BOLDBONE vs Petmate Dog Crates: Heavy Duty vs Plastic

What each brand builds

If you are choosing between BOLDBONE and Petmate, you are really choosing between two crate styles. BOLDBONE is the name you meet on the heavy-duty metal side of the crate market, while Petmate is a familiar name on the plastic kennel side. The right answer depends on whether security or portability matters more for your dog.

Think of BOLDBONE as a heavy-duty metal option and Petmate as a plastic kennel option, then focus on the categories rather than the brand names alone. If you want to stay within one family, start with the BOLDBONE guide or the Petmate guide.

Heavy-duty metal vs plastic at a glance

The table below summarizes the trade-offs that matter in this comparison. It is a starting point, not a replacement for checking a crate's own specifications.

Security and escape prevention

Some dogs, especially those with separation anxiety, may try to escape when left alone. ASPCA notes these escape attempts can be extreme and may lead to self-injury or household destruction, often around exit points such as doors and windows. That is the strongest argument for a heavy-duty metal crate. These crates typically have stronger frames, more secure latches, and smaller openings than a lightweight plastic kennel.

Plastic kennels can be solid and sturdy, but they rely on latches and screws along the seam between the top and bottom halves. A determined dog may focus on those points. If your dog has a history of chewing, digging, or breaking out, choose an escape-proof crate and pay attention to the latch type.

Portability and travel

Plastic kennels exist for a different job: moving a dog from place to place easily. They tend to be lighter, have carrying handles, and can be lifted with one hand when the dog is not inside. The two-piece design also breaks down for storage. If you plan to take your dog on trips, check travel requirements early. APHIS says to contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian as soon as you decide to travel internationally and to ask about the destination country's pet entry requirements.

Heavy-duty metal crates are usually heavier and bulkier, which is fine when the crate stays in one room but frustrating if you carry it often. For car rides, airline-style transfers, and veterinary visits, a plastic kennel is often the more practical tool. Compare crate weight and portability before you decide.

If your travel plan involves flying, the discussion changes again. Not every plastic kennel qualifies for every airline, and rules depend on the carrier and destination. Read the basics of airline-approved crate requirements and confirm the details with your airline.

Cleaning and maintenance

Both crate types need regular cleaning, but they clean differently. Plastic kennels can be wiped down, rinsed out, and dried quickly. The smooth surfaces do not trap hair as much as wire, and spills are easy to see. CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting pet habitats and supplies, preferably outside the house and not in the kitchen sink.

Heavy-duty metal crates usually have a removable tray, which makes the main cleaning job simple. The frame, hinges, and latch areas need occasional wiping and inspection to catch rust, loose screws, or worn parts. CDC also says to wash your hands after handling dog supplies, which applies after you clean any crate. For cleaning-friendly models, see the easy-to-clean dog crates article.

Sizing, airflow and comfort

Whatever style you pick, the crate must be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Use the guidance on how to measure your dog for a crate to get the length, height, and width right before you compare models. A secure crate that is too small creates its own problems, and a portable kennel that is too small is no better.

Ventilation differs by design. Metal crates have open wire sides, allowing airflow in every direction. Plastic kennels depend on vents molded into the shell and door. If your dog tends to overheat, the metal style may be the safer choice; if your dog needs protection from drafts, a plastic shell can be useful. ASPCA advises giving your dog a warm, quiet place to rest, away from drafts and off the floor, with a clean blanket or pillow. You can read more in the crate ventilation guide.

Which should you choose

The decision comes down to your dog's behavior and your routine. If your dog is calm and you need a crate for the car, the vet, or a flight, a plastic kennel in the Petmate style makes sense. If your dog is strong, anxious, or prone to escaping, choose a heavy-duty metal crate in the BOLDBONE style.

Use the heavy-duty dog crate guide as your first stop. Then compare the BOLDBONE guide and the Petmate guide, along with the plastic kennel guide, to see which models fit your dog's size and your home.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Is BOLDBONE better than Petmate?

No. BOLDBONE and Petmate make different crate styles. BOLDBONE is at home in the heavy-duty metal category, while Petmate is a familiar plastic kennel name. Choose based on your dog's behavior and how you plan to use the crate. See the BOLDBONE guide and the Petmate guide for current models.

Can a Petmate plastic kennel be used for airline travel?

Some plastic kennels are built for air travel, but approval depends on the airline, crate size, and destination rules. Check the kennel's compliance and the airline's requirements before booking. APHIS advises starting international pet travel paperwork early with a USDA-accredited veterinarian.

Which is easier to clean?

Plastic kennels wipe down quickly and can be rinsed out. Heavy-duty metal crates usually have a removable tray, so the floor is easy to clean. CDC recommends disinfecting pet habitats and supplies outside the house and avoiding the kitchen sink.

Is a heavy-duty crate safer than a plastic kennel?

For dogs that try to escape, a heavy-duty metal crate is generally safer because it offers stronger framing and more secure latches. ASPCA warns that escape attempts by dogs with separation anxiety can cause self-injury and property damage. Dogs that do not try to escape can be safe in either style.

Can both types be used in a car?

Both can work. A plastic kennel is easier to lift in and out of a vehicle, while a heavy-duty metal crate gives more security for strong dogs in the cargo area. Secure the crate so it does not slide during a trip.