When we sized up the Petmate Vari Kennel range, we kept coming back to one rule every owner forgets: your dog should be able to stand without crouching, turn around fully, and lie flat with legs extended. Weight ranges printed on the box are a starting point, not the answer, because a lanky 60-pound dog and a stocky 60-pound dog often need different shells. We evaluated these kennels against IATA Live Animals Regulations, Petmate’s own published interior dimensions, and aggregated owner feedback on fit and door security. Our goal was simple. We wanted to tell you which size to order the first time so you are not returning a crate that is two inches too short for your dog’s ears. We focused on the medium, large, and extra-large shells, since that is where most sizing mistakes happen and where airline rejection at the counter is most common.
Best Vari Kennel Size (2026): 5 Top Picks Reviewed
Choosing the right Vari Kennel size comes down to matching your dog's standing height and turning room to the shell dimensions, not just the weight range on the box. We compared the standard and Ultra Vari lines across medium, large, and extra-large dogs to help you pick a kennel that travels well and meets airline carriage rules.
★ Top Pick: Petmate Vari Dog Kennel - Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for… Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | |
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| Petmate Vari Dog Kennel - Portable Dog Carriers & … | Best Overall | Check price → |
| Petmate Vari Dog Kennel - Portable Dog Carriers & … | Best Value | Check price → |
| Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel for Medium to Large … | Best Premium | Check price → |
| Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel - Portable Crate for… | Best for Giant Breeds | Check price → |
| Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel for Medium Dogs (Dur… | Runner-Up | Check price → |
Sizing a Vari Kennel by your dog's standing and turning room rather than the printed weight range is what separates a crate that passes the airline counter from one that gets rejected.
Types Explained
Standard Vari Kennel (Medium)
The classic two-piece shell with a steel-door front, sized for medium dogs and everyday travel.
Best for: Medium breeds around 30 to 50 pounds for car rides, vet trips, and den-style resting.Ultra Vari Kennel (Large)
A reinforced shell with extra fastening points and stronger rim construction for larger, stronger dogs.
Best for: Large dogs that pull at doors or need a sturdier crate for frequent travel.Ultra Vari Kennel (Extra Large)
The biggest shell in the line, built for giant breeds in the 90 to 125 pound range with maximum interior room.
Best for: Extra-large and giant breeds that need full standing and turning clearance for air travel.Top 5 Picks
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel - Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Medium Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 32 Inches, Taupe and Black
We chose the standard Petmate Vari Kennel for medium dogs because its two-piece shell and steel-door front hit the practical sweet spot for car trips and airline carriage. In our evaluation it gives most medium breeds proper standing and turning room without being unwieldy to carry.
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel - Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Medium Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 28 Inches, Taupe and Black
This second medium-dog Vari Kennel earns our value pick because it delivers the same proven shell design and ventilation on all four sides for everyday use. We like that it covers vet visits, den resting, and short flights without paying for the heavier Ultra hardware.
Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel for Medium to Large Dogs (Durable, Heavy Duty Dog Travel Crate, Made with Recycled Materials, 40 in. Long) 70 to 90 lbs, Made in USA
The Ultra Vari for medium to large dogs is our premium pick thanks to its reinforced rim and extra fastening points. We recommend it for owners of strong or anxious dogs who want more door security than the standard shell provides.
Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel - Portable Crate for Extra Large Dogs 90-125 lbs - Airline-Friendly - Heavy-Duty Plastic Shell - For Home and Travel - Made in USA - 48 Inches - Taupe
This extra-large Ultra Vari is our pick for the 90 to 125 pound range because it offers the most interior height and turning room in the line. We found it is the size most likely to meet airline standing requirements for giant breeds.
Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel for Medium Dogs (Durable, Heavy Duty Dog Travel Crate, Made with Recycled Materials, 32 in. Long) 30 to 50 lbs, Made in USA
The Ultra Vari sized for medium dogs rounds out our list as a sturdier alternative to the standard shell. We like the heavy-duty construction for owners who travel often and want a crate that holds up to repeated handling.
Key Buying Factors
Standing height clearance
Measure your dog from the floor to the top of the head or ear tips while standing. We recommend at least two inches of clearance inside the shell so the dog is not forced to crouch.
Turning and lying room
Your dog should turn a full circle and lie on its side with legs out. A kennel that fits length but not width still fails this practical test.
Airline compliance
Most carriers follow IATA rules requiring the dog to stand, sit, turn, and lie naturally. We checked each Vari size against those carriage requirements before recommending it for flying.
Door and latch security
The Ultra line uses additional fastening points around the rim. For strong or anxious dogs we leaned toward shells with more locking points to reduce escape risk in transit.
Shell durability and ventilation
Heavy-duty shells resist cracking under stacking and handling. We also looked at ventilation openings on all four sides, which airlines often require for air circulation.
Weight of the empty crate
Larger shells get heavy fast. If you load and unload alone, factor in the empty weight plus your dog, since the extra-large sizes are awkward to carry once occupied.
Care, Cost and Maintenance
Acclimate before travel
Let your dog enter the kennel at home for days or weeks before a trip. Feeding meals inside builds a calm association so transport day is less stressful.
Check hardware before every trip
Confirm all wing nuts, bolts, and the door latch are tight. Vibration during driving or flying can loosen fasteners over time.
Clean and dry the shell
Wash the plastic shell with mild soap and dry it fully between uses. This prevents odor buildup and keeps the door hinges moving smoothly.
Measure your dog standing, then add two inches to the height before you order. If your dog falls between two shell sizes, size up so the ear tips clear the ceiling.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure my dog for a Vari Kennel?
Are Vari Kennels airline approved?
What is the difference between the Vari and Ultra Vari?
Should I size up if my dog is between sizes?
Can a giant breed fit in the extra-large Ultra Vari?
📚 Sources & References
This content is informational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your pet.