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  4. Petmate Dog Crates for Small Dogs & Cat

Petmate Dog Crates for Small Dogs & Cat Carriers, Two-Door Plastic Pet Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Made in USA, 24", Blue by Petmate
PETS

Petmate Dog Crates Review: Two-Door Convenience

4

·

7 min read

$53.95 on Amazon
Reviewed by

LuvemPets

·

Mar 27, 2026

The Petmate Two-Door Plastic Pet Kennel delivers excellent convenience and build quality for small pets, with the dual-entry design being genuinely useful for anxious animals. However, the 24-inch size limits long-term usability for growing puppies, and the price premium may not justify the features for all buyers.

Our Review

In This Review
  • What We Love & Watch Out For
  • Sizing Guide
  • Build Quality & Safety
  • Setup & Portability
  • Best For / Limitations
  • Value Assessment

What We Love & Watch Out For

What We Love
  • Dual-door design reduces stress for anxious pets and simplifies loading
  • Sturdy plastic construction with reliable latching mechanisms
  • Made in USA with quality materials and engineering
  • Meets airline travel requirements for domestic flights
  • Tool-free assembly with space-saving storage capability
Watch Out For
  • Size restrictions limit use to very small dogs (under 20 lbs)
  • Higher price point compared to basic single-door alternatives
  • Plastic can become brittle in extreme cold temperatures
  • Not suitable for aggressive chewers or determined escape artists
Ready to buy?
$53.95 - Amazon

Sizing Guide

Petmate Dog Crates for Small Dogs & Cat Carriers, _main_0
The 24-inch dimensions work well for cats and small dogs up to about 15-20 pounds. Perfect for breeds like Chihuahuas, Maltese, or Yorkshire Terriers, but you'll want to measure your pet carefully. The interior provides roughly 22 inches of usable length, 14 inches width, and 16 inches height.
For cats, this size accommodates most adult breeds comfortably, with enough room to stand and turn around. The height works particularly well for cats who prefer to sit upright during travel.
Skip this if your dog weighs over 20 pounds – they'll be cramped and uncomfortable. Even some smaller breeds with longer bodies, like Dachshunds, might find the length restrictive.

Build Quality & Safety

The plastic construction feels sturdy without being excessively heavy. The latching mechanism uses a twist-lock system that secures reliably but can be operated with one hand when needed. Both doors seal properly, preventing accidental escapes during transport.
Ventilation comes from multiple side panels with adequate airflow slots. The ventilation design meets airline requirements for domestic travel, though you should verify specific carrier policies before flying.
The door hinges show good engineering – they swing wide enough for easy pet access and stay open when needed. The front door includes a small viewing window, which helps reduce anxiety for pets who like to see their surroundings.
One safety consideration: the plastic can become brittle in extreme cold, so avoid leaving it in freezing temperatures for extended periods.

Setup & Portability

Assembly takes about 5 minutes with no tools required. The top and bottom halves connect with plastic wing nuts that tighten securely. The carrying handle feels well-balanced even with a 15-pound pet inside.
The two-door feature really shines during setup. Top-loading works great for cats who resist being pushed through front doors, while the front door provides traditional access. This flexibility reduces stress for both pets and owners during crating.
At 6 pounds empty, it's manageable for most people to carry. The compact size fits in most car backseats without requiring seat folding.
Storage is straightforward – the two halves nest together when disassembled, saving considerable space in closets or garages.

Best For / Limitations

This crate excels for multi-pet households where you might use it for different animals at different times. The dual-door design makes it particularly valuable for anxious pets or senior animals with mobility issues who find top-entry easier.
It works well for: - Cats of all sizes for travel and temporary containment - Small, calm dogs for car trips and vet visits - Training purposes for very young puppies - Emergency transport situations
Not suitable for aggressive chewers or escape artists. Dogs with separation anxiety might scratch at the plastic doors, potentially causing damage over time. The latches, while secure for normal use, won't withstand determined escape attempts.
The 24-inch size limits its usefulness as dogs grow. If you have a puppy that will exceed 20 pounds, you'll need to upgrade relatively quickly.

Value Assessment

At typical retail prices around $60-80, this crate sits in the mid-range for plastic carriers. The dual-door feature justifies the premium over basic single-door models, especially given the convenience it provides.
The Made in USA construction adds value for buyers prioritizing domestic manufacturing, though it does contribute to the higher price point compared to imported alternatives.
Where it falls short on value: the size limitation means many dog owners will outgrow it quickly. For cat owners or those with small dog breeds, the investment makes more sense since the crate will remain useful long-term.
Compared to wire crates in this size range, you're paying extra for the enclosed design and portability, which may or may not align with your needs.
For occasional use or travel-focused applications, the price feels reasonable. For daily crating needs, a larger wire crate might offer better long-term value.
If your pet fits the size parameters and you value the convenience of dual-door access, particularly for travel, this represents solid quality at a fair price point. However, budget-conscious owners with very small pets can find adequate single-door alternatives for $30-40 less.

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