The best dog crate with a sliding door overall is the Cardinal Gates Sliding Door Pet Crate, which looks like a classic wire crate but has doors that slide open instead of swinging out. Because a sliding door needs no clearance in front of the crate, it's a smart choice for tight spaces, hallways or crates tucked next to furniture.
In this post, we’ll be discussing our top 5 picks for the best dog crates with sliding doors.
What makes a dog crate with a sliding door better?
Before we take a look at the 5 best options, let’s go over why a sliding door is a better option.
1Easier to access
The sliding door of the crate gives you effortless access to your pup in an instant. No need for lifting and stepping aside, just pull back the door with one smooth motion and get to him or her without having to reach over their head.
2Just as secure
A good sliding door crate latches just as securely as a crate with a swinging door. Look for sturdy latches and a door that sits snugly in its track, so a determined dog can't push or nose it open.
3Saves room
Because a sliding door doesn’t swing out, you don’t need to leave space in front of the crate to open it. That means you can fit one in tight spots, such as next to a sofa, in a narrow hallway or under a window, where a swinging door would get in the way.
What to check before you buy
Whichever crate you choose, make sure your dog can stand up, turn around and lie down stretched out inside it. Check that the door glides smoothly and can't be lifted out of its track, and that there are no gaps or sharp edges where a paw or jaw could get caught. Wooden furniture crates look great, but they are best for dogs that are already calm in a crate rather than heavy chewers.
5 best dog crates with a sliding door
With the benefits in mind, let’s take a look at the 5 best options:
At a glance
5 picks, each best at something different
Check priceBest Overall
Cardinal Gates Sliding Door Pet Crates
4.9
Check priceBest Comfort
Unipaws Sliding Door Dog Crate
4.8
Check priceBest Budget
Lucky Dog Glide Sliding Door Dog Crate
4.7
Check priceBest Design
Hzuaneri Dog Crate Furniture with Barn Door
4.3
Check priceBest Divider Crate
Idealhouse Sliding Barn Door Dog Crate
4.6
1Cardinal Gates Sliding Door Pet Crates
Why We Love It
“It looks like a conventional crate but with the convenience of a sliding door.”
Are you searching for a convenient, secure way to give your pup access while still keeping them safe? Look no further than the Cardinal Gates Sliding Door Pet Crate! This remarkable crate has two sliding doors which don’t require tools or complicated assembly.
Not only is this product lightweight and easily transportable, it’s also simple to move around your home as needed. Moreover, its powder-coated metal build ensures that it will stand up against wear and tear over time.
What we don’t like: It doesn’t come with any cushioning or padding, so you’ll need to add some yourself if desired. However, this is quite common with crates.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Easy to set up
- Powder-coated metal build is durable and long lasting
- Has two sliding doors for improved access, convenience and security
Cons
- Doesn't come with any cushioning or padding, so you'll need to purchase this separately
2Unipaws Sliding Door Dog Crate
Why We Love It
“the elegant dual-purpose aspect of this dog crate, which allows it to double as a side table, end table or nightstand.”
Are you searching for both comfort and ease? The Unipaws Sliding Door Dog Crate could be the ideal fit! Its sliding door is designed to fit in nearly any space, while its wide top allows a variety of decorations and items.
Plus, it offers an included cushion so your pet can relax with complete coziness. It also grants ample ventilation as well as a full view of the surrounding area – giving your pup plenty of opportunity to take in their environment!
What we don’t like: The price is quite high compared to other crates.
Pros
- Sliding door design fits in nearly any space
- Wide top for decorations and items
- Included cushion offers a comfy place to relax
- Ventilation and full view of surrounding area
- Elegant dual-purpose design
Cons
- Price is quite high compared to other crates
3Lucky Dog Glide Sliding Door Dog Crate
Why We Love It
“Great bang for your buck! This crate has all the features you’d expect from a higher-end model, but at an affordable price.”
If you’re in search of a budget-friendly and secure crate for your furry friend, then the Lucky Dog Glide Sliding Door Dog Crate is perfect for you! Its lightweight design makes it easy to move around, while its patented sliding door system offers an effortless way for pets to enter and exit.
This well-designed structure features robust wire construction and rust-resistant e-coating for long-lasting durability. In addition, corner stabilizers provide extra reinforcement, while 90 degree safety latches keep your furry friend securely inside the crate. Rest assured that this one of a kind pet home is built to last!
What we don’t like: The top handle is not as sturdy as we’d like it to be.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Patented sliding door system for effortless entry and exit
- Robust wire construction
- Leak-proof
Cons
- Top handle not as sturdy
- No extra cushioning or padding included
4Hzuaneri Dog Crate Furniture with Barn Door
If you want a crate that doubles as a piece of furniture, the Hzuaneri Dog Crate Furniture is worth a look. According to the listing, it has a sliding barn door on the front that saves space, plus a side door with a multi-lock, so your dog can get in and out from two directions.
The boards are chipboard with a wear-resistant, easy-to-clean surface, and the bars are 0.4-inch steel tubes with double-welded points. Hzuaneri says the board edges aren’t exposed to the dog, to discourage chewing, and the top has a maximum weight capacity of 220 lbs, so it can be used as an end table, coffee table or TV stand.
The interior measures 29.3 x 19 x 22.6 inches (L x W x H), which the listing says suits small and medium dogs such as French Bulldogs, Corgis and Dachshunds.
What we like the most: the sliding barn door plus a second side door, in a crate that also works as an end table.
What we don’t like: it’s only sized for small and medium dogs.
Pros
- Space-saving sliding barn door
- Extra side door with multi-lock
- Steel tubes with double-welded points
- Tabletop rated for up to 220 lbs
Cons
- Only fits small and medium dogs
- Chipboard panels rather than solid wood
5Idealhouse Sliding Barn Door Dog Crate
Why We Love It
“We love that this crate includes two separate rooms with slide-out doors, offering security for your pup.”
Need a way to train nervous pups and keep them safe? The Idealhouse Sliding Barn Door Dog Crate is the ideal solution for pet owners searching for a divider in their crate. By narrowing an anxious dog’s space, they can be more easily trained to remain calm while being safeguarded from potential harm at the same time.
Not only does the crate come equipped with an impressive divider panel, it also features a number of other helpful components. Its flip-top cover provides easy access to clean and manage items stored inside while its robust metal latch on the door ensures extra security for both pup and owner alike.
What we don’t like: The price is a bit on the higher side.
Pros
- Two separate rooms with slide-out doors
- Heavy duty wire construction for strength and durability
- Full view mesh to monitor your pet
- Rustic design fits any home decor
Cons
- Price can be on the higher side
- No extra cushioning or padding included
- Style may not fit modern decor
Which dog crate with a sliding door should you choose?
While all 5 options above are great, they all have their unique features and advantages. We already put their most unique features and pros & cons, so it’s up to you which one suits your pup’s needs the most. Here’s a quick summary to give you an idea of what to look for:
- If you’re looking for a conventional crate look and not too high of a price, then the Cardinal Gates Sliding Door Pet Crate is an ideal choice.
- If comfort is the most important factor, then the Unipaws Sliding Door Dog Crate is a great option.
- Low on a budget? Check out Lucky Dog Glide’s Sliding Door Dog Crate.
- Feeling fancy? The Hzuaneri Dog Crate Furniture is your go-to.
- If you’re in need of a divider, then the Idealhouse Sliding Barn Door Dog Crate is your best option.
Final Thoughts – Our Guide
We provided you a comprehensive guide to the top 5 best dog crates with sliding doors, so now you can choose the one that fits your pup’s needs. From traditional designs to divider options, we have something for everyone. We hope this guide has been helpful in making your decision and wish you all the best on finding the perfect crate for your fur-baby.
If you have two dogs, our guide to double dog crate furniture for two dogs is worth a look, and if your crate lacks a divider, try these universal dog crate divider panel ideas. For heavy chewers, also read what to put in a dog crate for chewers.
