You will be surprised by the size and weight of this aluminium dog crate
This model has been designed to respond to a two-fold need: guaranteeing the compact build of a folding crate and providing the safety and strength of a rigid crate. This crate is aluminium, as it is a very strong material that weighs less than steel. It only weighs 12.4 kg (without the accessories). Exterior dimensions, once folded: 90 cm wide; 62 cm deep at the bottom and 44.5 cm at the top of the crate, 67.5 cm tall. When folded, it is only 27 cm high.
What type(s) of dog is this folding crate suitable for?
The crate, which our teams have been working on for more than 3 years, is made by hand: each part is attached one at a time. The model is currently between a size L and XL of our crate for 2 dogs. In terms of breeds, this means it can accommodate springers, spaniels and pointers. For example, a 25 kg English setter would fit inside. It depends on the breed and size of the animal. Warning, however: it is only suitable for 1 dog.
Assembly and disassembly: how is it so quick?
The aluminium crate 900 has a door which is mounted on a cylinder, which makes it easier to open. On the sides, there are self-braking hinges with position memory. This makes folding and unfolding the crate easier. Note: it has a double door, which makes it more practical depending on the size of your car boot. What’s more, the crate fits in the boots of a Duster, Partner, 2008, and even Clio (which is a rather small car) car models.
So, what are the accessories?
Inside the crate there is a size L 100 mat (delivered with the set) for the dog's comfort once inside. Note that you can also use our 500 mat in the same size. 2 large removable pockets (to clip on top or on the sides) which allow you to transport a range of equipment. For example, in one pocket, you could carry accessories that are useful for safety: a collar, lead, whistle, etc. In the other, care products such as a tick remover, brush, comb, or shampoo.
Here, we explain how to fold and unfold the aluminium transport crate for 1 dog
Although the instructions (included with the crate) explain in detail how to assemble and disassemble it, here are the steps you should follow to properly manipulate this accessory: 1. lift the first orange latch located on top of the crate (the grill at the front will lower). In 2, lift the second latch on top of the crate (the plate at the back will lower). In 3, fold/unfold the crate at the sides using the scissor hinges. In 4, secure everything with the two clips on the side.
A small point to note about this folding crate:
We had to include it! Our folding aluminium dog crate has a black PVC canvas (located under the mat), designed to protect the bottom of the crate from the dog's claws (and therefore from scratches) when they climb into or out of the crate in the boot. Thanks to this canvas, the dog can climb in with wet paws without slipping. The canvas is attached with two rib-tab straps on the feet of the crate.
A specific crate base: why so?
The base cannot be removed. It is made from thermo-formed plastic with grooves to allow liquid to be drained. There's nothing more unpleasant for a dog than being wet when returning from an outing on very damp ground: thanks to the grooves, the water is let out underneath the mat. The water runs into a drip tray, allowing your dog to stay dry. The base can be cleaned with soap and water if necessary.
What tests have we carried out on this model?
The crate undergoes a 48h salt fog test, where it is placed in an saturated with air full of very corrosive salt. The rivets are made of stainless steel. The crate can therefore withstand a few days outside, under short showers: unlike iron, this doesn't alter the characteristics of the material. The cylinder is also tested: more than 1000 times for opening/closing. Finally, we have tested dropping the crate at different heights, over several rounds, to guarantee its robustness
Robust: an adjective which summarises this folding aluminium crate very well
From a safety perspective, the crate is very resistant to impacts or falls. 2 accessories secure it in place while you drive with it in the boot of your car: two straps which allow you to attach the crate to high or low hooks, if your car has them. This ensures that the crate does not move during transport, and in particular that it doesn’t tip with the dog inside in the event of a crash. Padlocks are also provided.
A crate that doesn’t slip is a crate that’s safe for your animal
The crate has 4 rubber soles on the feet which ensures a good grip, even on a slippery floor/surface. On the front, the air vents are deburred so that your animal is comfortable and doesn’t get hurt. What’s more, the size of the gaps between the bars means that the dog cannot normally fit their nose through, and therefore try to bite the crate.
Can your dog travel on a plane in this crate?
No, this folding aluminium crate from Solognac does not meet the IATA standards (it cannot be used for transport on a plane). However, we have designed it to be suitable for as many sizes of dog as possible.
Saving space: a characteristic far from being insignificant
One of the model’s strengths is its modular build. if you have the crate in the boot of your car but you don't have your dog with you, when you go shopping, for example, all you have to do is it fold up the crate. There is no need to take it in and out of the boot each time, even though its 2 handles are designed to make it easier to manipulate the crate and transport it when folded.
A few warnings for use
When it is very hot, check the walls of the crate before putting your dog inside. Of course, never leave the crate in direct sunlight with the dog inside!
What are the benefits of using this folding aluminium crate for transporting a dog?
From a regulatory point of view, you should know that, according to the Highway Code, unrestrained pets could cause accidents, near misses or emergency stops. Placing your dog in the crate will therefore ensure your safety, but also theirs, as they will not move around in the car. Having this type of crate can help taming the mess dogs can make, even more so when they are dirty, and avoids your dog leaving hair everywhere.
One last thing to tell you: the interior dimensions of the crate
As well as the exterior dimensions, it is important that you have the interior dimensions in mind too for your dog’s comfort: width 86 cm, height 56 cm, depth 54.5 cm.
