Solid Frame Crates are constructed from plastic, fiberglass or Plexiglas and are most commonly used for your dog’s travel needs. They are sturdy and have solid bottoms. Usually only the sides of these crates are slotted for ventilation.
Most of these crates have separate tops and bottoms that are assembled and secured with nuts and screws. The top usually has a handle. The front of the kennel frame supports a wire door. They are easy to take apart for cleaning and storage. They are also commonly referred to as pet carriers.
This type of kennel is a good choice for transporting your pet to the veterinarian and is good for air travel, depending on the size of the plastic crate and the breed of dog.
This type of crate also provides a greater degree of protection for your pet if something should fall on the kennel or if it bangs into anything, as compared with a soft-sided crate.
Since this kennel has fewer ventilation slats along the overall surface of the crate, the interior of the kennel is darker and may be a more desirable environment for quieting an anxious pet. We will have other valuable hints and tips for traveling on a plane with your dog in a a later article.
Soft-sided Kennels are like gym bags. All the sides are made from breathable fabric and are ventilated with nylon mesh netting. These types of carriers are good for small dogs of about 10 pounds or less.
They are comfortable, but give little protection against shocks. The dog is allowed to travel in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat. Some airlines require them to have a frame for support, to ensure a small dog does not get crushed if something knocks into it.
Some load from the top, while others load from a zippered end panel. I have seen dogs fall out of the zippered end panel hear first onto the hard tiled floors of airports because their owners did not close them up properly. These carriers should be used for short local trips only. They are usually far too small to be used for training purposes for anything other than the smaller breeds of dogs.