Pet Crates & Kennels

  • Learn More About Pet Crates & Kennels

    Both pet crates and kennels offer a designated place for your pet to feel safe and comfortable, but there are some differences between the two, even though the terms may be used interchangeably.


    A pet crate is usually a temporary, indoor location for your pet to stay, while a pet kennel is usually a semi-permanent structure used outdoors to house pets for extended periods.


    Crates often have a plastic tray bottom with metal sides that you can use indoors or while transporting your pet. Some styles—like a collapsible pet crate---pop up anywhere with ease so you can move it in and out of the car, around the house if necessary, or tuck it away when not in use.

    Use a pet crate to transport pets or as a valuable training tool. Pop one in your vehicle to keep your pet in one place while you drive out to a hiking trailhead or as a designated spot to relax when they get too excited indoors. Help cats learn the ropes of house training by including a litter box in a large pet crate or acquainting new animals to unfamiliar spaces. You can also use them with new pets to slowly show them the rest of the house while introducing soon-to-be friends in a controlled manner.


    Many pets—especially cats and dogs—can benefit by having a place they recognize as a haven to run to if they feel overwhelmed or frightened. Cats and dogs instinctively love dens, and having an enclosed space for them to call their own satisfies that behavior. A pet crate can give you peace of mind that your pet is safe and free from getting into any trouble around the house. If there’s some nocturnal mischief afoot or you want your pet to sleep near you—but not on top of you—try a crate as a sleeping location for your furry friend.

    Pet kennels are often built for the outdoors and can offer more space for your pet to move around, sleep, and exercise while staying contained. As a confined area, outdoor pet kennels are a good alternative to fencing your yard so your pet can enjoy the sunshine and stay out of trouble. Depending on the season, day, and climate, it might be better for your dog to be outside while you’re away. For instance, if you’re away at work but your dog has bowel complications, an outdoor pet kennel means fewer accidents. Use a kennel while you’re home, too, so your pup can enjoy the outdoors with you and have a shady spot to rest after some playtime.


    For feline friends, it’s hard to beat a catio. These semi-indoor-outdoor spaces may extend out of a window or onto a patio so your cat can enjoy the outdoors and remain protected from predators and the weather. For pets who prefer to lounge indoors, provide a comfortable and tasteful place to snooze with an indoor pet kennel that blends into the room’s decor.

    When choosing a crate, put yourself in their paws. It’s important your pet has space to stand and turn around easily, as they are likely to fidget and shift to become more comfortable. Overall, indoor and outdoor kennels tend to have more space than crates, making them suitable for tiny tigers and larger dog breeds. If you’re planning to travel with your pet, however, crates are more suited to travel with, although some airliners may restrict the size of pet travel crates when transporting them.

    When introducing a pet to a crate or a kennel, it’s important you take it in stages. Use treats to entice them in and reward them each time they go close. Going in on their own terms is a significant accomplishment that deserves praise. Cats may take more sessions and lose interest faster, but they can learn. Once your pet can go inside entirely, you can slowly introduce closing the door and reopening it so they don’t feel trapped during training. You want pet crates and kennels always to make your pet feel safe and protected.


    Choose the right size and ensure your pet has enough space to stand and turn around and a few creature comforts inside. Pets will only go willingly if you make their training fun and inviting with things like treats, toys, or their favorite blankets. As a training tool, pet crates and kennels intend not to be a place of punishment to banish your pet but a place of calm, positive energy.


    If you use cat carriers or dog crates for pet visits, it’s also important to use them for other reasons. If you only take them to uncomfortable and strange vet visits in a pet crate, they will associate it with a place of stress. Take them out on hikes, for a brief car ride, or just to the end of the drive and back to break any negative associations. Have comfortable bedding in your pet kennel or crate to make it a welcome place to be at all times, and if possible, keep it accessible to your pet whenever they feel like visiting their home within a home.