If this is the first time you’re shopping for dog crates you may find it a little complicated.You may have noticed already that the use of the word kennel can be somewhat confusing. So before making a final selection… it’s a good idea the learn about the differences between some pet containment systems. Equipped with this information you’ll be ready to choose the best enclosure for your dog.
Differences Between Pet Crates, Dog Kennels & Pet Carriers
What Are Some Of The Basic Features of Pet Crates & Carriers?
How Do You Select A Pet Crate?
What Do I Need To Know To Select The Proper Size Pet Crate?
How Can I Learn About Responsible Crate Training?
Got Dog Crate Stories?
Differences Between Pet Crates, Dog Kennels & Pet Carriers
A “kennel” is a very general term meaning a place where canines are bred or kept. By its very definition it can be used to describe a broad range of pet containment products such as pet carriers, crates, pet exercise pens and outdoor pet kennels. For example, a wire kennel and a hard plastic kennel sound very similar because both are called kennels.
In some ways they are very different. Depending on how you plan to use it there are certain features that you’ll need it to have. This is why it’s very important to focus on the features that you need. Only after carefully reviewing the features of a specific model can you be certain that it will adequately fulfill all your needs.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- A wire dog pen or kennel is designed to safely contain your pet. But, it’s not designed to be picked up and moved around with your pet inside it. Although available in soft-side models, soft crates are usually not referred to as kennels.
- A hard plastic carrier or kennel is designed so that your dog can safely travel inside the carrier. Pet carriers also come in soft-side models. Soft pet carriers are not usually referred to as kennels.
- Some hard plastic pet carriers make ideal dog crates, but a dog crate is usually not a good substitute for a hard pet carrier.
What Are Some Of The Basic Features of Dog Crates & Pet Carriers
Wire Dog Crates / Kennels
- Used for crate training, housing breaking and as an everyday crate
- Many models are available with divider panels for growing puppies
- Can be used to contain your pet in a vehicle
- Available in collapsible or folding models
- Not approved for airline travel
- Offers the most visibility and ventilation – well suited for heavy-coated dogs
Soft Dog Crates & Tents
- Soft crates & tents are light weight, portable, easy to set up & take down
- Can be used as an everyday crate
- Not approved for airline travel
- Pet must be well trained
- Not for diggers, chewers, aggressive dogs or dogs that experience anxiety while crated
Hard Plastic Pet Carriers / Kennels
- Hard plastic pet carriers are used to carry and transport pets
- Some models can be used as an everyday pen
- Many are approved for airline travel
- Not recommended for growing puppies since they don’t come with divider panels
- Can be used to contain your pet in a vehicle
- Available in collapsible models
Soft Pet Carrier Bags (for pets under 25lbs)
- Soft pet carriers are designed to safely transport a small dog
- Can be used to contain your pet in a vehicle
- A soft pet carrier should not be used as a dog crate
- Many are approved for airline travel and some can be taken in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat in front of you.
How Do You Select A Dog Crate?
Before you shop take some time to consider how you’re going to use it. This will help you get the most out of your investment. The type you choose will depend on your lifestyle, your pup’s behavioral patterns and what type of activities you plan to do with your pet. We’ve provided the questions below to get you thinking about the many different ways that pet enclosures can be used.
Is this crate for home use only?If you’re not planning on traveling with your dog a basic wire crate is a good choice for an everyday crate. If you’re going to keep it in one place you probably don’t need a collapsible model.
Are you buying a crate for a puppy?If you have a growing puppy select a crate that your puppy will grow into. Make sure it comes with a divider panel, which will allow you to adjust the size of the crate as your puppy grows.
Do you take your dog in your car?It’s highly recommended that you crate your pup while traveling by car. You may be able to purchase pet crates that you can use at home as well as in your car. Or if you take your traveling hound in the car frequently, purchasing a separate crate for your car may be best. Either way you may want to consider a folding crate, which is much easier to move around once it is folded up.
Even if your dog is not crate trained, you still may want to consider penning your pet while in a vehicle. If there’s any chance that your dog can accidentally get out of your car in a strange and dangerous place that’s a good enough reason to invest in a crate. Crating your pet while you’re driving will also prevent any mishaps that could result from your dog being left loose in your vehicle.
Are you planning on taking your dog on an airplane? You will need a hard plastic airline-approved pet carrier. For small dogs you might be able to use an airline-approved soft pet carrier bag. Wire dog pens are not approved for airline travel. If you travel frequently by plane you may want to look for a hard plastic dog carrier that you can also use as an everyday dog enclosure.
Do you need a dog crate that is portable and collapsible? If you plan on moving your dog crate around a folding model is a good option. A collapsible model should come with convenient carrying handles. There are also some collapsible hard plastic carriers that can also serve as everyday dog enclosures.
Do you take your dog hiking or camping? You will certainly want to consider a collapsible soft crate or tent. They are designed to be portable, lightweight and very easy to set up and take down. A warning about soft pet enclosures, tents and pet carriers: – If your dog is aggressive, chews, digs or experiences anxiety when crated… these are not for you.
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- Purchasing a Dog Carrier for You & Your Pet
- How To Select The Proper Size Dog Crate
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