10 Best Plastic Dog Crates (October 2026)
The best plastic dog crates include the Petmate Vari Kennel 36-inch for medium-large dogs, the Petmate Sky Kennel 28-inch for travel extras, and the Petmate Vari Kennel 40-inch for bigger dogs.
On this page (10 sections)
- Best Plastic Dog Crates
- How we chose these best plastic dog crates
- Compare plastic dog crates by size and use
- Best plastic dog crates for different needs
- How to choose the best plastic dog crate for your dog
- Which plastic crate features matter for home and travel?
- How to set up and care for a plastic dog kennel
- What mistakes should you avoid when buying a plastic crate?
- What should you check before flying with a plastic kennel?
- Which plastic dog crate should you choose?
Best Plastic Dog Crates
The Petmate Vari Kennel 36-inch is the best plastic dog crate for many medium to large dogs, with four-sided ventilation, a wire door and a stay-dry moat. Choose a smaller kennel for a small dog, or a model with wheels if you need help moving it.
A plastic crate can work for travel and home use, but fit matters more than the size label. Compare your dog's measurements with the kennel's interior, then check current requirements for your trip.
Start with our complete dog crate buyer's guide and guide to choosing a crate type, size and door. If driving is the main use, see our best dog crates for cars.
Our picks at a glance
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Check itSportPet airline-style kennel, large 31.5-inch
Best for rolling it - 5
Check itPetmate Ultra Vari Kennel 40-inch
Best for tie-downs - 6
Check itSportPet airline-style kennel, medium 26.5-inch
Best for medium-dog storage - 7
Check itSportPet airline-style kennel, extra large 32.25-inch
Best for extra-large travel - 8
Check itPetmate two-door plastic kennel, 24-inch
Best for top access - 9
Check itPetmate Pet Porter kennel, 24-inch
Best for small essentials - 10
Check itPetmate Large Breeds dog kennel
Best for simple large travel
How we chose these best plastic dog crates
These plastic dog crates cover different sizes and needs, from small pets that benefit from top access to larger dogs needing a travel kennel. We compared stated interior dimensions, ventilation, doors, handles, wheels, cleaning features and travel hardware.
Our scores reflect how well each set of features fits a likely buyer's needs. Use them to narrow the options, then compare your dog's measurements with the kennel and confirm travel requirements directly with the carrier.
Compare plastic dog crates by size and use
Start with the interior dimensions and pet-size guidance, then consider convenience features such as wheels, handles and storage. Airline and cargo requirements can vary, so verify them directly before you travel.
| Product | Best for | Interior | Dog weight | Ventilation | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petmate Vari Kennel 36-inch | medium-large dogs | 32.5 x 22.2 x 26 in | 50–70 lb | Four sides | 8.8 |
| Petmate Sky Kennel 28-inch | travel extras | 24.25 x 18.25 x 19.5 in | 20–30 lb | 360 degrees | 8.5 |
| Petmate Vari Kennel 40-inch | bigger dogs | 36.2 x 24.7 x 28.8 in | 70–90 lb | Four sides | 8.4 |
| SportPet airline-style kennel, large 31.5-inch | rolling it | 28.75 x 19.75 x 21.5 in | 8.3 | ||
| Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel 40-inch | tie-downs | 70–90 lb | 8.2 | ||
| SportPet airline-style kennel, medium 26.5-inch | medium-dog storage | 24.25 x 18 x 17 in | 8.2 | ||
| SportPet airline-style kennel, extra large 32.25-inch | extra-large travel | 32.25 x 21 x 25.25 in | 8.1 | ||
| Petmate two-door plastic kennel, 24-inch | top access | 8.0 | |||
| Petmate Pet Porter kennel, 24-inch | small essentials | 21.5 x 15 x 13.5 in | Four sides | 7.9 | |
| Petmate Large Breeds dog kennel | simple large travel | Three sides | 7.8 |
Best plastic dog crates for different needs
The Petmate Vari Kennel 36-inch is the lead pick for dogs that fit its interior, while the other models serve specific size and transport needs. Start with your dog's measurements, then decide which access and moving features matter.
Petmate Vari Kennel 36-inch: Best for medium-large dogs
- For dogs weighing 50–70 lb
- Interior 32.5 x 22.2 x 26 in
- Four-sided ventilation
- Stay-dry moat
A travel kennel with a wire door, four-sided ventilation and a moat that directs fluids away from your pet.
Pros
- Four-sided ventilation
- Tamper-proof holes for zip ties
- Easy-to-wipe plastic shell
Cons
- Check the interior size against your dog
- Confirm current airline rules before travel
The Petmate Vari Kennel 36-inch is designed for dogs weighing 50–70 lb. Its interior measures 32.5 x 22.2 x 26 in, so use those dimensions to judge whether your dog can stand, turn and lie down.
Ventilation on four sides provides airflow and visibility. The wire door opens easily, and tamper-proof holes allow zip ties for added security.
The shell wipes clean, while the stay-dry moat directs fluids away from your pet. Petmate says the kennel meets most airline cargo specifications, but airline rules can vary.
Choose this model if its interior fits your dog and you want a kennel for home or travel. Before a vehicle trip, read how to secure a dog crate in a car.
Petmate Sky Kennel 28-inch: Best for travel extras
- For pets weighing 20–30 lb
- Interior 24.25 x 18.25 x 19.5 in
- 360-degree ventilation
- Includes travel labels, cup and pad
A smaller kennel with travel accessories and an easy-squeeze latch door with interlocks. Petmate says it meets IATA requirements and most airline cargo specifications.
Pros
- Includes food and water cup
- Includes live-animal and ID stickers
- Folding top handle
Cons
- Sized for a limited weight range
- Check airline requirements before booking
The Petmate Sky Kennel 28-inch has a 24.25 x 18.25 x 19.5 in interior and is intended for pets weighing 20–30 lb. It includes live-animal stickers, ID stickers, a food and water cup, and an absorbent pad.
The kennel has 360-degree ventilation, tie-down strap holes and an easy-squeeze latch door with interlocks. Petmate says it meets IATA requirements and most airline cargo specifications.
Check your airline's current crate, route and documentation rules before buying or traveling. Those requirements can rule out a kennel even when its size and features appear suitable.
Choose it if your dog fits and the included travel items are useful. See our Petmate Sky Kennel 28-inch review for more about this model.
Petmate Vari Kennel 40-inch: Best for bigger dogs
- For dogs weighing 70–90 lb
- Interior 36.2 x 24.7 x 28.8 in
- Four-sided ventilation
- Stay-dry moat
A larger Vari Kennel with four-sided ventilation, a wire door and a stay-dry moat.
Pros
- More interior space than the 36-inch version
- Tamper-proof holes for zip ties
- Easy-to-wipe shell
Cons
- Check the interior measurements against your dog
- Confirm airline requirements directly
The Petmate Vari Kennel 40-inch is designed for dogs weighing 70–90 lb and has a 36.2 x 24.7 x 28.8 in interior. Use these measurements, rather than weight alone, to check whether it offers enough room.
Like the 36-inch version, it has a wire door, ventilation on four sides, tamper-proof holes for zip ties and a stay-dry moat. The plastic shell is easy to wipe clean.
The extra interior space may suit a larger dog, but the kennel also takes up more room. Measure the vehicle or storage area where you plan to use it before choosing this size.
SportPet airline-style kennel, large 31.5-inch: Best for rolling it
- Interior 28.75 x 19.75 x 21.5 in
- Removable wheels
- Top carry handle
- Separates into two pieces for storage
Removable wheels and a top carry handle help with transport, while the two-piece design separates for compact storage.
Pros
- Removable wheels
- Top carry handle
- Can be wiped or hosed clean
Cons
- Check airline requirements before travel
- Compare interior dimensions with your dog
The SportPet airline-style kennel, large 31.5-inch has an interior measuring 28.75 x 19.75 x 21.5 in. It is designed for pets up to 28 in long and 20 in high, so check those limits against your dog's measurements.
Removable wheels help move the kennel, and a top handle gives you another way to carry it. The two halves separate for compact storage; for cleanup, wipe it with mild soap and water or hose it out.
Choose it if you value rolling transport and need a kennel that separates for storage. The product description calls it airline-approved, but travel rules can vary and change, so contact your airline before relying on it for a flight.
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel 40-inch: Best for tie-downs
- For dogs weighing 70–90 lb
- Heavy-duty recycled plastic
- Tie-down strap holes
- Wire vents and easy-open latch
A 40-inch travel kennel with a heavy-duty plastic shell, metal screws, covered door posts and tie-down strap holes.
Pros
- Tie-down strap holes
- Raised interior
- Assembles without tools
Cons
- Confirm it fits in your vehicle
- Check airline rules for your route
The Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel 40-inch is designed for dogs weighing 70–90 lb. Its heavy-duty recycled plastic shell, metal screws, covered door posts and secure latch are relevant features for a travel kennel.
Tie-down strap holes and wire vents add practical details for transport. The raised interior is another feature, and the kennel assembles without tools.
Petmate says the model meets most airline cargo specifications. Choose it if tie-down points and travel hardware are priorities, after confirming the kennel fits your dog, vehicle and storage space.
SportPet airline-style kennel, medium 26.5-inch: Best for medium-dog storage
- Interior 24.25 x 18 x 17 in
- For pets up to 23 in long and 15 in high
- Removable wheels
- Separates into two pieces
A medium kennel with removable wheels, two-piece storage and included food and water dishes and travel labels.
Pros
- Removable wheels
- Includes dishes and travel labels
- Can be wiped or hosed clean
Cons
- Measure your dog against the interior
- Check current airline rules
The SportPet airline-style kennel, medium 26.5-inch has a 24.25 x 18 x 17 in interior and is designed for pets up to 23 in long and 15 in high. Compare those limits with your dog before considering its travel features.
It comes with removable wheels, a top carry handle, food and water dishes, and live-animal labels. The halves separate for storage, and you can wipe the kennel down or hose it out.
SportPet describes this model as compliant with standards in the 51st edition of the IATA Live Animals Regulations. Choose it if your dog fits and the wheels or included accessories are useful, then confirm current airline and destination rules.
SportPet airline-style kennel, extra large 32.25-inch: Best for extra-large travel
- Interior 32.25 x 21 x 25.25 in
- For dogs up to 32 in long and 23 in high
- Removable wheels
- Two built-in top handles
An extra-large kennel with wheels, two built-in top handles and a two-piece design for storage.
Pros
- Two built-in top handles
- Removable wheels
- Includes dishes and travel labels
Cons
- Check current airline and country rules
- Compare interior dimensions with your dog
The SportPet airline-style kennel, extra large 32.25-inch is designed for dogs up to 32 in long and 23 in high. Its interior measures 32.25 x 21 x 25.25 in, giving you concrete limits to compare with your dog.
Removable wheels and two built-in top handles help move the kennel. It separates into two pieces for storage and includes food and water dishes and live-animal labels.
Choose it for a dog that fits its interior when you want wheels and more than one built-in handle. Airline and country requirements can vary, so confirm current rules for your route, including crate size, hardware and travel documents.
Petmate two-door plastic kennel, 24-inch: Best for top access
- For small pets up to 15 lb
- Top and front doors
- Ventilation holes
- Stay-dry moat
A small kennel with both top and front doors, ventilation holes and a stay-dry moat.
Pros
- Top and front doors
- Foldable handle
- Simple-to-clean plastic shell
Cons
- For small pets up to 15 lb
- Check airline requirements before travel
The Petmate two-door plastic kennel, 24-inch has top and front doors, giving you another way to reach a small pet. It's designed for pets up to 15 lb and measures 24.05 x 16.8 x 14.5 in.
Ventilation holes provide airflow, and the stay-dry moat directs fluids away from the pet. A foldable handle helps with carrying.
Choose this kennel if top access is useful and your pet fits the size. Petmate says it meets most airline cargo specifications, so confirm your airline's current rules before a trip.
Petmate Pet Porter kennel, 24-inch: Best for small essentials
- For pets weighing 15–20 lb
- Interior 21.5 x 15 x 13.5 in
- Four-sided ventilation
- Built-in storage
A compact kennel with a fold-down handle, built-in storage and a stay-dry moat.
Pros
- Built-in storage for small essentials
- Four-sided ventilation
- No tools needed for assembly
Cons
- Smaller interior than other picks here
- Check airline rules for your trip
The Petmate Pet Porter kennel, 24-inch is designed for pets weighing 15–20 lb, with an interior of 21.5 x 15 x 13.5 in. Its fold-down handle and four-sided ventilation suit a compact carrier.
Built-in storage keeps small essentials such as ID or treats close at hand. The plastic shell wipes clean, and a stay-dry moat directs fluids away from your pet.
Choose it for a small dog that fits the interior and a few essentials you want to keep nearby. Skip it if your dog needs more room than its compact interior allows; it assembles without tools, and Petmate says it meets most travel requirements.
Petmate Large Breeds dog kennel: Best for simple large travel
- For pets up to 90 lb
- 40 x 27 x 30 in
- Ventilation on three sides
- Easy-open latch
A large kennel with a one-hand easy-open latch, ventilation on three sides and a plastic shell that wipes clean.
Pros
- For pets up to 90 lb
- Easy-open latch
- Simple metal hardware
Cons
- Ventilation is on three sides
- Confirm it fits your travel space
The Petmate Large Breeds dog kennel measures 40 x 27 x 30 in and is designed for pets up to 90 lb. Its easy-open latch can be opened with one hand, and ventilation openings are on three sides.
The plastic shell wipes clean, while metal screws provide the assembly hardware. Petmate says the kennel meets most airline cargo specifications, but each carrier sets its own rules.
Choose it if you want a large kennel with a one-hand latch and your dog fits. Compare the outside dimensions with your car, doorway and storage area before choosing it.
How to choose the best plastic dog crate for your dog
Choose the best plastic dog crate by matching your dog's measurements to the interior and your intended use to the kennel's features. A weight range is a helpful starting point, but it can't tell you whether your dog has enough room to move.
Measure length from nose to rear and height from floor to the top of the head. Compare those figures with the crate's interior and allow enough space for your dog to stand, turn and lie down comfortably.
Check the dog crate measurement guide if you're unsure where to measure. If your dog is still growing, account for likely adult size and avoid choosing a crate that is too tight now.
Then check the outer dimensions. A kennel can fit your dog but still be too wide for a vehicle, too tall for a storage shelf, or awkward to carry through a doorway.
Which plastic crate features matter for home and travel?
The right features depend on where and how often you'll use the crate. For travel, focus on secure closure, ventilation, tie-down points and the carrier's current requirements; for home, consider access, cleanup and storage.
A stay-dry moat directs fluids away from your pet, and a wipeable shell can make routine cleanup simpler. A top door helps with access to a small pet, while wheels and carry handles can help when moving a kennel.
If you want a more open enclosure that folds for storage, compare the trade-offs in our wire vs plastic dog crate guide. For a driving-focused comparison, our guide to choosing a dog crate or carrier can help clarify the role of each option.
How to set up and care for a plastic dog kennel
Set up a plastic kennel on a stable, level surface and assemble its two halves with all supplied hardware. Before use, check that the door opens and latches correctly and that the joined shell feels secure.
Introduce the crate gradually and make it a calm resting place. Let your dog explore it with the door open, then build up short, comfortable periods inside rather than using it only when you leave or travel.
Keep the interior simple and suited to your dog. For ideas about bedding and other safe items, read what to put in a dog crate.
For routine care, remove loose debris and wipe the shell and door. If the kennel needs a deeper clean, follow the materials and care instructions for that model; SportPet's kennel directions allow mild soap and water or hosing it out.
What mistakes should you avoid when buying a plastic crate?
The most common buying mistake is choosing by the crate's outside size or the dog's weight alone. Compare the interior with your dog's measurements, then check the outer dimensions against your vehicle and storage space.
Another mistake is assuming an airline claim guarantees acceptance. Requirements can vary by airline, route and destination, so confirm dimensions, hardware, labels and documents with the airline before travel.
Don't choose wheels or accessories just because they sound convenient. If the kennel will stay in one room, a simpler model may suit you better; if you need to move it often, removable wheels and handles may justify the added features.
What should you check before flying with a plastic kennel?
Check the airline's current requirements before buying a plastic kennel for a flight. Requirements can vary by airline, route and destination, and may cover kennel dimensions, hardware, labels and travel documents.
A brand's statement that a kennel meets airline or IATA requirements does not guarantee acceptance on every trip. Confirm the rules with the airline and destination authority, then check that your pet fits the kennel.
Which plastic dog crate should you choose?
Choose the Petmate Vari Kennel 36-inch if your medium to large dog fits its interior and you want four-sided ventilation with a stay-dry moat. Choose the Sky Kennel if your smaller dog fits and its included travel accessories are useful.
For wheels and storage, compare the SportPet models by their interior limits and handles. For a larger dog, compare the 40-inch Vari Kennel, Ultra Vari and Large Breeds kennel by interior space, hardware and outside dimensions.
Measure your dog and the space where the kennel will go before you decide. If air travel is part of the plan, confirm current carrier rules before buying the best plastic dog crate for your trip.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right plastic dog crate size?
Measure your dog's length from nose to rear and height from floor to the top of the head. Compare those measurements with the kennel's interior, allowing enough room to stand, turn and lie down.
For travel, check the exact crate size and current carrier rules before you book.
Are plastic dog crates suitable for air travel?
Some hard-sided kennels are designed to meet airline or cargo requirements, but rules vary by airline, route and destination. Check current requirements with the airline before buying or traveling.
Confirm the required hardware, kennel dimensions and documents for your specific trip.
What is the difference between a plastic crate and a wire crate?
Plastic crates have solid sides with ventilation openings, while wire crates have open metal sides. A hard-sided plastic kennel can suit travel and contain mess in a defined space.
Wire crates offer a more open view and often fold for storage.
Compare both styles in our wire vs plastic dog crate guide.
Can I use a plastic dog crate in the car?
A plastic kennel can be used for car travel if it fits securely and your dog has suitable space. The crate alone does not show how it will behave in a crash.
Read our guide on how to secure a dog crate in a car and follow your vehicle and kennel instructions.
