Petmate Vari Kennel 36-Inch Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The Petmate Vari Kennel 36-inch suits car trips and home use for a dog that fits its 32.5 x 22.2 x 26 in interior. Its four-sided ventilation, wire door and stay-dry moat are useful features, but confirm airline rules and measure your dog before choosing it.
On this page (9 sections)
- How does the Petmate Vari Kennel 36-inch fit a dog?
- What do the door and ventilation offer?
- Is the Petmate Vari Kennel 36-inch airline-friendly?
- What makes the stay-dry moat useful?
- How does it compare with other travel crates?
- How much space does the kennel need?
- What are the main trade-offs?
- Who should choose the Petmate Vari Kennel?
- How we score the Petmate Vari Kennel
The Petmate Vari Kennel 36-inch is a plastic travel crate for dogs whose measurements fit its 32.5 x 22.2 x 26 in interior. It has four-sided ventilation, a sturdy wire door, tamper-proof holes for zip ties and a stay-dry moat.
Its 36-inch exterior length needs room in your home or vehicle, so measure the space as well as your dog. The kennel is described as meeting most airline cargo specifications, but check the rules for your specific airline and trip.
How does the Petmate Vari Kennel 36-inch fit a dog?
The kennel is intended for dogs weighing 50–70 lb, with an interior measuring 32.5 in long, 22.2 in wide and 26 in high. Your dog's body measurements matter more than weight alone when deciding whether that space is sufficient.
Measure from the nose to the base of the tail for body length, and from the floor to the top of the head or ears, whichever is higher, for standing height. Your dog should be able to stand naturally, turn around and lie down without being cramped.
Compare those measurements with the interior, not the 36 x 25 x 27 in exterior dimensions. If your dog is close to the interior limits, consider a roomier size or another crate style.
Our guide to measuring a dog for a crate walks through the measurements to take. For a Labrador, you can also compare the breed-specific fit notes in our Labrador crate size guide.
What do the door and ventilation offer?
The wire door and ventilation on all four sides give this kennel its basic travel-crate layout. Petmate also describes tamper-proof holes for zip ties, which can help keep the kennel secured when the travel rules call for them.
Check that the door closes and latches as intended before each trip. If you plan to use zip ties, follow the airline's requirements and make sure you can still access your dog in an emergency.
The four-sided openings provide airflow and visibility through the shell. Keep the kennel in a well-ventilated, temperature-controlled space, and avoid leaving a dog unattended in a hot vehicle.
The door is a practical feature for loading and access, but it doesn't by itself mean the kennel will be accepted for air travel. The airline decides which kennel designs and fasteners it accepts.
Is the Petmate Vari Kennel 36-inch airline-friendly?
The kennel is described as meeting most airline cargo specifications, but airline rules vary. Confirm the exact crate requirements with the airline before buying it for a flight or booking your dog.
Ask about the required interior fit, door construction, ventilation, fasteners, handles, water containers and travel documents. Rules can differ by airline, aircraft, route and destination, so a general “airline-friendly” description can't replace current instructions from the carrier.
The kennel has tamper-proof holes intended for zip ties. Ask whether the airline requires them and which kind to use, then check whether you can open the kennel safely when needed.
Don't assume a crate accepted for cargo travel will also be accepted in the cabin. Check the category of travel you have booked and get confirmation for the kennel's exact model and size.
What makes the stay-dry moat useful?
The stay-dry moat directs fluids away from the dog, while the plastic shell is easy to wipe down. This can be useful for routine cleanup during travel or housebreaking, though it doesn't replace absorbent bedding or timely cleaning.
Remove bedding and clean accidents as soon as you can. Wipe the shell and moat, then dry the interior before putting bedding back in.
Check that the kennel is clean and dry before storing it. Keeping the door open while it dries can help prevent damp bedding or lingering odors.
For a broader look at travel-crate styles, see our guide to plastic dog crates. It can help you compare features such as shell design, ventilation and portability.
How does it compare with other travel crates?
The Vari Kennel stands out for its stated interior dimensions and four-sided ventilation. Alternatives may suit you better if you want travel accessories, wheels or more room for a larger dog.
| Crate | Interior or exterior size | Standout detail |
|---|---|---|
| Petmate Vari Kennel 36-inch | Interior: 32.5 x 22.2 x 26 in | Stay-dry moat and four-sided ventilation |
| Petmate Sky Kennel 36-inch | Interior: 32.5 x 22 x 26 in | Includes a cup, stickers and absorbent pad |
| SportPet airline-style kennel, large 31.5-inch | Interior: 28.75 x 19.75 x 21.5 in | Removable wheels and top handle |
| Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel 40-inch | Exterior: 40 x 27 x 30 in | For dogs weighing 70–90 lb |
Petmate Vari Kennel 36-inch: Best for everyday travel
- 32.5 x 22.2 x 26 in interior
- Four-sided ventilation
- Sturdy wire door
- Stay-dry moat
A travel kennel with a wipe-clean plastic shell, four-sided ventilation and a stay-dry moat. Check your dog's measurements against the interior before you buy.
Pros
- Four-sided ventilation
- Tamper-proof holes for zip ties
- Stay-dry moat directs fluid away from the dog
- Interior dimensions are stated
Cons
- Airline requirements vary and need confirmation
- The interior dimensions may not fit every dog in the suggested weight range
The Vari Kennel is a straightforward fit when your dog's measurements work and you want the moat for cleanup. Its listed weight range and exterior dimensions are starting points, not a substitute for measuring the inside fit and the space where you'll place it.
Petmate Sky Kennel 36-inch
Petmate Sky Kennel 36-inch: Best for travel accessories
- 32.5 x 22 x 26 in interior
- 360-degree ventilation
- Food and water cup
- Live animal stickers
A similar-size Petmate kennel that includes travel items such as a food and water cup, stickers and an absorbent pad. Confirm current airline rules before travel.
Pros
- 360-degree ventilation
- Includes travel accessories
- Tie-down strap holes
Cons
- Airline acceptance depends on the specific airline and trip
- Interior width is slightly narrower than the Vari Kennel
The Sky Kennel has nearly the same interior length and height, with a width of 22 in. Its included food and water cup, live-animal stickers and absorbent pad may be helpful when preparing for travel.
SportPet airline-style kennel, large 31.5-inch
SportPet airline-style kennel, large 31.5-inch: Best for rolling airport transport
- 28.75 x 19.75 x 21.5 in interior
- Removable wheels
- Top carry handle
- Separates for storage
A smaller kennel with removable wheels and a top handle for moving it around. Compare its interior measurements carefully with your dog's standing height and length.
Pros
- Removable wheels
- Top carry handle
- Separates into two pieces for storage
Cons
- Smaller interior than the Vari Kennel 36-inch
- Its listed dog length limit is shorter
The SportPet kennel has a smaller interior than either 36-inch Petmate model. Its removable wheels and top carry handle make it worth considering when moving a kennel through an airport is a priority, provided your dog fits its dimensions.
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel 40-inch
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel 40-inch: Best for a larger dog
- 40 in exterior length
- For dogs weighing 70–90 lb
- Tie-down strap holes
- Raised interior
A larger Petmate option for dogs in the stated 70–90 lb range. Check the fit and the space available for the kennel before choosing it.
Pros
- Longer 40-inch exterior
- Tie-down strap holes
- Raised interior
Cons
- Larger footprint than the 36-inch kennel
- Interior dimensions are not stated here
The 40-inch Ultra Vari is intended for dogs weighing 70–90 lb. Its larger exterior calls for more placement space, and check the interior fit directly before choosing it because interior measurements aren't stated here.
How much space does the kennel need?
The Vari Kennel measures 36 x 25 x 27 in on the outside, so use those dimensions to check floors, doorways and vehicle cargo space. Leave enough clearance to open the door and place the kennel without blocking a path.
Measure the narrowest doorway along the route to its final spot. Check the car's cargo opening and usable space with seats in the position you'll use for travel.
The shell weighs 2.2 lb according to its dimensions information, but a dog inside adds substantial weight. Plan how you'll lift and move it, especially if you need to carry it up stairs or load it into a vehicle.
For car trips, decide how the crate will sit and how you'll secure it before travel. Our guide to securing a dog crate in a car covers the practical planning.
What are the main trade-offs?
The main advantage is a simple plastic shell with useful travel and cleanup details. The main limits are that airline acceptance varies and the dog must fit the interior, regardless of the kennel's weight range.
The stay-dry moat and wipe-clean shell make cleanup a central feature. Four-sided ventilation, a wire door and tie holes also suit a crate meant for transport.
On the other hand, the exterior footprint takes planning, and the stated 50–70 lb range can include dogs with very different body shapes. Measure carefully before treating the size label as a fit guarantee.
If you need more size guidance before deciding between 36 and 42 inches, read our 36-inch vs 42-inch crate comparison. The best choice depends on your dog's measurements and the room available.
Who should choose the Petmate Vari Kennel?
Choose the Vari Kennel if your dog fits its interior and you want a plastic crate with four-sided ventilation and a stay-dry moat. It also merits consideration for travel when the airline confirms that the kennel meets its current requirements.
Look at the Sky Kennel if included travel items matter to you. Consider the SportPet model if removable wheels are useful and your dog fits its smaller interior, or the Ultra Vari if you need a larger crate for a dog in its stated weight range.
The Vari Kennel is not a safe fit just because your dog falls within the suggested weight range. Measure your dog, check the exterior against your available space and confirm airline rules before travel.
Choose the Vari Kennel when its interior fits and easy cleanup matters; choose another size or model when your dog needs more room or your travel plans call for different features. For more options, browse our plastic travel crate guide.
How we score the Petmate Vari Kennel
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. The Vari Kennel earns 8.8 for its stated interior dimensions, four-sided ventilation, wire door, tie holes and stay-dry moat, with airline acceptance still requiring a check for your trip.
The scores for alternatives reflect how their stated dimensions and features fit their intended uses. A higher score doesn't replace checking measurements, current travel rules or the space you have available.
Frequently asked questions
What size dog fits in a Petmate Vari Kennel 36-inch?
Petmate describes this kennel for dogs weighing 50–70 lb, and its interior measures 32.5 x 22.2 x 26 in. Weight alone can't confirm a safe fit, so measure your dog's length and height and check that the dog can stand, turn and lie down inside.
Is the Petmate Vari Kennel 36-inch airline approved?
The kennel is described as meeting most airline cargo specifications, but that doesn't mean every airline will accept it for every route. Contact the airline before travel and confirm its current kennel, door, fastener and documentation requirements.
How do you clean the Petmate Vari Kennel?
The plastic shell can be wiped down, and the stay-dry moat directs fluids away from the dog. Remove bedding and clean up spills promptly, then let the kennel dry before using it again.
Can the Petmate Vari Kennel be used in a car?
The Vari Kennel can serve as a travel crate for car rides, but the available details don't specify a vehicle restraint system or crash rating. Secure the kennel according to your vehicle and crate instructions, and see our guide to securing a dog crate in a car.
