What to do with the Dog Crate?!

Dog crate disposal options post-flight: dump, donate, sell. Stress-free guide for pet owners traveling with furry friends.

Every year, millions of us travel with our furry friends, with many opting to take their dogs on flights for various reasons. In fact, according to the Pet Travel Association, over 2 million pets fly in the cabin or as checked baggage annually. But what happens when we reach our destination and find ourselves wondering what to do with the dog crate we no longer need? This dilemma can add unnecessary stress, leaving us pondering whether we should dump, donate, or sell the crate. The crate is bulky and potentially valuable, but you may end up like us stuck on how to fit it into a rental car alongside your luggage! Let’s explore these options together.

Sniffy the beagle saying goodbye at LAX airport before boarding a QANTAS Freight flight
Sniffy the beagle saying goodbye at LAX airport before boarding a QANTAS Freight flight

Determining the Right Choice: Factors to Consider

Before deciding on dumping, donating, or selling your dog crate, consider the following factors:

  • Condition of the Crate: Is it in a condition that makes it suitable for sale or donation?
  • Budget: Would selling the crate help you recoup some travel expenses?
  • Time Constraints: Do you have the time to donate or sell, or is a quick disposal needed?

Option 1: Dumping the Dog Crate

Sometimes the simplest option might seem to be dumping the dog crate. Here’s what to consider:

  • Check local waste management rules. Does your destination city have specific guidelines?
  • Utilize local resources like community waste disposal sites (Google Maps can help locate nearby facilities).
  • Ensure the crate is made of recyclable materials if environmentally conscious.

After relocating Sniffy from the US to Australia, we did see a few dog crates dumped at the shopping mall near the quarantine facility in Mickleham, Victoria – but we opted to bring ours on the road-trip across Australia in the hope of selling to recover the cost!

Option 2: Donating the Dog Crate

Donating your dog crate could be a fulfilling way to help others. Consider these steps:

  1. Research local animal shelters or rescue organizations that might need extra crates. The ASPCA or RSPCA is a great starting point.
  2. Contact local shelters and confirm their needs and donation process.
  3. Arrange for drop-off, volunteering to deliver it to save the organization the trip.

Option 3: Selling the Dog Crate

If you opt for selling, it can be an excellent way to offset travel costs:

  • Use online platforms such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to find interested buyers.
  • Price the crate reasonably by researching similar listings.
  • Ensure the description is accurate, and include quality photos to attract buyers.

On our export of Sniffy the beagle from Europe to the US, we loaded the SKUDO 7 crate in our F150 truck and it came with us on our cross-country road-trip until we found a buyer. We eventually sold our SKUDO 7 crate in Texas for $100 on Facebook Marketpace.

Dog Exporting from Europe to the US in SKUDO Dog Crate
Dog Exporting from Europe to the US in SKUDO Dog Crate

Choosing whether to dump, donate, or sell a dog crate after picking up a dog after a flight is an annoying chore for a larger expensive crate. Each option comes with its advantages and challenges. By considering the crate’s condition, immediate needs, and the impact each choice may have, we can make a well-informed decision.


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