The SmithBuilt Portable Dog Crate is one of the many ways SmithBuilt proves to you that it is completely and irrevocably in love with your pet. SmithBuilt is a truly amazing brand and there isn’t any doubt that this crate is going to be exceptional.
But hey what’s SmithBuilt’s story?
The company was founded over a decade ago. So, let’s just say that it’s had quite a while to get its act together.
It’s a family-owned business and everyone loves a family-owned business because they are less about taking over the world and more about their customers. The brand or should we say the SmithBuilt family prides itself in carving your pup his own home in your home. And it seems to be doing a pretty good job at it from all indications.
Is this crate going to be a home away from home for your pup? Well, let’s find out.
Table of Contents
Who Is The SmithBuilt Portable Dog Crate For?
This crate is a metal dog crate so, generally, it works for most dogs. However, unlike most other metal crates, this is a lightweight crate.
Because of that, it’s not as strong as other heavyweight metal crates. And so, the company makes it clear that this crate is only for “well-behaved pets”. Furthermore, this crate is great for crate training your pup since it comes with dividing panels. Your pup will grow into his crate and you can save some money too.
Features Of The SmithBuilt Portable Dog Crate
1. Double Doors
This crate does not come with a single door option. It has only a double door option. But oh well, we don’t miss the single door option. So, it’s great either way – single door option or not. Plus, even with a double door option, this still comes pretty affordably so, it works.
Double doors are simply a lot more convenient than single doors. With two doors, you can easily access your pet without much trouble.
2. Lock System
One of the most important features of any dog crate is its lock system. It is super important that a dog crate locks securely because you put your pup in his crate to protect him. You don’t want him wandering off into places he shouldn’t be.
And that’s why your crate must be super secure. Now, how does this crate do on that count?
Well, we are impressed that SmithBuilt installs a double lock system on each door. This means that your “well-behaved pup” shouldn’t be able to escape from this crate easily. And that’s assuring for us.
3. Metal Construction
SmithBuilt chose a really high-quality material to build its Portable Crates from.
This is made from steel, and steel is pretty strong, you must agree. Well, many other crates are made from steel but there’s something unique about this particular case. What?
SmithBuilt advertises this as a high tensile-strength metal gauge. Well, from the little we know, this means that the steel used to make this crate is pretty strong. So, in all, this is supposed to be a really tough crate too.
Now, to ensure that this crate retains its structural integrity, SmithBuilt finishes this crate with epoxy coating. So, you’ll be getting a rust-resistant crate that is going to stay around for a very long time.
And it won’t just stay around, it will stay around looking good too.
And talking about looks, this crate looks totally rad! You know, we’ve been seeing a lot of metal dog crates and many just come in plain old black. You know, just no-nonsense and all. But this comes in silver.
So, if you’re tired of black but you’re not that inclined to consider bright colors, this is a fantastic choice.
Now, thanks to its finish, and with proper maintenance, you can be sure that this crate is going to keep shining for a very long time to come. Total score!
4. Foldable Crate With A Handle
This crate is portable, just like it says in its name. So, what exactly makes this a portable dog crate?
Well, first of all, it is foldable so you can fold this down, pack it up, and move even last minute. And it folds really flat too. Check it out… when you fold this it becomes a really slim package at barely 4 inches thick!
Think about it, a 4inch-flat crate? That’s slimmer than many books. So you can see how travel is going to be super convenient now? You no longer have to ditch your crate just because you need to travel.
Furthermore, this comes with an adjustable handle which further makes this a great crate if convenience is the biggest factor for you. To pack this even smaller, you can actually remove it if you want.
5. Dividing Panels
Dividing panels are really important because puppies grow up really fast. Many times, faster than we, their parents, can keep up.
Now, except you intend to get a new size of dog crate every other few weeks, then you need a crate with dividing panels.
The idea is to pick a crate that would fit your pup’s adult size. And then by using dividing panels, you can manage the space so your pup does not feel unsafe in his crate.
You do know that your dog’s crate must not be too large for him else he’d feel insecure, right? Well, dividing panels help you manage that problem until your dog matures enough to fit into his crate perfectly.
So, yes, this crate also features a dividing panel for every size it comes in.
6. Removable Steel Pan
Okay, SmithBuilt does super well in this department. For so long, we have searched for a dog crate where the manufacturers actually give us metal trays. Why? Because they are more durable.
Now, the reason this is even more poignant to us is that even some of the bigger names in the business that even cost more did not think to add this.
Yes, they do give removable trays but oftentimes, these trays are plastic. A removable pan is important because it makes cleaning easier.
So, in case there is a fecal accident or maybe a less grody accident like-say pee, it would be easier for you to clean up the crate.
Simply take out the tray and the work is done.
But here’s the thing about plastic. If you have a teething puppy, or a chewer, it’s easy for that tray to become a chew toy. And that’s just disgusting considering the tray’s mission in the crate.
Plus, it also means that the tray won’t even last.
Now, with steel trays, the story changes since it can’t be chewed through. Also, steel trays are durable. They’ll practically remain the same till you tire of them.
So, smart choice SmithBuilt. A metal removable tray is definitely a great way to go. And it even comes with a lip that allows the pan to hook on to the crate. This way, whatever is spilled into the pan won’t spill out onto the carpet.
And we all know that we need to keep that going. No spills.
7. Sizes Available
Apparently, this crate comes in various sizes.
You’ll need to find out what’s best for your pet by measuring him first before getting him any size of the crate..
What We Love About The SmithBuilt Portable Dog Crate
This crate comes with so many advantages so without further ado, let’s see them:
1. Foldable With Adjustable Handle
A foldable dog crate will always be an advantage because it just makes things super convenient for everybody. And this folds really flat – less than 4 inches. So you can be sure that it won’t be awkward to carry around.
Well, that this crate is foldable is great but what really blew our minds is that the handle is adjustable. So since the handle isn’t fixed, you can always adjust it to any form that makes the crate even easier to carry.
2. Easy Assembly
This crate sets up really easily. In fact, you’ll receive the crate in a preassembled form. So, in all, it will take even less time to put the entire thing together.
3. Dividing Panel Included
Dividing panels are always a welcome addition to any crate. And we’re sure that pet parents with puppies will be particularly grateful for them.
The fact that this crate comes with a dividing panel makes us really happy because it means that you can now find a neat way to make your pet’s living space grow with him.
4. Unique Silver Finish
No one says that metal dog crates must always be black. And this unique silver finish is a breath of fresh air we are very happy to inhale.
5. Double Doors
Like we always say here, double doors are always a plus. It increases convenience and makes it very easy to reach your pet when the need arises.
6. Metal Removable Tray
This is a major major deal for us because it’s a rare feature you find in crates these days. Most crates actually come with plastic trays. So, it’s more the norm.
However, plastic is, obviously, not as durable as metal – which is why we always advocate for metal trays.
Now, being metal, you can be sure that this tray is going to be around for a mighty long time. Besides that, this pan is rust-resistant, and it’s also stain-resistant. So, cleaning is going to be a breeze for you.
What We Don’t Like About The SmithBuilt Portable Dog Crate
1. There appears to be a problem with the door/latch alignment. So, watch out for that. You might have to lift the door a bit to get it to close properly.
2. This crate tends to rattle a bit. So it’s kinda noisy just in case you have that kind of pet.
A good way to manage this and keep this crate even more stable is to try using zip ties all around it. This should help with the situation
3. Generally, this crate could be sturdier but then again, they did say that this is for well-behaved pets only. So, if you stick to that recommendation, you shouldn’t have any problem with the sturdiness of this crate.
Alternative Options To The SmithBuilt Portable Dog Crate
More Affordable Option — Midwest Home For Pets Spree Travel Carrier
It’s okay if you can’t afford the SmithBuilt Portable Dog Crate right now. Taking care of a puppy or a dog can be a very capital intensive project.
But then crating your dog is still something we have to make happen and that’s why we are suggesting this option.
The Midwest Home For Pets Spree Travel Carrier is a plastic dog crate specifically designed for travel actually. But nothing says this can’t be your pet’s new home. It really depends on you and your pet.
The plastic is really durable and very easy to clean. It also comes with a carrying handle of course. It’s a carrier after all.
In case you were wondering, this sets up very easily in 5 simple steps and you don’t need tools either. Finally, this crate comes in 3 beautiful colors for you to pick from. However, it is only available in sizes for small breeds.
High-End Option — Pet Gear The Other Door 4 Door Steel Crate
If the SmithBuilt Portable Dog Crate is a little too basic for you and you’re looking to take things up a notch, we’ve got just the thing for you. The Pet Gear The Other Door 4 Door Steel Crate is worth considering.
Check it out:
It comes with not just two doors but 4 doors! And they don’t open to the side like normal doors, they actually roll up just like your garage door.
There are wheels which help you move this crate very easily like a suitcase too. And of course, there’s also a handle to go with the wheels too.
And for optimum comfort, Pet Gear threw in a nice bolster bed also with the crate. It’s so fluffy and comfy, your pet will thank you.
But, wait for it. There’s more awesomeness to come.
There’s a storage bag to go with this model. So, when you need to move it, you just fold down and pack into your bag and move. And yes, it sets up pretty easily and super fast too. No tools!
There is only one side of this crate – 48 inches. But there are different max weight capacities to choose from. There’s the 30-pound, 70-pound, and 90-pound capacity.
Hopefully, there’s something for your dog because this crate is totally rocking!
Soft Dog Crate Option — GoGo Pet 3-Door Soft Dog Crate
If you’re thinking of something other than a metal dog crate, probably something more like a soft-sided dog crate, we’ve got you. You can also go for the GoGo Pet 3-Door Soft Dog Crate.
It’s a quality soft-sided dog crate but then it does cost a bit more than our featured crate.
This comes in the extra-large size only. So, it’s a great idea for your large-sized dog.
Now, this is a three-door model. So, yes it features 3 doors. That is, one in front, one by the side, and one on top. Pretty cool and convenient, right?
And to make this the complete package, this also folds down completely and in no time flat. It will definitely make a really great crate for traveling.
PS: The bottom of this crate is waterproof. So, the crate is easy to clean. And it will definitely last a pretty long time without damage.
Quick Comparison Table
|
|
Featured |
More Affordable |
More High End |
Opposite End |
|
Product |
SmithBuilt Portable Dog Crate |
Midwest Home For Pets Spree Travel Carrier
|
Pet Gear The Other Door 4 Door Steel Crate
|
GoGo Pet 3-Door Soft Dog Crate |
|
Material |
Metal wire |
Plastic |
Heavy-duty blow-mold plastic with steel inserts |
Fabric and steel frames |
|
Sizes Available |
Extra-small |
Extra small and Small |
30 pound, 70 pound and 90 pound max weight available |
Extra Large Crate |
|
Colors Available |
Silver |
Blue, Green, Red |
Chocolate, Sage |
Brown |
|
Assembly Required? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Best For |
All kinds of dogs except aggressive chewers and escape artists |
Small breed dogs, especially shy dogs that love solitude. Also great for moving pets around. |
For large dogs |
For crate-trained extra large breed dogs |
What Are Customers Saying About The SmithBuilt Portable Dog Crate?
On a general note, it’s easy to see that customers love this crate. It’s well built, looks great and is super convenient too. Dogs also love this crate too!
It still doesn’t take away the fact that a lot of customers had to do one or two life hacks to get this crate up and running in perfect condition, though. One or two things had to be corrected here and there to make the crate great.
For instance, a lot of people had to use zip ties all around the crate so that the crate could be more stable. And then again, some people had some problem with the cage rattling. But the zip ties also took care of that as well.
Besides that, another small issue that customers had is that the doors didn’t seem properly aligned. So, many had to lift the door in order to close it properly.
But besides these, this crate was an instant hit. And many customers were super grateful that SmithBuilt thought to make the crate steel instead of plastic.
Customers also loved the metal tray. A couple of customers used them for a couple of years and they still remained in pretty good condition. Plus, they were also excited that the tray didn’t retain stains or smells which means that they helped to maintain optimum sanitary conditions in the crate.
Conclusion
Our own verdict on the matter? This crate is a fine specimen of a dog crate and is also quite sturdy too.
The best part of this crate for us is that this crate comes with a metal tray. It’s so important because metal trays are easier to maintain. Plus they are also more durable than plastic since they are not as prone to damage.
Another feature we like is that it comes with an adjustable handle. We like it because it makes this a more convenient unit to move around.
And how can we forget to mention the finish of this crate? Silver is super adorable even on a crate. So, altogether, we think SmithBuilt did a good job over here.
