Perfect for housebreaking, the Petmate® Ultra Vari Kennel® is ideal for training and traveling. Features include tough durable construction with an easy-open squeeze latch, wire vents on side walls, an interior moat to keep pets dry, and tie-down strap holes on the perimeter for zip-tie installation and extra security during airline travel. Provides 360-degree ventilation so your pet gets plenty of airflows. A heavy-duty plastic shell provides durability and safety for your pet. The Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel is easy to assemble with no tools required. Meets most air travel requirements. Please contact your specific airline before traveling for verification of their requirements.
I bought this crate as it is approved for Alaska airlines -this is a 500 series and for a 72-pound labrador who will be flying in the cargo hold. Assembly is easy enough, no tools needed, and the crate has enough space for my lab to turn around inside and sit. It feels very secure and the door of the crate has small holes on all 4 corners so that it can be secured via zip ties for travel. This is one of the very few crates available and approved for air travel, so I am happy I found it and it shipped very quickly as my lab needs to practice her crate training before our flight.
What I do not like about this crate:
- plastic wing nuts to secure the bolts aren't ideal, they should just include the aluminum ones by default. I had to buy the aluminum ones separately.
- quality control issues - there are 3 missing washers because of which the corners cant be secured. Without the washers, the bolt just slides through the hole. I had to purchase washers separately, a set that includes 9 sizes, as I do not know what size is appropriate here, which is an additional pain point. As small and insignificant as a washer might seem, it is a very important component as the crate will be useless without. They should include these as well.
- no ease of purchase - they should include all-travel related components as one bundle. crate, mat, live animal stickers, animal passport, food and water bowls etc. I had to buy these separately.. Dt15. Bay Area. Tue Jan 18 2022
