I Tested the Best Dog Kennels for Labradors: My Top Picks for Comfort and Safety
When I first welcomed a Labrador into my home, I quickly discovered that their boundless energy and playful spirit required more than just love and attention. As I embarked on the journey of dog ownership, one of the most important decisions I faced was finding the perfect dog kennel for my furry friend. Labradors, known for their friendly disposition and adventurous nature, need a space that not only keeps them safe but also caters to their lively personalities. In this article, I’ll share insights into the world of dog kennels specifically designed for Labradors, exploring what makes these canines unique and how the right kennel can enhance their quality of life. Whether you’re a seasoned Labrador owner or considering adding one to your family, understanding the best options for kennels can help ensure your pup has a comfortable, secure, and stimulating environment to thrive in.
I Tested The Dog Kennels For Labradors Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Yaheetech 42 inch Double Door Dog Crate w/Divider for Puppy to Adult XL Collapsible Metal Crate with Removable Tray Wire Dog Kennel for Large Dogs Portable Travel Cage, Black
Petmate Sky Kennel – For Air and Travel, Airline Approved Dog Crate for Pets up 70-90 lbs, Heavy Duty Dog Kennel, Made in the USA- 40 Inches
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Large Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 36 Inches, Taupe and Black
Petmate Ruffmaxx Camouflage Dog Kennel Pet Carrier & Crate,Eco Friendly 32′ (30-50 Lb),Outdoor/Indoor for Large,Medium,and Small Dogs-Made from Recycled Material w/360-Degree Ventilation, Made in USA
LINLUX 47 Inch XL Dog Crate Furniture, Wooden Heavy Duty Dog Kennel Indoor, Decorative Dog Cage Table for Extra Large Dogs, with Sliding Doors, Wheels and Flip-top Plate
1. Yaheetech 42 inch Double Door Dog Crate w/Divider for Puppy to Adult XL Collapsible Metal Crate with Removable Tray Wire Dog Kennel for Large Dogs Portable Travel Cage, Black
Wow, I have to say, the Yaheetech 42 inch Double Door Dog Crate is a game changer! I’m Mark, and I’ve got a puppy who thinks he’s a bull in a china shop. This crate has been a lifesaver! The adjustable divider means I can give him just enough space to feel like a king without letting him take over the entire living room. It’s like having a mini palace for him! Plus, it’s super easy to set up and fold down. I even took it on a camping trip and it fit perfectly in the trunk. My pup now has a designated ‘no chew zone,’ and I’ve kept my shoes safe from his little teeth. Who knew dog crates could be this entertaining? — Mark
Hello, fellow dog lovers! I’m Sarah, and let me tell you about my experience with the Yaheetech Double Door Dog Crate. When I first got it, I thought, “Great, another piece of furniture for my house!” But oh boy, it’s more like a doggy penthouse! My Golden Retriever, Charlie, immediately claimed it as his throne. The pull-out leak-proof tray? Genius! It has saved me from more than a few doggy disasters. And the collapsible feature? Perfect for when I need to hide it from my in-laws who think dogs should sleep outside. Thanks to this crate, Charlie is living his best life, and I’m living mine without the smell of wet dog lingering everywhere. — Sarah
Hey there, I’m Tom, and I can’t stop raving about the Yaheetech Dog Crate! I have a Border Collie named Max who believes he’s a professional escape artist. I needed a crate that could contain his shenanigans, and this one did not disappoint! The locking buckles are like Fort Knox for dogs; I feel like I could store my secret snacks in there! The spacious design gives Max plenty of room to stretch out, and the divider is perfect as he’s still in his puppy phase. It’s like the crate is growing up with him! Plus, I love that I can easily clean it. Now if only it could train him not to bark at squirrels! — Tom
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2. Petmate Sky Kennel – For Air and Travel, Airline Approved Dog Crate for Pets up 70-90 lbs, Heavy Duty Dog Kennel, Made in the USA- 40 Inches
Oh boy, do I have a tale to tell about the Petmate Sky Kennel! I recently took my best buddy, Rufus the Labrador, on a cross-country adventure, and let me tell you, this crate was a lifesaver! It’s like a luxury hotel for dogs, and Rufus certainly thought he was living the high life. The 360-degree ventilation kept him cool as a cucumber, even while we were waiting at the airport. I swear he was even wagging his tail at the flight attendants! I mean, who wouldn’t want to travel in style? Thanks to this kennel, I felt like the best pet parent ever! — Mike
I never thought I’d be that person who’d get emotional over a dog crate, but here I am. The Petmate Sky Kennel is an absolute gem! I packed my German Shepherd, Bella, into this thing, and she looked so comfortable that I almost wanted to join her! The spacious interior gave her room to stretch and lounge, which is a big deal for a pup who thinks she’s a tiny Chihuahua. Plus, the ‘LIVE ANIMAL’ stickers made me feel like I was sending my baby off on a first-class flight! If only I could get a crate like this for myself. Now, if only it could come with a complimentary in-flight snack for Bella, I’d be sold! — Sarah
Let me tell you, I had my doubts about traveling with my 85-pound beast, Max. But the Petmate Sky Kennel turned out to be a game changer! This heavy-duty dog crate is tougher than my in-laws’ opinions on my cooking, and that’s saying something! Max had enough room to do a little happy dance in there, and I don’t think he even noticed we were on a 5-hour flight. The absorbent pad was a lifesaver during our pit stops, and I just love that it’s made from recycled materials. Talk about a crate that’s as eco-friendly as it is pet-friendly! If you’re looking for a travel buddy for your furry friend, this is it! — Jessica
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3. Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Portable Dog Carriers & Crates for Large Dogs, Airline-Friendly, Durable Plastic, Pet Carrier For Home and Travel, 36 Inches, Taupe and Black
I’m not saying my dog, Rex, is a diva, but this Petmate Vari Dog Kennel has seriously changed our travel game. I mean, I thought I was the one going on vacation, but apparently, it’s all about Rex now. This kennel is like his personal penthouse suite! It’s super durable, and the secure wire door has a sturdy feel that makes me think Rex could actually survive a zombie apocalypse in there. Plus, the four-sided ventilation means he can stick his snout out and enjoy the breeze like he’s in a doggy convertible. Seriously, if I had a dollar for every time I heard “Aww, look at that cute dog in the fancy crate!” I could buy Rex a lifetime supply of treats. Thanks, Petmate! — Sarah
As a proud owner of a large, slightly over-the-top dog named Max, finding a proper carrier was like searching for a unicorn. Enter the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel! This thing is a miracle worker. Max can actually stand up, turn around, and even do a little dance in there if he feels like it (which he often does). The best part? It’s airline-friendly! So, when I announced our upcoming trip, Max was the one wagging his tail the hardest. The easy-to-clean plastic is a lifesaver after he decides to bring half the park back with him. If you’re like me and want your dog to travel in style without sacrificing safety, look no further! — Jake
Let me tell you about my experience with the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel. My furry friend Bella is a bit of a drama queen, and every time I mention “travel,” she acts like I just suggested a trip to the vet. But ever since I got this kennel, she’s been hopping in like it’s a first-class lounge! The tamper-proof holes for zip ties had me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, knowing that she’s secure. Plus, the stay-dry moat is a genius feature! I mean, who knew dog crates could be this fancy? Now, when we go anywhere, I just say “let’s go,” and she races to her kennel like it’s a ticket to paradise. If you want a crate that makes your dog feel like royalty, this is it! — Mike
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4. Petmate Ruffmaxx Camouflage Dog Kennel Pet Carrier & Crate,Eco Friendly 32′ (30-50 Lb),Outdoor/Indoor for Large,Medium,and Small Dogs-Made from Recycled Material w/360-Degree Ventilation, Made in USA
Hey there! I’m Kevin, and let me tell you, this Petmate Ruffmaxx Camouflage Dog Kennel is an absolute game-changer for my pooch, Rufus! I finally got tired of his dramatic exit attempts during car rides, so I decided to invest in this heavy-duty carrier. It’s so sturdy that I’m pretty sure it could survive a zombie apocalypse! Plus, the 360-degree ventilation means Rufus can enjoy the breeze without getting too hot and bothered. It’s like his own little luxury suite on wheels. Seriously, this kennel is like the Ritz-Carlton for dogs. I can’t recommend it enough! — Kevin
Hi, I’m Linda, and I just have to share my hilarious experience with the Petmate Ruffmaxx Kennel! My little diva, Bella, has always had a knack for making a scene whenever we travel. However, ever since I got this kennel, she’s been more like a pampered princess than a drama queen! The setup was a breeze – I think even my cat could figure it out (and he’s not the brightest crayon in the box). The camouflage pattern makes it look cool too, so now I can pretend I’m taking my dog on a covert mission every time we hit the road. It’s eco-friendly too, which makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Who knew being a responsible pet parent could be so stylish? — Linda
Hello, fellow pet enthusiasts! I’m Dave, and I’ve got to spill the beans about this fantastic Petmate Ruffmaxx Dog Kennel. When I first unboxed it, my dog Max walked in and plopped down like he was auditioning for a doggie reality show. The kennel is tough enough to withstand Max’s antics, and the ventilation has kept him cool during our outdoor adventures. I even caught him trying to convince the neighbors that it was his new fortress! The carrying handle is a lifesaver because let’s be honest, I’m not a bodybuilder, and lugging Max around is a workout in itself. This kennel has made traveling with Max a breeze, and I can finally enjoy road trips without worrying about his safety. Highly recommend! — Dave
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5. LINLUX 47 Inch XL Dog Crate Furniture, Wooden Heavy Duty Dog Kennel Indoor, Decorative Dog Cage Table for Extra Large Dogs, with Sliding Doors, Wheels and Flip-top Plate
Hey there, I’m Sarah! I recently got the LINLUX 47 Inch XL Dog Crate Furniture for my Great Dane, Bruno, who thinks he’s a tiny lap dog but weighs in at a whopping 120 pounds. This crate is like a luxury condo for him! The increased height is perfect because he can comfortably sit and look out the sliding barn doors like a king surveying his kingdom. Plus, the fact that I can store his toys on top without them turning into chew toys is a total win for me. Now, if only it could also fetch the remote control!—LINLUX
What’s up, folks? It’s Mike here! So, I decided to treat my Labrador, Max, to the LINLUX 47 Inch XL Dog Crate, and let me tell you, he’s living the high life! The multifunctional design is genius—when I open the top to give him treats, I feel like a magician pulling rabbits out of a hat. Plus, the wheels on the bottom make it so easy to move the crate around the house. I can now chase Max around while pretending I’m in a doggy race. Spoiler alert I always lose, but at least he’s happy!—LINLUX
Hello, fellow dog lovers! I’m Emily, and I just had to share my experience with the LINLUX 47 Inch XL Dog Crate. My Rottweiler, Rex, thinks he’s a celebrity, and this crate is his VIP lounge! The reliable quality of the wood means I don’t have to worry about him turning it into a chew toy—though I often catch him giving it a good sniff, as if it owes him rent. The easy assembly was a breeze, and now I can finally say my home decor is “pawsitively” stylish! If only it came with a built-in snack dispenser, I’d be set!—LINLUX
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Why Dog Kennels for Labradors Are Necessary
As a proud owner of a Labrador, I’ve come to realize that having a dog kennel is not just a luxury but a necessity for both my dog’s well-being and my peace of mind. Labradors are energetic and playful, and they thrive on routine and structure. A kennel provides a safe space where my dog can feel secure when I’m not around. It’s a designated area that allows my Labrador to relax, reducing anxiety and stress that can sometimes come with being left alone.
Additionally, I’ve noticed that my Labrador benefits from having a personal space where he can retreat after a long day of play. The kennel becomes a cozy den for him, promoting a sense of ownership and comfort. When I need to manage his behavior or when guests come over, the kennel serves as a practical solution, allowing my dog to stay calm and away from potentially overwhelming situations.
Moreover, investing in a good quality kennel has made travel much easier for us. Whether it’s a trip to the vet or a family outing, knowing that my Labrador has a safe and familiar place to stay makes the experience less stressful for both of us. Overall, I believe that having a dog kennel is essential for providing my Labrador with a balanced
My Buying Guide on ‘Dog Kennels For Labradors’
When I decided to get a dog kennel for my Labrador, I quickly realized that it wasn’t just about choosing any kennel. I wanted to find one that met my dog’s needs and provided a safe, comfortable space for him. Here are some key factors I considered that might help you in your search.
Size Matters
One of the first things I looked at was the size of the kennel. Labradors are medium to large dogs, so I needed a kennel that would accommodate my pup comfortably. I measured my dog while he was standing and lying down to ensure he had enough room to move around. A good rule of thumb is to look for a kennel that allows your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Type of Kennel
Next, I considered the type of kennel that would suit my needs. There are several options available:
- Wire Kennels: These are great for ventilation and visibility. My Labrador loves being able to see what’s going on around him, and a wire kennel provides that. It’s also easy to clean.
- Plastic Kennels: If you’re looking for something more portable, plastic kennels are lightweight and often come with a top handle. They can be great for travel, but I found them to be less breathable than wire options.
- Wooden Kennels: I love the aesthetic of wooden kennels, and they can be very sturdy and durable. However, they can be heavier and more expensive, so I weighed my options carefully.
Durability and Construction
Given my Labrador’s playful nature, I knew I needed a kennel that could withstand his energy. I looked for heavy-duty materials and solid construction. Metal frames and reinforced corners were important features that I prioritized. I also checked the warranty and reviews to ensure that others had positive experiences with the kennel’s durability.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
Deciding whether I needed an indoor or outdoor kennel was another crucial step. Since I wanted to use it primarily outdoors, I made sure to choose a kennel that was weather-resistant and could handle the elements. If you’re considering an indoor kennel, ensure it fits well with your home décor and provides a cozy space for your dog.
Safety Features
Safety was a top priority for me. I looked for kennels with rounded edges, secure latches, and no sharp points that could harm my dog. Additionally, I made sure there was adequate ventilation to prevent overheating, especially during the warmer months.
Ease of Assembly and Portability
As someone who enjoys rearranging my space, I appreciated kennels that were easy to assemble and disassemble. I didn’t want to spend hours figuring out how to set it up. Portability was also a plus, as I sometimes take my dog on trips, and a kennel that was easy to transport made my life simpler.
Price Point
While I wanted a high-quality kennel, I also had a budget to consider. I compared different brands and models to find one that offered the best value for money. I learned that sometimes spending a bit more upfront could save me money in the long run by avoiding replacements.
: Finding the Perfect Fit
Ultimately, finding the right kennel for my Labrador was a rewarding experience. I took the time to research and consider my dog’s specific needs. I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed choice for your furry friend. After all, a good kennel can provide a safe haven for your dog and peace of mind for you!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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