Becky in Boerne from
One star sounds weird, given the pet approval 5, but this crate's bottom broke apart -- one whole side slit open -- on the first use, air shipping. I ship a lot, always in VariKennels, and have never had this happen before, whether the crate was old or new. BEWARE!
One more quibble- This "improved" version uses screw fasteners that are much longer than all the other older models. Thus you have to keep a whole new set of hardware around. Annoying.
50 out of 67 found this review helpful
Susan V. from
The new and supposedly improved style of vari-kennel, sadly is nowhere near the original in terms of quality and they are more expensive! Wouldn't mind if the structural integrity was there. I show dogs (Cavaliers) and find that these do not stack reliably as the old style did. I'm looking for an alternative to these as they are woefully inadequate for my needs :-(
44 out of 59 found this review helpful
Dean from Bennion
I have been training field trial pointing breeds for 30 years. I have seen many differing types of plastic kennels. I have used the old ones that some say are better. I disagree. I first purchased two of these and got them for the best price anywhere, and they arrived fast. My dogs and I are pretty hard on these. They have not had a problem at all. They are very nice looking and very sturdy. The door is easy and reliable. I like the oval door opening. The wire sides are the only way to go. I have the intermediate size. These are as good of quality as I have seen over my lifetime. I now have four of these, and use them every day for my rough and tough hunting dogs. Never a problem. I have recommended these to many in our club, and several friends, they love em too. Good Stuff !!
36 out of 43 found this review helpful
rebekah from san antonio, tx
less than a year old, and barely outside for more than a few days and it rusted! not happy.
17 out of 30 found this review helpful
Dogmom18 from Southwest Ohio
These are VERY cheap versions of the original vari kennels. Thin plastic, don't stack well and the doors are harder to secure. The plastic is so thin, I would never use it for airline travel, no matter what the company says. (hey, I've seen how the airlines handle animals) I bought two of these crates, and my shelties hated them--and the plastic is so thin they chewed the top and bottom out of them in a matter of days. I show dogs, and no show person I know likes this new style--we all agree they are cheap, cheesy, don't stack well and are overpriced for the lack of quality.
Bring back the Original Vari-Kennels!!!!
49 out of 60 found this review helpful
Toni from King George, VA
The holes in the back are a problem - my breed can has has chewed their way out thru these. The don't stack very well. The plasitc is so thin that they are not very sturdy. Yes, I have some because it is becoming increasingly difficult to find the good old style, but I don't like them.
90 out of 143 found this review helpful
Judy from Marengo, IL
I used these carriers to ship parrots. This particular one has punched holes in the back. To ship parrots, the holes must be covered with wire so that the birds don't chew out and escape during shipping.
95 out of 187 found this review helpful
John from Upstate, NY
I have used this type/brand of crate for over 30 years. Easy to clean, get a floor bottom, safe for travel. My experience is primarily with smaller dogs, Shih Tzu, Lhasa, Cavaliers, toys and Terriers. I still have my original crates but have purchased more. Don't expect it to survive a very large or overly aggressive animal. For these you would do better to buy a heavy weight Central Metal Steel Crate or an Aircraft Aluminum Crate. Expect to pay a significant amout more.
106 out of 209 found this review helpful
Elisa from Rochester, NY
My 65lb pit mix has been crate trained since he was a puppy -but was always in the "cage" ones. I thought this would be warmer for the winter since it is more enclosed (I turn the heat down during the day while I am gone). I put him in this one and was only gone an hour and he had escaped and destroyed the crate. Waste of money!
106 out of 188 found this review helpful
Mary from Tracy, CA
These Ultra Vari Kennels have some positives that the Traditionals dont have, but overall I wish i could still by the Traditional ones in Medium. The Ultra Kennels are not as easily stackable, and are MUCH harder to secure shut. Fine for home use, but for showing i prefer the traditionals. The Ultra's are nice because they are lighter and a little roomier but i dont like that the top isnt flat and that the doors are harder to secure (especially when stacked). Overall a disappointment on what should be an Improved version
66 out of 106 found this review helpful
Joanne from Royal Palm Beach, FL
We have 2 intermediate ones now. We are ordering 2 X- Large ones. They are great!!!
221 out of 430 found this review helpful
gonzalo from Los Angeles,CA
GOOD Travel Crates
238 out of 465 found this review helpful
Bekki from W.Newfield ME
Easy to put together and rugged!
233 out of 466 found this review helpful
Janice from Tyler, Texas
This kennel is great. My 40 lb golden retriever mix destroyed and escaped from a wire crate in days, but was like a different dog from the minute I put him in this crate. He has made no attepmt that I can see to destroy this crate. He whined and howeled at being put in the wire crate, but is much calmer in this one. I didnt buy it here, but am planning on buying a second, larger one from this site. Their pries are almost half of what I paid in the local pet store!
242 out of 449 found this review helpful