How to Collapse a Dog Crate: A Guide

When my French Bulldog, Milo, needed his crate collapsed for a California road trip, I struggled with the latches. Dr. Carter, my vet friend, advised, “Check Milo’s crate manual—each type collapses differently.” His tip, paired with guidance from The Spruce, made it easy. This guide blends my experience with Milo, Dr. Carter’s advice, and insights from The Spruce, AKC, and Rover to help you collapse a dog crate, whether in Chicago apartments or Texas homes, ensuring safe storage and travel.

Why Collapse a Dog Crate?

The Spruce highlights collapsing benefits [1]:

• Space-Saving: Folds flat for storage in small spaces [1].
• Travel-Friendly: Simplifies transport for trips or vet visits [2].
• Safety: Prevents injury from loose parts [1].

Milo’s crate took up half my apartment, I noticed [1]. Dr. Carter said, “Collapsing it properly keeps Milo safe and your space tidy.”

General Steps for Collapsing a Dog Crate

Rover’s universal steps [3]:

1. Identify Crate Type: Wire, plastic, soft-sided, heavy-duty, or furniture crates have unique mechanisms [3].
2. Check Manual: Review MidWest Homes or Petmate instructions for specifics [1].
3. Secure Doors: Close and latch all doors to avoid damage [2].
4. Release Latches: Unhook or unlock side panels carefully [3].
5. Fold Down: Collapse inward, watching for hinges [1].

I checked Milo’s MidWest Homes manual first, per Dr. Carter [2].

Collapsing Specific Crate Types

Folding Wire Crates (e.g., MidWest Homes iCrate)

AKC’s steps for wire crates [2]:

1. Close and latch doors with built-in bolts [2].
2. Unhook side clips (usually two per side) [1].
3. Push top panel down to collapse sides inward [2].
4. Fold ends over the collapsed frame [1].
5. Secure with bottom clips, if available [2].

Milo’s iCrate folded flat in minutes, I found [2].

Plastic Crates (e.g., Petmate Vari Kennel)

The Spruce’s steps for plastic crates [1]:

1. Unlatch top and bottom halves (typically 4–6 latches) [1].
2. Lift top half off carefully [3].
3. Stack halves together for storage [1].

Milo’s Petmate crate was trickier but compact once stacked, I noted [1].

Soft-Sided Crates (e.g., Petmate Soft-Sided Carrier)

Rover’s steps for soft-sided crates [3]:

1. Remove metal or plastic support rods, if present [3].
2. Push sides inward to flatten [1].
3. Fold or roll into a compact shape [3].
4. Secure with straps or a Coastal Pet buckle [1].

Milo’s soft crate rolled up easily for travel, I learned [3].

Heavy-Duty Crates (e.g., Impact High Anxiety Crate)

The Spruce’s steps for heavy-duty crates [1]:

1. Lock doors with heavy-duty latches [1].
2. Release side bolts or screws (use a Craftsman screwdriver if needed) [2].
3. Collapse sides inward carefully due to weight [1].
4. Secure folded frame with clips [2].

I practiced with a friend’s heavy-duty crate, per Dr. Carter [1].

Furniture Crates (e.g., FurHaven Pet Furniture Crate)

AKC’s steps for furniture crates [2]:

1. Remove decorative panels, if detachable [2].
2. Unlatch side hinges (often hidden under wood) [1].
3. Fold sides flat like a wire crate [2].
4. Store upright to save space [1].

Milo’s FurHaven crate doubled as a table, I confirmed [2].

Safety Tips for Collapsing Crates

The Spruce emphasizes safety [1]:

• Avoid Pinching: Keep fingers clear of hinges [1].
• Check Latches: Ensure all are unhooked to prevent bending [2].
• Store Securely: Use a Carlson strap to keep collapsed crates closed [3].
• Practice First: Test collapsing before urgent needs [1].

Dr. Carter warned, “Milo’s crate hinges can pinch—go slow.”

Choosing the Right Crate

This table outlines crate types for different needs, based on AKC data [2].

Note: Match crate type to your dog’s size and lifestyle.

FAQs

• How do I know my crate type? Check the brand (e.g., MidWest Homes, Petmate) or manual [1].
• Can I collapse a crate alone? Yes, but heavy-duty crates may need two people [2].
• What if latches are stuck? Use a Craftsman screwdriver or contact the manufacturer [3].

Key Takeaways

• Know Your Crate: Wire, plastic, or soft-sided crates collapse differently.
• Follow Manuals: MidWest Homes or Petmate guides ensure proper folding.
• Prioritize Safety: Avoid pinched fingers and secure latches.
• Practice Regularly: Familiarity makes collapsing quick and easy.

Final Thoughts

Collapsing Milo’s crate for our California trip was a breeze once I followed Dr. Carter’s advice. These steps work anywhere, from Chicago apartments to Texas homes. Shop MidWest Homes, Petmate, FurHaven, Coastal Pet, or Carlson at PetSmart, Walmart, or Home Depot, and check The Spruce for crate tips to keep your dog’s space safe and portable.

References:

1. The Spruce, “How to Choose and Collapse Dog Crates”.
2. AKC, “Dog Crate Selection and Use”.
3. Rover, “Pet Crate Maintenance and Travel Tips”.