by guest writer, Jessica Sullivan

We are currently in the thick of the annual holiday hubbub, and dog owners everywhere are making plans for their pets as they travel. I am the kind of person who brings my dogs everywhere I go. Fortunately, I have very patient friends and very loving and accepting family members. Even better, they are all dog-lovers themselves, and it seems I am asked about my newly-acquired travel kennels everywhere I stop. Guardian Gear, a big player in the dog accessory world, has saved my holiday travel season with their soft-sided collapsible crates.

Guardian Gear crates are made of nylon walls with four mesh windows. Set up is basic and easy. When collapsed, the crates are housed in an envelope-like nylon case that measures less than two inches thick and carries like an art folio. Once pulled out of this carrying case, the crate’s walls (the top, bottom and side walls fold in on themselves) stand in place and the front and back walls of the kennel are then zipped into place. A faux sheepskin mat lines the bottom of each crate. Three of the four mesh windows have flaps that can be either rolled up or kept in place with Velcro. One of my dogs prefers to have all of his mesh windows closed for a cozier “den” effect, while my other dog wants her window flaps rolled up - she has to catch all the action! Both the crates and their carrying cases feature several pockets for convenient storage of leashes, toys, or other accessories. The bottom of the crate features four loop holes with which the four included tent stakes can be used to create a very literal pup tent! As I mentioned, these are a nylon crates and are not recommended for puppies or chronic chewers.

Not only are Guardian Gear travel crates great for my dogs; they are also perfect for me. The soft-sided collapsible crates are extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver. Moreover, I am no longer lugging around wire or plastic kennels that take up all the extra room in my car. Although I became very adept at puzzling out where to stash my luggage amongst all that hardware, lack of space in my car is no longer an issue, and neither is the hassle of assembling and tearing down bulky pet pens or crates. Wrestling bulky crates out of my house, in and out of my car, and into another house are a worry of the past.

These kennels are sold in some small boutique-type pet stores and can also be readily found online at Pet Edge and Amazon. Guardian Gear crates are available in multiple colors and color combinations to satisfy all tastes. Both green and pink camouflage crates are available, but that pattern does increase the price a bit. While I initially found these kennels in a small pet store, I eventually placed an order with Pet Edge. Pet Edge offers wholesale pricing on these kennels, and I have to admit, my order felt like a steal! For a size small crate, a size large crate and shipping, I spent less than $100! If you are at all familiar with dog kennels, you absolutely can’t find good pricing like that anywhere else!

I cannot stop raving about the Guardian Gear soft-sided collapsible crates to anyone that shows even the slightest interest. If you are looking to travel lighter with your dogs, then these crates make the perfect gift for yourself and your furry family members.