The Petmate ProValu double door wire crate targets practical owners and retailers with a solid, no-frills construction that is easy to assemble and maintain for everyday crate training and transport. Compared to the premium MidWest and Precision Pet options, ProValu often sells through mass channels at a competitive price while still offering dependable latches and a removable pan, making it a sensible mid-market choice for repeat buyers and shelters.
Value-priced
Removable pan
Value-priced
Removable pan
Review Summary
"Owners find the Petmate ProValu crate affordable and functional with a solid tray and fold-flat design, but several reviewers note weaker latches and faster finish wear with long-term use."
Budget tough
Sturdy wire construction with two access doors and a leak-resistant plastic pan.
Budget tough
Sturdy wire construction with two access doors and a leak-resistant plastic pan.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The Petmate ProValu double door wire crate targets practical owners and retailers with a solid, no-frills construction that is easy to assemble and maintain for everyday crate training and transport. Compared to the premium MidWest and Precision Pet options, ProValu often sells through mass channels at a competitive price while still offering dependable latches and a removable pan, making it a sensible mid-market choice for repeat buyers and shelters.
Value-priced
Removable pan
Budget tough
Sturdy wire construction with two access doors and a leak-resistant plastic pan.
Removable divider panel for transitioning puppies to adult crate size.
Value-priced
Removable pan
Budget tough
Sturdy wire construction with two access doors and a leak-resistant plastic pan.
Removable divider panel for transitioning puppies to adult crate size.
$70-200 USD
SportPet Designs' plastic kennel is a value leader that delivers sturdy construction, easy cleaning, and practical ventilation at a competitive price point for everyday home use. Compared with premium travel-focused units it undercuts on cost while matching many technical basics, though it may lack the reinforced fittings and official certifications found on the top Petmate Sky models.
Lightweight portability
Secure latch-lock
Lightweight portability
Secure latch-lock
Review Summary
"SportPet Designs plastic kennels are liked for good ventilation, ease of cleaning, and reasonable durability, with occasional complaints about latches and hardware loosening after long-term use. Most owners consider it a solid mid-range plastic kennel for regular use."
Sporty styling
Lightweight and available in compact sizes for easy travel and storage.
Sporty styling
Lightweight and available in compact sizes for easy travel and storage.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
SportPet Designs' plastic kennel is a value leader that delivers sturdy construction, easy cleaning, and practical ventilation at a competitive price point for everyday home use. Compared with premium travel-focused units it undercuts on cost while matching many technical basics, though it may lack the reinforced fittings and official certifications found on the top Petmate Sky models.
Lightweight portability
Secure latch-lock
Sporty styling
Lightweight and available in compact sizes for easy travel and storage.
Secure plastic shell with a metal door for safety.
Lightweight portability
Secure latch-lock
Sporty styling
Lightweight and available in compact sizes for easy travel and storage.
Secure plastic shell with a metal door for safety.
$70-200 USD
AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier
AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier is the most budget-friendly option in this lineup, offering basic soft-sided construction, good ventilation, and very wide availability for occasional travel without the premium features of Sherpa or Sleepypod. It undercuts competitors on price and is a practical entry-level carrier for infrequent trips, though it lacks the backpack ergonomics of PetAmi and the rigid security of the Petmate kennel.
Budget-friendly cozy
Mesh-view windows
Budget-friendly cozy
Mesh-view windows
Review Summary
"Shoppers appreciate the low price, lightweight design, and good ventilation, but many report limited durability and sizing issues for larger or heavier pets."
Removable sleep pad
Affordable soft-sided carrier with mesh panels on three sides for ventilation.
Removable sleep pad
Affordable soft-sided carrier with mesh panels on three sides for ventilation.
Time-Saving Convenience
Increased Safety & Security
AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier is the most budget-friendly option in this lineup, offering basic soft-sided construction, good ventilation, and very wide availability for occasional travel without the premium features of Sherpa or Sleepypod. It undercuts competitors on price and is a practical entry-level carrier for infrequent trips, though it lacks the backpack ergonomics of PetAmi and the rigid security of the Petmate kennel.
Budget-friendly cozy
Mesh-view windows
Removable sleep pad
Affordable soft-sided carrier with mesh panels on three sides for ventilation.
Collapsible design for compact storage and a removable fleece pad.
Budget-friendly cozy
Mesh-view windows
Removable sleep pad
Affordable soft-sided carrier with mesh panels on three sides for ventilation.
Collapsible design for compact storage and a removable fleece pad.
$35-65 USD
Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline Approved Carrier
The Sherpa Original Deluxe is a soft-sided, airline-approved in-cabin carrier known for its spring-steel frame that compresses to fit under seats and its strong airline acceptance record, making it a cost-effective choice for frequent flyers with small dogs. Versus premium in-cabin designs like the Sleepypod, Sherpa trades advanced crash-tested features for lighter weight and lower price while offering better packability than bulkier hard-sided crates like the Petmate Sky Kennel.
Under-seat ninja fit
Breathable mesh panels
Under-seat ninja fit
Breathable mesh panels
Review Summary
"Users like the Sherpa Original Deluxe for its soft-sided, airline-approved design, comfort, and convenient collapsibility for in-cabin travel, though some mention zippers and seams can wear with frequent use or larger, more active pets. It’s favored for small dogs and air travel convenience despite occasional durability concerns."
Removable pad — nap-ready
Top- and side-zip openings for easy access while traveling
Removable pad — nap-ready
Top- and side-zip openings for easy access while traveling
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
Increased Safety & Security
The Sherpa Original Deluxe is a soft-sided, airline-approved in-cabin carrier known for its spring-steel frame that compresses to fit under seats and its strong airline acceptance record, making it a cost-effective choice for frequent flyers with small dogs. Versus premium in-cabin designs like the Sleepypod, Sherpa trades advanced crash-tested features for lighter weight and lower price while offering better packability than bulkier hard-sided crates like the Petmate Sky Kennel.
Under-seat ninja fit
Breathable mesh panels
Removable pad — nap-ready
Top- and side-zip openings for easy access while traveling
Collapsible design with breathable mesh panels for ventilation
Under-seat ninja fit
Breathable mesh panels
Removable pad — nap-ready
Top- and side-zip openings for easy access while traveling
Collapsible design with breathable mesh panels for ventilation
$90-150 USD
The Petsfit Portable Pop Up Pet Tent stands out for ultra-quick pop-up deployment and extreme lightness, offering a near-instant shelter ideal for beach trips, park breaks and temporary containment where folding speed is paramount. Unlike structured crates such as Petmate’s Sky Kennel or EliteField’s framed soft crates, it sacrifices rigid protection for the fastest setup and lowest pack weight, which can translate to lower cost and greater convenience for short-duration outdoor travel.
Instant pop-up
Mesh-vented zen
Instant pop-up
Mesh-vented zen
Review Summary
"Users appreciate the Petsfit pop-up tent’s instant setup, light weight, and airflow for small pets; many note it feels flimsy, runs small, and isn’t suitable for escape-prone or chewing dogs."
Beach-ready shade
Pop-up design sets up in seconds, ideal for quick travel or temporary containment
Beach-ready shade
Pop-up design sets up in seconds, ideal for quick travel or temporary containment
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Petsfit Portable Pop Up Pet Tent stands out for ultra-quick pop-up deployment and extreme lightness, offering a near-instant shelter ideal for beach trips, park breaks and temporary containment where folding speed is paramount. Unlike structured crates such as Petmate’s Sky Kennel or EliteField’s framed soft crates, it sacrifices rigid protection for the fastest setup and lowest pack weight, which can translate to lower cost and greater convenience for short-duration outdoor travel.
Instant pop-up
Mesh-vented zen
Beach-ready shade
Pop-up design sets up in seconds, ideal for quick travel or temporary containment
Breathable mesh windows and zippered door for ventilation and visibility
Instant pop-up
Mesh-vented zen
Beach-ready shade
Pop-up design sets up in seconds, ideal for quick travel or temporary containment
Breathable mesh windows and zippered door for ventilation and visibility
$25-70 USD
Haige Pet’s Heavy Duty Dog Crate focuses on corrosion-resistant finishes and reinforced locking systems that improve long-term escape resistance, positioning it as a durable mid-range alternative. It typically offers better rust protection and slightly improved lock redundancy compared with budget imports like Sliverylake and LUCKUP, yet it remains more affordable and lighter than the industrial-grade ProSelect cages. For owners concerned about chew damage and environmental wear in an escape-proof crate, Haige Pet provides a technically sensible middle ground.
Hinge Hulk
Smooth-Glide Doors
Hinge Hulk
Smooth-Glide Doors
Review Summary
"Users appreciate the heavy-duty construction and reliable latches for chronic escape artists, but some note rough edges, paint chipping, and imperfect assembly after extended use."
Zen-Quiet Cabin
Powder-coated steel finish for improved rust resistance and longevity.
Zen-Quiet Cabin
Powder-coated steel finish for improved rust resistance and longevity.
Increased Safety & Security
Haige Pet’s Heavy Duty Dog Crate focuses on corrosion-resistant finishes and reinforced locking systems that improve long-term escape resistance, positioning it as a durable mid-range alternative. It typically offers better rust protection and slightly improved lock redundancy compared with budget imports like Sliverylake and LUCKUP, yet it remains more affordable and lighter than the industrial-grade ProSelect cages. For owners concerned about chew damage and environmental wear in an escape-proof crate, Haige Pet provides a technically sensible middle ground.
Hinge Hulk
Smooth-Glide Doors
Zen-Quiet Cabin
Powder-coated steel finish for improved rust resistance and longevity.
Reinforced welds and heavy door bars to prevent bending or prying.
Hinge Hulk
Smooth-Glide Doors
Zen-Quiet Cabin
Powder-coated steel finish for improved rust resistance and longevity.
Reinforced welds and heavy door bars to prevent bending or prying.
$300-600 USD
ProSelect Empire Dog Cage is the premium choice for heavy-duty kennels thanks to commercial-grade welded steel construction, oversized gauge bars and secure dual-latch doors. It outperforms the other entries on build quality and security, making it ideal where maximum containment and durability justify a higher price; compared with the other models it offers superior corrosion-resistant finishes and professional-grade fittings.
Crushproof steel (Houdini)
Escape-proof latches
Crushproof steel (Houdini)
Escape-proof latches
Review Summary
"Buyers consistently praise the ProSelect Empire for its extremely sturdy welded construction and secure latches, noting it holds up well to strong, active dogs; occasional comments mention its heavy weight and high price but say durability justifies it. Overall owners report long-term reliability with minimal deformation or rust when used indoors."
Roomy interior
Welded heavy-gauge steel frame built for long-term commercial and working-dog use.
Roomy interior
Welded heavy-gauge steel frame built for long-term commercial and working-dog use.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
ProSelect Empire Dog Cage is the premium choice for heavy-duty kennels thanks to commercial-grade welded steel construction, oversized gauge bars and secure dual-latch doors. It outperforms the other entries on build quality and security, making it ideal where maximum containment and durability justify a higher price; compared with the other models it offers superior corrosion-resistant finishes and professional-grade fittings.
Crushproof steel (Houdini)
Escape-proof latches
Roomy interior
Welded heavy-gauge steel frame built for long-term commercial and working-dog use.
Multiple reinforced lock points and escape-proof latches for maximum security.
Crushproof steel (Houdini)
Escape-proof latches
Roomy interior
Welded heavy-gauge steel frame built for long-term commercial and working-dog use.
Multiple reinforced lock points and escape-proof latches for maximum security.
$1,200-2,500 USD
The Impact Dog Crates Stationary Crate Tie-Down Kit is tailored for owners who use Impact-brand stationary crates and want a straightforward, OEM-compatible anchoring solution that fits without modification. It provides a cost-effective, neatly integrated alternative to universal kits; while not as beefy as the Gunner straps, it outperforms simple consumer ratchet straps in fit and finish and is a smart value for matching crate systems.
Hidden anchors — van-friendly
Steel-backed plates — rock-steady
Hidden anchors — van-friendly
Steel-backed plates — rock-steady
Review Summary
"Buyers find the Impact Dog Crates Stationary Crate Tie-Down Kit sturdy and a good fit with Impact crates, providing solid vehicle anchoring; a minority report minor fitment or hardware finish issues."
Tool-free install — do-it-now
Purpose-built kit to bolt stationary crates to van or truck floors for permanent installs.
Tool-free install — do-it-now
Purpose-built kit to bolt stationary crates to van or truck floors for permanent installs.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The Impact Dog Crates Stationary Crate Tie-Down Kit is tailored for owners who use Impact-brand stationary crates and want a straightforward, OEM-compatible anchoring solution that fits without modification. It provides a cost-effective, neatly integrated alternative to universal kits; while not as beefy as the Gunner straps, it outperforms simple consumer ratchet straps in fit and finish and is a smart value for matching crate systems.
Hidden anchors — van-friendly
Steel-backed plates — rock-steady
Tool-free install — do-it-now
Purpose-built kit to bolt stationary crates to van or truck floors for permanent installs.
Steel anchors and heavy-duty straps rated to handle large-breed dogs and rough travel.
Hidden anchors — van-friendly
Steel-backed plates — rock-steady
Tool-free install — do-it-now
Purpose-built kit to bolt stationary crates to van or truck floors for permanent installs.
Steel anchors and heavy-duty straps rated to handle large-breed dogs and rough travel.
$80-130 USD
MidWest Homes for Pets Foldable Metal Exercise Pen earns a best-in-class spot for dog play pens thanks to its heavy-gauge welded-steel construction, reliable locking hardware, and flexible panel configurations that handle medium to large dogs securely. While typically priced above budget options, it outperforms the lighter IRIS and travel-focused Zampa models on durability and long-term outdoor/indoor use, and offers a sturdier alternative to the more value-oriented AmazonBasics and the versatile but lighter Carlson convertible yard.
Heavy-duty build
Fold-and-go design
Heavy-duty build
Fold-and-go design
Review Summary
"Users praise its heavy-duty steel construction, easy foldability, and reliable containment for puppies and medium dogs; some note it's heavy and larger dogs can push panels or bend pins over time."
Veterinarian-approved vibe
Durable welded metal panels that fold flat for easy storage and transport.
Veterinarian-approved vibe
Durable welded metal panels that fold flat for easy storage and transport.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
MidWest Homes for Pets Foldable Metal Exercise Pen earns a best-in-class spot for dog play pens thanks to its heavy-gauge welded-steel construction, reliable locking hardware, and flexible panel configurations that handle medium to large dogs securely. While typically priced above budget options, it outperforms the lighter IRIS and travel-focused Zampa models on durability and long-term outdoor/indoor use, and offers a sturdier alternative to the more value-oriented AmazonBasics and the versatile but lighter Carlson convertible yard.
Heavy-duty build
Fold-and-go design
Veterinarian-approved vibe
Durable welded metal panels that fold flat for easy storage and transport.
Multiple panel configurations allow circular, rectangular, or custom shapes to suit space.
Heavy-duty build
Fold-and-go design
Veterinarian-approved vibe
Durable welded metal panels that fold flat for easy storage and transport.
Multiple panel configurations allow circular, rectangular, or custom shapes to suit space.
$80-160 USD
The K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Crate Pad uses a body-heat reflective inner layer to provide extra warmth without electricity, offering a low-running-cost comfort upgrade for crates. Technically advantaged over electric heated pads and bulkier blankets, it pairs well with tray or cover products and is a budget-friendly way to add thermal comfort compared with higher-end textile covers like Molly Mutt.
Reflects body heat
Plug-free warmth
Reflects body heat
Plug-free warmth
Review Summary
"The K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Crate Pad is praised for adding noticeable warmth and comfort without electricity, fitting most crates well; reviewers warn it won’t withstand heavy chewers and can flatten over long use. Most owners find it a lightweight, effective bedding upgrade for cooler seasons."
Fluffy like clouds
Reflective inner lining returns the pet's body heat to provide extra warmth without electricity
Fluffy like clouds
Reflective inner lining returns the pet's body heat to provide extra warmth without electricity
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
The K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Crate Pad uses a body-heat reflective inner layer to provide extra warmth without electricity, offering a low-running-cost comfort upgrade for crates. Technically advantaged over electric heated pads and bulkier blankets, it pairs well with tray or cover products and is a budget-friendly way to add thermal comfort compared with higher-end textile covers like Molly Mutt.
Reflects body heat
Plug-free warmth
Fluffy like clouds
Reflective inner lining returns the pet's body heat to provide extra warmth without electricity
Soft, non-heating surface ideal for year-round crate comfort
Reflects body heat
Plug-free warmth
Fluffy like clouds
Reflective inner lining returns the pet's body heat to provide extra warmth without electricity
Soft, non-heating surface ideal for year-round crate comfort
$35-75 USD