Head-to-head · Best Dog Crates

Petmate Vari Dog Kennel vs Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate

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

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

The short answer

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

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Dog Crates

Petmate Vari Dog Kennel

4.5

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 Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Dog Crates

Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate

4.3

3 sourcesall derived$34.92as of Jul 31

The Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate keeps a dog contained with a double-door design and a heavy-duty locking mechanism. Reviewers noted it folds flat for travel and storage, and the metal mesh has rounded edges so nothing catches. A leak-proof ABS tray handles cleaning. There aren't customer reviews yet, and the listing doesn't specify a weight capacity. Owners who want a portable kennel that lasts, indoors or out, are the fit.

Strengths

— Double doors with heavy-duty sliding bolt locks for secure pet containment
— Foldable design allows for easy transport and storage
— Durable metal mesh construction with rounded edges and smooth corners for safety

Watch-outs

— No owner reviews to date, so durability under a determined dog is unproven
— Limited published detail beyond the 36-inch length — no weight capacity or interior dimensions

$34.92 · Check Price on Amazon Full 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

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.

Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate

The Sweetcrispy offers double doors with heavy-duty locks, which the Impact High Anxiety and FDW models also feature, but it's more secure than the Amazon Basics and lacks the collapsible design of the Diggs Revol. Unlike the EliteField soft crate, it's not spacious or soft, and unlike the Petmate Vari, it's not airline-approved. It's a secure, portable wire crate with a focus on durability.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Petmate Vari Dog Kennel	Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate
Dimensions	40.000 x 27.000 x 30.000	36.61"L x 22.64"W x 24.21"H
Weight	Up to 31.0 lb	—
Material	EcoTEC Plastic (90% pre-consumer recycled)	Metal mesh
Door Type	Metal grated	Double door
Features	360 Degree Ventilation, Airline Compliant, Easy to assemble	Leak-proof tray, heavy-duty locks
Usage	perfect for both air and car travel	indoor/outdoor
Color	Gray/Black	—

← See the full ranking of best dog crates