Best Plastic Dog Crate Choices

A plastic dog crate makes an affordable, durable, hygienic and portable 'den' for your puppy or dog.

Plus they're almost a 'magic wand' when it comes to house training, and the most popular (and airline preferred) option for air travel.

If you've just brought a puppy, or dog, into your family.. a crate (often also known as a dog kennel) is one piece of equipment you don't want to be without.

There are many different designs and brands on the market.

Large pet stores often stock a variety  of the small/medium sizes, but the large/x-large-giant ones can be difficult to find.

More choices and the best prices, are usually found online,

There are lots of things to consider when choosing a plastic dog crate for housebreaking/general use and for air travel.

To make it a little easier for you I've put together a selection of some of the best plastic dog crates available.

• Small Dogs: Housebreaking & General Use
• Small Dogs: Air Travel
• Medium/Large Dogs: Housebreaking & General Use
• Medium/Large Dogs: Air Travel

Best All-Purpose Plastic Dog Crates

Petmate products are made by the Doskocil Manufacturing Co in Texas. and this popular brand offers one of the widest range of crate/kennel styles on the market - and are consistently among the most popular choices with pet owners in the USA.

A plastic dog crate is the best choice to use when crate training your puppy because it's sturdy, easy to clean and the least-expensive option.

There are several different styles to choose from, each one carefully designed and with a range of well-thought out design options to suit specific needs.

Best Plastic Crates For Small Dogs

Not all dog crates are created equally in terms of the features they have, or the purpose they're best suited for.

A crate for housebreaking needs to be easy to take apart and put back together, easy to clean, portable and sturdy.

If you're looking for a dog crate that Fido is going to be using for air travel then size requirements and design needs are much more specific.

Although a crate which has been specifically designed to be used for airline travel can usually work well for house training, the reverse is often not the case.

Housebreaking & General Use:

The Petmate Fashion Vari Kennel is another sturdy, durable crate with all the features of the Vari Kennel above, plus a choice of two attractive color combos - Pearl Raspberry/Black and Pearl Peacock Blue/Black.

Also has a one year limited manufacturers warranty.

Available in two sizes for small pups/dogs, 19"L (for dogs up to 10lbs) and 24"L (for dogs up to 20lbs).

Both the Petmate Vari Kennels are airline approved but you need to check specific size and other requirements with your airline before traveling. 

Many airline approved crates are only suitable for a pet traveling in the cargo hold as they don't fit under the seats in the main body of the plane.

In addition to the Vari Kennel crates there are some other good choices, each with slightly different features/designs/sizes.

As this is an important piece of equipment, and you'll be using it a lot (and most likely buying more than one as your pup grows) it's worth taking your time choosing so that you get the best fit for your needs, at the best price you can.

Air Travel:

For airline travel choose the sturdiest crate you can afford which is airline approved and is confirmed to meet IATA regulations, which include suitable crate dimensions, ventilation, documentation, labeling, food and water and more.

Click on this link for the IATA dog crate requirements for airline travel.

Dog crates that are manufactured with air/car travel in mind tend to be a bit narrower (and often a little taller) than all-purpose crates.

This is to help prevent your pup from being thrown around while the car/plane is in motion. It also means that they take up less floor space.

Of course these types of crates/carriers can still be used for house-breaking, but keep an eye on that growing puppy to make sure he doesn't get cramped without you noticing!

Petmate Kennel Cabs are the ultimate in safety and comfort for your airborne pup.

Constructed from durable but lightweight molded plastic (25% recycled material).

Fully airline-approved and conforms to International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations.

Complete with secure, but easy open/close latches and door locking system, small storage compartment on top (handy for treats, paperwork, leash etc.) and seatbelt slot for safe car travel.

Available in a variety of two-tone color combo's and four sizes (two for smaller dogs)

Small: 24"L x 16.7"H x 14.5"W

Medium: 26.2"L x 16.5"H x 18.6"W

The Petmate Sky Kennel meets the requirements of most airlines. 

Made in the USA from 25% recycled materials, door with secure four-way latching system, sturdy heavy-duty nuts and bolts and plenty of air vents for Fido's comfort.

'Live Animals' is printed on the outside of this dog crate.

The IRIS Deluxe Pet Travel Carrier meets IATA requirements and comes in three sizes (XS, S & M).

Best Plastic Crates For Medium To Large Dogs

A plastic dog crate for  your medium, large or extra-large dog needs to be super-sturdy and easy to clean.

Crates of this size can only travel in the cargo hold of airplanes and the large/X-large/giant versions need a good sized SUV if  you plan on using them for travel.

Airline approved crates work fine for housebreaking, and vice versa, but if you're only planning on having Fido use his kennel at home you don't need to shell out for the most expensive and durable design (unless he's Houdini).

Housebreaking & General Use:

A great fit for this category is the Petmate Vari Kennel Ultra, a 'new-and-improved' version of the classic Petmate Vari Kennel.

Constructed from light, high-density plastic (95% pre-consumer recycled material) this dog crate works well at home and is the perfect crate-training tool and comfy 'den' for your dog.

It's also sturdy and comfortable enough to be used for car/air travel (medium to large size dog crates travel in the cargo hold) and is airline approved.

This 'Ultra' version comes complete with sturdy steel door with 'squeeze-latch' handle/lock, metal grid side air vent panels, interior moat, plastic-and-non-corrosive metal heavy duty 'Fast-Nut' hardware for securing top and bottom sections, extra tie-down holes around door to allow for extra zip-tie security if necessary.. and more.

Available in a choice of colors, and there are four sizes to fit medium to giant dogs:

Medium: 28"L x 21.5"H x 20.5"W

Large: 32"L x 24"H x 22.5"W

X-Large: 39"L x 30"H x 26"W

Giant: 48"L x 35"H x 32"W

Air Travel

The Petmate Sky Kennel is one touch crate, but at an affordable price - and it's the perfect way to keep your puppy or dog safe and sound en-route to his destination (whether it's by road, rail or air).

Made from heavy-duty, extra-strong plastic with sturdy steel door, metal wire side air-vents and extra ventilation cut-outs in rear.

Petmate Sky Kennel for Pets - Large

'Squeeze-latch' door handle (3 largest sizes have a 4-point locking door for added security), plastic and non-corrosive metal wing nuts, leak-proof bottom and the words LIVE ANIMALS printed on the exterior of the shell - this plastic dog crate is ready to go anywhere.

IATA (International Airline Transportation Association) approved, and available in SIX sizes, there's a Sky Kennel to fit any size of dog (or cat/small pet too):

Small 21"L x 11.25"H x 16"W

Medium 28"L x 20"H x "21.5"W

Intermediate 32"L x 24"H x 22.5"W

Large 36"L x 27"H x 25"W

X_Large 39"L x 30"H x 26"W

Giant 48"L x 35"H x 32"W

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