Dog Crate Buying Tips

Before deciding on a dog crate, dog owners must refer to these dog crate buying tips first to ensure smart purchases.

Type of crate to be used

» Each style of crate has its own advantages and disadvantages, so its up to owners to decide which style suits their needs. Collapsible wire mesh dog crates have the features of being foldable for easy transport, have great air flow for maximum ventilation and allow the puppy to see a wide portion of his surrounding. While drop pin style wire crate has 6 panels that are secured together with a “drop-pin” in each of the 4 corners. It can easily be set-up requiring no tools. However, these crates are difficult to clean considering the waste that can be trapped within the meshing. The wooden crate is very stylish that will complement to any home décor but not advisable for outdoor use. And soft crates are lightweight and easy to clean; hence they are not strong as those steel crates. Nevertheless, these are dependable enough for the dogs.

Size of the crate

» The space of the crate should be wide enough to allow the pet to lay down stretched out flat, move around and tall enough to allow the big dog to sit up without hitting his head. Choosing a crate that fits to the dog has become much less complicated because most crates are now available in standardized size ranges. There are dog crates for puppies, medium sized dog and big dog crate. If the not sure about the appropriate size, buy the next larger size. It is always better to have a space allowance rather than a stiffed one. A divider panel can also be used to adjust the space as the puppy grows up.

Where to use the crate

» Of course, most dog owners will choose a versatile crate that can be used for indoor and outdoor. The purpose of having a crate is to confine the pet without isolating him. At home, it should be placed near the area where family stays most of the time such as living room and kitchen. There are also specialized crate for outdoor adventure so owners can take the pets with them for camping, picnic or just traveling.

Other features

» These features include the accessories that the crate has. Choose a dog crate with an easy to clean plastic pan for pet’s hygiene. Wire mesh crates are available in two finishes: a bright zinc and electro-coat to prevent rusting. Some soft crates include a bag for toys and treats. Divider panel is one great tool to control the space of the crate. Most of our dog crates come with a free divider panel. And always look for trusted brand names, dogcrates-4less.com only offers top quality pet crates at very affordable prices.

If air travel is in the plans for the Pooch, then better purchase an airline crate. Airlines require these unless the dog is small enough to be considered carry-on luggage (under 10 pounds). Pets are considered Live Cargo, and are often shipped in the cargo hold of an airplane unless that specific plane has a separate, climate-controlled area.

Air Circulation
Airline kennels must have sufficient air circulation. Be sure that the kennel has airways all along the top of the crate walls for proper ventilation, and a mesh doorway. Without proper ventilation the pet could expire from heat or suffocate due to lack of oxygen.

Properly Latching Door
A door that does not latch closed properly could cause all kinds of problems both in and out of the plane. If the door swings open, the dog can run loose in the cargo hold, or worse, around on the runway. Add to the hazards of a severely stressed animal on the loose and somebody could be bitten.

Airline Approval
Not all crates are airline approved! Check for the sticker that states the crate has air approval before buying.

Proper Size
An airline will not ship an animal in a crate that is too small. Crates that are too big are fine, but owners will pay more in fees and there may be a very smelly mess to clean afterwards. Stressed pets may defecate in the crate, especially if there is plenty of room to do so. Proper sizing also ensures that in colder climates, the pet will be able to retain it's body heat better.

How big should it be?
The crate should be just big enough for the dog to stand up without touching the ceiling, turn around comfortably, and lay down comfortably.

Mesh hole size on the door
The holes in the wire mesh of the door must not be big enough for the dog to stick his nose through. This prevents him from possibly biting any airline employees during loading and unloading.

With these dog crate buying tips, dog owners cna be confident that they can properly select the appropriate crate for their dogs.