a pet crate is provided having a blow molded polymeric base along with side , front and top panels made with strong , lightweight polymeric frame members and grates . the grates are used in the front , back and side panels to provide strength as well as a large open mesh area for better visibility and pet comfort . the mesh preferably is provided as hinged access panels at least on the sides . the front and top of the crate are also openable for access to the pet crate . the pet crate is collapsible to a folded , flat condition by unlatching the front panel and stowing it along the inside of the top panel and releasing latches between the top and back panels and the side panels . the side panels , back panel and top panel can then be collapsed inwardly onto one another to form a generally flat , stowed configuration for the pet crate .