Petmate Deluxe Vari-Kennel

Petmate Vari-Kennel (5 biscuits)

Our take: These plastic crates have long been the standard for airline travel, but they do just as well at home or on the road. A fan describes them as durable, not too hard to take apart, and lightweight. Many people avoid solid plastic crates in hot and humid weather, but the Vari-Kennel has plenty of side vents for ventilation. It comes in four sizes.

Petmate sells other plastic crates, some with seat belt locks. If you're looking to reduce your dog's environmental pawprint, this may be your brand: Many Petmate crates are made with some recycled material, and since you can buy replacement doors for all models, you never need to throw the whole crate away if just the door breaks.

If you plan to fly with your pup, be warned that not all Petmate models fit airline requirements.

Cost: low

--Phyllis DeGioia

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