Petmate Vari Kennel 24"

I have an 11 pound cat that is very long, like not fat just big. This carrier is a perfect size for him. I bought a cheap 24" L x 18" W x 11.2" MidWest Bolster Pet Bed and it fits nicely and he seems to feel comfortable on it. He urinated in the carrier once and the pet bed absorded all the pee, and was very easy to wash after, just FYI... Anyway, he did seem very comfortable in the carrier and even went in there to sleep a few times after the three trips he's taken it it (once the bed was washed) so he must find it cozy in there. Some other reviewers have complained about the build quality or lightness of the plastic of this particular size when compared to the bigger ones but I think it's well made (and have used other carriers of the same size that I have felt I needed to hold from the bottom because they felt flimsy). If it were any heavier, it would be impossible to carry for more than a few steps (in the case of weaker people). It has both a clip-on top but also bolts and I appreciate that it has both. Some people opt to just use the clips but I would be worried the top would come off (a lot of the carriers with a top door only have clips or else the top door is where the handle is placed and I have noticed a lot of review of those other carriers mention that the bottom dropped or door opened rendering handle useless while the animal was in transit!). Consequently, I prefer a carrier for my cat without a top door. I find I have little if no trouble getting my cat in a carrier (I just place the carrier with the door at the top and lower my cat in quickly and even if he protests, he doesn't have time to refuse). Anyway, the thing seems sturdy to me and I guess because it's made for a dog, it also has a little more height so my tall cat can adjust more easily. It was also pretty easy to put together, only took five minutes or so...

The Vari-Kennel in the 40" size is the home of Riley, our now 15-week-old German shepherd dog puppy. Like most new dog owners wise enough to realize that crate training is the only way to go, I anguished over metal crate or plastic crate. Well I finally decided to go for the Vari-Kennel after reading a lot of forum accounts of dogs getting injured in their metal crates. But that said, it was still a toss up because this big giant plastic airline-certified crate is big, and appears bigger than a like-sized metal crate that you can see though. But once it was in the house, my hypothalamus kicked in and it became part of the background noise of our quiet open-architecture house. The crate is really well-made. It comes in two halves and you simply mate the upper and lower and use the enclosed hardware (thumbscrews) to secure it. No tools necessary. The gate mechanism is solid and Riley has not challenged its security. It's wicked easy to clean, too, which I accomplish by wiping it out with lysol wipes and then hitting it with our hand steamer, just to prevent any parasites/ova/cysts from hanging around in there. Now the important part: Riley digs it. I mean, he loves it. This is his den from puppyhood at 9 weeks until the end of his long life. When he first came home, we had it all set up with a nice soft bed (Midwest Quiet Time Pet Bed Deluxe Tan Ombre Swirl 35" x 23") and I placed a big plastic file box in the back of it to function as a partition. As you know, the partition is critical in house training your pup - at first, all she needs is room to turn around and reposition herself in the crate ... any other space and she'll get busy in the there if you know what I mean. By the time Riley was 12 weeks, he was 100% housetrained (with a 1-week safety factor, just to make sure) and we were able to pull the partition and give him the whole crate for the big puppy stretch-out thing ... which is remarkably cute. Now all we have to say is Go To Camp! and he hustles into the crate and does a 180-degree turn and sits and waits for his treat. Sweet. One last thing: if he gets barky or whiny or old-man hrumph-y in the crate, we just lay a blanket over the crate and he quiets right down. Remarkably quickly. Not sure why it works so well but I'm not going to question the Puppy Gods over it. Maybe that will work for you, too. **UPDATE** Riley's now 6 months old and 60 pounds. This size crate is too small for him. So whilst he can lay in it and turn around, he cannot stretch out sideways or lengthwise. Also, German Shepherd Dogs are known to flop down on their sides when they lay down, and the crate does not give him the space to pull off this behavior. Thus, we are upgrading to the next size up.

Typical kennel. Easy to put together and hopefully will work well with our upcoming trip in the RV. My only complaint is with me.... make sure you put it together where you plan to keep it. I had a heck of a time fighting to get it in the camper without having to take it fully apart. I did it, but may have taken as much time as if I had of taken apart. By that point it was me being stubborn. Size wise, our pup is 43lbs and this is for 50lb starting weight. I think it may be a little tighter quarters then I would like for my dog if he was 60-70lbs. So for us, it is perfect size.

This is a sturdy crate that works well for a dog that you cannot keep in a cloth crate. It is lighter than a metal crate.

We have a 14 lb mini-schnauzer rescue. He is high anxiety, and we have struggled with crate training him. We got the 28", and it seems to be the perfect size for him. He doesn't weigh much, but has a long, skinny body, and is tall and lanky for his weight. He is 22" long and 17" from floor to top of head when standing. It was clear that he instantly felt more comfortable with this crate, over the wire crate we first tried. I put a fluffy blanket inside, and he went in on his own and curled up! So happy. This is his new night time bed spot. It was easy to put together, has a handle, and doesn't appear to have any sharp edges or seams inside. It also doesn't have a strong plastic smell, which is fantastic.

Excellent kennel

The Petmate Vari Dog Kennel has become an indispensable part of our pet-loving family's life. Whether we're hitting the road for a family trip or simply ensuring our furry companions have their personal space at home, this kennel has proven its worth in more ways than one. **Safe and Spacious:** One of the remarkable features of this kennel is its roomy interior. Our recent foster, a 70lb pitbull, had an absolute blast in there! It's the perfect space for medium to large dogs, ensuring they stay secure and comfortable during car rides. **Cruising in Comfort:** Speaking of car rides, this kennel fits like a charm in our crossover. It's as if it was tailor-made for our vehicle. This snug fit not only keeps our pups safe but also adds a layer of convenience during our journeys. **Airline-Friendly Design:** What truly sets the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel apart is its airline-friendly design. It meets most airline cargo specifications, making it an excellent choice for pet parents who travel by air. Our pets breathe comfortably through the ventilation on all four sides, and we travel with peace of mind knowing they're secure. **Eco-Friendly and Easy to Clean:** We're also impressed by Petmate's commitment to eco-friendly materials. This kennel is made from certified recycled material, aligning with our values for sustainable pet products. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the wipeable plastic shell and the smart stay-dry moat that keeps wet accidents contained. **No-Fuss Assembly:** Assembly is a cinch, and no tools are required. We appreciate how quickly we can set up or disassemble the kennel, making it hassle-free for busy pet parents. In conclusion, the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel is a reliable, safe, and comfortable space for our furry companions, whether we're on the road or at home. It's not just a kennel; it's peace of mind. We trust Petmate's commitment to quality and eco-friendliness, and this kennel has truly changed the way we travel with our pets. Say goodbye to safety concerns and hello to stylish and secure travel with the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel!

Easy to assemble, sturdy, and lightweight. Works just as expected.