Birds and Bird Supplies

Thinking of buying a dog kennel or crate? Here are a few things to consider.

1. What you’re using it for. Chances are, one crate isn’t going to work for every occasion so try not to go into the purchasing process thinking you’re only going to need one crate or kennel for your dog. I think two might cover it for most circumstances. You might need one for your house that’s larger and a place that your dog can be in for potty training, while you’re not home, sleeping, etc. You might need another that is smaller and more portable. This one might be used to keep your dog safe in the car and on overnight trips where your dog comes with you.

2. Size. What you’re using it for will help you decide on the size. If the dog is going to be in it all day while you’re at work, make sure it’s big enough for them to walk around in and big enough for a water bowl. If it’s just for short car rides, compact actually might be better. If you’re using it simply for potty training, make sure it’s just big enough for them to to lay down and sleep in. Dogs don’t like to “go” where they sleep, so if there’s room to get out of their bed and walk around, it won’t work for potty training.

3. Where you’ll put it. If you’re going to be using the crate everyday, try to buy something that you won’t mind looking at and that fits into the space you have. It might go in a corner at the end of the sofa and have a dog crate cover over it. Your dog might actually like the fact that it’ll seem like a little cave.

4. What it’s made of. Consider whether a wire dog crate, a plastic dog crate or a mesh dog crate will be better for you. A wire one will give you the option of leaving it uncovered, but a plastic one will be darker and more cave-like. Most dog owners know whether their dogs like dark covered spaces or bright open ones. If your dog is being potty crate trained, consider that you might need to clean up messes and make sure the crate would be easy to clean. Only buy a mesh crate if you dog isn’t a chewer.

5. Where to buy it. Prices vary widely, so make sure to shop for the best deal. Stay away from the cute small pet shops and look closer at the deals online. If you can find a place online with good shipping prices, the price of the crate or kennel will almost always be better than what you can find in a pet store. Plus, when you buy online (like on Amazon), you can read lots of reviews before purchasing.

For more information on Types of Dog Crates, please visit this Dog Kennel site.

32″ Portable Pet Dog House Soft Crate Carrier Cage Kennel Foldable Playpen Blue $33.95

30″ Small Folding Wire Dog Puppy Crate Cage Kennel Suitcase Travel Portable New $22.95

36″ Dog Soft Crate Portable Pet House Carrier Kennel Travel Folding Large Cage $38.95

40″ Dog Soft Crate Portable Pet House Carrier Kennel Travel Folding Large Cage $42.95

32″ Dog Soft Crate Portable Pet House Carrier Kennel Travel Folding Large Cage $36.95

37″ Rabbit Dog Pet Cat Bird Crate Cage Thick Heavy Duty Metal Kennel Cages New $69.95

Petco Dog Crate & Kennel Cup (4.75 L X 3.5 W X 1.75 H; 6.8 oz.) $4.99 Petco Dog Crate & Kennel CupOur Petco Dog Crate & Kennel Cup easily attaches to wire crates and kennels making traveling with your pet easy and hassle free. The space saving design clips securely to any crate or kennel and is extremely beneficial in preventing spills and messes. The crate & kennel cup is great for both food and water.

Petmate Traditional Vari Kennel Giant Portable Kennel (Giant; 48 L X 32 W X 35 H) $269.99 Petmate Traditional Vari Kennel Giant Portable Kennel – Giant Breed Vari Kennel and Vari Kennel Crates from petco.comThis giant breed Vari Kennel is great for giant dogs like Great Danes, Greyhounds, Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, and Bull Mastiffs. This extra durable and highly versatile carrier is the ideal solution for traveling with your pet and taking your pet on vacations, vet visits, grooming appointments, pet shows, and more. These Vari Kennel Crates meet most airline requirements and they easily convert to a pet shelter or bed. Designed for optimal versatility, these crates are also great for crate training or potty training. When it comes to crate training or traveling with your extra large breed dog, then be sure to check out the PetMate Traditional Vari Kennel Giant Portable Kennel. The PetMate Vari Kennel line is made of durable high-impact plastic for years of easy-to-clean use-and also includes wire vent grills and doors to encourage proper ventilation and promote a healthy flow of air. It has engineering-grade fasteners that are non-toxic and have a high tensile strength that is greater than steel and also resists loosening due to vibrations. This giant breed vari kennel also assembles in minutes without any tools. Many pet parents especially appreciate the dual rod spring-loaded latch that’s easy to operate but stays very well secured, as well as the plastic wing-nut fasteners that will not corrode. These giant portable kennels have plenty of ventilation provided by side rails that prevent the carrier from sitting flat against the wall, which can block air circulation.

Lectro-Kennel – Large – 22.5 in. x 28.5 in. $79.98 Does your dog’s crate or dog house get a little chilly in the winter months? Try the Lectro Kennel. This heated pad will keep your pet warm and toasty through the harshest months. Guaranteed safe, the cord is UL approved & spring wrapped to prevent chewing. ABS construction makes pad durable & easy to clean. Add to your pets comfort for just pennies a day, the medium pad uses the same power as a 60 watt bulb. Size: 22.5 x 28.5″ (large)

Kennel Pad – 42 in. x 24 in. – Green $31.99 This base pad for dog kennels boasts a thick 1.375″ foam core covered in water-resistant polyvinyl material for durability and comfort in any situation. Use along with a FurHaven Crate Rug for the ultimate cozy, comfort combination for your favorite pet.

Kennel Pad – 36 in. x 24 in. – Green $28.99 This base pad for dog kennels boasts a thick 1.375″ foam core covered in water-resistant polyvinyl material for durability and comfort in any situation. Use along with a FurHaven Crate Rug for the ultimate cozy, comfort combination for your favorite pet.