How to Choose Amazon Basics Dog Carriers & Crates

When it comes to keeping your dog safe, comfortable, and contained, whether at home during training or on the go during travel, the right crate or carrier can make a huge difference. Amazon Basics offers a range of budget-friendly containment options that deliver solid performance without the premium price tag, but it can be tricky to understand the differences between single-door, double-door, and soft-sided models, and which one fits your specific needs. After testing these three popular options with my own terrier mix and a foster puppy over the past few months, I’ve put together a detailed guide to help you navigate their strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases, so you can choose the right containment solution for your household.

Amazon Basics Single Door Collapsible Wire Crate

For basic crate training and everyday home use, a simple, sturdy wire crate is a classic choice, and this single-door model from Amazon Basics delivers a no-frills, functional solution for most pet owners.

Core Features

This 36-inch dog crate is designed for pets under 32 x 21 inches (LxH), making it suitable for breeds like Corgis, Brittanys, Cocker Spaniels, or French Bulldogs. It features durable metal wire construction with a manual door locking mechanism for secure containment. It sets up quickly and folds down flat for easy transport or compact storage, with a top handle for comfortable carrying. It includes 1 front door and a divider panel for adjusting the internal space as your puppy grows. It also has a removable plastic base tray for easy cleaning, with a metal hook at the bottom to prevent the tray from sliding out, as long as you lock the hook well after installation. The product dimensions are 36 x 23 x 25 inches (LxWxH).

Personal Usage Analysis & Pros

When I first got this crate for my foster puppy, the first thing I noticed was how easy it was to set up. It took less than a minute to unfold and secure the latches, no tools required. The single door design made it incredibly easy to coax the puppy inside with treats during the early days of crate training, and the simple latch mechanism gave me peace of mind that he couldn’t escape on his own. The removable tray was a lifesaver during potty training; when accidents happened, I could just slide it out, wipe it clean, and put it back in seconds, which was way easier than scrubbing my carpets. I also took it on a weekend road trip, and the foldable design meant it fit perfectly in my trunk without taking up too much space, and the top handle made it easy to carry into the hotel room.

Cons

That said, this crate does have a few limitations. The wire gauge is relatively thin, so it’s not suitable for powerful chewers or escape artists; a determined dog could potentially bend the wires with enough effort. The single door design also means you have less flexibility when it comes to placing the crate in your home—you can’t tuck it into a corner and access it from the side, which can be a bit of a hassle if you have limited floor space. Additionally, the plastic tray can be a bit flimsy if you have a larger dog that likes to paw at the bottom of the crate, and you have to remember to lock the metal hook every time you put the tray back in, otherwise it can slide out.

Ideal Use Cases

This crate works best for new puppy owners doing crate training, pet owners on a budget who need a reliable everyday crate, and those who take short road trips and need a portable, easy-to-clean containment solution. It’s perfect for small to medium sized dogs that are well-behaved and not prone to chewing or escaping.

You can check them out here: [Amazon Basics Single Door Collapsible Wire Crate] (affiliate link)

Amazon Basics Double Door Folding Metal Crate

If you need a bit more flexibility than a single-door crate can offer, this double-door metal model from Amazon Basics adds extra accessibility without sacrificing the sturdy, budget-friendly design of the single-door version.

Core Features

This 36-inch dog crate is also designed for pets under 32 x 21 inches (LxH), suitable for the same breeds as the single-door model. It features the same durable metal wire construction and manual door locking mechanism, and it also folds down flat for easy transport and storage with a top handle. The key difference is that it has 2 doors: a front door and a side door, which gives you more placement options. It also includes a divider panel for adjusting the internal space, a removable plastic base tray, and the same metal hook to keep the tray in place. The product dimensions are identical: 36 x 23 x 25 inches (LxWxH).

Personal Usage Analysis & Pros

When I moved into a smaller apartment, I switched to this double-door crate, and the extra door made a huge difference. I was able to tuck the crate into the corner of my living room, and use the side door to let my dog go in and out, which saved me a ton of floor space. The double doors also made crate training easier; I could open both doors to make the crate feel more open and inviting for my dog, which helped him feel more comfortable going inside on his own. I also used the divider panel to split the crate in half temporarily when I was fostering two small kittens, which meant I didn’t have to buy two separate crates. The ventilation is also great, with the wire design allowing plenty of airflow, so my dog never gets overheated even on warm days.

Cons

However, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. The top carrying handle has some durability issues; after a few months of moving it around, I noticed it started to feel a bit wobbly, and it’s not as sturdy as the handle on the single-door model. Additionally, while the two doors are convenient, you have to remember to lock both of them if you’re leaving your dog alone, otherwise they might be able to push one of the doors open if they’re determined. Like the single-door model, it’s not suitable for powerful chewers or escape artists, as the thin wires can be bent by a determined dog.

Ideal Use Cases

This crate is perfect for pet owners with limited space who need flexible placement options, multi-pet households that need to split the crate for two small pets, and anyone who wants a bit more accessibility during crate training. It works great for everyday home use, as well as for short road trips where you need a portable containment solution.

You can check them out here: [Amazon Basics Double Door Folding Metal Crate] (affiliate link)

Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Pet Carrier

For pet owners who travel frequently and need a lightweight, portable containment solution that’s easier to carry than a heavy metal crate, this soft-sided carrier from Amazon Basics offers a convenient, travel-friendly option.

Core Features

This medium-sized folding pet travel kennel has soft sides, designed for cats, dogs, rabbits, and other small animals. It features 4 doors: a top door for sunlight and breathability, and front and side doors with zipper lock clips for added security. It includes straps to roll up and secure the fabric doors when you want to leave them open. It has a carrying handle and a padded shoulder strap for easy transport, and it includes a removable fleece pet bed pad. It uses a pop-up design that can be set up and folded down in seconds with no tools required, and it has a water-resistant base. The product dimensions are 30 x 21 x 21 inches (LxWxH).

Personal Usage Analysis & Pros

I took this carrier on a 3-day road trip recently, and it was a game-changer. It folds down so small that it fit in the back of my car next to my suitcase, which is way more convenient than the bulky metal crate I used to take. Setting it up in the hotel room took less than a minute, and my dog immediately felt comfortable in it, with the soft sides making it feel less like a cage and more like a cozy den. The 4 doors are incredibly convenient; the top door let me give him treats and pet him without opening the whole carrier, and the mesh windows provided plenty of ventilation, so he stayed cool and calm during the whole trip. The removable fleece pad was also great, it was soft enough for him to sleep on, and I could throw it in the washing machine when it got dirty.

Cons

That said, this carrier isn’t for every pet. It’s not suitable for destructive chewers or dogs with separation anxiety; the fabric and mesh can be torn easily by a determined dog, so you can only leave your dog unattended in it if they’re already well-trained and calm. The zippers can also get stuck occasionally, especially if you fold it up too many times, and it’s not suitable for long-term outdoor use, as the sun can break down the fabric over time. It’s also not airline-approved, so it won’t work for air travel, only car trips and temporary use.

Ideal Use Cases

This carrier is perfect for frequent travelers who take road trips with their dog, pet owners who need a lightweight, portable containment solution for vet visits or trips to friends’ houses, and anyone who wants a more comfortable, less intimidating containment option for their well-behaved, calm dog.

You can check them out here: [Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Pet Carrier] (affiliate link)

Product Comparison at a Glance

To help you quickly compare these three products, here’s a breakdown of their key attributes:

Product	Key Features	Primary Advantages	Primary Limitations	Ideal Use Cases
Single Door Collapsible Wire Crate	36-inch size, single front door, removable tray, foldable design	Simple setup, sturdy lock, easy to clean, budget-friendly	Limited placement flexibility, not for heavy chewers	Puppy training, everyday home use, short road trips
Double Door Folding Metal Crate	36-inch size, front and side doors, divider panel, foldable design	Flexible placement, multi-pet compatible, good airflow	Wobbly handle over time, requires double-locking	Small space households, multi-pet homes, flexible training
Soft-Sided Pet Carrier	30-inch size, 4 mesh doors, pop-up design, padded shoulder strap	Ultra-portable, lightweight, cozy for calm pets, easy storage	Not chew-proof, not airline-approved, zippers can stick	Road trips, temporary travel use, vet visits, calm pets

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are these crates approved for airline travel?

None of these three models are airline-approved for air travel. The wire crates are not certified for cargo hold use, and the soft-sided carrier doesn’t meet the airline safety requirements for in-cabin pet travel. If you need an airline-approved crate, you’ll need to invest in a specialized, certified model.

2. Can these wire crates work for puppies?

Yes, both wire crates are great for puppies. The included divider panel lets you adjust the space as your puppy grows, which is perfect for potty training, and the removable tray makes cleaning up accidents incredibly easy. Just make sure to supervise puppies, as the thin wires aren’t suitable for heavy chewers.

3. Is the soft-sided carrier suitable for cats too?

Yes, the soft-sided carrier is designed to work for both cats and dogs, as well as other small animals like rabbits. The soft sides and mesh windows work great for cats, and the portable design makes it easy to take cats to the vet or on trips.

4. How do I clean the plastic tray from the wire crates?

The plastic tray is fully removable, so you can simply slide it out of the crate, wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap, rinse it off, and put it back in. It’s waterproof and easy to sanitize, which makes it perfect for handling accidents.

5. Do these crates work for large breed dogs?

The 36-inch size of the wire crates is designed for small to medium sized dogs under 32 inches long. For large breed dogs, you’ll need to get a larger size of the same crate model, as the 36-inch version will be too small for them to stand and turn around comfortably.

Conclusion

Choosing the right crate or carrier doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on premium brands. These three Amazon Basics products offer solid, reliable performance at accessible price points, with practical features that solve common containment problems for pet owners. Whether you’re looking for a simple crate for puppy training, a flexible option for your small apartment, or a lightweight carrier for road trips, these options deliver exactly what most pet owners need for daily care and travel, without breaking the bank. By understanding their strengths and limitations, you can choose the containment solution that fits your dog’s unique needs and your household routine.

For more crate and carrier tips, check out our guide on how to choose a dog crate and how to choose a dog crate for travel.