I bought a dog crate when Drum was a puppy. I hummed and hawed about it, because it wasn't especially cheap, but I went for it. Used it for six months for him as a puppy. Then got a kitten, so used it for him. Then got another puppy, so another 6 months for that.... Take it to shows with us for keeping the dog in at times if the weather is hot. Its also been used for transporting pigs, goat kids, ducks and chickens. One of the most useful things I've ever had. Oh and I've also used it as a table with a bit of wood on the top. Brilliant things.
Beth