When it comes to traveling with your furry friend, ensuring their safety and comfort is paramount. The Petmate Vari Dog Kennel offers a reliable solution for pet owners looking for a durable, easy-to-use, and airline-friendly carrier tailored for large dogs. Whether for car rides, air travel, or at-home use, this kennel promises a combination of sturdiness and convenience designed to keep your dog secure and comfortable throughout the journey.
Key Features of the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel
The design of the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel focuses on durability, versatility, and pet comfort. Here’s a closer look at what makes this crate stand out:
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Sturdy Plastic Construction with Wire Door: Built from heavy-duty plastic, the kennel’s robust shell provides solid protection, while the durable wire door ensures visibility and ventilation. This combination keeps pets secure without feeling confined.
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Airline-Friendly Design: Crafted to comply with airline regulations, the crate makes traveling by air hassle-free. It includes tamper-proof holes, adding a layer of security essential for air travel, and an easy-open latch designed for quick access.
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Excellent Ventilation: With ventilation on all four sides, the kennel allows constant airflow, preventing overheating and keeping your dog cool during travel or at home.
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Spacious for Large Dogs: Measuring 36 inches, it comfortably fits dogs weighing between 50 to 70 pounds, offering ample room to move or rest, which is crucial for longer trips.
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No-Tool Assembly & Easy Cleaning: Setup is quick and doesn’t require any tools, making it convenient for on-the-go pet owners. The kennel also features a stay-dry moat that pulls liquids away from your pet, helping maintain hygiene and simplifying cleanup—especially useful when housebreaking puppies.
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Eco-Friendly Manufacturing: Proudly made in the USA, this kennel uses 90% to 100% pre-consumer recycled materials, underscoring Petmate’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Durable and Well-Built: Many users applaud the kennel’s solid construction, which provides reassurance during travel.
- Spacious Enough: Owners of larger dogs find the 36-inch size ideal, as evidenced by positive feedback about accommodating dogs weighing around 12 pounds and up comfortably.
- Convenient Assembly and Maintenance: Easy to put together and clean, saving time and effort.
- Great for Travel: Customers particularly value the kennel for car trips and air travel due to its airline-friendly features and stability.
- Eco-Conscious: Use of recycled materials appeals to environmentally-minded pet owners.
Cons
- Latch and Lock Concerns: Several customers have reported issues with the latches not holding securely, raising safety concerns during use.
- Mixed Opinions on Value: While many find the price reasonable for the kennel’s quality, some reviews describe it as not worth the investment.
- Safety Confidence Varies: A few pet owners feel uncertain about the crate’s ability to fully protect their dogs in all travel conditions.
Who Is It For?
The Petmate Vari Dog Kennel is ideal for pet owners with medium to large dogs (50-70 lbs) who frequently travel by car or airplane. It suits those who need a hassle-free, sturdy, and ventilated carrier that doesn’t require complicated assembly or upkeep. If you prioritize environmentally conscious products and value convenience combined with solid construction, this kennel is a fitting choice. However, if your dog is an escape artist or you require an ultra-heavy-duty locking mechanism, you might want to consider additional security features before purchase.
Explore the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel
Final Thoughts
The Petmate Vari Dog Kennel emerges as a versatile and comfortable option for pet owners seeking a reliable carrier that doubles as both a large dog crate for home use and an airline-approved travel kennel. Its durable materials, thoughtful design, and user-friendly features make it a strong contender in the mid-range pet carrier market. While some users express concern about the strength of the latches, the majority rate it highly for ease of use, comfort, and suitable sizing.
Discover the Ultimate Travel Carrier for Your Dog
In summary, if you want a practical, well-ventilated kennel that is easy to clean and assemble—and that caters to large dogs with travel in mind—the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel is a worthy consideration. Just be sure to evaluate your specific safety needs and consider supplemental locking options if you have an especially active or clever canine companion.
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