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I’ve had dogs for over 10 years, been a dog sitter for seven of them, and thought I’ve seen it all when it comes to dog crates. This all changed when the Revol crate made by Diggs was delivered to my doorstep.
In this Diggs dog crate review, I’ll be diving deep to compare the new Revol crate to a standard metal crate, and will look at categories that are important to consider when choosing the right crate for your dog. Let’s get started!
Full Disclosure: Diggs reached out to see if we would be interested in reviewing a sample crate, and we accepted on the condition that the article would be our fair and honest opinion of the product.
My Diggs Dog Crate Review
Initial Impressions
When the box arrived, it was big—I’m not going to lie. I had a moment of “I was sent the small, right?” but once I opened the package, I realized that the crate was already assembled and ready to set up immediately. All I had to do was fold up the front and back sides, twist the top, pull it up, and lock it into place.
The crate does not come with a crate pad, so to see if my dog would like it, I used my own. As if on cue, once I put my dog’s bed inside, she jumped right in and laid down. (I should note that she loves her crate, and has been crate trained since the moment I got her.)
Diggs does offer a matching crate pad (starting as $75 for the small) and a crate training aid ($32) to help your dog settle in. Of course, you can use our own bed, as I did, or other training toys you might have. The nice thing about the Diggs crate pad is that it’s made from high-quality, earth-friendly materials without mercury, lead, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and a lot of the other chemicals common in the textile trade.
Weight
When comparing the Diggs Revol crate to my metal crate of a similar size, the Diggs crate is noticeably heavier because of its thick plastic structure. This wasn’t a big factor for me, since my crate is usually set up in my home, and only folded down and moved when traveling. While it is heavier, it feels more solid and sturdy crate than the cheaper standard metal options commonly found at pet stores.
Available Sizes and How They Compare to Standard Crates
The Revol is offered in three sizes: small, medium, and large, and can accommodate dogs up to 90 pounds.
I used the small for my Boston terrier and set it up side-by-side with the current crate my dog uses; as you can see, there isn’t much of a size difference between the two.
Breaking It Down
If you travel, it’s important to have a crate that breaks down, or to have a separate crate just for travel. Folding the Revol is much easier (just twist the top lever and fold) versus the traditional crate which requires more room to lay the sides down, then fold.
As you can see, the Revol sits much taller than the traditional crate. If you’re traveling via camper van, or if strategically packing limited car space is your jam, this is something to keep in mind, as this crate has a larger stow-away footprint.
Maneuverability
The Revol has wheels on the base, but when testing them on my carpet, it was a struggle for me to move the crate using them. I ended up using the handle on the side to move it to another room. The wheels are likely better for rolling on hard, flat surfaces.
Security and Safety
Some dogs have figured out how to unlock traditional crate latches from the inside, but the Revol crate, from my perspective, appears to have solved this issue. The easy-to-use door lock integrates with the crate itself, so there are no loose slides or pulls for your dog to fiddle with. The handle is also super smooth when opening, closing, and being pulled on, and you can actually feel the lock closing securely.
Is It a Good Puppy Crate?
This crate comes with a puppy divider and removable tray which are very helpful when crate training a puppy. The removable tray allows for easy cleanup, and the divider lets you gradually increase the size of the space as your puppy grows. The ceiling hatch is a feature you won’t find on standard metal crates. It gives you access to calm your dog, refresh water, or give a Kong toy without having to open the front door and risk the puppy running out.
Plastic is a key component in the structure of this crate, so you’ll want to think about how that might play out if your dog is a chewer.
Warranty
The Diggs crate comes with a decent, fairly industry-standard warranty: “to be free of defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for 1 year from the date of original purchase.”
However, beyond the 1-year typical quality guarantee, the company will repair a crate “that proves to be defective in materials or workmanship” given the crate was used as directed and under normal crating conditions.
Diggs Dog Crate Review: Final Thoughts
I’ll admit that I tend to be quite frugal when it comes to my purchases, and with a price point of $245, if I were considering buying one myself, I’d probably be making a list of the cost versus the benefits to see if the pros outweigh the cons.
If you’re like me, there is a lot to like about this crate from its quality construction and sturdy, durable design, to its useful and intuitive features like the built-in handle and easy set-up and breakdown. The decent warranty and the quality materials used to make it are another definite bonus.
My overall impression is that it’s an investment, but if you’re looking for something that will last you a long time instead of starting with the basics, this is a terrific option.
Further Reading
Looking for more information about dog crates and crate training? Well, you’ve come to the right place.