5 Best Dog Crates for Separation Anxiety in 2023

At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Heavy Duty Dog Crates

Most dogs can be adequately housed in standard kennels, but dogs with severe separation anxiety issues when left alone often require an escape-proof dog crate to keep them safely contained.

Such high anxiety dog crates are often made from more resilient materials than typical crates are, and they usually have special door locks and other features that improve their security.

Below, we’ll discuss dog crates for separation anxiety, examine the personality and physical traits of dogs that can necessitate the use of these types of crates, and review some of the things you should look for when shopping for an indestructible dog crate.

Then, we’ll review our picks for the best dog crate for separation anxiety on the market and explain the optimal way to determine the proper crate size for your dog.

Best Dog Crate for Separation Anxiety: Quick View

What Makes a Dog Crate ‘Heavy Duty’?

Dog crates that are heavy-duty are basically similar to conventional crates, although they often feature a number of important design features, and they are typically made of metal, rather than plastic.

Most anxiety dog crates fall into one of two basic design categories.

Some are built like cages and rely on metal bars to keep your furry friend contained, while others utilize sheet metal walls to create an enclosed space.

A crate that features sheet-metal sides typically has numerous holes to provide enough ventilation and allows your dog to see easily.

Some escape-proof models are quite heavy, and many feature casters to help make them easier to move. The best crates for anxious dogs feature locking casters, which will prevent the crate from rolling around when your dog moves.

Best Dog Crate For a Dog With Separation Anxiety

Because a dog crate must keep your pet safe and securely contained, it is imperative that you only purchase high-quality models of these products.

There are a number of crates for anxious dogs on the market, but the following five are clearly among the best dog crates for separation anxiety and other behavioral issues.

1. ProSelect Empire Dog Cage

About: The ProSelect Empire Dog Cage is specifically designed for keeping powerful and aggressive dogs safely contained.

Made from a heavy-duty ¾-inch 20-gauge steel frame and ½-inch-diameter steel tubes, the ProSelect Empire Dog Cage also features heavy-duty welding at all stress points to ensure this is one of the strongest enclosures ever created.

Notable Features and Characteristics:

• Includes 4-inch-high, removable casters
• Includes floor grate and removable steel tray
• Double-latching crate door
• Provides excellent ventilation and viewing opportunities for your dog

User Reviews: Most pet parents were extremely pleased with the ProSelect Empire Dog Cage and found that it successfully kept even the rowdiest dogs contained. Most reported that the enclosure was sturdy, easy to assemble and, although heavy, easy to move thanks to the included wheels.

Most negative reviews appeared to be the result of one-off manufacturing defects.

Bottom Line: You’ll have to plop down a sizeable stack of cash for the ProSelect Empire Dog Cage, but it provides great value and is more affordable than most enclosures of similar quality.

If you need a supremely secure crate that won’t force you to compromise on your canine’s comfort, the ProSelect Empire Crate definitely deserves consideration.

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2. Aluminum Dog Crate from Grain Valley

About: Grain Valley’s Aluminum Dog Crate is a strong, collapsible crate that will not only keep your dog secure while in use but fold up for easy storage when you don’t need it.

Made from rust-resistant powder-coated .063 aluminum, the Grain Valley Aluminum Dog Crate features plenty of ventilation holes, and the front door features 3/8-inch steel bars to allow your dog to see outside easily.

Notable Features and Characteristics:

• Crush-proof corners provide strength and rigidity
• Marine-grade stainless steel latches are built to last
• Welded, no-rust rivets
• The crate is IATA-compliant and Includes airline rail storage slots

User Reviews: Most dog owners who tried the Grain Valley Aluminum Dog Crate raved about its quality, strength, and durability. However, several owners reported that the crate was much lighter than they’d have expected from such a rugged crate.

Some complained that this crate didn’t come with food bowls, but that is a relatively frivolous concern for those purchasing a crate at this price point.

Bottom Line: The Grain Valley Aluminum Dog Crate is incredibly strong and durable, made in the USA, and packed with helpful features, including spring-loaded handles and slam latches, which automatically lock when the door closes.

It is, as many dog owners noted, a very pricey crate, but for owners who want a super-secure, yet collapsible crate that is suitable for air travel, the Grain Valley Dog Crate is a fantastic option for those who don’t mind the price tag.

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3. Impact Dog Crate

About: The Impact Dog Crate is a heavy-duty dog crate that provides a few user-friendly features that aren’t included in many similar enclosures.

For example, it includes composite corner protectors to provide protection and enable these anxiety crates to be stacked, and it is 20% lighter than most similar crates, while still providing about the same amount of space.

Notable Features and Characteristics:

• Rounded square vents provide ample ventilation and sightlines for your dog
• Easy-carry handles make it easy to move around
• IATA-compliant and equipped with airline rails
• Slam latch doors lock automatically when closed

User Reviews: Most users were extremely pleased with the Impact Dog Crate. Phrases like “Five Stars!” and “Totally worth it!” were common and captured the overwhelming sentiment of most owners who tried the crate.

Several owners did complain that assembly was difficult, but this will usually be a one-time inconvenience.

Bottom Line: More affordable than most comparable crates, the Impact Dog Crate is a great option for those pet owners with limited budgets. It is also significantly lighter than most competing products, although it does not collapse as some others do.

Nevertheless, it is a well-built, high-quality crate that should keep most dogs securely contained.

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4. Homey Pet Open Top Heavy-Duty Dog Kennel

About: The Homey Pet Dog Kennel is a well-designed, feature-packed crate that is appropriate for dogs with a moderate escape drive.

The frame and bars are all metal, and the bottom grate and removable tray are included for your convenience and made from plastic for your dog’s comfort.

Notable Features and Characteristics:

• Lockable casters make it easy to move the crate
• Included safety chain provides extra protection against escape
• Top opens for additional access
• Stackable design
• Removable plastic tray that’s easy to clean

User Reviews: Most pet parents liked the Homey Pet Open Top Dog Kennel and rated it highly. It appears easy to assemble, although several customers complained that the instructions were poor. The plastic grate received plenty of praise, and several owners reported that this crate kept their canine safely contained while others had failed to do so.

Bottom Line: The Homey Pet Kennel is a moderately robust crate that will work well for some owners. However, it is probably not strong enough to contain very strong or determined dogs.

It is also a bit small, and the manufacturer recommends using it for dogs weighing less than 70 pounds. However, it is very affordable, and it may be a great crate for small pit bulls, boxers and Labrador retrievers mixes who aren’t excessively destructive.

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5. Sliverylake Heavy Duty Metal Dog Crate

About: The Sliverylake Heavy Duty Double Door Dog Cage is a big, strong and affordable crate that offers better access to your dog than many comparable products, thanks to the crate’s dual-door design.

Made from high-quality steel and equipped with all of the features you’d expect in a heavy-duty dog crate, such as locking casters and a removable tray, the Sliverylake Crate is one of the best escape proof dog crates available to owners of large dogs.

Notable Features and Characteristics:

• Includes four casters, including two that lock
• Available in black and silver
• Includes front door and top door
• Folds down for long-term storage
• Easy to clean removable tray

User Reviews: Most owners liked the Sliverylake Dog Cage and found that it was strong enough to keep their dog contained. A few owners even reported that they used this kennel for two dogs at the same time.

However, a small number of owners mentioned problems with the crate’s latches, and the product’s finish received its share of complaints.

Bottom Line: If you are looking for a very large and sturdy crate, but you have a limited budget, you should give the Sliverylake serious consideration. It is one of the largest heavy-duty crates on the market, it includes a variety of helpful design features, and it is much less expensive than several competing crates.

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Popular Types of Dog Crates

There are many styles and varieties of dog crates available on the market today. The range of materials used, as well as their durability and strength, vary. One type may be better suited for your dogs than others.

Wire Dog Crates

This is one of the most common and most popular types of crates. They are made to collapse down and folds flat so they are easy to transport and this feature is also convenient for storage.

They provide maximum airflow for your dog, are easy to clean and maintain, and since the dog can see through the wire, it can help with their anxiety.

Plastic Crates

This is a lightweight option when compared to other dog crates. A plastic dog crate consists of a hard plastic shell with a wired crate door in the front.

There are holes or slits around the sides to offer some ventilation, but it is not a suitable crate for warmer weather. It offers limited visibility for both the dog and owner, which may not make it the ideal crate for dogs experiencing anxiety.

Metal Dog Crates

Metal dog crates are by far one of the most durable dog crates and are often made with either aluminum or steel. They are extremely heavy duty and are suitable for more aggressive and large dogs. It offers more in the way of security for your furry friend and is practically chew proof.

Choosing the Correct Size Crate

When finding the best dog crate for separation anxiety, you need to measure your dog’s height and length to determine if what you get will provide them with enough room. For their length, they need to be measured from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail.

To measure for height, have the dog in a sitting position and measure them from the floor to the top of their head. If their ears are sticking up, this needs to be taken into account as well.

Larger dog breeds will, of course, need a larger dog crate while small dogs will be comfortable in a small dog crate. Resizable dog crates are also an option because it can grow with your furry friend.

What Kinds of Dogs Need a High Anxiety Dog Crate?

Dog owners can use escape-proof crates for any dog – this includes any breed and any age from puppies to adult dogs.

And although it may be unnecessary, there’s nothing wrong with using a reinforced steel kennel to contain a 5-pound Yorkie that would have trouble chewing his way out of a paper bag.

However, other dogs, especially those with separation anxiety when left alone, can quickly break or chew through standard-issue dog crates, allowing them to escape and cause further destruction. They may even hurt themselves in the process.

Such dogs require reinforced crates, made from strong materials and designed specifically to keep them safely contained. This includes dogs that demonstrate any of the following criteria:

Severe Separation Anxiety

Some dogs become very distraught when separated from their owners, which can cause them to act out in a variety of destructive ways.

Often, crated dogs who suffer separation anxiety will chew and bend the bars and plastic components of standard crates in an effort to escape.

READ MORE: 6 Best Dog Houses for Large Dogs in 2023

Generalized Anxiety

Whereas dogs suffering from separation anxiety may become upset when their owner leaves the house, some poor dogs suffer from more-or-less constant anxiety. These dogs may even try to break out of their crate or pull it apart at the seams while their owner is home.

Destructive Chewers

Destructive chewing is a common behavioral problem of dogs that can precipitate from a number of root causes. But no matter the cause of the behavior, it is important to provide such dogs with extremely tough crates, which can withstand their destructive tendencies.

Extreme Body Size or Strength

Some dogs are simply large or strong enough to break free of conventional dog crates. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find heavy duty dog crates that are large enough to accommodate dogs in excess of 100 pounds, but there are many options for dogs in the 70- to 100-pound range.

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

When left alone at home, many dogs are okay. However, there are some that can and will cause significant damage when the owner leaves the house. This can happen even if you only leave them alone for a few minutes at a time.

Destructive chewing allows them to briefly feel better, but they tend to go for items that remind them of their owners. For example, when you leave, they may seek out an item that smells like you, and that is what they end up chewing.

Excessive pacing is another symptom of anxiety in dogs and is due to their nervous energy. They can walk back and forth or may even walk randomly around the home while continuously retracing their steps until you return.

If you notice that they begin panicking before you leave, then this is another surefire sign of anxiety in your dog. They are very perceptive animals and know when you are planning on leaving. They may begin walking around the house almost frantically or may lean on you and follow you before you leave.

Have your neighbors complained about your dog barking, whining, or howling in your absence? This behavior is largely due to the anxiety they feel while they are left home alone. They are simply vocalizing their feelings.

If you have come home to a few accidents waiting for you, this can be another symptom of separation anxiety.

Even when the dog is housebroken, there may be times that he goes to the bathroom in the house when you leave, and this is because they are not happy that they were left home alone.

What Causes Separation Anxiety?

Some of the most common causes of separation anxiety in dogs have to do largely with the bond that these dogs have with their owners. This is especially true of those breeds that are the most affectionate and people-pleasing.

Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Cocker Spaniels, Dobermans, Border Collies, and Bichon Frises are all dog breeds that are more susceptible to separation anxiety due to their personality and character traits.

Another common cause is a past traumatic experience. This is most common in rescue dogs or dogs you have adopted from a shelter. They may be afraid that they will lose you if you leave the house, and it causes them to become extremely anxious and worried.

If you have recently moved, had another baby, or made any other big change in the home, this can also cause separation anxiety for dogs.

High Anxiety Dog Crate for Travel

In addition to the criteria explained above, it is often necessary to utilize high-anxiety dog crates when trying to travel with your pup – especially if you are flying.

You obviously don’t want your dog to bust out of his crate while riding in the cargo hold of a plane, and you’ll want to ensure your dog is safe and protected by such dog crates during the loading and unloading process.

You’ll need to contact the airline to determine their crate requirements, but many of the better secure pet crates on the market are specifically designed to comply with airline requirements.

Such crates often feature airline rails, special automatically locking doors and corner protectors to help facilitate the loading process and better protect the enclosure.

What Kinds of Features are Important in Crates for Anxious Dogs?

There are a number of things you’ll want to make sure to look for when browsing through selections to find the best heavy duty dog crate for separation anxiety.

A few of these features and characteristics should be considered mandatory, but others are helpful, if not strictly necessary.

Make sure that you look for crates with the following characteristics:

Made from Strong Materials

Plastics may be strong enough to keep a toy poodle contained, but they’ll rarely be strong enough to keep your Rottweiler or Doberman from escaping.

Dogs have strong jaws and sharp teeth, which can make quick work of most plastics, so it is important to look for metal dog crates made from aluminum, steel or other metals.

Devoid of Sharp Surfaces

Durable dog crates often utilize particularly robust connectors, including screws, bolts and other types of hardware.

While there is nothing wrong with these items, they must be adequately shielded, so that your dog doesn’t become injured by them. The internal space of the crate should be as smooth as possible.

Provide Plenty of Ventilation

Ample ventilation will not only ensure that your dog has enough fresh air to breathe, but it will help ensure that the crate does not become damp (your dog’s breath contains water vapor, which will raise the humidity of poorly ventilated crates).

Additionally, airflow will help prevent odors from building up in the crate and keep your dog more comfortable.

Allow Your Dog to See Easily

You may want your dog’s crate to be as secure as a prison, but you certainly don’t want him to feel like he is being punished. Accordingly, you’ll want to make sure to look for heavy-duty dog crates that allow your dog to see outside easily.

Easy Assembly

Because they are typically large, heavy and bulky, most anxiety dog crates will be shipped in pieces, and you’ll have to assemble them yourself.

While easily assembled models can be assembled in 10 or 15 minutes with little more than a screwdriver, some heavy-duty dog crates will take hours and a variety of tools to assemble.

Size Considerations

It is always important to think carefully about the different sizes of dog crates, whether you are looking for a standard or a heavy-duty model.

You’ll need to ensure that your dog has enough room to remain comfortable so that he isn’t miserable when you make him get inside and that he can move about easily.

It is always wise to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding crate size and always try to use your dog’s length and height, rather than his weight when making your choice.

Linear measurements will yield a better fit than weight in this regard.

For example, there’s a big difference between a 75-pound Akita and a 75-pound Weimaraner. The Weimaraner will be taller, longer and lankier than the Akita, which will necessitate more space, despite their similar body weights.

Note that dogs are not like people in many ways, and you’ll want to take these differences into consideration when selecting a crate.

For example, while humans often like large homes and feel claustrophobic in tight spaces, dogs descend from animals that used small burrows for whelping puppies and escaping inclement weather.

Therefore, dogs are often quite comfortable and feel safe in relatively small spaces.

Consider, for example, a safe place dogs often use for hiding in your home, such as the small space under your bed or behind the couch. You certainly don’t want to force your dog to use a crate that is too small, but dogs do not require lots of room in their crates.

In practice, you’ll want your dog to be able to stand comfortably and turn around while in his crate. This generally means selecting a crate that is 3 to 6 inches longer than your dog’s body and 3 to 6 inches taller than your dog is when standing.

The Bottom Line

Have you ever shopped for a heavy-duty crate? Did you find a model that worked well for your dog with separation anxiety? Was it easy to clean, easy to assemble, and use?

Let us know all about your experiences with a high anxiety dog crate in the comments below.

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