Petmate vs New World Dog Crates: What to Compare

Why compare Petmate and New World

Petmate and New World are two brands that appear frequently in crate comparisons. Petmate has a broad range of pet products, and New World has built a following around folding wire crates that are simple to set up and store. The useful way to compare them is to ignore the logo and focus on construction, latch style, and ventilation. Those three features determine how secure the crate feels, how comfortable it is for your dog, and how long it will hold up through daily use.

If you are starting from scratch, read the brand-specific guides for best Petmate dog crates and best New World dog crates. The questions below will help you judge any model side by side.

Construction: frame, panels, and finish

Construction is the first thing to inspect. A crate is made up of a frame, panels, and a floor tray, and each part affects strength and weight. For wire crates, the frame is usually made of steel tubes that fold into shape. The wire panels attach to the frame and create the walls. For plastic kennels, the main body is a molded shell with a metal door.

Look at how the frame is joined. A welded frame has fewer separate parts and tends to feel stiffer than a frame held together with bolts or clips. That matters if your dog pushes against the door or leans on the sides. Also check the corners and the points where the panels meet the frame. Gaps or sharp edges are a sign of weaker assembly and can be unsafe.

Useful checks when comparing construction:

• Press on the sides and top of the crate to see if the frame flexes.
• Check the wire spacing and gauge before purchasing. Wire gauge explained and bar spacing safety cover both.
• For plastic kennels, inspect the plastic around the door and the vent openings.
• Compare welded vs bolted dog crate frames to understand how the frame type affects stiffness.

Latch style: security and ease of use

The latch is the most important part of a crate because it is the one piece your dog can interact with directly. A simple hook-and-eye latch may be easy to open, but it may also be easy for a determined dog to figure out. Look for a latch that requires two actions to open, such as a slide bolt combined with a spring-loaded tab, or a lock that needs a little pressure from a human hand.

Consider how the latch feels from the outside. You should be able to open the door with one hand while the other holds a leash. The latch should stay out of the way when the door is open, and it should not rattle loudly when the dog moves inside. You can read more about the main designs in dog crate latch types.

If you have a dog that has learned to work simple latches, look for a crate with a stronger locking mechanism. Escape-proof dog crates is a good starting point.

Ventilation: airflow and visibility

Ventilation controls temperature, humidity, and your dog's view of the room. Wire crates offer the most open airflow because the walls are made of bars with gaps between them. Plastic kennels are more enclosed and rely on molded vents on the sides and back. If you live in a warm climate or your dog runs warm, prioritize models with large vent openings and a door that lets air move through.

Visibility is part of ventilation in a practical sense. Dogs that like to see their family may feel calmer in a wire crate with an open view. Dogs that want a den-like space often do better in a plastic kennel with limited sightlines. The dog crate ventilation guide explains how opening size and placement affect airflow.

Doors, tray, and daily use

After construction, latch, and ventilation, look at daily usability. Door size and location determine how easily your dog enters and exits. A single front door is common, but a double door with a side opening gives you more placement options. If you need to fit the crate into a tight space, check whether the door swings to the side you want. Single vs double door dog crates covers the tradeoffs.

The floor tray is another deciding factor. A removable tray makes cleaning faster, and a tray with higher sides catches more mess. You should be able to pull the tray out from the front or side without moving the entire crate. See dog crate tray depth and material for more detail.

Cleaning and safety at home

Keeping a crate clean is part of responsible dog care. The ASPCA notes that your pet needs a warm, quiet place to rest, away from drafts and off the floor, with clean bedding. Wash the bedding often. The CDC adds that you should clean and disinfect pet habitats and supplies, and keep them out of the kitchen to avoid spreading germs. That makes material and tray choice important: smooth plastic trays and powder-coated wire are easier to wipe down than unfinished metal or fabric.

Safety also means supervising children. The CDC advises that young children should always be supervised while playing with dogs, and never left alone with a pet even a trusted family dog. A crate can be a useful management tool, but it is not a babysitter. Dog crate safety checklist has a wider list of checks.

Travel and portability

If you plan to travel with the crate, compare how it folds and carries. Folding wire crates usually collapse flat for storage, while plastic kennels are more rigid and may be easier to use as a carrier for small dogs. New World's folding wire style is worth considering for car travel and temporary setups. Petmate's plastic kennel style is worth considering when a more enclosed carrier is needed.

Travel by air has its own rules. The USDA explains that pet travel from the United States to another country requires a USDA-accredited veterinarian and destination-country paperwork, and the CDC is the primary authority for dog imports. If your dog will fly, check the current airline-approved dog crate requirements before you buy.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Are Petmate and New World crates similar in quality?

Quality depends on the individual model more than the brand. Compare frame stiffness, latch feel, ventilation, and the materials used for the tray and wire. Those details tell you more than the name on the box.

Which brand is better for travel?

It depends on how you travel. A folding wire crate is convenient for car trips and temporary use. A plastic kennel is often preferred when you need a more enclosed carrier or when airline rules require certain ventilation and locking features.

What latch style should I look for in an escape-prone dog crate?

Look for a latch that requires two distinct motions to open, has a positive lock, and does not leave a tab your dog can pull. Also check the door edges and frame for gaps.

Are wire crates better ventilated than plastic kennels?

Yes, generally. Wire walls allow air to move from all sides, while plastic kennels only have molded vents. That does not make wire automatically better; a plastic kennel can still suit cool, den-loving dogs.

Can I use a Petmate or New World crate for housetraining?

Yes. A correctly sized crate can support housetraining because most dogs avoid soiling their sleeping area. Use a divider to keep the space just large enough, and remove the tray for cleaning when needed.

How do I know if the crate is the right size for my dog?

Measure your dog from nose to tail and from the floor to the top of the head or ears, then compare those numbers to the crate's interior dimensions. Use a sizing guide to get the process right.