Be surprised by the size and weight of this aluminum dog crate.
This model was designed to meet a dual objective: to guarantee the compactness of a folding body, and to offer the safety and strength of a rigid body. The body is therefore made of aluminum, a very solid material that is lighter than steel. It weighs just 12.4kg (excluding accessories). Outside dimensions, when unfolded: 90cm wide, 62cm deep at the base and 44.5cm at the top, 67.5cm high. Folded, it measures just 27cm high.
What type(s) of dog(s) will this folding crate suit?
This crate, which our teams have been working on for over 3 years, is made by hand: each piece is welded one by one. The model is currently between size L and size XL of our 2-dog crate. This means that, in terms of breed, it's suitable for springers, spaniels and pointers. As an example, a 25kg setter will fit inside. It all depends on the animal's size and withers. But beware: it's only suitable for 1 dog.
Assembly and disassembly: why is it so quick?
The 900 aluminum body is equipped with a jack-mounted door for easy opening. The sides feature self-locking, position-memory hinges. This facilitates unfolding and folding of the body. Note: the door is double-leaf, which is more practical depending on the size of your car's trunk. In fact, the body fits into the trunks of cars such as the Duster, Partner and 2008, and even the Clio (which is more of a small car).
And what about accessories?
Inside the crate you'll find a size L 100 mat (supplied with the kit) for your dog's comfort once he's settled in. Note that you can also use our 500 mat of the same size. 2 large removable pockets (to clip on the top or on the sides) allow you to carry various equipment. In one, for example, useful safety accessories: collar, leash, whistle... In the other, care products such as tick tweezers, brushes, combs and shampoo.
We'll show you how to fold and unfold the 1-dog aluminium crate.
Although the instructions included with the crate explain in detail how to assemble and disassemble it, here are the steps you need to follow to handle this accessory properly: in 1, lift the first orange latch on the top of the crate (the front grille comes down). In 2, lift the second latch at the top (the bottom plate lowers). In 3, fold/unfold the box on the sides using the accordion hinges. In 4, secure with two clips on the side.
The little extra with this folding crate
You had to think of it! Our folding aluminum dog crate features a black PVC fabric (located under the carpet), designed to protect the underbody of the car from scratches as the dog climbs in and out of the crate. Thanks to this mat, the dog can climb in even with wet paws, and won't slip on the mat. The canvas is attached to the crate's feet by two Velcro fasteners.
A specific cash float: yes, but why?
The bottom of the case is non-removable. It's made of thermoformed plastic, with grooves that allow liquids to drain away. Indeed, nothing is more unpleasant for a dog than to get wet when returning from an outing: thanks to the grooves, water drains away underneath the mat. The liquid flows into a collection gutter, keeping your dog dry. Clean the bottom with soap and water if necessary.
What tests did we put this model through?
The body passes the salt spray test for 48 hours, in an air-saturated chamber containing highly corrosive salt. Note that the rivets are made of galvanized steel. This means that the body can spend a few days outside, in short showers: unlike iron, this does not alter the material's properties. The jack is also tested: over 1000 times in opening/closing. Finally, we tested the box's drop at different heights, over several cycles, to guarantee its solidity.
Sturdy: an adjective that aptly characterizes this folding aluminum box.
From a safety point of view, the case is highly resistant to impacts and falls. 2 accessories secure the crate in the trunk of your car: two straps allow the crate to be attached to high or low hooks, if the vehicle is so equipped. This ensures that the crate doesn't move during transport, and especially that it doesn't topple over with the dog inside in the event of an impact. A padlock is also included.
A crate that doesn't slip means a safer crate for your pet
The crate is fitted with 4 rubber pads on the feet, ensuring good grip even on slippery floors. The front vents are deburred to ensure your pet feels comfortable and won't hurt itself. What's more, the spacing of the bars means that dogs can't normally get their noses past the crate, and therefore consider biting it.
Can your dog travel by plane in this crate?
No, this folding aluminum crate Solognac is not IATA-compliant (it cannot be used for air transport). However, we've made sure to offer it in the most versatile size possible, so that as many dog breeds as possible can fit inside.
Space-saving: no mean feat
Modularity is a strong point of this model: if you have the crate in the trunk of your vehicle, but your dog isn't with you when you go shopping, for example, you simply unfold the crate. There's no need to take it out of the trunk and put it back in again each time, even though the 2 handles are designed to make the crate easier to handle and transport when folded.
A few precautions
In hot weather, check the sides of the crate before letting your dog inside. Of course, never leave the crate in your car, in direct sunlight, with the dog inside!
What are the advantages of using this foldable aluminium dog carrier?
From a regulatory point of view, it's important to know that according to article R412-6 of the Highway Code, an animal must not constitute a nuisance for the driver. Putting your dog in this crate will not only guarantee your safety, but also his, as he won't be able to move around the vehicle. Owning this type of crate also means avoiding the dirt that can be caused by a dog, especially when it's sale, as well as keeping your dog's fur from getting everywhere.
One last piece of information: the inside dimensions of the body
In addition to the outside dimensions, it's also important to bear in mind the crate's inside dimensions for your dog's comfort: width 86cm, height 56cm and depth 54.5cm.
