Variocage FAQ’s

What is the difference between using a safety cage and a harness?

The dog is more secure in a cage as it has a limited protected space. In a strap, the dog is thrown around in the back seat and can hit the interior. In a frontal crash, it can reach the back of the front seats. In the event of a tipping, the dog can hit the roof and headrest, and if it is large can even be partially thrown out of the car with the rear body. It can also damage other passengers. The length of the leash also gives the dog a difference in speed relative to the car before it is fully stretched and it stops. That distance becomes shorter in a cage and the speed difference decreases, which in turn reduces the risk of injury to the dog. The cage, which is made of relatively thin material, also has the ability to absorb some of the energy in the collision by deforming it during the collision.

Is it safe to use a double crate for one single dog?

Yes, if you have a large dog then sometimes the double crate is required to allow enough space. The double cage is perfectly safe for one individual dog.

Is it safe to put 2 dogs into a single cage?

Yes this is perfectly safe to do this.

Does the divider HAVE to be used in the Double Variocage?

No the divider is not essential, if you have one larger single dog, or dogs that usually travel together there is no need to install the divider.

Why should I choose a Variocage for my dog?

The Variocage is crash tested to the SPCT testing method, conducted independently by RISE in Sweden. Our crash testing process proves, with video and text reports, that our cages are engineered to work with the cars’ own safety system, this is to ensure safety for your pets, passengers and yourself. To view our crash testing process head over to our youtube channel. The Variocage is physically crash tested to a higher standard than any other product on the market. The Variocage is the safest option on the market to date due to its design and function in a crash situation, which can all be verified through our physical crash test reports and videos, using working crash test dummies to ensure passenger safety and ensuring the crate remains integrally sound.

What is the difference between the Variocage and other cages on the market?

Our cage is constructed with telescopic tubes, two parts of the roof and floor, which allows the depth of the cage to be adjusted. In this “adjustability function” is also the collision safety. In a collision from behind, floors, ceilings and telescopic tubes are brought together and reduce the risk of those in the back seat receiving cage material in the back. It also reduces the risk of the dog getting stabs and cuts of the material in the cage.

Does the cage make any noises when travelling?

No your cage should be silent while you travel, if you begin to hear any noises coming from the cage then take everything out! Make sure that it’s standing on a flat surface. Check that the dog has not been ”tasting” the rubber parts on the side bars, that the cage isn’t under some kind of pressure, that its roof doesn’t extend beyond the floor. Ask someone to sit in the back seat and film when you hear any sounds. Manipulate different parts of the cage to try and establish where the noise occurs. If you have any further problems, please give us a call on 01256 688777 or an email to [email protected].

How do I know which cage will fit my car?

Use our model selector to check which products fit your car model.

model


If you can’t find your car in the product configurator, you can see the measurement guide below.
VarioCage_measuring_chart_in_cm

Measuring instructions:

First, check if you have any threshold at the back of the tailgate. If the threshold (drop down to the boot floor) is higher than about 7 centimeters, you may need to put something under the cage for the doors to open.
The floor should be flat for the cage to look good.
Measure the maximum width possible on the floor. The door or between the wheels is usually the narrowest place.
Then measure the length of the trunk floor. Keep in mind that the tailgate may be slightly rounded. If so, measure in the shortest place, ie not in the middle of the car.
The slope on the front and back of the cage is approximately equal to the slope on the back seat of the back seat. The roof of the cage is about 15 centimeters narrower than the floor.
Maximum height is measured from the floor up to the lowest point in the tailgate opening.
Hope these instructions help you find the right cage for your car. Otherwise, contact any of our retailers they will help you find the right model.

Which cage should I use for my dog breed?

We often get asked what cage a certain breed of dog needs. Find one here guide which explains what height of VarioCage is needed for your dog’s size. NOTE! Size differences within the breed occur – therefore this list is written with reservation and only as a suggestion. Size of dog also depends on what depth you can have the cage extended to. All cages are adjustable in depth.

Examples of VarioCage and dog breed
– Single L: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (Collare), Lagotto romagnolo
– Single XL: Dalmatians, Labrador
– Double S: Shetland sheepdog
– Double M: Cocker Spaniel, Border Terrier
– Double L: Kelpie
– Double XL: Collie, Golden Retriever
– Double XXL: Shepherd
Use our model selector to see which cages are suitable for your car.

model

Should a Variocage be replaced if it is involved in a collision?

When a VarioCage dog cage / transport cage has been involved in a collision, it should be taken out of use and no longer used.
The reason for this is that the dog cage, VarioCage, after such an event can no longer be assumed to correspond to that described in the above text. The cage is constructed with zones of energy absorbing material and should be destroyed just like cars when they have used their energy absorbing impact zones.

When installing a cage into the boot space of the car, what other factors should I think about?

Remove the warning triangle & puncture spray before you put the luggage in. If you are planning to use a bumper cover, place it on the floor first. If you are loading a double VarioCage, we recommend you get someone to help you with the job.

How do we deliver the cages?

The cages arrive flat packed and require assembly. We have full assembly videos on our YouTube channel and offer full support over telephone, email or WhatsApp to help assemble the cages. We use DPD to deliver the cages. For a accurate lead time, please give the team a call or email before ordering your cage.

What to do if your car has a rear threshold (dropped area for luggage in the boot)?

We have our Variocage compact range, this is constructed with a panel underneath the door for this situation. If your drop down to the boot floor is only slight, then you can use something soft underneath the cage to raise the door. You can use any soft material, styrofoam, foam, foam rubber, a camping mattress.
Do not use wood or metal, as it will negatively impact crash safety. Such objects could penetrate the back of the rear seat in the event of a rear-end collision and seriously injure passengers sitting there.

Do I need to put anything inside the cage?

The Variocage is powder paint coated, this means that the floor of the cage can be slippery for dogs when jumping in or travelling, you can use the MIMsafe Silicon matt to provide a non-slip base to the cage, using veterinary grade silicon to ensure safety if the dog decides to chew the matt.

Variosystem FAQ’s

Can I use the Variodivider without the Variobarrier or Variogate?

No sadly the Variodivider is not a stand alone product, it relies on the Variogate for a secure fitting into the boot space.