A latching mechanism for a kennel includes a first vertically extending latching bar, a second vertically extending latching bar, a latch bolt and a handle. The second bar extends substantially parallel to the first horizontally extending latching bar. The latch bolt is biased in a first direction by a spring. The handle is coupled to the first vertically extending latching bar, the second vertically extending latching bar, and the latch bolt, and is configured such that when rotated, the handle moves the first vertically extending latching bar and the second vertically extending latching bar.