May 01, 2019
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MIM Safe Variocage MiniMax - Car Crash Tested Travel Crate for Small Dogs and Cats
Travel Safely with the ONLY Crash Tested and Proven Dog Transport Cage in the world. It has become the top choice among pet owners and professionals for keeping dogs and their humans safe while driving.
The Variocage MiniMax is designed with all of the safety features of the larger models, scaled down to protect smaller pets. Its bars are closer together to prevent smaller Dogs and Cats from escaping or poking their heads out between bars during transit. The smaller footprint also leaves considerable space for additional cargo. Available in 2 adjustable sizes making it easily tailored to fit a wide range of breeds and vehicle types. See our Sizing tab to find the right size for you.
What is Variocage?
The MIM Safe Variocage is a safe, sturdy dog cage that truly protects you and your dog in the event of an automobile accident, in fact, it's to only crash testes and crash rated dog crate on the market! The Variocage is available in 4 adjustable models and 18 sizes to fit every car and dog (or cat)! It also includes a built-in key lock for security and a unique escape hatch for use in-case of an accident (a feature allowing you to remove your dog from your car after an accident if the cage won’t open or you don’t have your keys handy). The Variocage is easily adjustable which is great if you need to switch cars.
How Safe is it?
The Variocage provides comfort and proven safety for your dog as well as the human occupants in your vehicle. This is a fact that is overlooked by other manufacturers of dog transport cages. The Variocage has been tested for front, rear and rollover accidents using SPCT and ISO testing and safety standards as well as ECE Government Automotive Industry Crash Test Standards. It has received a Perfect Track Record of Safety for over a decade.
CERTIFIED - ISO 27955 | ECE R-17 | ECE R-44
TESTED BY SP TECHNICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF SWEDEN
Variocage Features
Variogate Functions Overview
MIM Variocage MiniMax Dimensions
The Chart below shows crate dimensions only, please see Sizing Tab at top to find the crate that will fit your dog and specific vehicle. Call us today our experts will find the perfect size for you and give you a Fit Guarantee!
| Size | Telescoping Length (min/max) | Width | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large | 21.65 – 30.31 in | 17.71 in | 17.91 in | 28 lbs |
| Extra Large |
21.65 – 30.10 in |
21.85 in |
17.91 in |
30 lbs |
VarioCage Model Comparison
| Variocage Single | Variocage Double | Variocage MinMax | Variocage Compact | Variogate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| For Single Dogs | For Two Dogs or Very Large Pets | For Small Dogs or Cats | For Station Wagons, Hatchbacks or similar | Universal Gate for use with Most SUVs and Wagons |
| The MIM Variocage Single is designed for one dog and is proven to provide protection to you and your pet while still leaving sufficient space for other cargo in your vehicle. Available in 6 adjustable si |
The MIM Safe Variocage Double is the largest Variocage offered and is built for two dogs, and the movable center divider is easily adjustable if one dog needs more space. This divider can be removed and the crate used for one dog. Available in 8 adjustable sizes. |
Variocage MiniMax is designed with all of the safety features of the larger models, scaled down to protect smaller pets. Its bars are closer together to prevent smaller dogs and cats from escaping or poking their heads out between bars during transit. The smaller footprint also leaves considerable space for additional cargo. |
The Variocage Compact is designed for use in vehicles that have a threshold (or sill) at the rear cargo door, such as hatchbacks, station wagons, minivans or similar. The Variocage Compact features a raised front door which is designed to clear the vehicle’s threshold without requiring special mounting or a platform. Its small footprint leaves considerable space for additional cargo. |
The Variogate Transforms your cargo area into a safe and very practical environment for transporting pets and maximizing the space in your vehicle. When used with our Universal Cargo Barrier the Variogate will create a safe and secure containment area for your pets. |
| View Single Crate | View Double Crate | View MinMax Crate | View Compact Crate | View Variogate |
How Does the MIM Safe Variocage MiniMax Compare to Other Dog Travel Crates?
The MIM Safe Variocage is made of steel with telescopic tubes and two individual parts for the floor and roof, which allows for adjustment of the cage length. This adjustable feature also benefits crash safety by working with the vehicle’s crumple zone. In a rear-end collision, the floors, ceilings and the telescopic tubes will be pushed together. This reduces the risk of injury for all vehicle passengers, dogs and humans.
The MIM Safe Variocage is the safest dog cage on the market!
MIM Safe has developed over 350 crash-tested safety products for the automotive industry. All products meet the strict requirements of automotive manufacturers and European regulatory agencies for crash safety. This experience combined with a passion for safety engineering makes MIM Safe a leader in crash-tested safety products.
- Steel Construction – MIM Safe Variocage is made of steel. Most other cages are made of wire mesh, plastic, or aluminum and do not provide the same level of protection, durability, or strength as the MIM Safe Variocage.
- Escape Hatch – MIM Safe Variocage features an emergency escape hatch allowing you to fold down your rear seats and get your dog out of the cage after a rear-end collision. In many cases, the rear hatch or door of a vehicle cannot be opened easily; this critically important feature allows you to get to your dogs, remove them from the vehicle, and tend to them after a collision.
- Crumple Zone Protection – MIM Safe Variocage is the only cage designed to work with your vehicle’s crumple zone protection. The crash testing and crumple zones are critically important and help to protect both dogs and humans in the car. A rigid cage can be dangerous to both your dog and human occupants in the event of a severe impact.
Why is Pet Safety So Important?
Whether it's a quick run to the store or a cross-country trip, traveling with your pet can and should be fun but driving with a pet in a modern vehicle poses many risks, some you might not be aware of:
- An unrestrained dog can be a distraction while driving, increasing your risk of having an accident
- In the event of an accident, an unrestrained dog will impact whatever it hits with a force equivalent to several thousand pounds of energy
- In an accident, an unrestrained dog may be ejected or escape from the vehicle, resulting in the dog getting lost, injured or killed.
- Once outside, the dog can become a hazard to other drivers and is a risk of being hit by another vehicle.
- After an accident, an injured dog can pose a threat to emergency responders, preventing them from helping human occupants that may be in need of assistance.
Traveling safely and responsibly with your pet is not just about reducing the risk of harm or fatal injury to your dog; it is about the safety of human occupants as well. You owe it to yourself, your passengers and your beloved pet to make everyone’s journey as safe as possible.
Variocage Safety Overview Video
Fit Guarantee
Call today and speak to one of our Experts! When you contact us directly with accurate measurements of your vehicle, you will receive a Fit Guarantee. With this guarantee, you are eligible for a full refund if the crate does not fit your vehicle. For all other returns, please see our Return PolicyPolicy
Three (3) Year Manufacturer Warranty
4×4 North America, Inc. warranties all MIM Construction and Variocage Products for Three (3) years from date of purchase. To be covered by the warranty, the defect must be an original manufacturing defect. The warranty does not cover any damage, mis-use or modifications by consumers nor does it cover damage from animals, drops, falls or impacts.
Use charts below to properly measure both your pet and your vehicle
Please contact us BEFORE ordering, our experts will help ensure proper fit and receive a fit Guarantee. Variocage products can be very difficult to repack and then get damaged when attempting to return. For this reason, we only accept returns for incorrectly fitting Variocages if you called us prior and we sent the wrong size. Please refer to our complete Return Policy.
1.) Measure your Pet
A.) Pet Length: measure from the tip of the nose to the rump or base of the tail, then add 3 inches to the measurement. The calculated length needs to be at or shorter than the Variocage's max length.
B.) Pet Height, measure from the floor to the top of the withers (high spot on the back above the shoulders), then add 3 inches to the measurement. The calculated height should be at or shorter than the Variocage's height.
*Some helpful hints when measuring your dog for an MIM Safe Variocage:
Hold the measuring tape in one hand and place the free end at the front edge of your dog’s nose pulling it straight back to the base of his tail. This will give you the length measurement for your dog. You will need to add Three (3) inches to allow the dog room to turn around in the MIM Safe Variocage.
Place the tape at the top of the shoulder and measure down to the floor to get a proper height measurement. Add Three (3) inches to give the dog plenty of room if he wants to stand up.
Be sure to estimate your dog’s adult size if you order his crate while he is still growing. You can check his breed standard to get an estimate of what size he will reach at maturity to make sure your crate is large enough.
Proper measuring will assure that your pet can comfortably stand, sit, turn around, and lie down in his cage. You can always add a divider panel in the MIM Safe Variocage Double if necessary, and reserve the remaining space until your pet grows into it.
As a general rule, if you're not sure which size to select, choose a larger size.
Please use the graphic below to aid in measuring and find the right model for dog and vehicle. Download a copy of the PDF Here
2.) Measure Your Vehicle
Check to see if your car has a raised sill at the rear cargo entrance. If the sill is raised, you should put something flat under the cage so its doors can open correctly. We recommend rigid foam board insulation to minimize interference with your car’s crumple zone. The floor of the cargo area should be flat.
A.) Measure the narrowest usable area across the floor of the cargo area where you would position the crate (A) (Note: The narrowest usable area is often between the rear wheel wells or at the bottom of the cargo door entrance.)
B.) Measure the usable length of the cargo floor from the back seat to the door sill (B) (Note: The front & back of the cage are angled. Total cage length is approximately 12˝ narrower at the top.)
C.) Measure the height from the cargo floor to the lowest point at the top of the cargo door entrance (C) (Note: Be sure to measure the shortest point which is often at the sides of the cargo entrance not in the middle.)
The MIM Variocage is suitable for use in Station Wagons, Minivans, and SUV’s. The MIM Safe Variocage is also angled towards the top on both the front and the back of the dog cage and is adjustable in length so it can fit in a variety of vehicles. The slope of the front and back of the cage is approximately the same as the slope of the backseat.
The roof of the cage is shorter in length than the floor in consideration of the angle of the back seat, as well as the angle of the rear entryway door. Measuring length as indicated above and in the graphic below will provide for a proper fit in almost all suitable vehicles.
The roof of the cage is also narrower in width than the floor to allow for a proper fit in almost all suitable vehicles.
Follow Instruction Below to Properly Measure Your Vehicle
Compare All Models
| Variocage Single | Variocage Double | Variocage MinMax | Variocage Compact | Variogate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| For Single Dogs | For Two Dogs or Very Large Pets | For Small Dogs or Cats | For Station Wagons, Hatchbacks or similar | Universal Gate for use with Most SUVs and Wagons |
| The MIM Variocage Single is designed for one dog and is proven to provide protection to you and your pet while still leaving sufficient space for other cargo in your vehicle. Available in 6 adjustable si |
The MIM Safe Variocage Double is the largest Variocage offered and is built for two dogs, and the movable center divider is easily adjustable if one dog needs more space. This divider can be removed and the crate used for one dog. Available in 8 adjustable sizes. |
Variocage MiniMax is designed with all of the safety features of the larger models, scaled down to protect smaller pets. Its bars are closer together to prevent smaller dogs and cats from escaping or poking their heads out between bars during transit. The smaller footprint also leaves considerable space for additional cargo. |
The Variocage Compact is designed for use in vehicles that have a threshold (or sill) at the rear cargo door, such as hatchbacks, station wagons, minivans or similar. The Variocage Compact features a raised front door which is designed to clear the vehicle’s threshold without requiring special mounting or a platform. Its small footprint leaves considerable space for additional cargo. |
The Variogate Transforms your cargo area into a safe and very practical environment for transporting pets and maximizing the space in your vehicle. When used with our Universal Cargo Barrier the Variogate will create a safe and secure containment area for your pets. |
| View Single Crate | View Double Crate | View MinMax Crate | View Compact Crate | View Variogate |
MIM Products Ship via FedEx Ground from Missouri - *Signature Required*
- Items normally ship within 1-2 business days after order is placed.
- If your item is delayed or not in stock, we will contact you directly.
- See map below to estimate transit time to your location
- *All Variocages ship FedEx Direct Signature Required
Fast Shipping
We do our best to ship FAST and make it easy for you. At the top of this page, we have noted how long it normally takes to process and ship your order. You can then use the map above to estimate delivery times. We will send you an email confirmation with the tracking number as soon as your order ships
Please see our Shipping Policy for full details.
Returns
Contact us prior to or immediately after ordering to receive a sizing guarantee. If your crate does not fit your vehicle you are eligible for a full refund. If you choose to not provide us with your vehicle's measurements and information and do not receive this guarantee, we are unable to accept returns. Due to the different temperaments, ages, weights, and health of every dog we cannot guarantee a fit for your dog or accept returns for this reason.
Please see our Return Policy for full details.
Variocage Assembly Guide
Assembly & Installation Tips
- Average assembly time is 1hour
- Assembly is easier with help, have a friend available if possible
- Watch the videos below, it can really help the install process
- Variocage is guaranteed to be silent once installed correctly, if it squeezes there is an assembly issue, contact us and we can help!
- If you are having issues or get stuck, Contact Us. We have experts who can help.
Variocage Installation Guides
Please download and follow your assembly guide to properly install your Variocage
MIM Variocage MiniMax Assembly Guide
MIM Variocage MiniMax Assembly and Installation Videos
We understand assembly can be a challenge, download your assembly guide above and also please watch the videos below to aid you in assembling your new Variocage.
