Pet Kennels Quality Concerns
Petmate Sky Dog & Cat Kennel

Petmate Sky Dog & Cat Kennel

By Petmate 9 reviews analyzed Updated Oct 2023 85% confidence
7.5 /10
Quality
6.5
Value
7.0
Design
7.0
Function
8.0
Durability
7.0

In a Nutshell

  • Good for travel and overnight trips
  • Sturdy and functional design
  • Concerns about the locking mechanism and durability issues

Quick Verdict

The Petmate Sky Dog & Cat Kennel is popular for travel but has mixed reviews on durability and locking mechanisms. Most users find it functional and sturdy, but some report issues with the locking bar and(long-term durability.

Quick Stats

Reviews Analyzed 9
Would Recommend 78%
Would Buy Again 78%
Avg Lifespan 3 years

Pet Compatibility

πŸ• Dogs
Suitable
🐈 Cats
Suitable

Critical Warnings

high

Manufacturing defects and cracks in recent batches.

Prevention: Check for defects and ensure the locking mechanism works properly upon receipt.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Durable Construction (4)

    The kennel is sturdy and well-built, suitable for travel.

  • Convenient Tying Down (2)

    It has ties downing boltholes for securing the crate in the car.

  • Space Efficient (3)

    Better size for handling.

Cons

  • Flimsy Locking Mechanism (3) major

    The locking mechanism is reportedly flimsy and difficult to operate, even possibly allowing dogs to escape.

  • Manufacturing Defects (2) major

    Recent batches have been reported to have cracks and defects, affecting durability.

    Tip: returning products will help.

Quality Trend: Declining

Recent reviews mention more defects and durability issues compared to older reviews.

Older Reviews Said:

positive

Newer Reviews Say:

negative

Who Is This For?

βœ“ Best For

  • β€’ Traveling Dog Owners β€” Sturdy and secure for long-distance travel, and even for flying trips.
  • β€’ Owners of Medium to Large Breeds β€” The kennel is spacious enough for larger dogs and provides good security.

βœ— Skip If

  • β€’ Owners with Strong or Escape-artist Dogs β€” The locking mechanism may not be secure enough for very determined escape artists.
  • β€’ First-time Buyers Seeking Long-term Use β€” During hard conditions, there are chances of getting break.

Durability & Care

Expected Lifespan Less than 1 year to over 9 years

Factors: Frequency of use, Transportation conditions

Cleaning Methods

βœ— Machine wash
βœ“ Hand wash
βœ“ Spot clean

Care Tips from Users

  • πŸ’‘ Secure the crate well during travel
  • πŸ’‘ Avoid using on rough terrains

Floor Compatibility

βœ“ Hardwood
βœ“ Tile
βœ“ Carpet
βœ“ Vinyl
βœ“ Laminate

Rating Distribution

4.3
9 reviews
5β˜…
67%
4β˜…
11%
3β˜…
0%
2β˜…
22%
1β˜…
0%
sturdy (4) good size (3) flimsy lock (3) defects (2)

Common Questions

Is the Petmate Sky Kennel suitable for travel?

Yes, it is widely used for travel and is appreciated for its sturdiness and secure design.

How durable is the Petmate Sky Kennel?

It is generally durable, but there have been recent concerns about the locking mechanism and manufacturing defects.

Is the kennel easy to assemble?

Yes but they are no more designed to lock without steps.

Highlighted Reviews

β€” S. 1 found helpful

"Right length for both my male and female Pembroke Welsh Corgis (not together, just providing a size reference). Seems as sturdy as a Petmate Compass I bought 9 years ago and am still using, though maybe a hair shorter in depth. It will be used primarily for car travel and as a sleeping place for ove..."

β€” leanne

"This crate didn’t even last a year. I purposely purchased this crate because it seemed similar to the previous crate I had purchased. The locking mechanism is so flimsy on this new crate that it doesn’t even stay latched so my dog can easily escape this crate now. So disappointed especially with..."

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a reliable travel kennel, the Petmate Sky Dog & Cat Kennel is a solid choice. Just be aware of potential issues with the locking mechanism and long-term durability.

7.5 /10
β€” Good