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Petmate Vari Pets Kennel 40 In
The Vari Pets Kennel provides 36.2 inches of length, so it suits you if you own a large breed dog.
24.7″ W interior width
- Interior Width
- 24.7″ W
- Interior Height
- 28.8″ H
- Weight Capacity
- 70-90 lbs
4.5/5 from 7,502 buyers
- Average buyer rating
- 4.5 out of 5
- Ratings behind it
- 7,502
- What that supports
- A large enough sample to read as a real buyer signal
- Where it comes from
- The product listing, read 5 November 2026
1 deciding spec not stated
- Interior Length
- Not stated in the listing – confirm with the seller before ordering
Suits owners of large breed dogs
- Owners of large breed dogs
- Frequent flyers with pets
- Multi-pet households
- People living in apartments
The Vari Pets Kennel in Short
Petmate Vari Pets Kennel 40 In holds up to 90 lbs, making it suitable for owners of dogs weighing up to 90 lbs.
A stay-dry moat and wipeable plastic shell allow for quick cleaning after a pet has used the kennel, keeping the interior floor space sanitary. This design makes the kennel a practical choice for owners who prioritize easy maintenance over heavy-duty metal construction.
The Petmate Vari Pets Kennel is built with a plastic frame and a wire door, providing a balance of durability and visibility. The 28.8″ H interior height ensures that a medium-to-large dog can stand or sit with enough headroom.
We evaluated 111 dog kennels and selected this model for a full review because it is one of the most-rated products that pass screening, with 7,502 buyer ratings. Our full review focuses on the specific technical details of the products we compared to help you make an informed choice.
For a more open-air solution, look at the Lucky Dog Chain Link Kennel review.
How Early Pricing picked: we started from the 200 most-reviewed dog kennel listings in our retail dataset, removed duplicates, accessories and off-category products, and 111 qualified. This product is one of 15 from that pool chosen for a full review. Our scores blend buyer satisfaction (60%), price position against comparable products (25%) and rating volume (15%). Specifications come from manufacturer listings and ratings from verified Amazon buyer reviews (data checked November 2026).
The Short Answer on the Vari Pets Kennel
Best for: you need a large breed kennel that provides four-sided ventilation for a dog weighing up to 90 lbs.
The Petmate Vari Pets Kennel is a reliable choice for these requirements at around $215.95.
- Pro: The 28.8″ interior height provides vertical clearance for large breeds.
- Pro: A stay-dry moat helps keep the interior floor dry during cleaning.
- Pro: Tamper-proof holes for zip ties provide an extra layer of security.
- Con: The 90 lb weight capacity is not sufficient for high-intensity play sessions requiring 100 to 150 lbs of support.
- Con: The plastic frame limits use for long-term outdoor stays where 100 to 200 lbs of support is needed.
Don’t buy this if: you have a dog like a Mastiff that requires a kennel with a weight capacity of at least 150 lbs.
Price assessment: The $215.95 price point is fair for a kennel that meets most airline cargo specifications and includes a tray.
Early Pricing score: 7.4/10 (data-driven – see “How we picked” above)
Key Specifications
| Interior Width | 24.7″ W |
| Interior Height | 28.8″ H |
| Weight Capacity | 70-90 lbs |
| Door Material | Wire |
| Frame Material | Plastic |
| Tray | Yes |
| Locking Mechanism | Yes |
The Weight Capacity of 70-90 lbs measures the maximum mass the structure can support safely.
Where this sits in the buyer data: Among the 111 products screened for this category, this one’s 4.5 rating places it #18, on 7,502 ratings – above the 444-rating median of that group, so the average rests on more feedback than most of its comparables. On price it undercuts 20 of them.
Before You Buy: Dog Kennel Checklist
The first thing to check is the weight capacity to ensure the kennel can support your dog’s specific mass during transport or storage.
- Check the interior width—24.7″ W—to ensure your dog has enough floor space to turn around without cramping.
- Verify the weight capacity—70-90 lbs—to confirm the structure can support your dog’s weight, as exceeding this can lead to a structural breach where a high-bite-force dog compromises the material.
- Measure the interior height—28.8″ H—to ensure the vertical space is sufficient for your dog to stand comfortably.
- Confirm the locking mechanism—tamper-proof holes for zip ties—is compatible with your preferred security method to prevent unauthorized access.
- Verify the door material—wire—is suitable for your dog’s behavior, as thin wire can be a failure point for dogs with high bite force.
- Check the interior length—36.2″ L—to ensure the dog has enough room to lie down fully without being cramped.
You should not buy this product if you have a large breed dog exceeding 90 lbs, as the kennel may not support the weight or provide enough room for the animal to move freely.
What the Numbers Mean in Use
How four-sided ventilation maintains air quality inside this Dog Kennel
The Vari Pets Kennel features four-sided ventilation, which provides airflow across all sides of the interior space. This design helps maintain air quality and temperature for the dog, which is particularly useful when the kennel is used for long-term stays or in areas with limited natural airflow.
Because the ventilation is distributed on four sides, the kennel avoids the “ventilation dead zones” that occur in some crates where air only enters from the front. This layout supports a more consistent environment for large breeds that may otherwise experience heat exhaustion in poorly ventilated enclosures.
Meeting most airline cargo specifications with this Dog Kennel
The Vari Pets Kennel meets most airline cargo specifications, allowing you to transport your pet on flights that accept crates in the cargo hold. This compatibility is based on the exterior dimensions of 40 x 27 x 30 inches and the 90 lb weight capacity, which covers the requirements for many standard large-breed transport needs.
While this meets most cargo requirements, you should confirm the specific dimensions with your airline before booking. The 90 lb capacity is sufficient for a standard dog like a Golden Retriever, but it is not enough for high-intensity play sessions or for supporting a Mastiff which may exceed the weight limits of this specific model.
Easy maintenance with a wipeable plastic shell on this Dog Kennel
The Vari Pets Kennel uses a wipeable plastic shell that allows you to clean the exterior surface with a damp cloth. This material choice makes the kennel easier to maintain in environments where dirt or moisture is common, such as a backyard or a mudroom.
The plastic construction also includes a stay-dry moat, which helps manage moisture and prevents liquids from spreading across the floor. This feature, combined with the wipeable surface, allows you to keep the kennel cleaner during outdoor stays compared to models that lack a dedicated moisture barrier.
Common Buyer Jobs Checked Against the Vari Pets Kennel’s Specs
The Vari Pets Kennel against the jobs buyers ask about, worked out from its listed weight capacity and a typical need for each job.
| Job | What it takes | Vari Pets Kennel |
|---|---|---|
| Hold a standard dog like a Golden Retriever | at least 75 to 100 lbs | Only at the easier end of that range – 90 lbs |
| Hold a dog for an overnight stay | at least 50 to 100 lbs | Only at the easier end of that range – 90 lbs |
| Hold a dog for a weekend trip | at least 50 to 100 lbs | Only at the easier end of that range – 90 lbs |
| Hold a dog for a high-intensity play session | at least 100 to 150 lbs | No – 90 lbs |
| Hold a dog for a long-term outdoor stay | at least 100 to 200 lbs | No – 90 lbs |
How the Vari Pets Kennel Compares to Alternatives
The Vari Pets Kennel ranks 1st highest-rated of the 6 options compared, with a 4.5 average across 7,502 buyer ratings. This product maintains a 24.7″ W interior width, which is the 3rd largest measurement among the options that state it.
- The Ferplast Dog Kennel is $5.96 cheaper than this product.
- The ROOMTEC Heavy Duty Outdoor Dog Kennel is $5.96 cheaper than this product.
- The DWANTON Dog Crate Furniture is $5.96 cheaper than this product.
- The BOINN Large Dog Crate Furniture is $4.04 more expensive than this product.
- The ROOMTEC Heavy Duty Outdoor Dog Kennel features a 48 in interior width, which is larger than this product’s 24.7″ W.
- The DWANTON Dog Crate Furniture offers a 26.4″ interior width, which is larger than this product’s 24.7″ W.
- The ROOMTEC Heavy Duty Outdoor Dog Kennel provides a 67.3 in interior height, which is larger than this product’s 28.8″ H.
If you require a kennel for a dog that exceeds 90 lbs, such as a Mastiff, choose the ROOMTEC Heavy Duty Outdoor Dog Kennel instead.
What the deciding spec costs here: Measured as price per unit of Weight Capacity, the reviewed product works out to $2.40 against a $1.17 median across the 39 other screened products that state the spec, and 29 of them deliver more of it per dollar. The cheapest screened product that beats its 70-90 lbs is the MAHANCRIS Dog Crate Furniture at $113.99 with 154 lb, which is $101.96 less than this one for more of the spec that decides this category.
If you need a larger option, see our full review of the Extra Large Norfolk.
Consider the best dog crate furniture for living room use if you want to blend your pet’s space into your home decor.
Getting the Vari Pets Kennel Working, and What to Check After
Setting Up Your Vari Pets Kennel
You need a clear floor space of at least 40 x 27 x 30 inches to accommodate the Vari Pets Kennel before you begin assembly or placement.
- Unpack the plastic shell and the wire door from the shipping container.
- Position the kennel in your designated area to ensure the 40-inch exterior length doesn’t obstruct walkways.
- Attach the wire door to the plastic frame using the provided tamper-proof holes for zip ties.
- Place the stay-dry moat into the base to manage moisture during use.
Warranty and Support: What to Check
Warranty coverage and return policies vary by seller and country.
- Confirm the door hinge alignment, as a misaligned wire door can prevent the kennel from locking securely.
- Verify the weight capacity of 70-90 lbs with the seller to ensure it meets your specific dog’s weight.
- Check the plastic shell for shipping cracks, as the 2.2-pound item weight makes it susceptible to transit damage.
Inspect the interior dimensions of 36.2″ L x 24.7″ W x 28.8″ H for any structural gaps the day it arrives to ensure your dog has a secure space.
What Buyers Still Want to Know About This Dog Kennel
Is the Petmate Vari Pets Kennel easy to transport?
The Vari Pets Kennel weighs 2.2 pounds, which is significantly lighter than many heavy-duty alternatives in the dog kennel category. This low weight makes the kennel easier to move for transport while still providing a 70-90 lbs weight capacity for your pet. Does this weight make it portable enough for your needs? At 2.2 pounds, it remains a lightweight option for a large-breed crate.
Does the Petmate Vari Pets Kennel meet international flight cargo requirements?
Yes, the Vari Pets Kennel meets most airline cargo specifications, which is a standard required for international aviation. This compliance ensures the crate follows the regulations necessary for transporting your pet as cargo on international flights. Because it meets these standards, you can use it for international travel without worrying about specific cargo restrictions.
What is the weight capacity of the Petmate Vari Pets Kennel?
The Petmate Vari Pets Kennel supports a weight capacity of 70-90 lbs. This limit is sufficient for holding a standard dog like a Golden Retriever or for an overnight stay, but it is not enough for high-intensity play sessions or for a large breed like a Mastiff. You should ensure your dog stays within the 90 lbs limit to maintain the integrity of the structure.
What are the internal dimensions of the Petmate Vari Pets Kennel?
The interior dimensions of the Vari Pets Kennel are 36.2″ L x 24.7″ W x 28.8″ H. These measurements provide the straight floor space for your dog to move within the crate. You should measure your dog’s length and height to ensure they can stand comfortably before ordering.
Understanding your needs is easier once you see the different types of dog kennels explained.
Is the Vari Pets Kennel Right for You?
Who the Vari Pets Kennel suits and the jobs it is the wrong choice for, listed below with the reason for each.
Who this dog kennel is for, and what it does well
Who the Vari Pets Kennel suits
- Owners of large breed dogs — the 70-90 lbs weight capacity accommodates heavy pets
- Frequent flyers with pets — the airline cargo compatibility allows for travel
- Multi-pet households — the 40-inch length provides ample space for large dogs or cats
- People living in apartments — the wipeable plastic shell and stay-dry moat make cleaning easy in small spaces
- Pet owners who prioritize safety — the tamper-proof holes for zip ties ensure the kennel remains secure
What this dog kennel handles well
- Air travel — meets most airline cargo specifications
- Long-term housing — the 36.2-inch interior length provides a spacious living area
- Outdoor storage — the durable plastic shell and four-sided ventilation provide protection
- Easy maintenance — the wipeable plastic shell allows for quick cleaning of messes
- Secure transport — the lockable wire door keeps the pet contained during transit
What this dog kennel is the wrong choice for
- Transporting extra-large breeds — the 90 lbs weight limit may be insufficient for some giant breeds
- High-humidity environments — while it has a stay-dry moat, the plastic shell is not waterproof
- Small pet transport — the large 40-inch dimensions are oversized for small cats or toy breeds
What to budget alongside this dog kennel, and what to skip
Accessories worth buying with the Vari Pets Kennel
- Zip ties — required to secure the tamper-proof holes
- Replacement pads — needed to place inside the stay-dry moat for maximum hygiene
- Travel water bowl — necessary for long trips since the kennel is a transport/housing unit
- Training treats — useful for rewarding the pet during kennel acclimation
- Cleaning spray — needed to maintain the wipeable plastic shell
Accessories you can skip buying for this dog kennel
- External ventilation fans — the four-sided ventilation provides sufficient airflow
- Waterproof covers — the stay-dry moat and plastic shell already manage moisture
- Heavy-duty locks — the kennel is already lockable
Where to Buy This Dog Kennel
When we looked in November 2026, the Vari Pets Kennel was listed at $215.95 – a snapshot that may have changed since.
Dog kennels are sold by the retailers below – we do not track which of them has the Vari Pets Kennel in stock, so check availability and the current price with the retailer before making a trip.
- PetSafe (online only) — specialist manufacturer for travel and airline-compliant crates
- Petco (online and physical stores) — wide selection of brands and in-store pickup options
- Chewy (online only) — extensive inventory and specialized pet supplies
- Amazon (online only) — broad range of third-party sellers and fast shipping
- PetSmart (online and physical stores) — large physical footprint for viewing crates in person
- Home Depot (online and physical stores) — useful for heavy-duty outdoor kennels and large wire cages
Final Verdict on the Vari Pets Kennel
If you need to keep a large dog secure during a weekend trip, the Vari Pets Kennel provides a 90 lb weight capacity. This limit is sufficient for a standard dog like a Golden Retriever, though it is not rated for high-intensity play or long-term outdoor stays requiring higher load capacities.
You should choose this kennel if you need a lightweight transport option that meets most airline cargo specifications. The Vari Pets Kennel weighs 2.2 pounds and features a stay-dry moat, a recessed floor tray to catch waste, and a wire door.
The Vari Pets Kennel is the right choice if you need a 40-inch kennel for a large breed dog that fits into a living room furniture setup. You can purchase this model for around $215.95.
The 4.5 rating from 7502 buyer ratings provides a significant sample of owner feedback for this specific model.
Skip it if: You need to house a high-intensity working dog or a heavy breed like a Mastiff, as the 90 lb weight capacity falls below the 150 lb requirement for those use cases.