastic pan to make cleanup easy in case of an accident, and the divider panel can be used while your puppy is still small. Round corners and a slide bolt latch keep your dog safe and secure inside the crate.

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10. New Age Pet ecoFLEX Single Door Furniture Style Dog Crate & End Table

If your dog has separation anxiety, you may want to keep their crate in your living room. You don’t have to compromise on interior design with the New Age Pet ecoFLEX Crate & End Table. The innovative crate integrates beautifully, and you can paint it any color you like! It has a latching door to keep your crate-trained pet safe while you’re away, and the wood and recycled plastic construction won’t warp, crack, or split.

The crate is produced using ecoFLEX, a proprietary blend of recycled polymers and reclaimed wood fibers that are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and impervious to moisture and odor, and you can wash it with a mild detergent.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Crate for Separation Anxiety

Although there are many differences between available crates, including their design, size, and materials, those best suited to anxious dogs share several important characteristics.

Private or Open?

For some dogs, crates that resemble caves are more comforting than cages. While your dog still needs plenty of ventilation, the darker and more private the crate, the better. Safe dog crates may not be stylish, but they’ll keep your pup safe. For other dogs, the line of sight is extremely important. Only you know what sets off your dog’s separation anxiety, but you should consider privacy versus openness with your selection.

How Big Should the Crate Be?

Naturally, this depends on the dog. Some dogs do best in a large space, while others need a more private crate. Even though you’d never put your beloved pet in a tiny enclosure, very large kennels don’t provide some dogs the feeling of protection that smaller areas do. Measure your pet’s height and length before choosing a crate and select a design that’s big enough for your dog to stand, lie down, and turn around easily.

Can Anxious Dogs Use Fabric Crates?

If your dog is a chewer, do not buy a cloth crate. Crates for destructive chewers should not have fabric surfaces. Many dogs with separation anxiety are prone to chew through anything within reach. However, you can get a metal or plastic crate that can handle their destructive tendencies.

Is Crating My Anxious Dog Okay?

While crates can help keep your anxious dog safe and secure, you shouldn’t stop there. Separation anxiety behavior modification plans and canine anxiety medication may be necessary when the anxiety is severe. Although you may not need to worry about your dog destroying your home while you are away, this solves only part of the problem.

Whether your dog is crated or not, separation anxiety is an issue that needs to be tackled head-on for the well-being of your dog. Your dog can also only reasonably be expected to spend a few hours a day in a crate since they will need to use the bathroom. This will vary with the age of the dog and any medical problems they may have.

How Secure Does My Crate Need to Be?

Crates for highly anxious dogs need to be completely secure. Using a durable crate that can reliably contain your pup is advisable if you have to leave them alone for a few hours. Soft-sided kennels may work for dogs with mild anxiety but not for motivated and determined escape artists.

What Is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is the distress exhibited by a dog when their owner leaves home and can include signs of general anxiety such as excessive panting, whining, and scratching at the door. The dog may show other signs such as pacing, drooling, shaking, chewing furniture, and elimination (urinating or defecating).

Why Do Some Dogs Have Separation Anxiety?

One reason dogs develop separation anxiety is due to the way they bond with us. We spend a lot of time and attention on our pets and go to great lengths to ensure they are happy and content. It’s not uncommon for dogs to grow dependent on this, and when we leave them alone for extended periods, they feel vulnerable without us there to protect them.

What Are the Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

Separation anxiety is an issue that causes dogs to exhibit negative behaviors and displays signs of stress or panic when left alone. Typical features of separation anxiety in dogs include vocalization (howling), frantic searching for the owner (scratching at doors), and destruction of property (chewing on furniture). Your dog may also urinate or defecate, have an unusually high heart rate, become destructive, noisy, pace, act out, vomit, or show other signs of fearfulness when left alone.

How Do I Fix My Dog’s Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety can be resolved with intervention, but it requires a multi-pronged approach and patience. You should start with a trip to the vet for a health check-up. They may suggest a veterinary behaviorist and medications to help during training.

Teaching crate training and or boundary training on a mat can be a good place to start.  Your dog will learn to love being in their crate or on their mat.  Give them plenty of praise, treats, and puzzle toys when they are in their crate. Soon, your dog will choose to spend time in their designated space.

Make sure your dog’s basic needs are met to help reduce stress. For instance, allow them to sniff around for longer when walking since it can be calming and provide enough daily exercise to keep them healthy and wear them out.

They need good nutrition, but try ditching the bowl. Instead of leaving food out in a bowl, use their daily food portion in exciting ways such as scatter feeding, puzzle toys, slow feeders, and training rewards.  Adequate rest, especially for puppies, is very important, so ensure they get uninterrupted naps.

Once your dog’s general anxiety levels have reduced, you can gradually increase the time you spend away from them.  Until then, consider taking them with you where possible or having a pet sitter take care of them when you’re gone. Also, leave them with something interesting to do, such as toys, stuffed kongs, snuffle mats, and lick mats whenever you go out. These tips should help ease your dog’s transition to you going out and about.

Final Thoughts

We think the best crates for separation anxiety are the Frisco Ultimate Heavy Duty Steel Metal Single Door Dog Crate and the Carlson Pet Products 36-in Extra Tall Dog Gate. They are well-ventilated, promote a feeling of security, and are easy to clean.

At the end of the day, all dogs crave a safe and secure place to stay while you’re out, and we believe these two are strong enough to withstand your pup’s destructive behavior and provide your dog with enough space and air to be safe and comfortable.

See also:

• DIY Dog Crate Table Plans You Can Make Today
• Dog Breeds With Low Separation Anxiety (With Pictures)

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Featured Image Credit: Chewy