Dog Crate Cost

• Crates vary in cost from $25 to $571, depending on the material and the size. There are three basic styles.
• Wire crates are most common and typically cost $60 to $350. Kennel-Aire's popular, collapsible Black Professional series is sold for $130 to $230 at most pet stores.
• Portable crates are useful especially for outdoorsy pet owners or frequent airplane travelers. There are two types of portable crates, soft and hard. Soft crates are often made of nylon and are best for calmer pets that won't topple them over. These typically cost $35 to $200, depending on the size of the crate. Hard crates, like Pet Den Dog Crate that starts at $25 in its petite size, are typically made of molded plastic.
• Decorative crates costs from $100 to $570. Decorative crates, sometimes called pet enclosure furniture, are made mostly of hardwood or wicker. Some double as usable furniture, like an end table, such as Orvis's Wood/Metal Deluxe Dog Crate, which costs $375. DenHaus is a popular decorative crate brand.

• The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says crates are an essential pet supply. Many dog experts point out that dogs were once den dwellers, and appreciate their own enclosed space within a home.
• The ASPCA notes that crates work well for puppies, especially during housetraining. The society provides a detailed account of how to crate train a dog of any age over a weekend.
• Wire cages are easy to clean and allow for plenty of airflow and visibility for the pet. They are often foldable, allowing for easy storage and portability. This could prevent injuries.
• Other portable crates are made of hard plastic, such as those that can be used for airline travel, and soft nylon, for camping and other outdoors activities.
• Dogtime magazine briefly weighs the pros and cons of different crate types.

• Most crates come with a pan in the bottom that is removable for washing or replacing once worn. Small replacement pans can be purchased for about $10; large replacement pans cost about$50. For example, replacement pans for Midwest models cost $30 to $40 at Petsmart.
• Crate beds, which add comfort and warmth in the otherwise utilitarian crate, cost $10 to $49. iDogBeds.com offers the Precision SnooZZy Sleeper Dog Bed for $10 to $25.
• A divider panel, available in wire crates, is a single, wire wall that is the just shorter and taller than the crate. A panel is useful for a growing puppy because keeping the crate compact yet a comfortable size will keep the dog controlled. These sell for about $25. Petco sells Petmate wire kennel dividers for $25 to $47.
• Precision sells a clamp fan for dog crates. The K-9 Kooler costs about $12.
• Crate covers insulate, cushion it for comfort and darken it for a calmer experience. They cost $18 -$110.
• A cart for transporting larger crates is available for about $65 to $130. Carts are usually made of sturdy metal, have four rotating wheels and have either straps or a handle for pulling. The Precision Pet Dog Kennel Kart costs $78 at MightyPets.com

• The American Kennel Club advises buying a model that's large enough for the pet to stand, turn and lie down at full size. Make sure it has handles and grips and doesn't have parts sticking out on the inside. The crate should have an absorbent, leak-proof bottom and ventilation on opposing sides.
• Petco, Amazon, and Drs Foster & Smith.

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