Head-to-head · Best Dog Crates

Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate vs Petmate Vari Dog Kennel - Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Large Dogs, Air

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about owners with strong escape artists needing maximum security — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Dog Crates

Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate

4.5

$1,071.99as of Jul 8

The Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate is designed for dogs that are strong escape artists, featuring robust aluminum construction and a secure stainless steel slam latch. Reviewers noted its durability and escape-proof design, though some found assembly challenging due to the butterfly locks requiring significant force. The powder coating may show wear from chewing, and the door latch produces a loud sound that could unsettle sensitive dogs. This crate is best suited for active owners who need a reliable, portable solution for travel and at-home use, but those with very sensitive dogs may want to consider alternatives.

Strengths

— Escape-proof design built for strong escape artists
— Durable aluminum construction with powder-coated finish
— Includes stainless steel slam latch for secure door closure

Watch-outs

— Assembly requires some effort and strength for butterfly locks
— Powder coating may chip or fade with chewing or digging
— Door latch can produce loud closing sound that may startle sensitive dogs

$1,071.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Dog Crates

Petmate Vari Dog Kennel - Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Large Dogs, Air

4.3

$39.99as of Jul 8

The Petmate Vari Kennel is a hard-sided plastic dog travel crate designed for safety and durability, meeting most IATA requirements for airline cargo travel. Reviewers noted its heavy-duty construction, easy tool-free assembly, and built-in ventilation features. The kennel is praised for its suitability for large dogs and airline-approved design, though larger sizes require extended shipping times and may not fit all vehicle cargo areas. It's recommended for pet parents seeking a reliable, durable crate for both travel and everyday use.

Strengths

— Meets most International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements for airline travel
— Durable construction with heavy-duty plastic shell and metal grated door
— Easy assembly with no tools required, includes spiral wing nuts and bolts

Watch-outs

— Larger sizes (36" and 40") must ship via LTL/Freight Carrier and arrive in 10-14 business days
— XL size may not fit upright in some vehicle cargo areas

$39.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate

The Impact High Anxiety crate is the most escape-proof option, surpassing the Sweetcrispy and FDW models in security. However, it's heavier than the Diggs Revol and lacks the ceiling hatch and diamond design of the Diggs Revol. Unlike the MidWest Homes, it doesn't include a divider panel, making it less suitable for training puppies.

Petmate Vari Dog Kennel - Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Large Dogs, Air

The Petmate Vari meets IATA airline requirements, which the FDW and Sweetcrispy models don't, making it ideal for travel. However, it's heavier than the Diggs Revol and lacks the diamond-shaped safety design. Unlike the Impact High Anxiety crate, it's not escape-proof and doesn't feature a powder-coated aluminum frame. It's a travel-approved hard crate but not the most secure for escape-prone dogs.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate	Petmate Vari Dog Kennel - Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Large Dogs, Air
Dimensions	30.5"L x 20.5"W x 26H to 48L x 27W x 33H	40.000 x 27.000 x 30.000
Weight	35 lbs	Up to 31.0 lb
Material	Aluminum	EcoTEC™ Plastic (90% pre-consumer recycled)
Door Type	zinc-steel paddle latch and four butterfly latches	Metal grated
Features	Stainless steel slam latch	360 Degree Ventilation, Airline Compliant, Easy to assemble
Usage	ideal for indoor use	perfect for both air and car travel
Color	White	Gray/Black

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