Separation anxiety is one of the most stressful things a dog owner can deal with. Your dog panics when you leave, destroys their crate, injures themselves trying to escape, and you come home to bent metal and a traumatised pet. A standard wire crate doesn’t stand a chance against a truly anxious dog.
The right crate won’t cure separation anxiety on its own — that requires training, and often professional help — but it can keep your dog safe while you work on the underlying issue. We looked at the strongest, most secure, and most calming crate options available.
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Our Top 5 Dog Crates for Separation Anxiety
1. Impact Dog Crate (Collapsible) — Best Overall
The Impact Crate is built like a tank. Made from 20-gauge aluminum with rounded corners and reinforced latches, it’s designed specifically for dogs that destroy conventional crates. Despite its strength, it’s surprisingly lightweight compared to steel alternatives and collapses flat for transport.
What we like:
- 20-gauge aluminum construction — incredibly strong but lighter than steel
- Rounded corners prevent injury during escape attempts
- Slam latches on multiple sides that dogs can’t manipulate
- Collapses flat for storage and travel
- Fan-favourite among professional trainers and behaviourists
- Drain holes in the floor for easy cleaning
What could be better:
- Expensive — $400-$700 depending on size
- Heavy compared to wire crates (though lighter than steel)
- Can be noisy if your dog moves around a lot inside
- Limited ventilation compared to wire crates
Best for: Dogs with severe separation anxiety who have broken out of standard crates. The gold standard for escape-proof containment.
Price: $400–$700
2. Diggs Revol Dog Crate — Best for Crate Training
The Diggs Revol takes a different approach. Rather than being escape-proof through brute strength, it’s designed to make crate time less stressful. The diamond-mesh walls provide excellent visibility, the ceiling opens for easy access, and the puppy divider grows with your dog. It’s ideal for dogs with mild to moderate anxiety where the goal is building positive crate association.
What we like:
- Diamond-mesh design feels less cage-like — more visibility for your dog
- Ceiling opens for comfort access from above
- Built-in puppy divider (adjustable)
- Garage-style door that slides up and out of the way
- Easy to collapse and set up (one hand)
- Rounded edges throughout for safety
What could be better:
- Not escape-proof for determined dogs — this is a training crate, not a containment crate
- Expensive for a non-heavy-duty crate ($300-$500)
- Mesh can show scratches over time
- Heavier than basic wire crates
Best for: Dogs with mild anxiety who need to build positive crate associations. Excellent for puppies and crate training from scratch.
Price: $300–$500
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3. ProSelect Empire Dog Cage — Best Heavy-Duty Steel
If your large, powerful dog has bent the bars of every crate they’ve been in, the ProSelect Empire is built to handle it. It’s made from 20-gauge steel with reinforced welds and two heavy-duty door latches. This is the crate shelters and rescue organisations use for their strongest escape artists.
What we like:
- 20-gauge steel construction — the strongest option available
- Reinforced welds at every joint
- Two heavy-duty latches per door
- Removable floor tray for cleaning
- Steel frame won’t bend like aluminum under extreme pressure
- Trusted by shelters and rescue organisations
What could be better:
- Extremely heavy (up to 85 lbs for the large size)
- Doesn’t collapse — takes up permanent space
- Industrial appearance — not exactly home decor
- Floor grate can be uncomfortable without added padding
- Expensive ($300-$450)
Best for: Large, powerful dogs (Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Rottweilers) who have destroyed lighter crates. When nothing else has worked.
Price: $300–$450
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4. MidWest iCrate Double Door — Best Budget Option
Not every anxious dog needs a $500 escape-proof crate. For dogs with mild anxiety, a well-designed standard crate with a crate cover can work wonders. The MidWest iCrate is the most popular wire crate for good reason — it’s well-built, affordable, and the double doors give you flexibility in placement.
What we like:
- Very affordable ($30-$80 depending on size)
- Double doors (front and side) for flexible placement
- Includes a divider panel for puppies
- Folds flat in seconds for storage
- Leak-proof plastic pan included
- Widely available and well-reviewed
What could be better:
- Not escape-proof — anxious dogs can bend the wire
- Standard wire design looks like a cage
- Latches can be figured out by clever dogs
- Pan slides around on hard floors
Best for: Dogs with mild anxiety where the primary need is a safe, comfortable den space. Pair with a crate cover for best results.
Price: $30–$80
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5. Gunner G1 Kennel — Best for Travel + Anxiety
The Gunner G1 is a rotomoulded plastic kennel originally designed for hunting dogs travelling in trucks, but it’s become popular with anxiety dog owners for one reason: it’s virtually indestructible and feels like a secure den. The double-wall construction and limited visibility actually help some anxious dogs feel safer.
What we like:
- Rotomoulded construction — one solid piece, no weak joints
- Double-wall design is incredibly strong
- Limited visibility reduces stimulation for anxious dogs
- Crash-tested for vehicle safety (5-star rating)
- Excellent ventilation despite solid walls
- Locks with heavy-duty pins
What could be better:
- Very expensive ($400-$650)
- Heavy (50+ lbs for medium, 75+ lbs for large)
- Doesn’t collapse — permanent space commitment
- Limited visibility can increase anxiety in some dogs (test first)
- Bulky — takes up significant floor space
Best for: Dogs who feel safer in enclosed spaces and owners who also need a crash-tested travel kennel. A great dual-purpose option.
Price: $400–$650
What to Know About Crates and Separation Anxiety
A Crate Is Not a Cure
This is the most important thing to understand. A crate keeps your dog safe while you address the anxiety through training, behaviour modification, and potentially medication prescribed by your vet. Putting an anxious dog in a crate without working on the underlying issue can make the anxiety worse.
Signs Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety
True separation anxiety involves excessive distress when left alone: drooling, panting, barking or howling for extended periods, destructive behaviour focused on exits (doors, windows, crate bars), and self-injury from escape attempts. If your dog chews a shoe while you’re out but is otherwise calm, that’s boredom — not separation anxiety.
Crate Training Tips for Anxious Dogs
Go slow. Never force an anxious dog into a crate and leave. Build up gradually — treats in the crate, meals in the crate, short periods with the door closed while you’re home, then short departures.
Make it comfortable. A cosy bed, a worn t-shirt that smells like you, and a stuffed Kong can transform a crate from a prison into a den.
Use a crate cover. Many anxious dogs do better with a blanket over the crate. It reduces visual stimulation and creates a more den-like environment.
Consider calming aids. An Adaptil diffuser near the crate, calming treats, or calming music (specifically designed for dogs) can all help take the edge off.
Don’t make departures dramatic. Slip out quietly. Big emotional goodbyes actually increase anxiety.
When to Skip the Crate Entirely
Some dogs with severe separation anxiety do worse in a crate — they injure themselves trying to escape. If your dog has broken teeth, bloodied paws, or bent steel bars, crating may not be safe. Talk to a veterinary behaviourist about alternatives like an anxiety-proofed room, medication, or a combination approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I crate my dog if they have separation anxiety? It depends on the severity. For mild to moderate anxiety, a crate can provide a sense of security. For severe anxiety where the dog injures themselves trying to escape, a crate may not be appropriate. Consult a vet or behaviourist.
What size crate for an anxious dog? Your dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Too big and it doesn’t feel den-like. Too small and it’s uncomfortable. Most manufacturers have size guides based on breed.
Will a crate cover help with anxiety? Often yes. Covering the crate reduces visual stimulation and creates a more enclosed, den-like space that many dogs find calming. Use a breathable fabric and ensure adequate ventilation.
How long can I crate an anxious dog? No dog should be crated for more than 4-6 hours during the day. Anxious dogs may need even shorter periods initially. Work up gradually.
The Bottom Line
For dogs that destroy standard crates, the Impact Dog Crate is the safest escape-proof option — it’s strong enough to contain them while the rounded aluminum construction prevents injury. If your dog’s anxiety is milder and you’re focused on building positive crate associations, the Diggs Revol is beautifully designed for crate training. And if budget is a concern, the MidWest iCrate with a crate cover is a perfectly solid starting point.
Remember: the crate is a safety tool, not a solution. Pair it with proper training, patience, and professional guidance for the best outcome.