The Carlson 6008 DS is a compact single-door metal crate sized for extra-small to small dogs, and at $39.99 with 11,900 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it's one of the most proven budget options for small breed crate training.
Owners of extra-small to small dogs who want an affordable, no-frills single-door crate for home use or crate training.
Skip if
You have a medium or larger dog, since this is sized specifically for extra-small to small breeds at 24 x 18 x 20.5 inches.
Best for Indoor, Kennel, Pet Daycare, Travel
Breed size Small
Weight 12 Pounds
Priced 43% below the category median ($69.99 across 101 tracked models)
Our scorecard
4.6/5overall
Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 11,900 owner ratings
Popularity4.5/5
11,900 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other dog and cat food, health, gear and grooming we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
['This Carlson crate is built for extra-small to small dogs, with a folding alloy steel frame, a single front door, and a removable tray for easy cleanup. Carlson backs it with a 6 month limited warranty.', "It includes a multi-point locking system on the door and ships with an instruction manual, and at 12 lbs it's light enough to move around the house without much effort. The 24 by 18 by 20.5 inch footprint keeps it compact for apartments or smaller rooms.", "At $39.99, it's priced as an entry-level crate, and with 11,900 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it has one of the stronger review counts in the small crate category, a good sign for anyone budget-shopping this size."]
Pros
Strong 4.6 star rating across nearly 12,000 reviews
Affordable price point at $39.99
Multi-point locking system on the single door
Removable tray for cleanup
Lightweight at 12 lbs, easy to move
Cons
Single door only, no side access option
Sized only for extra-small to small dogs at 24 x 18 x 20.5 inches
6 month warranty is shorter than some competitors
Specifications
Best for
Indoor, Kennel, Pet Daycare, Travel
Breed size
Small
Weight
12 Pounds
Performance notes
The alloy steel frame folds flat and includes a removable tray, which is the main cleanup feature here rather than any leak-proof coating claim. The multi-point locking system on the single door is worth noting for owners of dogs that tend to nose or paw at standard latch doors.
What buyers say
With 11,900 reviews and a 4.6 star average, this is one of the most reviewed crates in its size class, and the high rating at that volume suggests it holds up consistently for small breed owners.
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