There is no shortage of crates on the market. As of 2025, the pet industry is valued at over $246 billion according to magazine Dogster, and this includes the myriad of different crate options pet parents will have to choose between to find the perfect fit. There’s fabric, wire, plastic, aluminum – how do you know which is best for your pup? According to the American Kennel Club, or AKC, when you choose your crate, you’re choosing your dog’s relaxation space, sleeping quarters, training area, and more. Dogs are natural den animals, and their crate serves an evolutionary need.
Breaking Down Two Common Options
Two common crate material options are plastic and metal. The plastic vs metal dog crate debate is one that many pet parents think about when choosing the right crate for their pup, and these couldn’t be two more different materials. The best way to break down which will be best for your dog is to lay out the simple pros and cons of each.
Plastic Dog Crates: Pros And Cons
There are reasons why plastic dog crates are on the market. Listing out the pros and cons of these types of crates lets you get to know them a bit better, and this allows you to determine if a crate of this type is the best fit for your dog. Some of the pros of plastic dog crates are:
- Plastic dog crates are some of the most lightweight – Only next to fabric dog crates, which are more likely to be used as carriers rather than crates, plastic crates are some of the most lightweight on the market. This means they’re simple to carry, transport, and move about the house without much issue.
- They’re inexpensive – Not only are plastic dog crates some of the lightest, they’re also some of the most inexpensive. These crates will often be priced quite a bit cheaper than their metal counterparts, allowing them to be a budget friendly option.
- They’re well-insulated – Plastic dog crates will, typically, feature an open front along with walled sides. This allows these crates to be nicely insulated to protect dogs from the cold during the cooler months. For pet parents with dog breeds that tend to get chilly, this could be a more comfortable option.
- They’re simple to clean – Plastic dog crates are easy to wipe or rinse clean, and they aren’t made of a material prone to rust like a metal wire dog crate may be. If your dog should make a mess in their crate, the cleanup is swift and requires little effort.
Along with the pros do come some cons, and some reasons you may decide against a plastic dog crate are:
- They lack durability – If your dog is strong, large, or has a penchant for destructive behaviors, a plastic dog crate is not the best option. Plastic is a soft and easy to break material, and dogs who may have urges to chew, scratch, or a yearning to escape, can take care of a plastic dog crate in short order. Additionally, for heavy chewers, this can lead to dangerous ingestion of sharp shards of plastic. If your dog exhibits any destructive behaviors or has bouts of anxiety, a plastic dog crate may actually do more harm than good.
- They’re not often built to last – While plastic dog crates are some of the most affordable on the market, they also have much shorter lifespans when comparing plastic vs metal dog crate options. The initial investment into a crate is much less, but this option could wind up being more expensive over the course of the life of your dog.
- They’re not as safe for travel – Plastic is much easier to break when compared to metal, and this is something that should be seriously considered when investing in a safe crate you can take your dog traveling with. The right metal dog crate, like one made from durable aluminum, can come crash rated for additional peace of mind. If safety during travel is a priority for you and your dog, then plastic may not be the option you’re looking for.
- They’re not as easy to store – Many metal dog crates are collapsible, which means they’re able to be folded down and tucked for easy storage. You can slip them under a sofa or a chair, or up against a wall, when not in use. This is not the case for most plastic dog crates and storing a bulky plastic crate as it stands while not in use may prove cumbersome.
The Pros And Cons Of Metal Dog Crates
Like plastic dog crates, metal dog crates also have their own pros and cons. There are different types of metal crates on the market, and metal wire dog crates, the types that are grated and open on all sides, are much different from fully aluminum options. Some of the pros of metal dog crates as a whole include:
- They’re durable – Metal dog crates are some of the most durable available on the market. This makes them an excellent option for heavy chewers, large breed dogs, escape artists, and dogs with destructive tendencies during times of stress, boredom, or anxiety. This provides pet parents with peace of mind that while they are away during work hours, a night out, after bedtime, or any time their dog is crated, that their furry best friend is comfortable and safe.
- They’re often foldable or collapsible – Metal dog crates can often be folded down or “collapsed” in seconds when not in use. This allows pet parents to store the crate tucked away when not in use, therefore saving space and they never have to worry about what a dog crate is taking away from their interior design.
- They’re safer for travel – Metal is a durable material, so it’s safer for travel when compared to plastic. While plastic can bend and break easily in the event of an accident of any kind, it’s going to take quite a bit more to do the same damage to a metal crate. Some metal crates are even crash-tested to ensure optimal safety.
- They’re easy to clean – Metal dog crates aren’t just durable when it comes to wear and tear, they’re also durable when it comes to messes. Cleaning a metal dog crate after a mess has been made can be as easy as hosing the crate out, spraying with cleaning solution, and wiping dry.
With any list of pros comes a list of cons, and metal dog crates are no exception. Some of the cons of metal dog crates include:
- They tend to be more expensive – When comparing a plastic vs metal dog crate, there is typically going to be something of a price difference between the two. Metal dog crates are going to be more expensive on average, but one needs to consider the investment they’re making as well. A plastic dog crate may need to be replaced several times throughout a dog’s life due to damage to the material, while a metal dog crate can last throughout your dog’s lifetime. While the initial investment is higher, it’s oftentimes only a one time investment.
- They’re heavier – Metal dog crates will be heavier than plastic dog crates on average, however not all metals are created equal. Aluminum dog crates, for instance, are surprisingly lightweight while still maintaining all of their structure and durability. This gives you “the best of both worlds”, when it comes to having a lightweight crate that is also able to withstand strong, large, or destructive dogs.
- Rust is a consideration – With some metal dog crates, rust is something to consider over the longer-term. For grated metal wire dog crates in particular, making sure to dry all areas of the crate after rinsing, washing, or coming into contact with any moisture is a necessity if you wish to keep rust off of the metal pieces of the crate. With aluminum dog crates, this is less of an issue.
Metal wire dog crates and aluminum dog crates are two very different metal crate options, and when selecting a metal crate in particular, this is something to consider. With aluminum dog crates, you also get the insulated benefit you’d get from a plastic dog crate. These crates have more structured sides, much like a plastic crate, which can help to keep dogs warm and cozy during the winter months. An insulated crate cover can add even more coziness to the crate when needed.
Additionally, a metal wire dog crate may not have the same durability as a structured aluminum crate. Some particularly strong or large breeds of dog can still bend and manipulate the metal wires on a grated crate, which may lead to serious damage or potential injury. Aluminum dog crates are built in such a way that even the most anxious or destructive dogs are no match against the strength and construction of their crate. This gives pet parents even greater peace of mind that their dog’s crate truly is their safe space.
Plastic Vs Metal Dog Crate And Which Is Better For Your Pet
The type of crate you choose for your dog is a highly personalized decision, and with informed lists of pros and cons, you’re able to make the best one for both you and your furry best friend. While a metal crate may be heavier both in hand and to your wallet, you’re also getting a crate that can withstand anything and is built to last through a lifetime of adventures.