A dog crate gives your dog a special place of its own within your home.

One of the many dog crates on the market could be the best friend you and your pet will ever have. While it may seem like a sort of "cage" to you and I, your animal will regard it as his own personal, indoor, dog house -- a security blanket of sorts, where he can go to sleep or escape. Travel models have the added advantage of providing the comfort of home for your animal while in different or strange surroundings.

Crates come in many different shapes, styles, and sizes. A general rule of thumb about dog crates is that they should only be big enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down easily in. Ideally, it should be just large enough for the animal to sleep on its side, with its legs stretched out. When buying a travel model, measure your vehicle first to make sure it will fit, or you could be in for a nasty surprise!

So how much do dog crates cost?

You can expect to pay in the range of $50-$125 for a quality model for medium to large-sized animals. While this might seem a bit steep, keep in mind that it will most likely last your pet's entire life, and even beyond. Properly used, they can provide true happiness for both owner and pet, and the initial cost will soon be forgotten.

This can be a difficult purchase for those with growing puppies. If it's within your budget, you might want to check out the crates that include dividers, so your new crate can grow along with your puppy as time goes on.

For the largest selection, and often the best price, your best bet may be some of the bigger pet retailers on the internet. You'll find various materials, styles, and prices. Some are sturdier. Some are more convenient than others. No matter which way you go, dog crates can go a long way to providing a "home within a home" for your pet.