Well designed pet accessories can be surprisingly hard to find, but for the most part they're out there. The eiCrate is the first time we've ever seen aesthetics applied to a crate, however, and since we're believers in crate-training dogs, we're pretty psyched to know that at least one attractive option exists.
The domed crate is available in three standard finishes (black, white, and silver) for $320, a gold version for $420, and for those of you who think your pets deserve nothing but the very best, a 22.5 karat gold leafed version for $11,000. That's right, eleven thousand dollars.
We think we'll stick with white.
Available from GO! Pet Design.
Very cool. If I were rich I would probably buy one, even though my dog hasn't spent time in a crate since she was potty trained.
view jooly's profile
Definitely cool (and sort of Epcot-looking), but do you think it would make a dog feel secure? Having it so airy seems like it would defeat the "den" mentality. Anyone have luck working with an open design?
view firecracker's profile
That's a small dog and a regular (euh...) cat standing next to the same crate in a different color. Do they have a version for a regular sized dog? I mean, having bling for the pets is as important to me as the next girl (as in, NOT) but I'd be more concerned about the dog having room to spin around, rather than the finish clashing with my chairs.
view cakekick's profile
Very cool. I think covering it with a blanket would make it an excellent choice for timid dogs.
I can't rationalize the cost, but I like it!
view Melissa82's profile
Saw this posted on DoorSixteen a few days ago
I don't think my dogs would like this as it seems the only reason they use their crates is when they need some "alone time" or want to go to "their room" but it definitely is an interesting concept!
It also does not look quite sturdy enough for larger dogs nor do the clips look very strong that hold the door up.
view suziegoombs's profile
That (hairless) cat breed is called a Sphinx!
view Jane's profile
If I owned that I would hang tiny chainsaws and clubs in there and call it Thunderdome.
view dollarvines's profile
It's Mr. Bigglesworth, Dr. Evil's cat! When Mr. Bigglesworth gets angry, PEOPLE DIE!
view spinsLPs's profile
To those wondering about the size of the crate versus the size of the animal within it, the site recommends that the crate be used for dogs under 40 pounds. I have a 10-pounder (and a 5-pounder on the way), so the size would be perfect for my guys to share.
Regarding the color of the crate, I say from experience that black wire will provide far greater visibility (for you and for your pet) than white wire would. Also, there is an optional tailored cover available for dogs who prefer a darker den.
I say it's the Bertoia chair of dog crates. Love it!
view Anna at D16's profile
I used a black metal rectangular cage for crate-training my husky and it was just fine. When she was acting anxious or wound up too tight, I just put a sheet or blanket over half of it to give that sheltered feeling. I just had to make sure she had a bone or chew toy in there with her or she'd shred the sheet through the cage gaps. I only paid $45 for that cage though and it works with dogs in the 50-75 pound range.
view Miss Pea's profile
Another super cool design wicked expensive dog crate, i loved the dawg haus but it too was 3-hundy. There is a huge market for mid-priced cool-er looking crates. Come on smart people, hook me up!
I've been spring cleaning and when my dog crate isn't dwarfed by piles of dirty laundry its the ugliest thing in the room.
view DahliaCactus's profile
BTW, if you go to the website, you can purchase a cover to help add to the 'den' feel.
view shari's profile
Also, it looks like a birdcage and yes... i want one.
view DahliaCactus's profile
Crates scare me. I think if these were meant for, say babies, there would be no way companies would be allowed to make them but because they are for animals nobody cares.
We came home once to find our husky had someone managed to lodge her paw between the spokes and she was very relieved when we freed her. After that we decided the crate had to go.
view snoopy's profile
Snoopy; I think the risk of your dog VS the crate against your dog VS the entire house is a small one. I have crate trained 5 dogs, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Just an FYI for Anna16; never force 2 dogs to share a crate. Should be their own personal space. No need for nosy neighbours :)
view Melissa82's profile
Melissa, I don't use the crate with the door shut (and, in fact, I would probably remove the door entirely from this one) -- it's more of an indoor dog house for me. I can't really stop them from going in there together if they want to.
view Anna at D16's profile
They look great, but unsafe. Those angles are far too easy for an ear or claw to get wedged in.
view B's profile
All I hear is Tina Turner.....two pets enter, one pet leaves..
view Boraxics's profile