When buying a custom crate, the main thing to keep in mind is that it's a training aid, not a luxury. Using it means your pet is less likely to misbehave and more likely to be able to sleep inside. You'll need your dog's cooperation and proper caretaking for the crate to serve its intended purpose and yet still be safe and comfortable for you and your pet. Whether or not you need a custom crate depends on the dog, but it's certainly worth considering before you purchase one for your pet.
Let's examine the pros and cons of using a customized crate.
Pros
- The crate's design will match your dog's shape, size and personality.
- Shelves to hold all of the things your pet loves, including food bowls and toys, are included.
- You can adjust the crate's height so it's right for your doggy companion. If you have a long-haired dog that needs extra legroom, you'll be able to customize their sleeping area to accommodate this need. Even if you don't have a long-haired dog that's tall, there'll be height options so they can still sleep comfortably while inside the crate.
- Shelves will be sturdy, durable plastic and not cheap, bendable plastic.
- You'll have a large area inside the crate to fit in any equipment your dog needs, whether it's a large mat or even a crate pad.
- Slanted walls will help keep your dog from sliding out of their sleeping area and down the sides. The slant will even provide a ramp for your pet to quickly get in and out of their bedding area.
- The crate will be a durable wire that won't rust.
- Materials and assembly will be done in the U.S., unlike many kennel crates today that are made overseas.
Cons
- Custom crates aren't cheap, ranging in price from $150 to $500 depending on size, quality, and extras added to the order. Also, shipping is extra, which means your total cost may run into hundreds of dollars if you buy a giant crate or live outside the continental United States.
- The crate will be custom-built to fit your dog so that it may have limited options for customization.
- If you'd rather have a different crate style than what's available, you'll need to custom order your own.
- The crate won't be made specifically for your pet like a traditional kennel. Still, instead, it'll please your pet's needs and will therefore probably be made slightly differently from the pictures on the website, so you'll need to closely peruse the information before placing an order in case there are any differences in color, material or length of the crate that you want to be changed out.
Conclusion
While not as easy to manage as a traditional, already-made crate, a customized crate can be an excellent choice for your pet. However, you'll need to spend some time researching the crates available and making sure they're the best fit for your pet, so you'll want to research the different types of crates available and their prices. You'll also want to look over any other costs associated with the crate to calculate everything up and see if it's worth purchasing a custom crate or if you can find one that will be suitable for your pet within your budget.