As a fur parent, you are always looking after the welfare of your beloved canine family members. Whether they are at home or with you while you travel, you would want to make sure they are as comfortable and safe as possible. This is where a crate comes in.
But how do you ensure that the carrier you are getting will suit your needs? Easy—customize it!
A custom dog crate can be a great way to provide your furry friend with a sense of security and comfort, but only if it is chosen wisely. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know when purchasing this item for your fur baby.
Why Customize Your Dog Crate
Sure, you can always purchase a carrier off the shelf, but why not get one that is specifically designed for your dog?
By customizing a dog crate, you can be sure that your dog will be comfortable and safe inside it. Not to mention, custom crates usually come with a host of features that you can add or remove, depending on your preference. This way, you can tailor-fit the carrier to your budget and make sure that it has everything you need—and nothing that you don’t.
Also, you can make a customized dog crate to match the existing design of your home. It can even serve as an additional interior furnishing. For example, there are wooden dog crates furniture shops offer with storage compartments that you can use to store your dog’s toys, treats, or beddings when not in use. This would be pretty convenient, not to mention stylish! And, you will not have to worry about hiding the crate when guests come over since it can easily blend in as part of your home’s decor.
Moreover, there is a sense of personal satisfaction that comes with owning a custom-made item. It shows that you care enough about your fur baby to go the extra mile in ensuring their comfort and safety.
5 Important Things to Keep in Mind When Customizing a Dog Crate
Now that you are more convinced to get a custom dog crate for your pooch, it is time to start planning for it. Here are the most important factors that you need to consider
1. Size of Your Dog
This is, of course, the first thing to remember when buying a crate for your dog. After all, the whole point of customizing this type of pet carrier is to make sure that it will be comfortable for your fur baby.
Ideally, your dog should be able to move around inside without feeling cramped up, but not too spacious that they can easily soil one corner and still have plenty of room to lounge around in. At the same time, the crate should not be too heavy or bulky that it becomes a hassle to carry around, especially if you are planning to use it for travel.
To get a perfect size, take measurements of your dog first and compare them with the dimensions of the crate. Here are the steps that you can take.
a) Using a tape measure, get your dog’s body length from the tip of their nose to their tail base. This will give you an idea of how long the crate should be.
b) For the width and height, take measurements of your dog while they are standing. Get the distance from the top of their head to the ground, as well as from one shoulder to another. These values will give you a good approximation of how wide and tall the crate should be.
When you use the crate for travel, make sure to also take into account any additional space that may be needed for your dog’s comfort. If you are unsure of the size to get, always err on the side of caution and go for one size larger. This way, your pooch will have enough room to move around and be comfortable even when they grow older.
2. Your Dog’s Breed
Some dog breeds are known to be escape artists, while others are calmer and more sedate.
If you have a dog that is prone to chewing or digging, then it is best to get a custom dog crate that has been reinforced with stronger locking systems. On the other hand, if your dog is relatively calm and easy-going, then you may not need to worry as much about them breaking out of their carrier.
Other breeds are also known for being particularly vocal when they are left alone. If this is the case for your fur baby, then it would be best to get a crate with a soundproofing cover. This way, you will not have to worry about your dog disturbing other people as you travel.
3. Design
As previously implied, customizing your dog’s crate will give you something that would complement the existing decor of your home.
If you want one that will seamlessly blend in with your interior, then you can go for wooden dog furniture that has been custom-made to match the rest of your pieces. For a more modern look, you can get a crate that is made out of metal or plastic and comes in sleek, minimalist designs.
There are also those that come in more creative and fun designs, such as those shaped like cars, houses, or even bones! If you want something that will really stand out and make a statement, then go for these more unique options.
Choosing the right design will also depend on where you plan to put the carrier. If you want something that can be used both indoors and outdoors, then it is best to go for a weatherproof option. On the other hand, if you only need it for indoor use, then any material will do.
4. Material
The material of the custom dog crate will also affect its durability, as well as your dog’s comfort.
If you want something that is durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, then you can opt for modern acrylic pet cage furniture. This piece is easy to clean and disinfect, which is ideal if you have a dog that is prone to getting sick.
If you are looking for a more classic look, then you can go for wooden crates. However, they are not as durable as acrylic or metal and may not be ideal if you have an escape artist for a fur baby.
5. Additional Features
When getting custom dog crate furniture, you should think about the additional features that you can add to it and make it more functional.
For example, you could ask the shop to customize it with a better ventilation system if your dog gets anxious in enclosed spaces. You could add a custom-made bed or cushion to make it more comfortable for your pooch.
You also have the option to add storage compartments to a crate if it does not have one. How about some wheels? This way, you can lug it around more easily and keep your dog’s toys, food, and other supplies in one place while you go out with your furry friend.
Furthermore, you can personalize the crate with your dog’s name. This will make it more unique and help you to find it easily when you are traveling.
With these things in mind, you are now ready to start shopping for a custom dog crate. Just remember to take your time, do your research, and ask questions before making a decision. Your fur baby will thank you for it!
Where to Buy a Custom Dog Crate
The best place to purchase a custom dog crate is an online specialty pet store. Not only that it has a wide variety of customization options to choose from, but you can also be sure that the quality is good.
When shopping at an online store, though, make sure to check the reviews first. This way, you can get an idea of the kind of service and products they offer.
Once you have found a reputable store, take a look at their custom dog crate options and see which one would be best for your fur baby!
Dog Crate FAQs
Q: How much do I have to spend on a custom dog kennel?
A: A customized dog kennel’s price would depend on the size, design, and material. If you want something more durable with better ventilation, for example, then it would be more expensive. But to give you a general idea, it can cost from around $200 to $1,000.
Q: How long does it take to get a custom dog crate?
A: The time frame would depend on the store or manufacturer. Some stores may take longer because they have to order the materials first before starting on the project. Others may already have the materials on hand and can start working on it right away. Either way, it would usually take around one to four weeks.
Q: How do I clean a dog crate?
A: This depends on its material and design. If it is made of wood, then you can use a mild soap and water solution to clean it. For acrylic or metal crates, you can use a disinfectant spray or wipes. You can also consult the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly clean and maintain the crate you have.
Q: How often should I clean my dog crate?
A: It is best to clean it every week to prevent the build-up of dirt, hair, and other debris. However, if your dog is sick or has allergies, then you should clean it more often. You can also line the bottom of the crate with a washable mat or pad to make cleaning easier.
Final Thoughts
Purchasing a custom dog crate is a great way to get the perfect carrier for your fur baby. Not only that, but you can also add some personalization to it and make it more unique. Just remember to take your time and do your research to come up with the best item for you and your dog’s needs.
For more useful pet care tips, feel free to check out the rest of our articles!