Quick Answer

You can replace a broken plastic kennel door in about 15 minutes with a screwdriver and the correct Petmate replacement door. The key is measuring your kennel's interior length first, then ordering the door designed for that size.

Why Replace Instead of Buying a New Kennel?

A cracked or broken door doesn't mean your kennel is trash. Replacing just the door saves money and keeps a familiar, comfortable crate for your pet. The door is the most stressed part of a plastic kennel, and Petmate offers specific replacement doors for many popular models.

Which Replacement Door Do You Need?

Petmate replacement doors are size-specific. A door for a 19-inch kennel won't fit a 26-inch model. Check the interior length of your kennel from the front door to the back wall. For example, the Black Replacement Door for 19" Plastic Kennels fits several 19-inch models including the Aspen Pet Fashion Pet Porter and Petmate Vari Kennel. The 26-inch version fits Ruffmaxx, Kennel Cab, and Vari Kennel models. The 21-inch Sky Kennel Replacement Door meets IATA Live Animal Regulations for air travel.

Step-by-Step Kennel Door Replacement

  1. Measure Your Kennel Correctly: Measure the interior length from the front door edge to the back wall. Write down the number. Common sizes are 19, 21, and 26 inches. Do not measure the outside or include the handle. Common mistake: measuring the exterior. Always measure inside for accuracy.
  2. Order the Right Replacement Door: Match your measurement to a Petmate replacement door. For a 19-inch kennel, order the Black Replacement Door for 19" Plastic Kennels. For a 26-inch kennel, get the 26-inch version. For a 21-inch Sky Kennel, use the Sky Kennel Replacement Door. Check your kennel brand against the compatibility list on the product page before ordering.
  3. Remove the Broken Door: Open the kennel and locate the hinge pins or screws holding the door. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove them. Keep the hardware — you'll reuse it. Slide the old door out. Don't force the door. If it's stuck, check for hidden screws or clips you missed.
  4. Install the New Door: Position the new door in the opening, aligning the hinge holes. Insert the pins or screws and tighten them snugly — not over-tight, or you may crack the plastic. Test the latch to ensure it closes securely. Over-tightening screws is the most common installation error. Stop as soon as the door feels secure.
  5. Test the Door and Latch: Close and latch the door several times. Make sure it opens smoothly and the latch clicks fully into place. Give the door a gentle shake to confirm it won't pop open during travel. If the latch is loose, check that the door is seated evenly in the frame.

Petmate Replacement Doors

  • Black Replacement Door for 19" Plastic Kennels: This door is designed for 19-inch kennels including Aspen Pet Fashion Pet Porter, Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel, Petmate Vari Kennel, and others. It measures 7 1/8" long by 8 1/2" tall. If your kennel is roughly 19 inches long inside, this is the exact door you need — no guesswork.

    Black Replacement Door for 19" Plastic Kennels

    Black Replacement Door for 19" Plastic Kennels

  • Black Replacement Door For 26" Plastic Kennels: This door fits 26-inch kennels such as Ruffmaxx, Kennel Cab, Vari Kennel, and Pet Porter II. It measures 11" long by 14.5" tall. The larger size ensures a secure fit for medium-to-large breed crates; always measure before ordering.

    Black Replacement Door For 26" Plastic Kennels

    Black Replacement Door For 26" Plastic Kennels

  • 21" Sky Kennel Replacement Door: This door is designed for the 21-inch Petmate Sky Kennel and complies with IATA Live Animal Regulations for air travel. It measures 9 3/8" long by 10 3/4" tall. If you fly with your pet, this replacement keeps your Sky Kennel compliant with airline requirements.