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Welcome back to Pet sacular, where we make pet parenting just a little bit easier, one honest review at a time. Today we’re taking a closer look at the Petmate Ruffmaxx Camouflage Dog Kennel—a 36″ crate designed for dogs between 50 to 70 pounds. Built for both indoor & outdoor use, it features 360-degree ventilation, a durable plastic frame, & is made in the USA from recycled materials. So, is this just another rugged crate in camo gear, or is it actually a dependable space your pup can call their own? Let’s find out.
At a glance, the Ruffmaxx has all the basics covered. This is a hard-sided plastic kennel with steel wire doors, complete with nuts & bolts for secure assembly. The ventilation slats run around all four sides, giving your dog solid airflow during transport or downtime at home. There’s also a top handle for easier carrying—though, spoiler alert, this crate’s size & weight might make the handle more symbolic than practical if your dog is on the heavier end. With its camouflage finish & sturdy frame, it’s positioned as a no-nonsense kennel suitable for travel & home use alike.
Setting it up? Pretty straightforward. The included hardware screws the top & bottom together easily, and once assembled, the structure feels solid. I tested it with a 65-pound lab mix, and there was enough interior room for him to turn, stretch, & lie down comfortably. I also used it during a car trip, & the ventilation design did help reduce that sweaty, closed-in feel many crates suffer from. That said, this isn’t the lightest kennel to move around, especially once the dog’s inside. So while it’s technically travel-ready, you’ll want to keep that in mind if you’re alone or heading through tight spaces like airport terminals.
Pros? Definitely the build—thick plastic with good rigidity & a latch that feels secure, not flimsy. The all-around ventilation is a win for airflow & visibility, especially for nervous pups. I also appreciate the eco-friendly angle; it’s made with recycled materials, which gives it bonus points in my book. On the flip side, the handle feels a bit under-engineered for a crate of this size. And while the plastic holds up well, it can still scuff if dragged across rough terrain.
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Now, when it comes to value, the Ruffmaxx hits that sweet spot of durability without climbing into premium pricing. It’s not packed with extras, but the essentials are done well. For pet parents who want a reliable crate that’s built to last, without paying for bells & whistles they’ll never use, it’s a reasonable investment.
Compared to something like the Aspen Pet Porter or the SportPet Rolling Crate, Ruffmaxx stands its ground with sturdier plastic & better vent placement. The Aspen feels a touch lighter but loses points on airflow. SportPet has wheels—which are helpful—but is pricier & bulkier. So while Ruffmaxx doesn’t lead in every category, it holds its own where it matters.
In terms of construction, the plastic here is thick, molded cleanly, & resists bending. The door is reinforced with metal bars & the latch clicks in place confidently—no rattles, no fuss. While I haven’t owned this long enough to speak on multi-year durability, the structural quality suggests it’ll survive repeat use, especially for crate-trained dogs.
I didn’t have to reach out to Petmate for support on this one, but the brand has a long-standing presence in the pet industry. They’re known for responsive service & practical, reliable pet gear. So even if you don’t need to contact them, there’s some peace of mind knowing they’ve been doing this for over 50 years.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, the Amazon Basics Hard-Sided Pet Carrier might be worth a glance, especially for dogs on the smaller end of this weight range. It’s simpler, lacks full ventilation, but does the job at a lower price point.
Wrapping things up, the Ruffmaxx Camouflage Dog Kennel delivers solid performance with no frills. It’s durable, breathable, & functional—especially for pet parents who prioritize safety over flashy features. The downsides? That weight & handle situation could be better, & it might not be ideal for frequent fliers. But for home use, road trips, or crate training a medium to large dog, it ticks the right boxes. It doesn’t try to be perfect—& honestly, that’s kind of what makes it reliable.
Thanks for hanging out with me here on Pet sacular. You’ll find the link to this crate down in the comments box. Got questions? Already using the Ruffmaxx? Drop your thoughts below—I always love hearing from fellow dog lovers. Till next time, stay pawsitive & keep life Pet sacular.
Available to buy here:
