Pet Carriers/Kennels FAQs

How can I tell the difference between dog crates, dog kennels and pet carriers if they’re all called kennels?

A “kennel” is a very general term meaning a place where dogs 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, dog 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 crate 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 and pet carriers?

Wire Dog Crates / Kennels can be used for crate training, housing breaking and as an everyday crate. Many models are available with divider panels for growing puppies. They can also be used to contain your pet in a vehicle. They are available in collapsible or folding models. Wire crates offer the most visibility and ventilation and are well suited for heavy-coated dogs. They are not approved for airline travel.

Soft Dog Crates & Tents Soft crates & tents are lightweight, portable, easy to set up & take down. They can be used as an everyday crate. Pet must be well crate trained. Not for diggers, chewers, aggressive dogs or dogs that experience anxiety while crated. They are not approved for airline travel.

Hard Plastic Pet Carriers / Kennels are used to carry and transport pets. Some models can be used as an everyday crate and many are approved for airline travel. They are not usually recommended for growing puppies since they don’t come with divider panels. They can be used to contain your pet in a vehicle and are also available in collapsible models.

Soft Pet Carrier Bags (for pets under 25lbs). These pet carriers are designed to safely transport a small dog. They can be used to contain your pet in a vehicle. They 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.

What questions should i consider before selecting a dog crate?

Before you shop for a dog crate, 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 dog’s behavioral patterns and what type of activities you plan to do with your pet. Consider the following questions:

• 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 dog while traveling by car. You may be able to purchase a crate that you can use at home as well as in your car. Or if you take your dog 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 use still may want to consider crating 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 crates 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 crate.
• Do you need a crate that is portable and collapsible? If you plan on moving your dog crate around a collapsible 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 crates.

As you can see, choosing the right dog carrier depends on your dog’s size and temperament, the intended location and use, and the function and features that you expect the carrier to fulfill. Choose the dog carrier, kennel, or dog crate that best suits your needs and how you see the crate functioning. You’ll want to pick the one that offers the most convenience for the uses that you have in mind.