Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety, which makes it difficult for them to be left alone. Dog crates are a great way to help calm down your furry friend if they get stressed when you leave. For anxious animals, the crate just might turn out to be their best friend.

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 a range of 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 to their crate but soon they will be seeing it as a safe haven.

Our reviews below will hopefully 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

Safe and secure, the Frisco Ultimate Heavy Duty Steel Metal Single Door Dog Crate is our top choice of dog crates for separation anxiety overall. Unlike plastic or wire crates, which may be unsuitable for dogs who are 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 then 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 and suitable for most breeds. Food and mess 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 this 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. A reliable option for dogs who need more space, this gate is secure and strong. Made of New Zealand pine, it’ll look gorgeous in your home, plus, it fits most doorways and is suitable for small and large-sized breeds. 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 with no need for tools or wall-damaging drilling. With so many features and great value, 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’ll be able to contain even the most nervous or unpredictable dogs safely. It features casters, a removable tray, and other safety features that make it a great choice for dogs that have a tendency to escape. It is a bit more expensive but certainly worth the investment when it comes to 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 against 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 or quickly remove it to keep the crate stationary. 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 so 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 different sizes of Sky Kennels for your pup, and each one is made of durable plastic, 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. There are five sizes available (21–42 inches), and it can be used both 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 both a crate and as an adjustable gate to shut off doorways, rooms, and open spaces in your home. With its wood veneer cover and tabletop surface, it blends seamlessly with your furniture when in crate mode. Setup 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 as a four-panel fence. This unit is very open, and this ability to see the whole environment may have a calming effect on some anxious dogs.

If your dog throws themselves against the crate to break free you may want to pass on this model, as it will not hold up to 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. On a road trip, going to the vet, or boarding a plane, this carrier offers comfort and protection. This crate 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—put in your doggie’s favorite bed and toy, and it’ll feel like home.

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 your dog 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 or just freshen the textiles up whenever you like. Easy to assemble, this unit sets up and collapses in seconds with lightweight steel tubing and easy-to-clean polyester and mesh fabric. It also includes a free carrying case and fleece bed – perfect for traveling with your dog.

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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 highly 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. From either the front door or the side door, you have easy access to your pooch inside. It comes with a durable, replaceable, composite plastic pan to make cleanup easy in case of an accident, and the free divider panel can be used while your puppy is still small. Round corners and a slide bolt latch keep your doggie 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 a lot of separation anxiety, you may want to crate them in your living room. You won’t have to compromise on interior design with the New Age Pet ecoFLEX Crate & End Table. The innovative design integrates beautifully into any setting and avoids the need for an obtrusive metal crate. You can even 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, so you can rest easy knowing your best friend is protected.

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 simply 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 that are 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 the most stylish, but they’ll keep your pooch safe. For other dogs, line of sight is extremely important. Only you know what sets off your dog’s separation anxiety, but you should take privacy versus openness into account 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 minimal room. Even though you’d never put your beloved pet in a tiny enclosure, very large kennels don’t offer some dogs the feeling of protection that smaller areas do, leaving anxious dogs feeling vulnerable. Measure your pet’s height and length before choosing a crate and choose a crate that’s big enough for your dog to easily stand, lie down, and turn around. If your dog is intimidated by large spaces, don’t go much above this, though—bigger isn’t always better.

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. If this is your dog, 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. Regardless of 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 as they will need to be able to toilet. 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 dogs that are highly anxious need to be completely secure. It is advisable to use a crate that can reliably contain your pup if you have to leave him 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 will often include signs of general anxiety such as excessive panting, whining, and scratching at the door. The dog may show other symptoms such as pacing, drooling, shaking, destruction of things in his environment like chewing furniture, and elimination (urinating or defecating).

Why Do Some Dogs Have Separation Anxiety?

One reason why 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 by themselves.

How Do I Fix My Dog’s Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a common-place anxiety disorder showing as a behavioral problem.  It can be resolved with intervention but takes a multi-pronged approach and patience.  You should start with a trip to the vet for a health check-up and to discuss options.  They may suggest a veterinary behaviorist and medications to help while training is taking place.

Teaching crate training and or boundary training on a mat can be a good place to start.  This way, 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 be choosing to spend time in their designated space.

Make sure your dog’s basic needs are met to help reduce stress.

Going for a daily “sniffari” where they get to walk and just sniff along as they go is great brain exercise and calming for them.  Exercise according to their needs may just be 5 minutes playing with you in your garden or a good run around.

They need good nutrition, but try ditching the bowl. Instead of leaving food out in a bowl, use their daily food portion in interesting ways such as scatter feeding, puzzle toys, slow feeders, and training rewards.  Adequate rest, especially for puppies, is very important, so make sure they are getting some uninterrupted shut-eye.

Once your dog’s general levels of anxiety have reduced you can start to gradually increase the amount of time you are staying away from them.  Until then, consider taking them with you where possible, a dog walker, and not coming in and out a lot, instead, get your errands done at one time. 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 to 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. These are both 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 both strong enough to withstand your pup’s destructive behavior but also 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