Best Dog Kennel Covers

Kennels or crates are certainly some of the most important accessories and items for our four-legged friends. They offer comfort, protection, safety, and a naturally soothing environment in which they will feel relaxed and protected. Crates and kennels can be both outdoor and indoor, and today we will focus on the kennels – which are usually the large, outdoor versions. Large outdoor kennels are an important addition to every pet-owning household, especially those who have a big, energetic pooch in their family. Contrary to popular belief, a kennel of this sort can be very beneficial for your pet. Even large breeds can suffer from separation anxiety – especially when you are off for work. And sometimes an indoor kennel just won’t do the trick for a large pet.

What does an outdoor kennel do?

An outdoor kennel is a safe and welcoming environment for your dog, that serves the same purpose as does an indoor crate – the denning method still applies. When you are not here, your big friend will have a safe and cozy place to feel cozy in – anxiety will be placed at a minimum. An outdoor kennel also serves as an adequate means of protection for a large dog. Especially if they are prone to destructive behavior when you are not home. But with a spacious and sturdy kennel, you can prevent escape and other dangerous activities. On the other hand, there is something that most of these kennels on the market lack to be considered truly comfortable to spend time in- and that is adequate protection from the elements. So what is the best way to ensure ample protection from the sun’s heat, the rain, wind, and all else? The answer to all these problems is one simple accessory: dog kennel covers.

Why do I need an outdoor kennel cover?

Dog kennel covers are a must-have for all owners who already invested in a kennel for their big furry friend. Ensuring additional protection from the rain and the wind is the first checkbox to fill in on the list of most important things to do when kenneling. To help you make the right decision for your pet, we’re guiding you through all the various choices on the market when it comes to best dog kennel covers. Learn what are the key features to take into account, and find the optimal solution for your pet and your kennel. With just a little bit of research, you can create a cozy part-time outdoor home for your pupper!

The importance of dog kennel covers

All dogs like to spend time outdoors. I mean, all that tail wagging and excitement once you mention playtime in the park or your yard kinda gives it away. And in the summer, dogs will surely like to spend most of the day outside – soaking up the nice weather and spending their energy. And even when it is time to rest, they can do it outside – you can offer them a cozy and safe environment in which to rest – without bringing them inside. There’s no doubt that your dog will immensely enjoy snoozing in those warm summer evenings in the open air. But an outdoor kennel calls for extra attention at all times. A dog that is spending time outside needs to be taken care of. Without a kennel cover, you risk potential problems. During the summer there is dehydration and heat stroke. If there’s no cover above him, a dog is at all times out on the heat of the sun – and that is extremely dangerous. You need to offer some shade, and a sun proof kennel cover will be just the thing. And when the sun is gone, you have rain or snow, or low temperatures. This is also important – if your dog is often outside, you need to offer cover from the rain. The best solution would certainly be a kennel with a roof – these types require special dog kennel covers but will be perfect for all weather conditions, especially the rain.

Remember not to mix things up – a kennel cover is there only to protect from the elements. It will not offer insulation or extra warmth – you will have to work on that yourself. If you are looking to achieve the same denning effect for training your pet, remember that it might be different than the indoor crates. It will be challenging to create a cozy and warm kennel outside, but with a bit of creativity and thinking outside the box, it can be done. Just remember- an outdoor kennel is not an adequate full time home for your pet. For their safety and comfort, they should live with you and only spend time outdoors in certain situations.

Features to consider in dog kennel covers

Once you take things into consideration, it is easy to see that dog kennel covers need to check many boxes in order to be effective and practical. The materials should stand the test of time and weather and need to be made by a set code of standards and to provide maximum protection for your pet. Whatever the conditions – the same rules apply. Sun, snow, or rain, all can take their toll on poor quality materials. That is why it is always a good solution to spend a little extra but to be certain that your dog is properly protected outdoors. Of course, you don’t always have to break the bank to get the best for your pet- if you know what to look for.

Durability

The first and foremost thing to ensure is durability. After all, it is your loved pet under that cover, and no sun or rain should pass. It needs to stand up to all the daily wear and tear in whatever weather. Sun can be as harmful or unpleasant as the rain, so make sure that the material is sufficiently sunlight proof. Special nylon tarp-like materials will also effectively block the rain and won’t drip. And of course, it is always good to rely on reviews and first-hand experiences – sometimes you can learn a lot and know the durability before you make your purchase.

Material

Always search for the best overall material that will fit your needs and be the best purchase for your budget. Avoid the cheapest nylon options – these tarps can be difficult to work with and really inefficient. As with everything, splurging a little will prove to be a good decision, as thick, durable materials will not only offer great protection but will also last for a long time. Dog kennel covers come in many different fabrics – so make your choice with care.

Adjustment

Here is one of the critical things to look out for when buying a kennel cover. There are a ton of designs out there when it comes to fitting and adjusting your cover. From classic eye rings to elastic bands, and even quick-release clasps – the choices are many. But you want to make sure that your fitting is as perfect as can be – no slacking and no tearing either. The elastic string design works best in such cases, as it allows you to fully adapt to the shape and the design of your particular kennel. You also want it to be as simple as possible – all those straps and strings can cause quite a mess and be hard to set up in key moments.

Size

Dog kennels come in different sizes and finding a cover that is an exact fit can be a challenge. Even with the adjustable options, it still might be a tight fit. So always do careful measurements and know what kind of kennel you have at hand – it will be very important when you are making your choice. Luckily, most brands today offer several choices, in sizes from S to XL – so you can adapt to an extent. Furthermore, some materials will be more elastic than others, and that can also help with the fitting. If you miss on the size, you risk missing the point of a kennel cover – too small and you will still expose your pet to the sun and the rain. And that’s the last thing you want!

Machine washable

In case you are buying a kennel cover for an indoor crate, you’ll want to make sure that it is machine washable- as these are usually made from more versatile materials than outdoor kennel covers, they can often be easier to clean. A kennel cover will get dirty easily even if used indoors- the accumulation of dust, accidental spills, or stains- this can all be easily managed if the cover is machine washable. Of course, most outdoor kennel covers can’t be machine washed, but you can simply hose them down when needed.

Easy to put on and take off

While you might think that putting on a kennel cover is a straightforward task, that’s not always the case. The last thing you want is to get a kennel cover with a zillion of straps, grommets, fastenings, and so on- when you want to put it on or take off in a hurry, it will become extremely frustrating to deal with all that fuss. Go for simple designs that have a straightforward system such as fastening at key points (corners), or can be simply put on snugly for a secure fit, if it’s a portable crate cover you’re looking for.

What are the differences between crate covers and kennel covers?

While they are often used interchangeably, crate covers and kennel covers are two different things: one is designed to cover crates that are used mostly indoors, and the other is a heavy-duty, weather-resistant alternative meant to cover outdoor kennels. Naturally, the main difference is in the size and the design to allow for structural and dimensional differences, but the choice of materials also dramatically varies. Crate covers can be made with almost any fabric as they are not always required to filter out UV rays or block rain from coming in, but kennel covers need to be resistant to fading from sun, water-resistant to endure sun and snow, and durable and tough enough to withstand all those elements without disintegrating in a matter of months.

Can I make a kennel cover by myself?

This all depends on your sewing or craftiness skill level and the intended use. It might be easier to create a crate cover, as there are a range of tutorials online, starting with no-sew crate covers all the way to more complicated, tailor-made crate covers. When it comes to outdoor kennel covers, it made be difficult to source the right materials and not all home sewing machines can handle sewing them even if you are able to find what you need. In these cases, it can end up being costlier- not to mention too time consuming- to opt for the DIY route instead of buying a ready made kennel cover.