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How-to Guides 2026-11-11 Petmate 0 views

How to Replace a Kennel Door on Your Plastic Pet Crate

How to Replace a Kennel Door on Your Plastic Pet Crate

Learn how to replace a damaged kennel door on plastic pet crates like Vari Kennel, Sky Kennel, and Ruffmaxx. Includes sizing tips and product compatibility.

Why You Might Need a Kennel Door Replacement

Plastic pet crates are durable, but the door takes the most abuse from daily use, excited pets, and travel. Over time, latches can wear, hinges can crack, or the door itself can break. Replacing just the door instead of the whole crate is a practical way to restore security without buying a new kennel.

The replacement process is straightforward if you have the right door for your crate model and size. Below, we cover how to identify your kennel, choose the correct replacement, and what to expect during installation.

Compatible Kennel Models and Sizes

  • Pet Porter II/Vari Kennel Ultra/Sky Kennel/Ruffmaxx Kennel/Petco Premium Series 500-800 Kennel Replacement Door: This replacement door fits Aspen Pet Pet Porter & Pet Porter II, Ultra Vari Kennel, Sky Kennel Ultra, Ruffmaxx Kennels, and Petco Premium 500-800 series kennels in sizes medium (28" x 20.5" x 21.5"), intermediate (32" x 22.5" x 24"), large (36" x 25" x 27"), and x-large (40" x 27" x 30"). Knowing your kennel's exact model and size ensures the replacement door will latch properly and keep your pet secure.
    Pet Porter II/Vari Kennel Ultra/Sky Kennel/Ruffmaxx Kennel/Petco Premium Series 500-800 Kennel Replacement Door
    Pet Porter II/Vari Kennel Ultra/Sky Kennel/Ruffmaxx Kennel/Petco Premium Series 500-800 Kennel Replacement Door
  • Black Replacement Door for 24" Plastic Kennels: This 24" replacement door fits 24" kennels including Aspen Pet Fashion Pet Porter, Jackson Galaxy Two Door Top Load Kennel, Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel, Petmate Vari Kennel, Petmate Fashion Vari Kennel, Ruffmaxx Kennel, Whisker Doodle 2 Door Top Load Kennel, and You & Me Premium Kennel. If you have a compact 24" crate, this is the correct door size—using a larger door won't fit the opening.
    Black Replacement Door for 24" Plastic Kennels
    Black Replacement Door for 24" Plastic Kennels

How to Measure and Choose the Right Door

Before ordering, confirm your kennel's model name and overall dimensions. The replacement door is sized to fit specific crate lengths, not the door opening itself.

  1. Find your kennel's model and size: Look for a label on the crate that lists the brand and size (e.g., "36" kennel"). If missing, measure the crate's length, width, and height. Match these to the size ranges listed for the replacement door.
  2. Select the correct variant: For the Pet Porter II/Vari Kennel/Sky Kennel door (product ID 2941791), choose the variant that matches your kennel size: FITS 28" KENNELS, FITS 32" KENNELS, FITS 36" KENNELS, or FITS 40" KENNELS. For 24" crates, use the 24" replacement door (product ID 2941789).
  3. Check the door dimensions: The 24" replacement door measures 9 7/8" long x 12 1/4" tall. The larger door has multiple dimension sets depending on size (e.g., 19.72" x 15.12" for one variant). Use these to confirm physical fit if your crate has a non-standard opening.

Installation Tips and Safety Checks

Replacing the door typically involves removing the old door from its hinges and snapping or screwing the new one into place. The exact method depends on your crate's hinge design—some use pin hinges, others use sliding tabs. If your crate uses screws, keep them for reuse.

After installation, test the latch several times to ensure it closes securely. The catalog emphasizes regularly checking all kennel parts and doors to ensure your pet's safety. Periodically inspect the new door for cracks or wear, especially if you travel frequently.

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