Petmate is a long-standing name in hard-sided kennels, and choosing the right one comes down to your dog’s size and whether you fly. We looked at the most popular Petmate kennels and compared their airline-compliance features, size ranges, ventilation, and door and latch security so you can pick the right shell for travel or home use. In our evaluation we found that the Sky Kennel line is built around airline travel requirements while the Vari and two-door models suit road trips and home crating. We recommend confirming your specific airline’s current crate rules before flying, since requirements change. Below we share what we like about each kennel, which weight class each fits, and how to acclimate your dog and secure the crate so travel is as low-stress as possible.
Expert Picks: Best Petmate Kennels for Air Travel (2026)
Avoid airline crate headaches. We review top Petmate carriers including the Vari Dog Kennel, with expert tips on size and airline rules for your flight.
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★ Top Pick: Petmate Vari Dog Kennel - Portable Dog Carriers & C…
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- Best Overall: Petmate Vari Dog Kennel - Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Large Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 36 Inches, Taupe and Black. We like that this Petmate Sky Kennel is built around air-travel ventilation and latch requ.
- Best All-Purpose: Petmate Sky Kennel - For Air and Travel, Airline Compliant Dog Crate for Pets up 15-30 lbs, Heavy Duty Dog Kennel, Made in the USA- 28 Inches. We recommend the Petmate Vari kennel for owners who mainly road trip and crate at home.
- Best for Small Pets: Petmate Dog Crates for Small Dogs & Cat Carriers, Two-Door Plastic Pet Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Made in USA, 24", Blue. We like this two-door Petmate kennel for small dogs and cats that benefit from flexible ac.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| Petmate Vari Dog Kennel - Portable Dog Carrie… | Best Overall | Check price → |
| Petmate Sky Kennel - For Air and Travel, Airl… | Best All-Purpose | Check price → |
| Petmate Dog Crates for Small Dogs & Cat Carri… | Best for Small Pets | Check price → |
Airline crate rules change and vary by carrier, so confirming current requirements for your specific flight matters as much as picking the right Petmate line and size.
Types Explained
Airline travel kennels
Sky Kennel style crates built around air-travel ventilation and latch rules.
Best for: Flying with a dog in cargo, subject to airline confirmationAll-purpose Vari kennels
Portable hard-sided crates for car travel and home use.
Best for: Road trips and everyday home cratingTwo-door plastic kennels
Smaller crates and carriers with two access points.
Best for: Small dogs and cats needing flexible placementTop 3 Picks
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel - Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Large Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 36 Inches, Taupe and Black
We like that this Petmate Sky Kennel is built around air-travel ventilation and latch requirements for larger dogs. In our evaluation its travel-focused design made it the most complete pick for owners flying, subject to airline confirmation.
Petmate Sky Kennel - For Air and Travel, Airline Compliant Dog Crate for Pets up 15-30 lbs, Heavy Duty Dog Kennel, Made in the USA- 28 Inches
We recommend the Petmate Vari kennel for owners who mainly road trip and crate at home. We found its portable hard-sided build versatile across car travel and everyday use.
Petmate Dog Crates for Small Dogs & Cat Carriers, Two-Door Plastic Pet Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Made in USA, 24", Blue
We like this two-door Petmate kennel for small dogs and cats that benefit from flexible access points. In our comparison its compact two-door design suited home placement and short trips well.
Key Buying Factors
Airline compliance
Travel kennels must meet ventilation, latch and labeling rules. Always confirm your specific airline's current requirements, since policies vary and change.
Size by weight class
Pick a kennel rated for your dog's weight that lets it stand, turn and lie down. An oversized or undersized crate is both unsafe and noncompliant for flying.
Ventilation
Side and rear vents keep airflow steady, which matters on flights and in warm cars. More ventilation is generally better for travel.
Door and latch security
A strong steel door and secure latch keep a stressed dog contained. We like kennels with reinforced latching for air travel.
Assembly and hardware
Look for sturdy fasteners that hold the two halves together. Some airlines require metal hardware rather than plastic clips.
Door configuration
Single-door kennels suit travel, while two-door models add flexibility for home placement. Choose based on whether you mainly fly or crate at home.
Care, Cost and Maintenance
Acclimate before travel
Introduce the crate at home with treats and short sessions well before a trip. A dog that sees the kennel as a safe den travels far better.
Secure all hardware
Tighten every bolt and confirm the door latch is solid before any journey. Replace missing hardware rather than improvising.
Check airline rules and comfort
Verify your airline's current crate requirements close to travel, and add absorbent bedding and water access as permitted. Never sedate a dog for flight without veterinary guidance.
Start crate training weeks before any trip by feeding meals inside the kennel with the door open, so your dog already views it as a safe den when travel day arrives.
Frequently asked questions
Are Petmate Sky Kennels airline approved?
How do I size a kennel for my dog?
What is the difference between the Vari and Sky kennels?
Should I sedate my dog for a flight?
Do I need single-door or two-door?
How we made this guide
How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Dogs, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.
How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.
Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
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Sources and further reading
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.