So you’re here because your dog is a Houdini escape artist. What kind of things should you look for when you’re in the market for an escape proof dog crate?
As you’ll see in this article, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
For some people, the most important consideration is the price; if you’re a first-time buyer, you may not want to shell out $200 or more for a crate.
For others, it’s weight and portability — if you’re moving around a lot, a lighter crate might be your best bet. Still, other people are more concerned about durability and are willing to spend more to get it.
There are more than a few different brands of heavy duty escape proof dog crates readily available. So before you start, you need to choose the right style, model and size.
Why You Need an Indestructible Dog Crate
You may be wondering why you should spend the extra money on an indestructible dog crate? If you dog is a Houdini, we really cannot stress enough the importance of getting a kennel that they can’t get out of.
We will also discuss all the reasons why these types of escape proof crates are superior to other types and why you should get one for the safety of your pet.
Whether you’re looking for something fairly simple, or maybe something a little different from the ordinary, we’ll easily help you find the best heavy duty escape proof dog crate for your dog.
5 Best Heavy Duty Escape Proof Dog Crate to Buy
1. LUCKUP Heavy Duty Dog Crate
if you have a large, energetic or even aggressive dog then you need a strong crate. Many owners choose the LUCKUP Dog Crate because of its strong steel frame and almost escape-proof construction.
These large kennels are a little cheaper than the Frisco Ultimate, but is it tough enough?
Let’s find out.
Pros:
- Strong and durable frame
- Escape proof
- Spacious
- Easy to assemble and install
- Two doors
- 360˚ locking castor design
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Not for dogs who hate crates
- Not Travel approved
This escape proof dog crate comes with three different doors for different purposes. The large front door is the perfect place to let your dog in and out of the cage. There is also a door in the front that you can open to feed your pup, give him a treat or just pat him to say hello. Finally, there is a small door at the top of the crate for quick access.
It comes with castor wheels which makes it easy to move the LUCKUP around your home when you need to move it temporarily or permanently. It is also equipped with two removable catch trays that are easy to clean and reinstall if they catch debris. This will help keep your floors and the rest of your home clean.
It is available in a variety of sizes, but the 42 inch dog crate size will work for most medium and large dogs. If you’re looking for a decent quality model at a lower price, then you should check out this crate.
2. ProSelect Empire Dog Crate
This is arguably one of the best indestructible dog crate you can find right now. ProSelect Empire Dog Cage is known for safety and reliability.
It comes in different sizes. For example, dimensions are 35.75 ″ L x 23.5 ″ W x 24.5 ″ H (size M) but there is larger version available.
Pros:
- Strong and durable
- Escape-proof 20-gauge steel bars
- Available in two sizes
- Wheels can be attached or detached
- Removable tray
Cons:
- Pricey
- One front gate only
With a 20 gauge steel bars, it is more than just safe and can withstand just about anything your dog can throw at them. In addition, the crate is well made and the attention to detail is above average. We also liked that it comes with a door that is extra sturdy. In short, you get a strong and durable steel crate for your dog.
Wheels can be mounted at the bottom of the crate for easy transportation, or they can be removed if you need extra stability. There is also a removable tray, which makes cleaning much easier, as we explained above.
In general, we have a steel dog crate designed for the most problematic dogs. It’s still dog friendly and it’s made using the latest technologies. In general, the crate is built to last.
3. Impact Dog Crate
The Impact Dog Crate is a high-end industrial crate that is virtually indestructible, period. It is the only IATA approved heavy duty dog crate in this article.
This pricey crate was built to be indestructible. This low-profile solid crate is both lightweight and strong; providing the perfect blend of comfort and safety for your pet.
To top it all off, this crate is highly portable and airline approved. As the name implies, it also collapses into a suitcase-like shape only 8 inches high. Check out the Impact Dog Crate Review and see if your dog needs this beast of a crate.
4. Frisco Ultimate Heavy Duty Dog Crate
This oversized dog crate is from a brand you can trust, and it’s built to the highest standards in every way.
Pros:
- 22-gauge high-grade steel construction.
- Two dog crate sizes that fit most breeds.
- 1/2″ diameter steel tubing.
- Single door with impeccable dual-locks.
- Premium castor wheels with foot brakes.
- Removable tray for cleaning.
- Powder-coated finish.
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not IATA Approved
The Frisco Ultimate is made from 22 gauge, high strength steel with 1/2 ″ diameter rods. The steel is powder coated for a smooth finish and welded at stress points for ultimate safety in this heavy duty dog crate.
You can rest assured that your dog will not simply find its way between the bars of this nearly indestructible dog crate, but more importantly, you can be sure that you have provided him with a top quality place to call home.
There’s more to it than an incredibly well-designed frame though. The Frisco Ultimate comes fully equipped with dual locks built like we’ve never seen before. The Frisco Ultimate is about as close to an escape-proof dog crate as you can expect today.
5. Smith Built Heavy-Duty Dog Crate
Lastly on our list of the best heavy duty escape proof dog crates is the Smith Built heavy-duty dog crate. It is one of the cheapest escape proof dog crates you can get.
Pros:
Cons:
- Not IATA Approved
When it comes to budget models, this heavy duty crate is best in class and the only budget model we would recommend. Just because the price is lower doesn’t mean it’s weak. There are two slide bolt locks that keep the front door closed and one lock that secures the top.
However, we recommend buying a durable padlock that matches the latches for added security as some people say they can be broken by very aggressive dogs.
Cleaning is not a problem with this heavy-duty kennel, as there is a good steel bottom plate. It’s not made for travel, but is still somewhat portable with the four wheels. Two of them can be locked so that it stays put when needed.
What breed of dog is a heavy duty crate for?
Different breeds need different kinds of crate. The first thing you want to consider is how big and strong your dog is.
For a very strong breed like a pit bull, you’ll want to buy a gorilla-strong, heavy-duty crate like the Impact Case or the ProSelect Empire, both of which are safe and nearly indestructible.
On the other hand, if your dog is on the smaller side, you may be able to get away without having 20 gauge steel construction. In this case, you can probably get the Smith Built crate, but beware there are reports of stronger breeds like pit bulls destroying this cage!
Wrapping up… Best Escape Proof Dog Crate
There are hundreds of heavy duty dog crates on the market today, and we’ve selected our top 5 best escape proof heavy duty dog crates above. A heavy duty escape proof dog crate can provide you with peace of mind and your pet with a safe and secure den.
