ZenCrate
ZenCrate is the consumer pet-hardware brand of Plug and Play Robotics.
Founded
2014ZenCrate is the consumer pet-hardware brand of Plug and Play Robotics.
The ZenCrate Smart Dog Crate is a furniture-style enclosure designed to reduce anxiety from separation, thunderstorms, fireworks, and loud noises. Proximity sensors detect when a dog enters and automatically trigger calming music, a motion-activated fan, and owner notifications; an optional WiFi camera and battery backup are also available.
The crate is sold direct to consumers through zendogcrate.com in finished and do-it-yourself unfinished variants, and has been distributed through Wayfair. It is positioned as a holistic, drug-free alternative to anxiety medications and compression garments.
ZenCrate differentiates itself by automatically delivering multiple calming stimuli at once: calming music, airflow, vibration dampening, reduced light, and an orthopedic memory-foam bed. The crate activates without a human present, which addresses the common problem of dogs experiencing anxiety when owners are away.
The wooden enclosure is designed to resemble furniture rather than a traditional metal crate, and a battery backup keeps the system running during power outages. The company also emphasizes U.S.-based manufacturing and material safety.
ZenCrate sells primarily direct to consumers through its own website, offering the smart crate in finished and unfinished DIY variants. The company has also used third-party retail distribution, including a partnership with Wayfair announced in 2018.
Early pricing was established through Kickstarter reward tiers ranging from roughly $349 to $399 for a single crate, with higher tiers for multiple units and add-ons such as a WiFi camera. Retail pricing later positioned the crate as a premium pet product.