Measuring for Your Custom Crate: A Simple Guide for a Perfect Fit in Your New Zealand Home

When you choose one of my custom timber crates, you’re not just buying a kennel—you’re investing in a piece of furniture perfectly designed for your dog and your home. My crates are proudly built in Lower Hutt, Wellington, from NZ Pine. We ship our custom-built crates all over New Zealand—from Kerikeri in the North to Bluff in the South, and everywhere in between, including Auckland, Tauranga, the Waikato, and Christchurch. No matter what corner of New Zealand you’re in, we can deliver!

But before we start crafting, the most crucial step is ensuring we have the right measurements. A custom crate should fit your dog comfortably and integrate seamlessly into your living space.

Here is a simple, two-step guide to measuring for your perfect crate.

---

Step 1: Measuring Your Dog for Comfort

The crate must be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around easily, and lie down comfortably without being cramped. A crate that’s too small is not a peaceful retreat; one that’s too large defeats the purpose of creating a cosy den.

Here’s how to measure your dog:

A. Length (Nose to Tail)

1. Have your dog stand normally.
2. Measure from the tip of your dog’s nose to the base of their tail (do not include the tail itself).
3. Required Crate Length: Add 10cm to 15cm to this measurement. This extra space gives them room to turn around.

B. Height (Paws to Head)

1. Have your dog sit down.
2. Measure from the floor (or the pads of their paws) to the highest point of their head, or the tip of their ears if they stand up straight.
3. Required Crate Height: Add 10cm to 15cm to this measurement. This ensures they can sit up and stand fully upright without bumping their head.

C. Width (The Final Fit)

The width of the crate is usually determined by the final length and height dimensions to keep the proportions balanced, but ensure the resulting space is large enough for your dog to lie on its side fully stretched out.

---

Step 2: Measuring Your Space for a Seamless Fit

Since my custom crates double as stylish furniture, they must fit exactly where you plan to put them—whether it’s under a window, in an entryway, or replacing an existing side table.

A. Location, Location, Location

Decide exactly where the crate will go. Will it be against a wall? In a corner? Next to the sofa?

B. Measure Your Space Dimensions

Use a tape measure to determine the maximum length, depth, and height of the spot.

• Length: How long can the crate be? (Measure side to side.)
• Depth (Width): How far can the crate stick out from the wall? (Measure front to back.)
• Height: How high can the crate be? (Crucial if placing it beneath a bench, window, or table.)

C. Consider Door Swing and Access

If you are choosing a swing-style door, make sure you account for the extra space required for the door to open outwards without hitting furniture or a nearby wall. This is a common oversight!

---

Bringing It All Together

Once you have these two sets of measurements (Dog Size and Space Size), you are ready to get a quote:

1. Prioritise Dog Comfort: Start with the Required Crate Length and Height from Step 1.
2. Check the Fit: Make sure these dimensions will physically fit within the maximum space dimensions you measured in Step 2.
3. Submit Your Custom Request: Head to the ‘Get a Free Quote’ section on my website and provide both your dog’s size and the space dimensions you are working with.

Getting It Right Brings It All together

By being precise now, you guarantee a perfect, beautiful fit that provides your dog with a safe, calm sanctuary for years to come.–

If you’re ready to give your pet a safe, comfortable crate that is also a stylish addition to your home’s decor, you need a 100% New Zealand Made Four Paws NZ Crate

Contact Wayne

+64 0210 446 096

info@fourpaws.co.nz