Does the sound of jingling keys send your dog into a tailspin of panic? Many loving dog owners face the heartbreak of watching their furry friends suffer when left alone. Separation anxiety is a real struggle, turning your departure into a stressful event for both of you. Choosing the right crate can feel like a puzzle. You need something safe, but you also need a den that calms, not confines, your anxious pup.
The market offers so many choices! Wire crates, plastic carriers, soft-sided tents—how do you know which one will actually ease your dog’s distress instead of making it worse? Picking the wrong crate can actually increase anxiety. But don’t worry, you are not alone in this confusion.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will explore the specific features that make a crate a true sanctuary for a dog with separation anxiety. By the end of this post, you will know exactly what to look for to create a safe, comforting space for your companion. Let’s dive in and transform that anxious wait into peaceful downtime.
Top Dog Crate For Separation Anxiety Recommendations
Bestseller No. 1
New Age Pet ECOFLEX InnPlace Dog Crate & End Table, Indoor Furniture Style Pet Kennel for Small, Medium, Large & XL Dogs, Durable Composite, Espresso Black, Medium
- Durable ECOFLEX Build – Constructed from non‑toxic, recycled polymers and reclaimed wood fiber for reliable moisture, odor, and scratch resistance and Stainless Steel Tubing Accents
- Secure & Stylish Featuring stainless steel tubing spindles. Small & Medium sizes feature a single stainless steel latch; Large & Extra Large sizes include dual latches. Medium size for dogs up to 50lbs. 26.77"L x 17.72"W x 20.87"H
- Classic End Table Crate Design This furniture style crate doubles as a functional side table, seamlessly blending into your home décor while providing a cozy space for your dog.
- Quick, Tool Free Assembly – Modular panels come together in minutes—no tools needed.
- 10‑Year Warranty – Built to last with sustainable materials and backed by a manufacturer’s guarantee for peace of mind. U.S. Designed. U.S. Supported. 100% Pet Approved.
Bestseller No. 2
BOLDBONE 48 inch Heavy Duty Indestructible and Escape-Proof Dog Crate Cage Kennel for Large Dogs, High Anxiety Dog Crate with Removable Wire Trays and Wheels, Extra Large XL XXL, Black
- 【Indestructible & Safe】Upgraded 20-gauge steel frame and reinforced 0.5-inch-diameter steel tubes make our metal dog crate much sturdier than others. Double sturdy slide bolt laches can ensure ultimate security. All of these make our dog cage chew-proof and escape-proof. It is perfect for large, strong, and separation anxiety dogs.
- 【Durable & Reliable】Featuring a long-lasting and non-toxic hammer-tone coating that resists rust and corrosion, making the kennel perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. More importantly, because of the non-toxic finish, it is safe for the dog even if the dog bites or licks the cage frame.
- 【Easy To Feed and Clean】Wide Opening Double Doors with low thresholds are not only for easy access but also allow you to interact with and feed the dog conveniently. The removable Dog crate Tray and Leak Proof Plastic Pan will not only make your home clean but also make you clean up simply and quickly.
- 【Easy to Assemble, Store, and Transport】Most of this heavy-duty kennel has been pre-assembled, so you can easily set up the cage by one person within 10 minutes. In addition, 360-degree swivel caster wheels with brakes make it easy and safe to roll around. The folding structure allows the cage can be conveniently folded flat for storage and transport.
- 【MONEY BACK GARNTTEE】We are committed to providing our customers with safe and comfortable products. We are guaranteed one year warranty from the date of purchase and lifetime customer service support for rest assured. If there is any problem with the dog kennel, please contact us directly for a free replacement.
Bestseller No. 3
LUCKUP 38 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Cage Metal Kennel and Crate for Large Dogs,Easy to Assemble Pet Playpen with Four Wheels,Black … …
- Heavy duty frame: made from rust and corrosion-resistant steel,strong and durable, hard to be damaged,nontoxic finished surface keep your dog health and render excellent anti-rust ability,suitable for most medium and large dogs,two locks with the safety buckles to prevent the dogs from opening the door and escaping
- Easy to clean:Removable (slide-out) plastic tray helps you to catch the fallen dog food and excrement,and allows you to wipe and clean easily
- Heavy duty frame: made from industrial corrosion-resistant steel, indestructible and durable, hard to be damaged, nontoxic finished surface keep your dog health, suitable for most medium and large dogs, two locks with the safety buckles to prevent the high anxiety dogs from opening the door and escaping
- Heavy duty frame: made from corrosion-resistant steel,strong and durable, hard to be damaged,nontoxic finished surface keep your dog health,suitable for most medium and large dogs,two locks with the safety buckles to prevent the dogs from opening the door and escaping
Bestseller No. 4
ONBRILL Dog Crate with Cushion, 38" Wood Heavy Duty Dog Crate Furniture with Flip Top & Wheels for High Anxiety Dog, Escape Proof Pet Cage for Small/Medium Dogs
- 【Indestructible Dog Crate】 Indoor dog kennel is made of premium metal material and MDF. The mesh metal frame gives dogs nowhere to bite, and is stronger than dog cages for large dogs or others, providing a long, stable, and safe resting place
- 【Cushion & Movable & Lockable Wheels】Dog kennel furniture provides a water-repellent cushion and 5 S type hook convenient for use. If you have high quality door lock, don't worry about the dog's escape. And 4 wheels allow you to move and lock the large dog crate anywhere you want
- 【Double Open Design】The metal dog crate comes with a door and flippable desktop window for easy cleaning and feeding of some food. Every door is designed with 2 locks, so never worry about the naughty dog disrupting the house again
- 【Multi-functional Heavy Duty Dog Crate Furniture】This large dog crate can be used as pet crate ,also as a side table, end table or night stand. The wide top provides enough place to put some decorations such as plant, magazines, picture and night lamps and so on
- 【Assemble with Ease】 Inside Dimensions: 35.8"L x 21.7" W x 23.1"H, Overall Dimensions: 38.3"L x 24.6"W x 27" H. Choosing the right metal dog kennel size is vital to ensure your dog's comfortably fits. To ensure a seamless assembly experience, we've provided clear, step-by-step instructions along with numbered parts for this dog crate. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us promptly
Bestseller No. 5
rehomerance 32" Heavy Duty Dog Crate Furniture for Small and Medium Dogs, Metal Kennel for High Anxiety Dogs, Chew Proof Pet Cage Indoor, Decorative Dog Kennel End Table
- 【Choose The Right Size】: The internal dimensions of the kennel is 30.3"L x 21.2"W x 23.2"H. Measure the length and height of your puppy and add 2–4 inches to the measurement. Please measure your pet and compare it to internal dimensions to ensure a proper fit.
- 【Safety Guaranteed】: Featuring strategically placed 0.5-inch holes, this Indestructible Metal Kennel provides ventilation while preventing the harm caused by bites. The front door features a Spring-Loaded Bolt to avoid escape attempts from anxious dogs, giving you peace of mind.
- 【Sturdy and Durable】: Crafted from durable, corrosion-resistant steel and premium particle board, this Indestructible dog crate offers robust support for you and your furry friend.
- 【Furniture-Style】: This dog crate can be used as an End Table that seamlessly blends with your home decor. It serves as elegant furniture while providing your pet with a secure retreat.
- 【Easy to Clean & Pup-View Window】: Simply wipe down the crate with a cloth to maintain a tidy space for your pet. The design of the front door provides visibility, allowing you to keep an eye on your pet with ease.
Bestseller No. 6
NaturVet Quiet Moments Herbal Calming Room Spray Dog Supplement – Ideal for Cars, Dog Crates, New Environments – Helps Reduce Pet Stress, Storm Anxiety, Motion Sickness – 8 Oz.
- HIGH-QUALITY ANXIETY SUPPLEMENT SPRAY FOR DOGS: Bring your pets the calm they need during separation, storms, grooming or travel with this NaturVet Quiet Moments Herbal Calming Room Spray Dog Supplement that helps promote normal nervous system function.
- ENHANCED PET SUPPLEMENT SPRAY FOR ANXIETY: Ensure that your canine companion receives the nutrients they need during storms, grooming or separation when stocking up on this NaturVet Quiet Moments Herbal Calming Room Spray for dogs.
- PET SUPPLEMENTS FOR NERVOUSNESS: This NaturVet Quiet Moments Herbal Calming Room Spray for dogs is enhanced with calming scents that help stimulate canine pheromones to provide dogs with a sense of safety and well-being.
- DOG SUPPLEMENT SPRAY FOR PET ANXIETY: Enhance your pet’s environment, crate or the car with a calming scent that helps to minimize dog anxiety associated with traveling, grooming and storm anxiety.
- PET PRODUCTS YOU CAN TRUST: Since 1994, NaturVet has been serving the four-legged community with wholesome, vitamin-infused dog supplements so that your pup or senior dog maintains a healthy lifestyle. Made in the USA, each pet product from NaturVet is cGMP compliant and wheat-free.
Bestseller No. 7
Hiwokk 48 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate, Indestructible Escape-Proof Dog Kennel for High Anxiety Large Dogs, Strong Metal Pet Cage with Double Doors, Lockable Wheels & Removable Tray, XL XXL XXXL
- 「𝐍𝐨 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐬!」Constructed with 0.8-inch thickened, rust-resistant square steel tubes, this dog crate is a fortress for aggressive chewers and escape artists. The non-toxic, multi-layer coating ensures safety even if your pet bites the bars. Engineered to resist deformation and impact, it’s the ultimate solution for high-anxiety large breeds, providing a secure sanctuary for years to come.
- 「𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐥𝐞-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠」Say goodbye to messy floors! The slide-out leak-proof plastic tray works with the bottom grate to catch waste, food spills, and hair. No need to open the cage—just pull, rinse, and slide back in. The precision-spaced floor grid ensures your dog’s paws stay comfortable while keeping their living space hygienic, dry, and odor-free.
- 「𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 & 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬」Our human-centric Dual-Door Design features a spacious front door for easy entry and a top "skylight" for effortless feeding and interaction. Equipped with upgraded heavy-duty safety latches, this escape-proof kennel prevents even the smartest "Houdini dogs" from unlocking the door from the inside. Complete protection for your furry friend.
- 「𝟏𝟎-𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐩」Forget the headache of complex assembly! Key parts are pre-assembled—simply follow the 4-step guide to finish in minutes (screwdriver included). Features 360° industrial-grade swivel casters for effortless movement on carpets or hard floors. Two wheels lock securely to provide rock-solid stability once in place.
- 「𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐭」Available in sizes from Large to XXXL. To ensure the best comfort, please measure your dog’s length (nose to rump) and height (floor to top of head/ears) before ordering. Our spacious design allows your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down naturally, creating a stress-free "den" environment that significantly reduces separation anxiety.
Bestseller No. 8
BOLDBONE 38 inch Heavy Duty Indestructible and Escape-Proof Dog Crate Cage Kennel for Large Dogs, High Anxiety Dog Crate with Removable Wire Trays and Wheels, Extra Large XL XXL, Black
- 【Indestructible & Safe】Upgraded 20-gauge steel frame and reinforced 0.5-inch-diameter steel tubes make our metal dog crate much sturdier than others. Double sturdy slide bolt laches can ensure ultimate security. All of these make our dog cage chew-proof and escape-proof. It is perfect for large, strong, and separation anxiety dogs.
- 【Durable & Reliable】Featuring a long-lasting and non-toxic hammer-tone coating that resists rust and corrosion, making the kennel perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. More importantly, because of the non-toxic finish, it is safe for the dog even if the dog bites or licks the cage frame.
- 【Easy To Feed and Clean】Wide Opening Double Doors with low thresholds are not only for easy access but also allow you to interact with and feed the dog conveniently. The removable Dog crate Tray and Leak Proof Plastic Pan will not only make your home clean but also make you clean up simply and quickly.
- 【Easy to Assemble, Store, and Transport】Most of this heavy-duty kennel has been pre-assembled, so you can easily set up the cage by one person within 10 minutes. In addition, 360-degree swivel caster wheels with brakes make it easy and safe to roll around. The folding structure allows the cage can be conveniently folded flat for storage and transport.
- 【MONEY BACK GARNTTEE】We are committed to providing our customers with safe and comfortable products. We are guaranteed one year warranty from the date of purchase and lifetime customer service support for rest assured. If there is any problem with the dog kennel, please contact us directly for a free replacement.
Choosing the Right Crate for Your Anxious Pup
When your dog suffers from separation anxiety, leaving them alone can be tough. A crate can become a safe den, not a jail. This guide helps you find the perfect crate to ease your dog’s worries.
Key Features to Look For
A good crate for separation anxiety needs special features. Look for these important things:
- Solid Construction: The crate must be strong. An anxious dog might try to chew or push their way out.
- Den-Like Feel: Dogs feel safer in smaller, cozier spaces. Avoid overly large crates that feel empty.
- Good Ventilation: Airflow is crucial. Make sure the crate has plenty of holes or mesh sides so your dog can breathe easily.
- Secure Latches: Latches must be strong and hard for a dog to open. Escape artists need top-tier locks.
Important Materials for Comfort and Safety
The material affects safety, durability, and comfort. Consider these options:
- Metal Crates (Wire): These are very durable. They offer the best visibility, which some dogs prefer. Ensure the wire gauge is thick enough not to bend.
- Plastic Crrates (Travel Style): These offer a more enclosed, den-like feeling. They block out some visual distractions, which helps anxious dogs settle. They are easy to clean.
- Soft-Sided Crates: These are generally not recommended for severe anxiety chewers. A determined dog can rip through the fabric quickly. They are better for mild anxiety or travel.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Crate Quality
The crate’s design greatly impacts your dog’s experience.
What Makes a Crate Better:
- Sound Dampening: Some high-end crates use materials that slightly muffle outside noises. This reduces startling triggers for anxious dogs.
- Cover Compatibility: The crate should easily accommodate a heavy, breathable cover. Covering the crate mimics a dark den, which promotes calm.
- Easy Cleaning: Accidents happen, especially with anxiety. Removable, washable trays improve the overall experience.
What Lowers the Quality (or Suitability):
- Flimsy Doors: If the door rattles or bends easily, an anxious dog can quickly force it open.
- Sharp Edges: Always check for rough spots or exposed screws that could injure your dog during a panic episode.
- Too Much Space: A crate that is too large does not feel like a safe den. The dog might use one corner as a bathroom, making cleanup harder and reducing the den effect.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the crate matters as much as what you buy. The crate must be introduced slowly as a positive space.
- Training is Key: Never use the crate as punishment. It should be associated with treats, toys, and quiet time.
- The Right Size: The crate must be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If it’s too small, it causes stress. If it’s too big, it defeats the purpose of a secure den.
- Travel vs. Home: If you need the crate for travel too, look for models that break down easily but lock securely when assembled at home.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Anxiety Crates
Q: Should the crate be completely dark?
A: No. Complete darkness can sometimes increase panic if the dog cannot see its surroundings. A breathable cover that dims the light is usually best.
Q: Can any crate work for separation anxiety?
A: While any crate can be used, heavy-duty or den-style crates work better because they resist chewing and offer more security.
Q: What size crate should I buy for my anxious large dog?
A: Buy the size necessary for them to stand and turn. Do not buy a “grow-into” crate, as extra space makes anxious dogs feel less secure.
Q: How do I stop my dog from chewing the crate bars?
A: Ensure the crate is appropriately sized. Offer appropriate chew toys inside. If chewing persists, consult your vet or a trainer, as this signals high stress.
Q: Are soft-sided crates safe for anxious dogs?
A: Generally, no. Most anxious dogs can destroy soft sides quickly, which can be dangerous if they ingest the fabric.
Q: Should I leave the door open or closed during training?
A: Start with the door open while you are present. Once the dog is comfortable inside, close the door for very short periods while you are nearby.
Q: What if my dog cries when I leave?
A: Crying is normal at first. Leave for extremely short periods (seconds) and return before the crying escalates. Do not return while the dog is actively panicking.
Q: Do I need a waterproof tray?
A: Yes. Accidents happen during anxiety training. A removable, waterproof tray makes cleanup simple and keeps the crate hygienic.
Q: Can I put bedding in the crate?
A: Yes, add comfortable, washable bedding. However, if your dog destroys bedding, remove it until they are fully comfortable in the crate.
Q: How long should my dog stay in the crate?
A: For separation anxiety, the time depends on training progress. Never leave a dog crated longer than they can comfortably hold their bladder, and always work toward increasing time slowly.