When it comes to traveling with your small dog or cat, having a reliable and secure kennel is essential to ensure both comfort and safety. The Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel for Small Dogs is designed with these priorities in mind. Crafted in the USA with durable materials and eco-conscious manufacturing, this heavy-duty travel crate promises to be a sturdy shelter for your pet during trips, vet visits, or even daily transport. In this review, we’ll explore what makes this kennel stand out, its features, and whether it lives up to customer expectations.
Key Features
The Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel offers several thoughtful features tailored to meet the needs of pet owners on the go:
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Durable Construction: The kennel is built with a heavy-duty plastic shell reinforced by metal screws and covered door posts. This design provides robust protection against the rigors of travel while ensuring the crate maintains its shape and strength over time.
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360-Degree Ventilation: Multiple ventilation openings surround the kennel, providing constant airflow and helping keep your pet cool and comfortable. The vents also increase visibility, which can reduce your pet’s anxiety by allowing them to see outside.
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Secure, Easy-to-Use Latch: The door features a secure latch that offers a strong lock to prevent accidental escapes, yet it’s designed for convenient one-handed opening, which can be a relief when handling pets and luggage simultaneously.
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Tool-Free Assembly: You can assemble the kennel quickly without needing any tools, thanks to the metal screws system. This feature makes packing and unpacking for travel hassle-free.
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Raised Interior and Tie-Down Holes: The raised floor helps keep your pet elevated from damp or dirty surfaces, while tie-down holes ensure that the kennel can be anchored securely during vehicle travel for enhanced safety.
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Eco-Friendly Materials: Made with recycled plastic, the kennel supports environmentally conscious consumers. The smooth surfaces are easy to clean and maintain, which is important for hygiene.
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Size and Compliance: The 21-inch length model is geared towards pets up to 15 lbs, making it ideal for small dogs or cats. It meets most airline cargo regulations, though checking with your airline prior to travel is advisable.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
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- Many users praise the kennel’s solid build quality and heavy-duty feel, considering it excellent value for money.
- Its ease of assembly and sturdy latch design receive frequent positive mentions.
- The airflow system and ventilation are effective in maintaining pet comfort.
- Environmentally friendly materials and simple cleaning are welcomed features.
- Suitable for travel, especially for transporting cats, as noted by multiple customer reviews.
Cons:
- Some customers find the size smaller than expected, which could make the kennel cramped for certain pets at the upper end of the weight limit.
- The beige color option draws mixed opinions, with a few users noting the actual color differs from product images.
- Durability can be inconsistent; a minority of reviews mention parts of the kennel, such as the top, cracking with use.
- While secure, a few users experienced difficulty with the latch after extended travel usage.
Who Is It For?
The Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel for Small Dogs is a solid choice for pet owners with small breeds or cats weighing up to 15 pounds who require a reliable, airline-approved kennel for travel or everyday transportation. It’s well suited for those who prioritize durable construction and ease of use, especially for frequent travelers who value ventilation and pet comfort. On the other hand, those with slightly larger pets or looking for a more spacious interior might want to consider a larger size variant or alternative products.
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Final Thoughts
Overall, the Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel for Small Dogs offers a balanced combination of sturdy construction, convenience, and pet comfort. It earns high marks for being easy to assemble, secure, and well-ventilated, making it a practical choice for small pets on the move. While some size and durability concerns have been reported, the majority of users find this kennel reliable and effective for air travel or car trips. If you’re searching for an eco-friendly, tough, and thoughtfully designed kennel, the Petmate Ultra Vari could be the dependable travel companion your little friend needs.
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