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How much does a dog crate cost?

Dog crates can be an expensive story, depending on the length of time you need the crate, what type of crate and, of course, the size of the crate. In South Africa crates typically cost between R1500 - R3500 when buying, and +/- R500 per month when renting.

SIZE DIMENSIONS DOG TYPES BUYING(Including delivery) RENTING(starting from)
SMALL 70cmL x 55cmH x 50cmW Pug , Jack Russel or similar R2800.00 from R599
MEDIUM 80cmL x 65cmH x 60cmW Cocker Spaniel, Sheepdog or similar R3200.00 from R599
LARGE 90cmL x 75cmH x 70cmW Border Collie, Whippet or similar R3500.00 from R599
X LARGE 100cmL x 85cmH x 80cmW German Shepherd, Boxer or similar R3800.00 from R599
XX LARGE 110cmL x 95cmH x 90cmW Rottweiler, SA Boerboel or similar R4200.00 from R599

NB!!! Even though crates can create a sense of comfort for your pet, do not leave your pet in the crate for more than 2-3 hours at a time. They need regular bathroom breaks, and lots and lots of love. The crate must never become a negative experience for your pet.


Should I Rent or Buy a crate?


1. BUYING A PET CRATE

Buying a crate can be costly. But should you need the crate for longer periods of time, it definitely will make more financial sense.

  • ADVANTAGES:
  • - Longer crate period stays can be cheaper per day than renting
  • - Readily available should the need arise
  • DISADVANTAGES:
  • - Can take up storage space
  • - The need may never again arise to use the crate

2. RENTING A PET CRATE

Renting a crate is great for the unexpected (ex. A broken leg), temporary puppy training or a quick trip.

  • ADVANTAGES:
  • - Shorter crate period stays can be cheaper per day than buying
  • - When finished using the crate, you don’t have to find a place to store it
  • DISADVANTAGES:
  • - Can become more expensive than buying should you have to keep it longer than expected.

Which type of Crate is best for your dog?


1. WIRE PET CRATE

Wire dog crates can cost anywhere between R1500.00 to R3500.00. This is when buying a good electroplated (preventing the corrosion of metal) cage that will last a lifetime. These crates are mainly used for recovery after surgery and pet-training.

  • ADVANTAGES:
  • - Easy to clean
  • - Good ventilation
  • - Pet can see his/her environment
  • - Collapsible (easy storage)
  • DISADVANTAGES:
  • - Heavy to move around
  • - Can lead to whining (dog sees owner)

2. PLASTIC PET CARRIER (YOYO CRATES DOES NOT SUPPLY PLASTIC PET CARRIERS)

These are plastic carrier “pods” that are mainly used for air travel. The costs vary from about R300.00 to R1200.00 (once again depending on the size and model). Make sure you buy an IATA approved crate when your pet needs to fly in an airplane.

  • ADVANTAGES:
  • - Airline-approved
  • - Lighter to carry around
  • - Blocks potential distractions
  • - Pop-apart (easy storage)
  • DISADVANTAGES:
  • - Enclosed plastic crate can cause isolation/stress
  • - Plastic can hold odors caused by accidents

How do I choose the right size YOYO crate?


The size crate you would need depends on the reason for using the crate, but the main rule of thumb is: Your pet should be able to stand, lie down and turn around in the crate, but not be able to walk around.
SIZE DIMENSIONS DOG TYPE
SMALL 70cmL x 55cmH x 50cmW Pug , Boston Terrier, Maltese, Jack Russel, French Bulldog, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Scottish Terrier, Fox Terrier, Small Yorkshire Terrier, Japanese Chin or similar
MEDIUM 80cmL x 65cmH x 60cmW Cocker Spaniel, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Standard Schnauzer, English Cocker Spaniel, Shetland Sheepdog or similar
LARGE 90cmL x 75cmH x 70cmW Basset Hound, Keeshond, American Pitbull Terrier, Border Collie, Bull Terrier, Old English Sheepdog, Whippet or similar
X LARGE 100cmL x 85cmH x 80cmW German Shepherd, American Bulldog, Boxer, Collie, Giant Schnauzer, Golden Retriever, Labrador, Siberian Husky, Shar-Pei, Chow Chow, Weimaraner or similar
XX LARGE 110cmL x 95cmH x 90cmW Doberman Pinscher, Bullmastiff, Rottweiler, Weimaraner, Standard Poodle, Bernese Mountain Dog, SA Boerboel or similar
NB!!! The sizing recommendations of dog breeds according to the size crate are for the standard size of that breed. Should your pet be larger or smaller than the standard size, please size according to YOUR dog.

The most important thing to remember is that the crate must be used properly:

DONT'S and DO'S:

  • DON’T use a crate that is too large. For recovery purposes, it gives the pet room to re-injure. For training purposes, it creates an area for your pup to “go potty”.
    DO make sure you size according to the correct guidelines.

  • DON’T use the crate as a substitute to supervision (you can’t leave your pet extended periods of time).
    DO include short periods with potty breaks. Lots of attention and love must be given to your pet even when in the crate.

  • DON'T use the crate as a place of punishment.
    DO make sure the crate is always a positive space that creates a sense of comfort for your pet. Add a blanket and a few toys to help create good vibes.


When considering how much does a dog crate costs, you should always weigh all the options including you and your pets expectations. Cheaper is not always better. And always remember that your pet's safety and happiness should be a top priority.


We specialize in reliable and easy-use fold-up wire crates and cages for your pets, be it cats or dogs.
To rent a crate click here
To buy a crate click here

To contact us email us on [email protected] for any questions!