Any dog parent can attest to the importance of owning a dog crate! From house-breaking to travel, dog crates are always a handy product to have.
They come in different shapes and sizes, depending on what you need. In this article, we’ve fetched the six best Plastic dog crates on the market today and added full reviews of each one.
Note: If you click some of the links in this article we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Things to Consider Before Buying
It’s always best to learn what to look for when buying a crate for your canine friend.
Size
Your dog must be able to move comfortably and sit up without hitting his or her head at the top. Dogs also need to be able to stretch out their legs when sleeping on their sides.
For these reasons, you should measure the height and width of your dog and keep those numbers in mind when shopping.
Safety
Dogs are escape artists in disguise and they’ll try their best to exit the crate, often by biting. This is more likely if the dog is still not used to crates or is anxious.
That’s why it’s crucial that the dog crate you choose has no sharp metal endings or jagged finishing that may seriously injure your canine buddy.
Training
Dogs are active animals and aren’t used to being confined into small spaces.
Before taking your dog for a trip, it’s important that they be well-accustomed to the crate.
It will take some getting used to, but training your dog to get comfortable will do wonders for both of you.
Airline Regulations
Air travel requirements may differ from one airline to another, but all airlines mostly have to adhere to the same regulations.
It’s wise to be aware of these rules, as well as of any specific ones that your chosen airline might have, before buying a crate.
The Best Plastic Dog Crates
These are the top six best plastic dog crates on the market today. Along with our reviews.
Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier
This is a sturdy dog crate that can easily withstand large amounts of weight. The smallest size, which is the 21 inch, can carry weight up to 15 pounds.
The material is high-strength plastic, which makes it a durable crate that can handle bumps. It also features tough wire doors that interlock for extra security.
The crate also comes with 360 wire ventilation, which ensures your dog has constant access to proper airflow.
Pros
- Affordable
- Includes 2 “Live Animal” stickers and pet ID stickers
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Plastic nuts and bolts aren’t IATA airline compliant
AmazonBasics Two-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Travel Carrier
This affordable two-door dog crate comes in two sizes.
The largest size measures at 23x15x13 inches and can hold small dogs that are 12 inches tall or less.
The steel-wire front door is durable, which would serve you well if your dog is highly energetic and isn’t yet accustomed to a crate.
The crate also comes with a top door that opens to both the left and right. While this feature may prove useful during road trips and house use, it doesn’t comply with airline regulations.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comes in grey and blue
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Not compliant with airline regulations
MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier
This aesthetically-pleasing dog crate comes in three different colors and two sizes.
The crate’s largest model has the interior measurements of 20x13x14 inches. It mostly suits smaller breeds such as chihuahuas and mini Yorkies, and is ideal for car trips.
This MidWest crate is also well-ventilated and easy to assemble.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to clean
- The door opens in either direction
Cons
- Not suitable for flights
Petmate Compass Plastic Pets Kennel with Chrome Door
This model comes in six sizes, which means it’ll likely fit your dog well. No matter his or her size.
The crate is made with heavy-duty plastic and includes a metallic door, both of which offer a stable outer shell to withstand the turbulence of transport and air travel.
It also features plenty of ventilation openings that allow for increased visibility and constant airflow.
Pros
- Available in many sizes
- Meets most airline cargo specifications
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Handles are available only with the 19” and 24” crates
SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels Rolling Plastic Wire Door Travel Dog Crate
This crate is sturdy and customizable and comes in six various sizes.
It also includes two bowls, four “Live Animal” stickers, and metal nuts and bolts, all of which are important airline regulations that need to be met.
Another air travel rule to follow is that the crate cannot include wheels. While this model includes wheels in all but one of its sizes, the wheels are perfectly removable.
Pros
- Affordable
- Removable wheels offer convenient customization
- Comes with tie-down holes for bungees
Cons
- Wheels may be fragile, according to some customer reviews
IRIS Medium Deluxe Pet Travel Carrier
The IRIS Deluxe crate comes in two colors and four sizes, with a maximum weight capacity of 75 lbs.
This model also comes with metal nuts and bolts, as well as one detachable bowl that could be used for food or water. Both of these features are two of the many regulations for airline travel.
However, it’s recommended that you check with your chosen airline as they may have extra regulations you should know about.
Pros
- Affordable
- The handle is foldable for better fitting
- The door comes with spring-loaded latches for extra security
Cons
- Doesn’t include “Live Animal” stickers in case of air travel
Conclusion
There are many plastic dog crates available depending on the needs of you and your dog.
From this list of the top six plastic dog crates, our number one choice would be the Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier. It has many key features such as ventilation and durability.
While the plastic nuts and bolts may not comply with IATA regulations, you can easily replace them with same-sized metal ones if you’re considering air travel.
The most important thing to remember when using a dog crate is to take the time to acclimate your dog to it before a car ride or flight.
The post Best Plastic Dog Crate appeared first on Pet Lover Guy.
