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Plastic crates, also called travel kennels, are sized differently from wire crates. Instead of simple lengths like 24″ or 36″, they are sold by size names or model numbers such as 100, 200 and 300, and the space inside is noticeably smaller than the outside measurements suggest. This plastic dog crate sizes chart lists the exterior and interior dimensions for every Petmate Vari Kennel and Sky Kennel size, the dog weight each one is rated for, and how to measure your dog so you pick the right one the first time.
Plastic Dog Crate Sizes Chart
The Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel and Sky Kennel are the most widely sold plastic crates, and both use the same six shell sizes. Exterior dimensions are from Petmate product listings. Interior dimensions are approximate and vary slightly by model, so treat them as a guide.
| Size (Model) | Exterior (L × W × H) | Approx. Interior (L × W × H) | Dog Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21″ Small (100) | 21″ × 16″ × 15″ | Check listing | Up to 15 lbs |
| 28″ Medium (200) | 28″ × 20.5″ × 21.5″ | 24.25″ × 18.25″ × 19.5″ | 20–30 lbs |
| 32″ Intermediate (300) | 32″ × 22.5″ × 24″ | 29.5″ × 19.75″ × 23.5″ | 30–50 lbs |
| 36″ Large (400) | 36″ × 25″ × 27″ | 32.5″ × 22.25″ × 26″ | 50–70 lbs |
| 40″ Extra Large (500) | 40″ × 27″ × 30″ | 36.25″ × 24.75″ × 28.8″ | 70–90 lbs |
| 48″ Giant (700) | 48″ × 32″ × 35″ | 44″ × 29″ × 32.5″ | 90 lbs and up |
The key thing to notice: interior length is roughly 3–4 inches shorter than the exterior, because the plastic shell, the curved door and the rim all take up space. Always size against the interior numbers, not the name on the box.
Plastic vs Wire Crate Sizes
If you already know your dog’s wire crate size, don’t assume the same number works in plastic. A 36″ wire crate is rated for dogs up to about 70 lbs and is a full 36″ inside, while a 36″ plastic kennel gives closer to 32″ of usable length and less headroom. Many dogs need one size up when they move from wire to plastic, especially tall or long-legged breeds.
| Dog Weight | Typical Wire Crate | Typical Plastic Crate |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 15 lbs | 22″–24″ | 21″ (100) |
| 15–30 lbs | 24″–30″ | 28″ (200) |
| 30–50 lbs | 30″–36″ | 32″ (300) |
| 50–70 lbs | 36″ | 36″ (400) |
| 70–90 lbs | 42″ | 40″ (500) |
| 90 lbs and up | 48″ | 48″ (700) |
For the full wire crate chart and breed lookup, see our dog crate sizes chart.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Plastic Crate
- Length: with your dog standing, measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.
- Height: measure from the floor to the top of the head, or the ear tips if they stand up, with your dog standing naturally.
- Add 2–4 inches to both numbers. That is the minimum interior length and height you need.
- Compare with the interior column in the chart above. If your dog falls between two sizes, choose the larger one.
The fit test is the same as for any crate: your dog should stand without its head or ears touching the roof, turn around easily and lie down on its side.
Plastic Crate Size by Breed
These are starting points based on typical adult weights. Tall, leggy dogs and large males often need the next size up.
| Breed | Typical Plastic Crate |
|---|---|
| Chihuahua, Yorkie, Maltese, Pomeranian | 21″ (100) |
| Shih Tzu, Pug, Boston Terrier | 28″ (200) |
| French Bulldog, Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Corgi | 28″ (200), or 32″ for larger dogs |
| Border Collie, Siberian Husky, Bulldog | 32″–36″ (300–400) |
| Australian Shepherd, Boxer | 36″ (400) |
| Labrador, Golden Retriever | 40″ (500) |
| German Shepherd, Doberman | 40″–48″ (500–700) |
| Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog | 48″ (700) |
| Great Dane, Mastiff | Giant-breed travel crate; most outgrow the 48″ |
Sizing a Plastic Crate for Air Travel
Airlines check crate size at the counter, and the rule is strict: your dog must be able to stand, turn around and lie down naturally, with its head clear of the roof. Many airlines also have their own rules on hardware, ventilation, door type and maximum crate size, and some require metal fasteners instead of plastic ones. Check your airline’s current requirements before you buy, and measure your dog again close to the flight, since puppies and young dogs can outgrow a crate quickly.
For in-cabin flights with small dogs, a soft airline carrier is usually the better choice. See our guide to airline-approved dog carriers.
Our Two Plastic Crate Picks
Both come in all the sizes above. For a full breakdown, read our Sky Kennel vs Vari Kennel comparison.
Petmate Sky Kennel: Best for Air Travel
The Sky Kennel has a heavy-duty shell, interlocking wire door and wire ventilation on all four sides, and it comes with live animal stickers and a clip-on food and water cup. It is the plastic crate most people choose for cargo travel.
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel: Best for Car and Home
The Ultra Vari Kennel uses the same shell sizes with an easy squeeze latch and a raised interior floor that keeps your dog dry. It is a little lighter and simpler, which makes it a good everyday crate for car trips, vet visits and house-training.
Related Guides
- Dog Crate Sizes: Size Chart by Breed & Weight (Plus How to Measure)
- Petmate Sky Kennel vs Vari Kennel: Which Plastic Crate Do You Need?
- 5 Best Dog Crates in 2026: Wire, Plastic, Soft-Sided, and Modular Picks Compared
- Best Airline-Approved Dog Carriers
- 5 Best Dog Crate Pads and Beds in 2026
- Crate Training Schedule by Age: A Puppy Plan From 8 Weeks to Adult
- How to Clean a Dog Crate (Step by Step, Any Crate Type)
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a 200 Vari Kennel?
The 200 is the 28″ medium size, about 28″ × 20.5″ × 21.5″ on the outside. Petmate rates it for dogs of roughly 20–30 lbs.
What size plastic crate does a 50 lb dog need?
A 50 lb dog sits at the top of the 32″ (300) range, so most 50 lb dogs are more comfortable in the 36″ (400) size. Measure your dog to confirm, especially if it is tall for its weight.
Are Sky Kennel and Vari Kennel sizes the same?
Yes, they share the same six shell sizes from 21″ to 48″. The differences are in the door, latches, ventilation and hardware, not the overall dimensions.
Do plastic crates run smaller than wire crates?
Yes. A plastic crate gives less interior length and headroom than a wire crate with the same listed size, so many dogs need one size up when switching from wire to plastic.
Dimensions are approximate and can change between production runs. Check the current product listing and measure your dog before you buy.