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We were sent a sample crate by manufacturer Diggs; we accepted on the condition that this article would be our fair and honest opinion of the product.
I’ve had dogs for over 10 years, been a dog sitter for seven of them, and thought I’d seen it all when it comes to dog crates. But the Diggs Revol crate offers something different—as I discovered when I was sent a sample crate to test. In this review, we’ll dive deep to compare the new Revol crate to a standard metal crate, then consider which pups have the most to gain from the Revol—and which might do better with other options. Let’s get started!
What Is the Diggs Revol Dog Crate?
The Diggs Revol is designed for on-the-go pet parents who need a solid crate with flexibility—one that’s easy to set up and take down. This model comes with handles, collapsible walls, and wheels to simplify traveling with a dog in tow. It’s also a good choice for puppies who are being potty-trained, as it comes with a divider and removable tray.
The Revol has plenty of safety features that make it appealing, like rounded edges, a puppy-proof lock, and three points of access. And if you’re into design, we think this crate is more aesthetically pleasing than standard metal ones.
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 doesn’t come with a crate pad, so to see if my dog Olive would like it, I used my own. As if on cue, once I put her bed inside, she jumped right in and made herself at home.
Diggs does offer a matching crate pad (starting at $78 for the small) and a crate training aid ($34) to help your dog settle in. Of course, you can use your 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.
What Size Revol Dog Crate Is Right for Your Pup?
Compared to my metal crate of a similar size, the Diggs dog crate is noticeably heavier because of its thick plastic structure. It feels a lot sturdier than its cheaper metal counterpart, which I like, since my crate is usually set up in my home and only folded down and moved when I’m traveling. But if a lightweight home crate is important to you, the extra poundage might be reason to think twice.
The Revol is offered in three sizes: small, medium, and large (with an “intermediate” size coming soon).
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.
- Dimensions of Revol crate in small: 28″ L x 21″ H x 20″ W (25 pounds)
- Dimensions of my MidWest crate: 24″ L x 18″ H x 19″ W (15.5 pounds)
Traveling with the Diggs Revol Dog Crate
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 than your average metal crate: just twist the top lever and the whole crate will collapse inward. My metal crate requires me to undo the side latches, unfold it like origami, and then pack it back up tighter.
The Revol packs down much taller than the traditional dog crate, so if you’re traveling via camper van or working with limited car space, this is something to keep in mind.
The wheels on the Revol’s base are a nice touch for hard, flat surfaces, though they weren’t a lot of help when I was rolling it around on my carpet. I ended up picking it up using the handle on the side—something that’s easy enough with the small but might be more difficult with larger models. Diggs is currently working on updating the wheel design.
Security and Safety
Some dogs have figured out how to unlock traditional crate latches from the inside, but the Revol dog 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.
If your dog has a plastic-chewing record, the handle is vulnerable—you’ll need something a little more heavy-duty. But for your average pup or even a relatively accomplished escape artist, this crate is a significant upgrade.
Final Thoughts: Is the Diggs Revol Dog Crate Worth It?
I tend to be quite frugal when it comes to my purchases, and the Diggs Revol crate isn’t: starting at $375, it’s an unusually pricey crate.
But it also has some features that set it apart from ordinary dog crates.
The ceiling hatch, for example, is something 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.
The ease of collapsibility is especially nice if you regularly move your crate from room to room, and the pleasant design makes it so you might really want to—this is a surprisingly appealing piece of furniture.
How does this crate fare with puppies? The Diggs 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. That makes this a nice choice if you want your puppy’s first crate to be their only crate.
Another bonus is that the Revol crate comes with a decent warranty: “free of defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for one year from the date of original purchase.” Beyond the one-year 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.
Our overall impression? This dog crate is an investment, but if you’re looking for something that will last a long time, the Diggs Revol is a terrific option.
Pros:
- Solid and sturdy
- Easier to set up and fold down than traditional metal crates
- Safe and easy-to-use door lock
- Ceiling hatch gives you access
- Includes one-year warranty
Cons:
- Doesn’t include a crate pad or bed
- On the heavy side
- When folded, it’s not as compact as other crates
- Plastic components may not be ideal for heavy chewers
- Expensive
Further Reading
Looking for more information about dog crates and crate training? You’ve come to the right place.