Short answer
The PDSA says dog crates should never be used "for longer than three hours at a time (less if your dog isn't used to it)"1. For puppies, the Royal Kennel Club says "do not leave your puppy in the crate for more than a couple of hours during the daytime"2.
What UK organisations say
This article answers one question from our step-by-step guide to crate training.
The two organisations word this differently, so we show them side by side rather than turn them into one number of our own.
| Organisation | Applies to | What it says |
|---|---|---|
| PDSA | Dogs | "Dog crates should never be used as punishment or for longer than three hours at a time (less if your dog isn't used to it)."1 |
| Royal Kennel Club | Puppies, in the daytime | "do not leave your puppy in the crate for more than a couple of hours during the daytime"2 |
Less if your dog isn't used to it
The PDSA's limit comes with a condition: "less if your dog isn't used to it"1. A dog new to its crate needs to build up slowly.
The RSPCA describes building up from a few minutes after meals, "until they are staying in the crate for ten minutes or so after eating"3, then building time with you out of sight "until you get to half an hour"3. See the step-by-step guide.
If your dog is distressed
The RSPCA says that signs of distress such as "panting, excessive barking, cowering or aggression" mean "you may have increased the length of time too quickly"3.
The PDSA says: "If your dog shows any signs of distress, like whining or scratching, go back to the previous stage."1
Getting help
If your dog stays distressed in or around the crate, or seems anxious when left, speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist.
While your dog is in the crate
- The RSPCA says: "Make sure they have access to water."3
- The Royal Kennel Club says: "Always remove the puppy's collar when in the crate in case it gets caught up on it."2
- The PDSA says: "Place the crate in a quiet, draught-free spot, out of direct sunlight."1
- The RSPCA says: "Crates must never be used as a punishment"3.
What about overnight?
Dogs Trust says: "Playpens can be more appropriate than crates for use at night as they offer more space for movement."4
For more, read should my dog sleep in a crate? and, for a new puppy, your puppy's first nights. Puppies also need toilet breaks overnight: Dogs Trust says: "It will take some time before your puppy can make it through the night without needing a toilet break, so be prepared to let them out regularly."5
If you need to be out for longer
We don't give our own time limits. If your routine means your dog would be crated for longer than the PDSA or Royal Kennel Club describe, a crate isn't the answer for that time. Dogs Trust says playpens offer more space for movement4; your vet or a qualified behaviourist can help you plan for your dog.
Breed crate guides
Every breed needs a slightly different crate. These guides cover UK size guidance for the breed, sizes in each brand in inches and cm, and how to measure.
- Labrador Retriever crate sizeSizes by brand, measuring and fit
- Golden Retriever crate sizeSizes by brand, measuring and fit
- Cocker Spaniel crate sizeSizes by brand, measuring and fit
- Cavapoo crate sizeSizes by brand, measuring and fit
Find your dog's crate size All breeds
Questions
How long can a dog stay in a crate during the day?
The PDSA says never longer than three hours at a time, less if your dog isn't used to it1.
How long can a puppy stay in a crate?
The Royal Kennel Club says not more than a couple of hours during the daytime2.
Can I crate my dog while I'm at work?
The PDSA says crates should never be used for longer than three hours at a time1. If you'll be out longer, speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist about other arrangements.
Why don't you give one number?
Because the PDSA and Royal Kennel Club word it differently, and they apply to different situations. We quote them exactly rather than invent our own figure.
What if my dog barks or pants in the crate?
The RSPCA says signs like panting, excessive barking, cowering or aggression mean you may have increased the time too quickly3. Go back a step, and if it continues, speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist.