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MIM Variogate Pet & Dog Car Gate Barrier for SUV, van, hatchback, truck or vehicle with a cargo area and trunk door.
The MIM Variogate is engineered and manufactured by the same company in that makes the world-famous MIM Variocage, the only Crash Tested Dog Travel Cage in the world.
The Variogate was still engineered with safety as a top priority. When used with a cargo barrier, such as our Crash Tested MIM Safe VarioBarrier (sold separately), the Variogate will create a safe and secure containment area for your loved ones. The Variogate/VarioBarrier is ideal for situations in which a Variocage will not fit in a cargo area, or you need the flexibility to use the cargo area when not transporting your pets.
The Variogate Cargo Divider (sold separately) gives the addition option of keeping a safe barrier between your dog(s) and anything else you are transporting.
MIM Variogate Key Features
- Safely Secures Animals and Cargo
- 3 Sizes to fit almost any station wagon, van, or SUV
- Allows Maximum Use of Cargo Area
- Offers Ventilation When Vehicle is Stationary & Cargo Hatch is Open
- Adjustable in Height, Width and Length as well as the Slope of Rear Door
- Locking Doors with Gas Hydraulic Motion Springs
- Built-In Key Lock for Security
- High-Quality Powder Coated Steel Construction
- Installs Easily in Car and attaches to vehicle with Load Tested Straps to Anchor Points
- Short and Long Dividers are Available as an Accessory
- Leash Hooks Included
- Two poles extend behind the Variogate on the cargo area floor for additional support, 28.5" apart
- 1.98” of space between the vertical bars is good for all dogs 15 lbs and above
- No Modification to Vehicle Required
Variogate Dimensions and Measuring Guide
VarioGate & VarioBarrier Sizing
Download PDF of VarioGate Sizing Guide
Variogate Assembly Instructions
MIM Variogate Manufacturer Assembly Instructions
MIM Three (3) Year Warranty
4×4 North America, Inc (the exclusive North American distributor of Variocages handles all warranties. Warranties of all MIM Construction products is in effect 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.
Pet Pro Supply Company & 4x4 North America Warranty Terms & Conditions
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Ask a Question-
Can the variogate be installed with the second row seats in an SUV folded down flat? I need more room for my dogs than just the cargo area behind the seats.
The VarioGate Cargo Gate itself cannot be installed behind the second-row seat. The MIM VarioBarrier would be the best option to use in that case.
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For the side tie down straps on the Variogate, I am wondering where they attach? There does not seem to be anywhere on my vehicle (2017 Toyota Sienna minivan) for those to attach. Would it still be sturdy without attaching the side tiedown straps?
Can you send us an email so we can send you an illustration? support@petprosupplyco.com
What makes the MIM Safe Variocage the safest animal transport cage on the market?
Will the MIM Safe Variocage fit in my vehicle?
The MIM Safe Variocage is suitable for use in Station Wagons, Minivans, and SUV's. The Variocage design, features and adjustable length allow it to fit in most suitable vehicles.
The Variocage is angled to match the slope of the back seat and the slope of the rear cargo door. The roof of the crate is also narrower in width than the floor. These features allow for a proper fit in almost all suitable vehicles.
You may also use the manufacturer's Vehicle Fit Guide: MIM Vehicle Fit Guide. However please be aware that the manufacturer's guide is based on European vehicle models which may differ than American car models. Please Contact Us if you are unsure of the best way to measure.
How can I choose a Variocage that is the correct size for the safe transport of my dog?
There should be enough room for your dog to be able to stand-up in the cage. There should also be just a few inches of clearance from the base of the tail (not the tip of the tail) to end of the cage. These clearances are perfectly normal for the Variocage when used for safe transport of your dog.
Oversized is NOT better, especially when it comes to safety. The Variocage should be just large enough for your dog to walk into the Variocage, turn around, and comfortably lay down facing towards the back cargo door. This is the absolute safest position for your dog in the event of a collision. In fact, the design of the Variocage tends to contribute to the dog relaxing and lying down while in motion. This keeps your dog calmer and contributes to their safety as well.
A properly installed Variocage of the correct size offers the best protection available on the market for safe transport of your dog as well as all human occupants in your vehicle.
To assure a proper fit, please use the link below to see the measuring guide on our website. The detailed instructions will provide you with information on how to properly measure your dog and your vehicle for a Variocage.
When measuring your dog, please remember that the Variocage is a transport cage and it is not a kennel. Transport cages serve a specific application and therefore have specific requirements. A kennel is not designed for the safe transport of your dog.
Professional handlers typically use the correct size cage based on the measuring instructions found here on our website for transporting their dog.
There may be instances when the size of your dog and/or your vehicle may require you to make certain exceptions to the recommendations made above.
Large dogs that exceed the maximum length of the cage may require the use of a Double Variocage versus a Single Variocage, even when traveling alone. The width of a Double Variocage will provide them with the room they require that the length of the cage cannot. Restrictions on the length of the Variocage imposed by your vehicle may also require the use of a Double Variocage to allow enough room for your dog.
Typically, we do not recommend putting a single dog in a larger oversize cage. A larger transport cage is not necessarily as safe for the dog and is not desirable from a safety perspective. However, you can transport several smaller dogs in a larger Variocage as long as they are always traveling together.
How do I calculate the inside dimensions for a Variocage model I am interested in purchasing?
To get the interior dimensions, you deduct from the outside dimensions by:
Height: 0.60 in
Width: 1.96 in
Depth: 2.36 in
What is the correct way to install the MIM Safe Variocage in my vehicle?
MIM Safe Variocage is designed for placement behind the rear seat (or a barrier similar to it) with the sidebars traveling in the direction of the car. This placement allows the cage to work with the car's crumple zones in the event of a crash.
The Variocage is safest mounted level on a flat surface secured to the floor in your vehicle. It is important to use the straps provided with the Variocage to secure it to the tie-down hooks in your vehicle. These straps are integral to the safety design of the Variocage. The straps are engineered to give way in a severe impact allowing the crumple zone protection of the Variocage to work properly.
Proper use of the Variocage relies on the crumple zone protection designed in to your vehicle and the Variocage. For best safety and by design, the Variocage must be facing lengthwise in the vehicle for maximum protection of both your dog and human occupants. Please make sure you measure your vehicle with this placement and positioning of the Variocage in mind.
Why is it recommended that the cage be up against a rear seat-back when installed in a vehicle?
MIM Safe Variocage is designed for installation behind the rear seat for added support in the event of a crash. The back seat and the resistance it provides play a critical role in the crumple zone of the Variocage. There are also tie-down straps that come with the cage to keep it secured to your vehicle's tie-down points. These straps are integral to the safety design of the Variocage. The straps are engineered to give way in a severe impact allowing the crumple zone protection of the Variocage to work properly. If the rear seat is folded down or removed, and only the tie-down straps are used to keep the cage in position, it can present a danger to both your dog and human occupants in the event of a severe impact.
Can the cage be installed anywhere else in a vehicle other than behind the rear seat?
MIM Safe Variocage offers the best protection in the event of an impact or rollover when properly installed and secured to the floor behind the rear seat of your vehicle. There are several reasons for this which are outlined here:
In most vehicles, there is a protective plate that covers most of the width and height of the rear seat. This plate is designed to prevent penetration into the rear seating area by the corners of hard or sharp objects being transported in the cargo area thereby helping to protect occupants from serious harm or injury.
The front seats in most vehicles do not have a protective plate. They only have a frame. The frame is designed to withstand impacts but not penetrations by hard or sharp objects. In fact, putting a plate in a front seat might cause damage to rear seat occupants if they were to contact the plate with a body part or their head. The front seat typically allows for some cushioning for human occupants during impact yet still serves to protect front seat occupants from serious harm or injury.
Placing any cage on top of a folded seat that does not fold completely flat into the floor can be hazardous. Any elevated position above the floor increases the risk of penetrating a seat with the base or lower corner of the cage. This position can also apply more force against the upper portion of the front seat, causing it to break. Also, if it is not secured properly to the floor, the cage is more likely to become a projectile in your vehicle placing all human occupants as well as your dog at risk of serious harm or fatal injury.
If you do place a cage behind your front seat, please bear in mind that you are compromising safety when using this location. If you decide to put a cage in this position, please understand you do so at your own risk. MIM Safe Variocage cannot recommend this installation. The cage must be placed up against the rear seat and secured to the floor for the best possible result in the event of a crash.
MIM Safe Variocage has not tested cages for crash protection when placed sideways in a vehicle and properly secured to a floor. Therefore, MIM Safe Variocage cannot recommend this placement since no test data is available for this type of installation.
Placing a cage on a rear seat is never recommended. The cage cannot be properly secured in this location and it places the cage at an unsafe height in the vehicle. MIM Safe Variocage does not recommend this installation in a vehicle.
What if I have a Minivan or SUV with 2nd row captain's chairs?
MIM Safe Variocage can be installed in a Minivan or SUV with the 3rd row seats folded down or removed. The 2nd row captain's chairs would then act as the rear seat. This should work even if there is a gap between the Two (2) Seats. Please make sure the MIM Safe Variocage is strapped down properly to the anchor points in your vehicle and that you have support from the 2nd row seats for the cage.
Why are the outer poles on the front of the crates shorter than the rest?
The reason for the outer tubes being shorter is to prevent the door from getting caught in the rear entryway opening and to allow the MIM Safe Variocage door to open all the way.
Can I carry two (2) dogs in a double cage and keep them separated from each other?
MIM Safe Variocage includes a removable divider with all Double cages. The divider is adjustable and will partition the cage so you can travel safely with two (2) dogs, one on each side. Also, when traveling with one dog, the other side can be used for luggage, groceries, supplies, and materials storage. In the event of a crash, these objects will be contained and not present a hazard to occupants in the vehicle.
Can I carry more than two (2) dogs in a double cage and is it safe?
MIM Safe Variocage Double Models have only been tested with Two (2) dog dummies. However, if you have several smaller dogs you can transport them if they are all small enough to fit together comfortably in a larger MIM Safe Variocage.
Transporting Two (2) smaller dogs in a larger cage is better than putting One (1) smaller dog in a larger cage. However, if you put a small breed in a Double XXL Cage by itself, and have a crash, the potential for harm is greater. A single dog in a smaller cage is better than a single dog in a larger cage.
Can I use a Double Variocage without the divider to allow more room for a large dog?
Yes. The dog can travel “sideways” in the cage. Owners of larger dogs have purchased Double Cages for big dogs requiring more room. In these cases, they take the divider out. Examples of this would be a large German Shepherd or a Rottweiler.
Are there any breeds you do not recommend putting in the MIM Safe Variocage?
MIM Safe Variocage Single, Double and Compact have not been designed for the very, very small breeds. These dogs are so small that the head of the animal may get stuck between the tubes. This can be a potential cause of injury for the very, very small breeds.
For smaller dogs, as well as cats, we recommend the MIM Safe Variocage MiniMax, which has smaller openings between the bars. The MIM Safe Variocage MiniMax will properly accommodate smaller breeds as well as cats while keeping them safe and secure.
What type of steel is used to make the Variocage?
The type of steel used is ASTM A366. There are a variety of dimensions used throughout the MIM Safe Variocage. The tubes are either 14 or 19 mm in diameter with a thickness of 1.0 mm. The flat steel used for the top and bottom sections have a thickness of 0.7 mm.
Do I need to use the straps that are provided with the Variocage?
Yes! Please make sure the MIM Safe Variocage is strapped down properly to the anchor points in your vehicle behind the 2nd row seats using the supplied straps shipped with your cage. These straps are integral to the safety design of the Variocage. The straps are engineered to give way in a severe impact allowing the crumple zone protection of the Variocage to work properly.
Can the Variocage be used in a Pickup Truck?
Yes, if installed properly, the Variocage can be used in a pickup truck. You must place the Variocage in the bed of the pickup with the back of the cage against the rear of the driver / passenger cabin. The Variocage must be in this position in order to get proper support. This principle is the same as placing the Variocage against a rear seat for support in order to assure the crumple zone of the Variocage will work as designed.
Can the Variocage be used in a RV or Mobile Home?
Normally an RV is a vehicle with all sorts of solutions of the interior design. Ideally we would like to place a Variocage behind something rigid like a wall or rigid seat (driving direction is forward in his case). Unfortunately, most things inside an RV are not rigid in a crash.
So then we have the choice of restraining it for it to not be too loose for normal driving. This would require screwing load hook rings or the use of something else inside to restrain it to the chosen positions. Then maybe reinforce it further with what can be used without limiting something else inside the RV. Straps to and around a top side tube end or similar would improve the restraining.
Direction is not so important, there would never be a “rear end crash” that would need to use the deformability function of the Variocage as there is so much room. Placing it sideways is ok and probably improves the possibility to find a good spot as it can be adjusted in length to optimize the space available.
Basically, because crash testing was not performed with an RV, we cannot guarantee that there is a safest way or place to put the cage in an RV. But our engineers cannot think of any other crate out there that could work better than a Variocage in an RV. A custom built crate with rigid attachments would POSSIBLY be a better choice, but even that is uncertain. It all depends on where it can be placed inside the RV.
>One of the steps in the Variocage assembly manual is putting "soft material" 20mm underneath the kennel before you place it in the cargo area. What would you recommend for this "soft material"?
We only recommend this if there is a threshold that is higher than the floor to take in consideration. Then having something under the cage to allow the doors to open is necessary.
Otherwise there is no safety necessity to place anything underneath the cage.
However, anything placed on the carpeted cargo floor over time may cause some chaffing or wear after a period of time. Something like a rubber WeatherTech Cargo Mat under the Variocage can help protect the carpets. Foam or an Anti-Fatigue Mat would work extremely well for this application.
It is not a safety issue, but more something that helps customers who are particular about their cars, keep the interior nice.
Variocage Assembly Guides
- MIM Variocage Single Assembly Guide
- MIM Variocage Double Assembly Guide
- MIM Variocage MiniMax Assembly Guide
- MIM Variocage Compact Assembly Guide
- MIM Variogate Assembly Guide
Variocage Double Assembly Video
Variocage Single Assembly Video
Video Demonstration on Adjusting the Depth of your Variocage
Adjusting the Top of your MIM Variocage
Step One: Measure the distance between the top panel seam and top panel leading edge (Diagram #1 – Measurement (A)) .
Step Two: Measure the distance between the opposite top panel seam and top panel leading edge (Diagram #1 – Measurement (B)).
Step Three: If Measurement (A) equals Measurement (B), no further adjustment is needed. If Measurement (B) does not equal Measurement (A), adjust Measurement (B) until it equals Measurement (A). To do so, loosen the black knobs on top of cage and adjust until Measurement (A) matches Measurement (B). Once Measurement (A) and Measurement (B) are equal, re-tighten black knobs.
Please Note: If your cage rattles, you will need to compress the top of the cage. To do so, loosen the black knobs on the top of the cage, compress the top of the cage 1/8” to 1/4”, and retighten knobs. Make sure you follow the three steps above after you make this adjustment to ensure Measurement (A) and Measurement (B) are equal.
VARIOCAGE DOG KENNEL VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS DIAGRAM 1
Adjusting the Bottom of your MIM Variocage
Step Four: Measure the distance between the floor panel seam and the outside leading edge on the left side of the cage (Diagram #2).
Step Five: Measure the distance between the floor panel seam and the outside leading edge on the right side of the cage.
Step Six: If this measurement on the left and right side of the cage are equal, no further adjustment is necessary. If this measurement is NOT the same on the left and right side of the cage, adjust until this measurement is equal on both sides. To do so, loosen the black knobs on both sides of the cage and adjust until both sides are equal. Once both sides are equal, re-tighten black knobs.
VARIOCAGE DOG KENNEL VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS DIAGRAM 2
These are our current lead times per brand:
Note that Covid-19 has created significant logistical issues for our manufacturers and lead times are longer than normal. Also, a large portion of our items are made to order - this helps manufacturers keep costs down, ensuring a better price for consumers, and also to customize each order. In some situations, rush orders may be available. Please contact us at cs@petprosupplyco.com or 1-855-PET-PRO1 to verify total fulfillment time for your order.
Note: if the lead time is too long for the product you wanted, take a look at our list of fast-shipping brands per product category on our Fast Shipping Page.
Transit time after shipment: please add 2-5 days for lighter and smaller items shipped via regular carrier (Fedex, UPS, USPS) and add 5-10 days for heavier items shipped via LTL freight truck. Transit time depends on distance from the point of origin. All of our items ship from inside the United States. Please note the times below are listed in business days.
Our policy for free shipping on orders over $499:
- Items from Lucky Kennels, TK Kennels and Little Cottage Co. do not qualify for free shipping (their items are much larger and heavier than typical orders); the shipping cost for items from these brands will be shown at check-out
- International orders (get in touch for a custom quote including shipping costs)
- Orders shipped outside the contiguous United States to Alaska, Hawaii or other territories (get in touch for a custom quote including shipping costs)
- Very large items or very large orders that must be shipped via Freight that are subject to price surges by freight companies; though these situations are rare, if this occurs we will notify you of any potential additional costs and give you the option to keep the order or receive a refund.
Order Confirmation
As soon as you place your order you will receive an order confirmation e-mail and we will immediately notify the appropriate supplier to begin processing your order.
Item Availability
While we almost always have the most up-to-date inventory information, there are rare occasions in which an item may be unavailable or on back-order. If the item is unavailable, we'll let you know and give you the option of receiving a refund or ordering a similar item. If the item is on back-order, we will contact you directly and provide you with an updated shipment date. From there you may either choose to cancel the order or continue with the updated shipment date. Certain made-to-order items may have a longer than normal lead time. If this is the case, the lead time will be specified on this Shipping tab.
If you would like to confirm the availability or potential lead time of an item prior to purchasing, please email us at cs@petprosupplyco.com or call us at 1-855-PET-PRO1.
Delivery Estimates
For standard orders and for items in stock, we normally ship within 1 to 3 business days (as per the table above) and you can expect to receive your goods in 3 to 10 business days total. Fulfillment times vary widely if your order must be customized, made to order, is for large or heavy items, or must be shipped by LTL freight truck (as opposed to standard carriers such as Fedex or UPS). Please consult the "Shipping" tab for each specific product, where we list current lead times. Please note also that Covid-19 has severely impacted global supply chains and several of our manufacturers are experiencing extended lead times. If you are not sure about shipping times for your product or require a rush order, please contact us at 1-855-PET-PRO1 or cs@petprosupplyco.com.
Shipping Confirmation
We ship from warehouses all across the country, depending on the item(s) ordered and your location. Depending on the physical size of your order, items will ship either by freight or a regular parcel carrier such as USPS, Fed Ex, or UPS.
LTL FREIGHT SHIPPING INFORMATION
LTL (less-than-truckload) Freight is used when shipments are 120 lb+ or for oversized equipment, which results in a truck with a large container delivering your order. Our freight carrier will contact you once your order makes it to the distribution center closest to the delivery address specified, and set up an appointment time for delivery.
Pet Pro Supply Co. Free LTL Freight Shipping - Curbside Delivery
Our standard Free Freight Shipping option for LTL deliveries is curbside, which is to a delivery to a Commercial Address and does not include a liftgate. If your order is to be shipped freight, you will have the option to specify whether the item will be delivered to a Residential, Limited Access, or Commercial address. If there is no option to select a shipping location, then this cost is already included in the price.
We strongly recommend adding the optional Liftgate for all deliveries to locations without a loading dock or forklift.
Freight Delivery Locations
This option specifies whether the delivery location is a Commercial, Residential, Residential Business, or a Limited Access address.
- Commercial - These addresses are those defined by our freight carriers and/or zoned by local municipalities as commercial sites. Typically these addresses are zoned as commercial real estate or are used exclusively for business. Most commercial sites have tractor-trailer access and a loading dock.
- Residential - If the address used a residence, select this option. This includes Apartment/Condo complexes and dormitories.
- Residential Business - Any business being operated from a home, apartment, or other dwelling where people live on the premises is considered to be a Residential Business.
- Limited Access - Locations where deliveries are restricted, limited, or very far from a distribution center. Examples include:
- Place of Worship
- Restricted Areas - Secure Research Facilities, Military Bases/Installations, Correctional Facilities, Government Buildings
- Farms, Ranches, and Rural Areas
- Recreational Areas - Camps, Parks, Fairs, Carnivals, etc.
- Individual Storage Units
- Sites - Convention Centers, Construction Sites, Mines
- Schools and Universities
- Commercial establishments not open to the walk-in public during normal business hours
- Farms, Ranches, and Rural Areas
- Recreational Areas - Camps, Parks, Fairs, Carnivals, etc.
- Individual Storage Units
- Sites - Convention Centers, Construction Sites, Mines
- Schools and Universities
- Commercial establishments not open to the walk-in public during normal business hours
Freight Liftgate
A liftgate is a hydraulic lift that is attached to the back of a truck that can lower freight to ground level. Freight carriers prevent their drivers from assisting with the unloading of heavy equipment other than using a liftgate to ground level.
We highly recommend any delivery address without a loading dock, select this option.
However, please know that for certain very long items, such as kennels over 6' in length, a Liftgate will not be able to bring the entire order down to ground level. Please have the necessary manpower available to receive your items with limited delay to the driver.
Route Shipment Protection
Pet Pro Supply Co. has partnered with Route to offer customers easy tracking and issue resolution on shipments.Add the optional Route protection at check-out (see below) and if your package is impacted by damage, loss, or theft, you can easily resolve shipping issues with Route. New items are shipped immediately, at no cost to you, upon approval.
With Route you can also track your Pet Pro Supply Co. order, as well as orders from all of your other favorite brands, in just a glance with real-time updates and one-of-a-kind Visual Tracking™.
After you complete your check-out on our site you will receive an e-mail from Route with your order information and instructions on how to track your order via the Route app.
Customer Reviews
I installed this by myself. Took a little longer as I was being very methodical, but it went in with no issues. I would suggest removing the adjustable post and tightening all the holding screws on the bottom, I've had several loosen and drop. This was a great solution for my standard poodle. She has room to travel safely, and if she does have a seizure, I have easier access to her.
Love your products, a little challenging getting the legs of the barrier to the right angle, but had a lot of phone help by Nat!
Fit in back of 2018 Ford Escape Assembled in about 35 minutes
Not yet installed. Waiting until we sell existing variocrate
To put this together was somewhat challenging. I consider myself mechanically inclined and when I finished thought how really easy it was. However, the pictures were not clear especially choosing the correct screw for each location. Some hints would also have been most helpful because it took time figuring out the side pieces went under not over the large base so that the screw holes aligned correctly. A narrative explanation would have shorten the time considerably. Some of the pieces were optional and again it took time to figure that out. Now that its in my SUV, hopefully correctly, I love it and so do my 2 goldens. They can more easily move about and standing or sitting is more comfortable than the crates. It is simpler getting them in and out and they genuinely seem eager to enter their domain more than getting in the crates. Going to dog trials is more enjoyable for all of us.