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Head-to-head · Best Dog Crates

Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate vs Petmate Vari Dog Kennel

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Petmate Vari Dog Kennel comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about pet owners needing airline-approved, durable travel crates — read the strengths below before deciding.

Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate
Ranked #5 in Best Dog Crates
Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate
3 sources$1,071.99as of Jul 31

The Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate is built for dogs that get out of everything else, with heavy aluminum construction and a secure stainless steel slam latch. Reviewers confirmed the durability and the escape-proof design, but found assembly tough because the butterfly locks take significant force. Chewers wear through the powder coating, and the door latch bangs loudly enough to unsettle a sensitive dog. Active owners who need something reliable and portable for travel and home use are the fit; owners of very sensitive dogs should consider alternatives.

Strengths
  • — Escape-proof design built for strong escape artists
  • — Durable aluminum construction with powder-coated finish
  • — Includes stainless steel slam latch for secure door closure
Watch-outs
  • — Assembly requires some effort and strength for butterfly locks
  • — Powder coating may chip or fade with chewing or digging
  • — Door latch can produce loud closing sound that may startle sensitive dogs
$1,071.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Dog Crates
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel
2 sourcesall derived$39.99as of Jul 31

The Petmate Vari Kennel is a hard-sided plastic dog travel crate that meets most IATA requirements for airline cargo. Reviewers noted the heavy-duty construction, the tool-free assembly, and the built-in ventilation. It works well for large dogs and the airline-approved design is the main draw, though the bigger sizes take longer to ship and won't fit every vehicle's cargo area. Pet parents who need a durable crate for both travel and everyday use should look here.

Strengths
  • — Meets most International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements for airline travel
  • — Durable construction with heavy-duty plastic shell and metal grated door
  • — Easy assembly with no tools required, includes spiral wing nuts and bolts
Watch-outs
  • — Larger sizes (36" and 40") must ship via LTL/Freight Carrier and arrive in 10-14 business days
  • — XL size may not fit upright in some vehicle cargo areas
$39.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate

The Impact High Anxiety crate is the most escape-proof option, surpassing the Sweetcrispy and FDW models in security. However, it's heavier than the Diggs Revol and lacks the ceiling hatch and diamond design of the Diggs Revol. Unlike the MidWest Homes, it doesn't include a divider panel, making it less suitable for training puppies.

Petmate Vari Dog Kennel

The Petmate Vari meets IATA airline requirements, which the FDW and Sweetcrispy models don't, making it ideal for travel. However, it's heavier than the Diggs Revol and lacks the diamond-shaped safety design. Unlike the Impact High Anxiety crate, it's not escape-proof and doesn't feature a powder-coated aluminum frame. It's a travel-approved hard crate but not the most secure for escape-prone dogs.

Specs side-by-side

SpecImpact High Anxiety Dog CratePetmate Vari Dog Kennel
Dimensions30.5"L x 20.5"W x 26H to 48L x 27W x 33H40.000 x 27.000 x 30.000
Weight35 lbsUp to 31.0 lb
MaterialAluminumEcoTEC Plastic (90% pre-consumer recycled)
Door Typezinc-steel paddle latch and four butterfly latchesMetal grated
FeaturesStainless steel slam latch360 Degree Ventilation, Airline Compliant, Easy to assemble
Usageideal for indoor useperfect for both air and car travel
ColorWhiteGray/Black
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