Feandrea vs Petmate Dog Crates: How to Decide

Materials: Furniture Panels vs Molded Plastic

The biggest difference between Feandrea and Petmate is the material story. Feandrea is known for furniture-style crates that use engineered wood panels and a metal wire door section. These crates look like end tables, nightstands, or cabinets, which is why they fit naturally in a living room or bedroom. Petmate, by contrast, is known for plastic kennels made from molded plastic with a metal door. Those kennels are built like carriers and are intended for travel, temporary housing, or a more utilitarian look.

If you want a crate that feels like furniture, the Feandrea approach is easier to live with in a decorated space. The wood-look panels hide the fact that a dog lives inside. If you want a kennel that is easy to wash and carry, Petmate's molded plastic construction has an advantage. Plastic surfaces are simple to wipe down and do not absorb moisture the way wood can. For a deeper comparison of crate materials, see the dog crate materials comparison and the guide to MDF vs solid wood dog crates.

Access: Where the Doors Are and How Your Dog Gets In

Access matters more than many buyers expect. A crate with a front door alone can be awkward in a tight room. Feandrea furniture-style crates often include more than one access point, such as a front door plus a side door, and some models add a top opening. That makes it easier to reach a nervous dog, place food and water bowls, or guide an older dog inside. Petmate plastic kennels usually have a single front door, though some two-piece models separate at the middle so the top half can be removed for easier loading.

Think about how your dog will enter the crate and how you will clean it. A dog that resists being pushed through a small opening may do better with a wider front door or a top-load option. A puppy that needs frequent access during house training may benefit from multiple doors. Read more about single vs double door dog crates, top-load vs front-load dog crates, and multi-door dog crates.

• Feandrea crates commonly offer front, side, and sometimes top access.
• Petmate plastic kennels usually have one front door and may split into two halves.
• Multiple doors make it easier to place the crate against a wall or inside a cabinet.
• A single front door is often enough for a confident dog that walks in on command.

Cleaning: Keeping the Crate Sanitary

Cleaning is a routine part of dog care. The ASPCA recommends washing your dog's bedding often, and the CDC advises cleaning and disinfecting pet habitats outside the house when possible. Plastic kennels from Petmate are especially easy to clean because their molded plastic surfaces can be wiped, sprayed, and dried quickly. The one-piece or two-piece design also means there are fewer crevices for hair and dirt to collect.

Feandrea furniture-style crates require a little more care. The wood-look panels are not as forgiving as plastic when exposed to standing water or strong cleaners. Use a damp cloth and a mild cleaner, and make sure the tray is doing its job. A removable pan is important for both styles because it catches accidents, spills, and muddy paws. For more on this topic, see easy-to-clean dog crates and dog crate tray depth and material.

Travel and Portability: When Petmate Pulls Ahead

Petmate plastic kennels are a familiar choice for travel. They are lighter than most furniture-style crates, they have built-in carrying handles in many models, and their solid walls give a nervous dog a more enclosed feel. If you are flying, the USDA reminds pet owners to check destination country requirements and work with a USDA-accredited veterinarian well before the trip. A plastic kennel is also more practical for car trips, vet visits, and boarding situations because it is easier to lift and move.

Feandrea furniture-style crates are built for a permanent spot in the home. They are heavier, harder to move, and not designed for frequent travel. If your dog only needs a crate at home, that is not a problem. If you plan to take the crate with you, a Petmate-style plastic kennel is usually the better match. See airline-approved dog crate requirements and dog crate car travel safety before you decide.

Which Should You Pick?

Start with where the crate will live. If it will sit in a living room, bedroom, or home office and you want it to look like furniture, Feandrea is the more natural fit. If the crate needs to be portable, stored in a car, or used for travel, Petmate's plastic kennels are designed for that job.

Next, think about your dog. A dog that is anxious or prone to escape attempts may need a more secure design. The ASPCA notes that dogs with separation anxiety may chew, dig, or try to escape from confinement, so the door latch and locking mechanism matter more than the material. For more on that, see the dog crate safety checklist and the best escape-proof dog crates guide.

Finally, consider cleaning. Both crate styles can be kept sanitary if you stay consistent, but plastic is easier to hose off and dry. If you know you will face muddy paws, drool, or frequent accidents, the low-maintenance plastic route may save you time. If appearance matters most, the furniture-style route can make a crate feel like part of the room instead of an eyesore.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Are Feandrea crates better for home use?

Feandrea crates are often a better home choice because their furniture-style panels blend into a room. They are heavier and less portable, but that is an advantage when you want a stable, permanent crate.

Are Petmate crates good for travel?

Yes. Petmate plastic kennels are lighter, easier to carry, and simpler to wash, which makes them practical for car trips and other travel. Check current travel requirements before flying with any kennel.

Which crate is easier to clean?

Petmate plastic kennels are generally easier to clean because the molded plastic surfaces can be wiped down, rinsed, and dried without worrying about damaging wood panels. Feandrea crates need gentler cleaning on their wood-look surfaces.

Can Feandrea crates be used for airline travel?

In most cases, no. Feandrea furniture-style crates are not designed as airline carriers. If you need a kennel for air travel, a Petmate-style plastic carrier is the more practical category to consider.

Do both crate styles help with separation anxiety?

Both can provide a safe den-like space, but a dog with separation anxiety may try to chew or dig at the crate. The ASPCA describes escape attempts as a common symptom, so choose a crate with secure latches and check it regularly for wear.