The Best Dog Cages for Professional Boarders, Groomers, and More

Written by Lev Baker
Updated: April 26, 2023
© Parilov/Shutterstock.com

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Dog cages are useful for so many reasons. They keep our furry friends out of trouble at home, ensure they stay safe while we are gone, and even help professionals keep track of the dogs in their care. Whether you are a dog groomer, a professional dog boarder, or a dog lover, dog cages that suit your needs are absolutely essential. This article will help you choose the right dog cage for your purposes.

  1. MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate
    • Available in multiple sizes, between 18 and 48 inches.
    • Sold as a single- or double-door crate.
    • Includes a divider panel.
    • Can be set up in seconds, allowing portability.
    Check Amazon
  2. GDLF Dog Crate with Storage
    • Built with steel instead of iron wire, making it sturdier than many cages.
    • Three-tier rack offers space for storage or decor.
    • Uses a double-door design.
    • Dimensions: 37.4 inches wide by 23 inches deep by 57.8 inches high.
    Check Amazon
  3. 43" Stackable Heavy Duty Cage w/ Feeding Doors and Divider (3 Tiers)
    • Available as a full, three-tier cage, or as separate units.
    • Each unit includes two feeding bowls, one divider, two bottom trays, one floor grid, and four casters.
    • Trays and plastic grids can also be bought separately.
    • Made of iron.
    Check Amazon
  4. Otaid Heavy Duty Dog Cage with Wheels
    • Available in black or silver.
    • 48- and 38-inch variations sold.
    • Made of alloy steel, with plastic used for some parts.
    • Easy to assemble.
    Check Amazon
  5. PAMPELLYA Heavy Duty Dog Kennel
    • Available in 37 or 48.4 inches.
    • Made of alloy steel and polyvinyl chloride.
    • Includes a non-slip, PVC board to help protect pets' feet.
    • Removable plastic tray is easy to clean.
    • Foldable.
    Check Amazon
  6. Confote Double-Deck Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Dog Cage Kennel Crate with Divider
    • Available in 42 or 48 inches, with a double deck option for the 48-inch crate.
    • Made of stainless steel.
    • Easy to assemble and clean.
    • Has a double-door design.
    Check Amazon

A-Z Animals Top Picks for the Best Dog Cages for Professional Boarders

#1 Best Overall: Midwest Homes for Pets Single and Double Door iCrate Dog Crate

Our selection as the best overall is the Midwest Homes for Pets Single and Double Door iCrate Dog Crate.

This dog cage is best overall as it is affordable, has advanced security features, easy assembly, and fulfils its function well. The product comes in several sizes and can come with one or two doors — the choice is yours. The cage includes a divider panel that can contain two dogs instead of just one! A durable and leak-proof plastic pan is also included, making the cage easy to clean and maintain.

The iCrate is very secure and has added security features that ensure the dogs you care for do not escape. The door latch is a slide bolt that features a patented Paw Block and locking tips for safety. Not only is the iCrate safe, but it is simple to assemble and portable. This means if you need to move the cage to a different area, there is no hassle!

Unfortunately, some customers reported that their pets we able to unlatch the door.

Pros and Cons of the Midwest Homes for Pets Single and Double Door iCrate Dog Crate

ProsCons
This cage is available with either one or two doors.Some customers reported that their dogs were able to unlatch the door.
It features a divider panel so you can house more than one dog.
It has a secure door with a patented Paw Block and sliding bolt.
It is portable.
Best Overall
MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate
  • Available in multiple sizes, between 18 and 48 inches.
  • Sold as a single- or double-door crate.
  • Includes a divider panel.
  • Can be set up in seconds, allowing portability.
Check Amazon

2. Best for Dog Boarders: GDLF Indoor Heavy Duty Cage with Storage

In our opinion, the best option for dog boarders is the GDLF Indoor Heavy Duty Cage with Storage.

The built-in shelving above this dog crate makes it perfect for any dog boarding establishment. Capable of holding up to 100 pounds each, the three shelves can store each dog’s personal items, such as food, leashes, or anything else the owner may send the dog with. The construction is solid, utilizing steel tubes instead of wire mesh, to contain even the most unsettled large-sized dogs.

The cage features a double-door design, making for easy cleaning, and is more welcoming to the dog when entering the cage. The adjustable feet can keep the cage level on uneven ground, or even slightly sloped to aid in the removal of any messes. This helps keep the dogs dry in case any accidents do occur.

The cost for this setup is reasonable considering everything that is included. While there are certainly cheaper options available, when you’re getting a cage and storage shelves in one easy package, this price is too good to miss.

The only drawback to this product is that it is not portable or easy to move around.

Pros and Cons of the GDLF Heavy Duty Cage With Storage

ProsCons
This dog cage features built-in shelving.It is not portable.
Each shelf can hold 100 pounds.
The cage has double doors so that it is welcoming for dogs and easy to clean.
It has adjustable feet so that you can always get the cage level.
Best for Dog Boarders
GDLF Dog Crate with Storage
  • Built with steel instead of iron wire, making it sturdier than many cages.
  • Three-tier rack offers space for storage or decor.
  • Uses a double-door design.
  • Dimensions: 37.4 inches wide by 23 inches deep by 57.8 inches high.
Check Amazon

3. Best Stackable Dog Cage: Stackable Heavy Duty Cage with Feeding Doors and Divider

Another option that is perfect for boarders, groomers, and even veterinary clinics that need to conserve space is the Stackable Heavy Duty Cage with Feeding Doors and Divider.

By stacking cages on top of each other, you can safely fit many more dogs into the same space. The bottom cage features castor wheels for easy mobility and positioning, and each enclosure has its own feeding door and middle divider.

The modular design of these cages ensures that you can choose the perfect combination to suit your needs. Create a stack of up to three cages high, add dividers to each to effectively double your housing capabilities, or simply use each cage individually — it’s entirely up to you.

Pricing ranges from $249.99 for the individual cages to a stack of three for $769.99. Buying a stack of three is a good idea as it is a more cost-effective solution, especially if you are planning to buy more than one.

However, it should be noted that the cages should be anchored to the wall to prevent them from tipping. Also, some customers reported that some of the bars on the cage were bent when they received it.

Pros and Cons of Stackable Heavy Duty Cage with Feeding Doors and Divider

ProsCons
These cages are designed to be stacked on top of each other.It needs to be anchored to the wall to prevent it from tipping.
Dividers can be added so that each cage houses two dogs.Some customers received cages with bent bars.
The bottom cage has castor wheels so they can easily be moved around.
Best Stackable Dog Cage
43" Stackable Heavy Duty Cage w/ Feeding Doors and Divider (3 Tiers)
  • Available as a full, three-tier cage, or as separate units.
  • Each unit includes two feeding bowls, one divider, two bottom trays, one floor grid, and four casters.
  • Trays and plastic grids can also be bought separately.
  • Made of iron.
Check Amazon

4. Strongest Dog Cage With Wheels: Otaid Heavy Duty Dog Crate Cage Kennel with Wheels

In our opinion, the strongest cage with wheels is the Otaid Heavy Duty Dog Crate Cage Kennel with Wheels.

This product is great for large and strong dogs! It is made with heavy-duty construction that is indestructible with sturdy locks. Made with 20-gauge steel and 0.5-inch reinforced steel tubes, this cage is a lot stronger than the more delicate wire cages. Not only is the cage sturdy, but it is also made so that it is easy to assemble and clean.

It comes in two sizes — 38 inches and 48 inches. Plus, this dog cage has four 360 degrees rolling casters, allowing you to move it where you want it to go with ease. Two of the wheels lock to keep the cage in place. Because the enclosure is made for large dogs, the weight capacity of this cage is a whopping 300 lbs — perfect for those that cannot normally fit into a cage!

However, the wire mesh doesn’t cover the whole bottom of the cage.

Pros and Cons of the Otaid Heavy Duty Dog Crate Cage Kennel with Wheels

ProsCons
This cage is made from heavy-duty steel.The wire mesh doesn’t cover the whole bottom of the cage.
It is ideal for large, strong dogs.Not all of the wheels are lockable.
There are two sizes available.
It has four wheels, of which two lock in place.
Strongest Dog Cage With Wheels
Otaid Heavy Duty Dog Cage with Wheels
  • Available in black or silver.
  • 48- and 38-inch variations sold.
  • Made of alloy steel, with plastic used for some parts.
  • Easy to assemble.
Check Amazon

5. Best for Dog Groomers: PAMPELLYA Heavy Duty Dog Cage

If you’re a dog groomer then check out the PAMPELLYA Heavy Duty Dog Cage which is perfect for groomers who deal with wet dogs.

The stainless steel construction ensures that the cage will last a long time, even when coming into contact with water. Many features make this cage a great fit for grooming purposes, including a non-slip PVC floor to protect the dog’s paws (especially puppies). Another feature is the three doors to access the inside — each comes with a dual-function safety buckle to keep the doors open when you need access and to keep the doors closed to prevent your dog from escaping.

The cage is easy to assemble and disassemble whenever you need to and has been designed to be easy to clean. Positioning and transporting the cage is effortless as it comes with optional castor wheels — perfect for getting the dogs to and from where they need to be without worrying about leashes.

Unfortunately, this cage is an expensive option, and it is quite heavy to move around.

Pros and Cons of the PAMPELLYA Heavy Duty Dog Crate

ProsCons
This cage is made from durable stainless steel.It is more expensive than other options.
It has a non-slip PVC floor.It is heavy to move around.
It has three doors, all of which have dual function safety buckles.
Best for Dog Groomers
PAMPELLYA Heavy Duty Dog Kennel
  • Available in 37 or 48.4 inches.
  • Made of alloy steel and polyvinyl chloride.
  • Includes a non-slip, PVC board to help protect pets' feet.
  • Removable plastic tray is easy to clean.
  • Foldable.
Check Amazon

6. Best With Divider: Confote Double-Deck Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Dog Cage With Divider

If you prefer a case with a divider so you can house multiple dogs at the same time then we suggest the Confote Double-Deck Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Dog Cage With Divider.

This cage is perfect for professionals who work with dogs as it is an incredibly sturdy dog cage that features four lockable wheels, double doors, and removable trays. This dog cage is made of stainless steel, which means it is built to last! It is also built with many different dog sizes in mind. When the divider is placed, two medium-sized dogs can fit. When the divider is not in place, a large dog can fit. The cage is also very easy to assemble and clean. With four removable trays, you can clean your dog’s messes quickly and easily.

However, this is a premium product and is priced accordingly, so this dog cage is not for everyone.

Pros and Cons of the Confote Double-Deck Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Dog Cage With Divider

ProsCons
This cage is made from durable stainless steel.It is a premium and expensive product.
It comes with a divider so you can house two dogs in it at the same time.
It features four removable trays which make cleaning a breeze.
It has four lockable wheels.
Best Dog Cage With Divider
Confote Double-Deck Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Dog Cage Kennel Crate with Divider
  • Available in 42 or 48 inches, with a double deck option for the 48-inch crate.
  • Made of stainless steel.
  • Easy to assemble and clean.
  • Has a double-door design.
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

  • Durability: Make sure the product you buy lasts a good amount of time. There’s no use in buying a dog cage that doesn’t last!
  • Different sizes: If you are a professional who works with dogs, ensure you purchase dog cages in different sizes so that you can care for both large and small dogs.
  • Functionality: For example, if you are a dog boarder, a functional dog cage may be one with shelving to put the animal’s belongings on it. If you are a dog groomer, a functional cage may be one with multiple tiers.
  • Easy-to-clean: Dog messes can be hard to clean, so getting a dog cage that makes the job easy is worth the money.
  • Material: You can buy heavy-duty dog cages or fine-wire dog cages. Depending on the types of dogs you see, the type of material is a great criterion to look out for.

About the Author

Lev is a writer at AZ Animals who primarily covers topics on animals, geography, and plants. He has been writing for more than 4 years and loves researching topics and learning new things. His three biggest loves in the world are music, travel, and animals. He has his diving license and loves sea creatures. His favorite animal in the world is the manta ray.

The Best Dog Cages for Professional Boarders, Groomers, and More FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Can you leave a dog in a cage overnight?

Absolutely! The cage can act as a safe haven for dogs and can help them sleep well overnight. Be sure to remove the dog’s collar before they enter the cage, though.

What are the signs of distress a dog can display when in a cage?

Signs of distress include heavy panting, hypersalivation, persistent howling, and more. If your dog displays these behaviors, talk to the owner about it and suggest some training options to make them more comfortable.

Can I keep multiple dogs in one cage?

Generally, it is not a good idea to keep more than one dog per cage. Unless they can fit comfortably and come from the same household, a cage is too small a space to keep multiple dogs in and may encourage nervousness and fighting.

Do I need to buy the most expensive cage?

You do not have to buy the most expensive cage available, but you need to remember that you get what you pay for. There is a sweet spot in the middle range where quality is proportional to cost. You shouldn’t go for the cheapest option either, as these are usually made with subpar materials and poor build quality.

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