The Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel is a popular choice among pet owners for its durability and functionality. Here’s a detailed review of the product:
Design and Construction: The Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel is built with heavy-duty plastic, providing a sturdy and durable enclosure for pets. Its design incorporates wire vents on the sides and a wire door, ensuring good air circulation and visibility. This kennel comes in various sizes to accommodate different breeds, from small dogs to larger ones. The design is sleek and simple, often in a two-tone color scheme that blends well in any setting.
Safety and Security: One of the key features of the Ultra Vari Kennel is its focus on safety. The door is made of strong wire, and the latch mechanism is secure, preventing pets from accidentally opening it. The kennel’s plastic shell is also designed to protect pets during travel, especially on airplanes, as it meets most airline cargo specifications. However, always check with individual airlines for their specific requirements.
Portability: While the larger sizes of the kennel are quite bulky, the smaller versions are relatively easy to transport. The kennel also features sturdy handles for carrying, which is a plus for pet owners who travel frequently with their pets.
Ease of Assembly and Cleaning: The Ultra Vari Kennel is easy to assemble, usually not requiring any tools. Its design allows for quick disassembly too, which is convenient for cleaning. The plastic material is easy to wash and dries quickly, making maintenance straightforward.
Comfort for Pets: This kennel provides a safe and comfortable space for pets. The interior is spacious enough for pets to move around, and it can be lined with soft bedding for additional comfort. The ventilation ensures that pets get enough air, reducing stress during travel.
Durability: The kennel’s heavy-duty plastic construction makes it highly durable. It can withstand the rigors of travel and the usual wear and tear from pets. This durability makes it a cost-effective option in the long run.
Price: The Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel is generally priced mid-range from $21 to $365, making it an affordable option for the quality it offers. Prices vary depending on the size of the kennel.
Pros and Cons
The Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel, like any pet product, has its own set of pros and cons. Understanding these can help pet owners make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for their needs.
Pros:
- Durability: Made from heavy-duty plastic, it’s sturdy and can withstand significant wear and tear, making it a long-lasting option.
- Safety Features: With secure wire vents and a strong door latch, it ensures the safety and security of pets, particularly important during travel.
- Airline Approved: Many sizes of the Ultra Vari Kennel meet airline requirements for pet travel, making it a good option for flying with pets.
- Ease of Cleaning: The plastic material is easy to clean and maintain, which is essential for hygiene.
- Good Ventilation: The wire vents provide excellent air circulation, keeping pets comfortable.
- Portability: Especially in smaller sizes, it’s relatively easy to transport. It also has sturdy handles for carrying.
- Comfortable for Pets: Spacious interior and the option to add comfortable bedding make it a cozy space for pets.
- Variety of Sizes: Available in multiple sizes to accommodate different breeds and sizes of pets.
- Easy Assembly: It’s generally easy to assemble and disassemble, requiring no special tools.
Cons:
- Bulky in Larger Sizes: The larger models can be quite heavy and bulky, making them less portable.
- Not as Aesthetically Pleasing: Its utilitarian design might not blend well with home decor compared to more stylish options.
- Cost: While offering good value, it might be a bit pricier than some other options, especially in larger sizes.
- Limited Visibility for Pets: The design might limit visibility for the pet compared to wire crates, which can be an issue for some animals.
- Not Suitable for Chewers: Aggressive chewers might be able to damage the plastic over time.
- Not Collapsible: Unlike soft-sided crates, it doesn’t fold down for storage.
- Lack of Insulation: In extreme weather, the crate provides limited insulation compared to insulated kennel options.
Conclusion: Overall, the Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel is a solid choice for pet owners looking for a durable, safe, and comfortable travel kennel. Its secure construction, ease of maintenance, and range of sizes make it suitable for a wide variety of pets. While it may be bulkier and heavier in larger sizes, its durability and safety features make it a reliable option for both everyday use and travel.