Best Petmate Dog Crates in 2026: 5 Picks Compared on Specs
The Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel 40in is the best Petmate crate in this guide. It is the only pick with a stated 70 to 90 lb range, which makes it the clear choice for medium and large dogs. We compared all five Petmate kennel listings from the current pool on the seller's stated weight range, length class, and travel use. Prices on this page are live from the store listing; nobody here has tested these crates.
5 picks from 0 dog crates that match this guide with a price we can quote today, made by 37 makers. Each price below is read live and stamped with the time it was read.
The short list
Who each pick suits
- For a 70 to 90 lb dog: The Ultra Vari 40in is the only pick in this guide with a stated weight range for large dogs. If your dog falls in that range, start here. See pick 1
- For air travel with a small dog: The Sky Kennel is the only listing in the pool that names air travel, and it is sized for pets from 15 to 30 lb. Confirm airline rules before booking. See pick 2
- For a toy breed up to 10 lb: The Fashion Vari 19 gives exact dimensions and a 10 lb weight limit, making it a better fit for very small dogs than the larger Ultra Vari crates. See pick 3
- For a small dog up to 15 lb: The Ultra Vari 21in lists support for dogs up to 15 lb and stays in the under 30 in length class. See pick 4
The 5 picks, one by one
1 Best overall
This is the only Petmate kennel in the pool with a stated range for dogs from 70 to 90 lb. It is also the only pick in the 36 to 41 in length class, so it stands apart from the three under-30 in kennels and the one without a stated length. For a medium or large dog, this is the Petmate kennel to compare against the rest.
Pros
- Stated dog weight range of 70 to 90 lb, the largest in this list
- 36 to 41 in length class, longer than the other stated picks
- The listing name identifies it as an Ultra Vari kennel
Cons
- Material type is not stated by the seller
- No exact interior dimensions are given
- Not listed for air travel
Good fit if
- Owners of medium to large dogs in the 70 to 90 lb range
- Anyone who wants a kennel sized for a dog in that stated weight range
Skip if
- Small dogs under 30 lb, which fit the smaller kennels in this guide
- Anyone who needs a kennel with a stated airline-travel designation
Verdict: The Ultra Vari 40in is the best Petmate pick for large dogs because it is the only crate here with a stated 70 to 90 lb range.
2 Best for air travel
The listing name is the only one in this guide that says 'for air travel', and it carries a stated pet range of 15 to 30 lb. It is listed as a plastic kennel and falls in the under 30 in length class. Airline approval depends on current airline rules, but this is the pick to start with for small travel companions.
Pros
- Only pick whose listing name mentions air travel
- Stated pet range of 15 to 30 lb
- Listed type is plastic kennel
- Under 30 in length class
Cons
- No exact exterior or interior dimensions are stated
- Not suitable for dogs above the 30 lb range
- No airline approval details in the listing
Good fit if
- Owners of dogs in the 15 to 30 lb range who plan to fly with a kennel
- Travelers who want a kennel that is explicitly marketed for air travel
Skip if
- Owners of dogs heavier than 30 lb
- Anyone who needs a metal or foldable crate for home
Verdict: The Sky Kennel is the Petmate pick to examine first if air travel is the main job.
3 Best for toy breeds
This is the only pick in the pool with a stated weight limit of up to 10 lb, and the only one with exact dimensions in the listing: 19.1 by 12.6 by 10.0 in. The listing also says it is made in the USA and lists the type as a plastic kennel. It is the smallest crate in this guide on the stated weight range.
Pros
- Stated weight range up to 10 lb, the smallest in this list
- Exact dimensions in the listing: 19.1 x 12.6 x 10.0 in
- Listing notes it is made in the USA
- Listed type is plastic kennel
Cons
- Only suitable for very small dogs
- No larger dog weight range
- Not described for air travel
Good fit if
- Toy breed owners whose dog weighs 10 lb or less
- Anyone who wants exact crate dimensions before ordering
Skip if
- Dogs heavier than 10 lb
- Anyone who needs a crate for airline travel with a larger pet
Verdict: The Fashion Vari 19 is the Petmate crate for toy breeds because its 10 lb limit and exact dimensions match the smallest dogs.
4 Best for small dogs
The Ultra Vari 21in has a stated range up to 15 lb, which puts it between the Fashion Vari 19 and the Sky Kennel in weight capacity. It shares the Ultra Vari name with the 40in pick, so owners who like that line can scale down for a small dog. The listing places its length in the under 30 in class.
Pros
- Stated range up to 15 lb
- Under 30 in length class keeps it compact
- Same Ultra Vari product line as the 40in pick
Cons
- Material type is not stated by the seller
- No exact dimensions are given
- Not listed for air travel
Good fit if
- Owners of small dogs up to 15 lb
- People who want the Ultra Vari design in a compact size
Skip if
- Dogs over 15 lb
- Anyone who needs a kennel with exact sizes for airline approval
Verdict: The Ultra Vari 21in is a compact Petmate choice for small dogs up to 15 lb.
5 Best transport box
This listing calls itself a transport box and includes dimensions in centimeters: 102 x 69 x 77 cm. It shares the Ultra 40 name with a second 40-size pick in the pool, but the seller provides no stated dog weight range or inch-based length. If you are comfortable working in metric dimensions, this is the only pick with that information in the listing.
Pros
- Listing includes dimensions in centimeters: 102 x 69 x 77 cm
- Listed type is plastic kennel
- The name identifies it as an Ultra 40 transport box
Cons
- No dog weight range is stated by the seller
- No length in inches is stated
- No travel or airline details in the listing
Good fit if
- Buyers who prefer metric dimensions when comparing crates
- Anyone looking for a 40-size Petmate transport box
Skip if
- Buyers who need a stated dog weight range
- Anyone who wants inch-based length and interior measurements
Verdict: The Ultra 40 transport box earns its place when you want the 40-size body with metric dimensions in the listing.
Comparison table
| # | Dog crate | Type | Doors | Length (in) | Dog size | Heavy duty | Escape-proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel 40in | not stated | not stated | 36 to 41 in | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 2 | Petmate Sky Kennel for Air Travel | Plastic kennel | not stated | Under 30 in | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 3 | Petmate Fashion Vari Kennel | Plastic kennel | not stated | Under 30 in | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 4 | Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel | not stated | not stated | Under 30 in | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 5 | Petmate 21564 Vari Kennel Ultra 40 Transport Box | Plastic kennel | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
How this list was made
We started with every priced Petmate dog crate in the current pool: five listings. We shortlisted them by what the seller states: dog weight range, kennel length class, travel use, and whether the listing names a specific type. Dimensions and product details come from the pool entries; counts and comparisons in this guide are based on those entries only. The page shows live prices read from the store listing, so the price you see is the price at the moment the page loads. Nobody at this site has tested these crates. The picks are a specification comparison, not a testing review.
Choosing the right one
Start with the dog's weight, then check the kennel length
Petmate lists some kennels by the dog's weight range and others by outside length. The pool contains kennels for dogs up to 10 lb, up to 15 lb, 15 to 30 lb, and 70 to 90 lb. If your dog is between two ranges, choose the larger range and measure your dog's nose-to-tail length before ordering. A kennel that is too small is uncomfortable, and one that is too large may not be accepted on a plane.
Understand what 'under 30 in' means
Three of the five kennels in this guide have a stated length class of under 30 in: the Sky Kennel, the Fashion Vari 19, and the Ultra Vari 21in. That class tells you the outside length is less than 30 in, but it does not give the interior space. For toy breeds, the Fashion Vari 19 listing gives exact dimensions of 19.1 by 12.6 by 10.0 in. For kennels without exact interior measurements, use the seller's stated dog weight range as your primary guide.
Plastic kennels and what the listing states
Three of the five picks list their type as plastic kennel: the Sky Kennel, the Fashion Vari 19, and the Ultra 40 transport box. The two Ultra Vari dog kennels do not state a material type. A plastic kennel is a solid-wall style that some owners prefer for travel, and the listings that state the type call it a plastic kennel. The CDC recommends cleaning pet habitats and supplies outside the house when possible and never cleaning supplies in the kitchen sink.
Air travel: confirm the airline rules before booking
Only one pick in this guide has 'for air travel' in its listing name: the Petmate Sky Kennel 28in. Airline rules for pet carriers change, and the USDA advises contacting your veterinarian and checking destination-country requirements before traveling. A crate that fits your dog at home may not meet a specific airline's size limits, so confirm before you fly.
Crate placement and a quiet resting spot
ASPCA housing guidance recommends a warm, quiet place to rest, away from drafts and off the floor, with a clean blanket or pillow inside. A crate fits this role if you place it in a low-traffic area. Wash bedding often and keep food and water dishes outside the crate unless your dog is being fed a meal.
Questions
What size Petmate crate should I choose?
Choose by your dog's weight and length. This guide includes Petmate kennels with stated limits up to 10 lb, up to 15 lb, 15 to 30 lb, and 70 to 90 lb. If you are between ranges, pick the larger one and measure your dog's nose-to-tail length. The seller lists most kennels by weight range, but the Fashion Vari 19 also gives exact dimensions of 19.1 by 12.6 by 10.0 in.
Can I use a Petmate Sky Kennel for air travel?
The Sky Kennel is the only pick in this guide whose listing name mentions air travel, and it is sized for pets from 15 to 30 lb. Airline approval depends on current airline rules, which can change. The USDA advises contacting a veterinarian and checking destination-country requirements before travel. Confirm the specific airline's carrier dimensions before booking.
Why do some Petmate crates not show a dog weight range?
Not every listing includes a weight range. The Ultra 40 transport box and the two Ultra Vari dog kennels have no stated weight range in the pool. When a range is missing, the seller may provide only a length class or dimensions in centimeters. Use the product name, length class, and any exact dimensions to compare, and measure your dog before ordering.
How do I clean a Petmate plastic kennel?
Follow the CDC guidance for pet supplies: clean and disinfect pet habitats outside the house when possible, and never clean supplies in the kitchen sink or food preparation areas. For the plastic kennels in this guide, wash the tray and walls with mild soap and water, rinse well, and dry completely. Wash bedding often.
Is a plastic Petmate kennel good for a large dog?
The Ultra Vari Dog Kennel 40in is the only Petmate pick with a stated range for dogs from 70 to 90 lb. It is the only kennel in the 36 to 41 in length class among the picks. If your dog is that size, this is the Petmate kennel to consider. Larger dogs may need a custom travel kennel or an in-home metal crate.
What changed
- : First published.