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The Best Insulated Dog Crate Covers for 2024

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Crates are amazing training tools and even mandatory for traveling by plane or in the car.

The crate makes use of the dog’s instinct as a den animal and should only be used to form positive associations.

Smaller and darker caves feel safer for a dog than the wide-open space.

You have probably recognized your dog lying under the kitchen table or the bed. It’s their form of seeking shelter and comfort in stressful situations like birthday parties.

A crate provides your dog with four narrow walls low to the ground that you will want to make as comfortable as possible.

What is a Dog Crate Cover?

A dog crate cover describes any material that is being used to cover parts of or the whole kennel.

During day time, your dog will be able to comfortably sleep without sunlight disturbing him.

Darker environments are more calming to a dog, especially during hours of fear and anxiety when traveling or experiencing a thunderstorm.

The cover will ensure better sleep for puppies that just have been crate trained or rapid recovery for dogs after surgery.

You can select between different types of materials with features including water resistance or insulation.

When choosing the right crate cover for your dog, make sure that it is the perfect fit for his crate.

Most dog kennels have standard measurements but designer or hand-made crates might be more difficult.

In this case, a DIY dog crate cover may be the best option. You will learn more about this further below.

Why Do I Need an Insulated Kennel Cover?

Insulated and waterproof dog crate covers are a must for any dog that has to be outside at some point.

Maybe you have to put your dog in the garage for an hour or he simply likes sleeping outside.

When the temperatures drop during later seasons, your dog is at serious risk of hypothermia especially while sleeping.

Even if you only use the crate inside, a cover will keep the crate dark and cozy. A dog that frequently swims in the water should be welcomed by a warm crate in the car to safely dry.

Insulated covers do the best job of limiting visual and auditory stimuli which has a calming effect on your dog.

Can’t I Just Use a Blanket?

Blankets are not the best alternative to crate covers. Loose-fitting material that has been thrown over the kennel is prone to be chewed on.

Digested pieces can guarantee you a trip to the emergency room.

A few nips from your dog and the well-placed blanket will lay scattered on the ground.

Depending on the type of blanket you would be using, it could potentially build a health hazard for your dog.

Lack of air circulation and trapped in heat can become very dangerous.

Blankets will let in cold temperatures easily and won’t be able to create a mild and healthy climate for your dog.

Proper insulation can only be created with the right material that surrounds all 6 sides of a crate.

Must-Have Features of a Crate Cover

Think about the exact purpose that the crate cover should fulfill. Will it need to resist any elements including wind and rain?

Is the cover only for cozy indoor use? Is your dog a strong chewer and likes to occasionally destroy things?

  • Insulation – A must-have feature for any crate that will be placed outside whether it will be in the yard or on the back of a truck. The cover is usually thicker and heavy-duty to fight against any weather.
  • Windproof – Also a very important feature that will keep your dog healthy and safe outside. If your chosen cover does not include this attribute then only place the crate in areas where it’s shielded from the wind.
  • Waterproof – Wet paws or a rainy day shouldn’t get to your dog’s crate cover. Even a few drops can leave your dog sitting in soaked bedding. If you cannot find a waterproof cover, it should at least be labeled as water-resistant.
  • Durability – Dog crate covers should also be durable and high quality. The stitches should be tight and non-tearable. Make sure that the cover is also chew-proof.
  • Washable – I know that you can wipe up most covers but rain and dirt will quickly build up on an outdoor cover and to keep it hygienic for your dog, washability should be a no-brainer.

Critically check the size of the cover first and order different variations if necessary. The cover should have a tight fit with no trailing edges.

Best Insulated Dog Crate Covers for 2020

Before purchasing any of these covers, make sure that they are the right fit for your crate.

The material needs to be durable, reliable, and waterproof if needed. If the crate will stand in direct sunlight from time to time, rather opt for a light color instead of black.

1. Mud River Dixie Insulated Kennel Cover

This kennel cover will protect your dog from any bad weather. If you want to transport your dog in an open car or on the back of your truck, you can count on its insulation.

The D-rings make it very easy to tie and heavy-duty zippers hold it in place.

It’s equipped with several pockets on the sides and on the back. The fabric goes all the way around, keeping the interior warm and toasty.

Hypothermia won’t be a problem during your next winter trip. However, it is not washable and can only resist light rain.

2. Precision Pet Indoor Outdoor Crate Cover

This neutral-colored indoor and outdoor crate cover comes in 6 different sizes for dogs that weigh up to 90 lbs. The sturdy fabric is water-resistant and machine-washable.

It’s quite simple to provide your dog with an easy entrance as well as sufficient air circulation.

The panel at the front and on the side roll up completely and a little piece of fabric covers the crate handle when it’s not being used.

Keep in mind that this cover is open at the bottom so it’s not a good fit for colder temperatures but this also makes it more suitable for regular indoor use.

3. ArcticShield Insulated Kennel Cover

This camouflage dog crate cover is loved by many hunters during the cold seasons.

Proper insulated and thick material shields it against snow, rain, and wind. A great latch at the front and windows on the side ensure airflow and a viewpoint for your dog.

The elastic straps at the bottom hem make it easy to pull the cover on and off which means that the bottom stays open.

For insulation purposes, I would personally prefer the mud river one.

How to Safely Use and Introduce the Crate Cover

A proper introduction will ensure that your dog creates a positive association with the covered crate. Remember that it should be a happy environment for your dog to safely retreat to.

Place the crate away from any heat sources and make sure that the material is breathable.

Do a few checks in between to ensure that it’s not getting too hot inside the crate.

Especially dog breeds with a short snout (brachycephalic) can suffer from overheating pretty quickly.

Start by only covering the top of the crate with the sides open and let your dog explore his new sleeping space.

Just like with crate training, you can use treats as rewards and to lure your dog inside the crate. Let him explore at his own pace and leave the setup like this for a while.

Go about your schedule as usual and see how well your dog accepts his crate.

If everything is going well, lower the cover on one side of the crate depending on the type of cover you decide on, this might not be possible.

So try to make the introduction as gradual as possible and avoid using a cover as punishment.

Should I Completely Cover My Dog’s Crate?

Once your dog is used to being inside a covered crate, you can try to close all the panels until it’s completely covered.

This will ensure the best possible insulation outside but it’s unnecessary for indoor use.

Heat would build up too quickly at room temperature. You can, of course, keep a few flaps open if it’s not windy or heavily raining.

If you would like to place the crate in snow or on a cold surface, make sure that the bottom of the crate is completely covered with insulation fabric.

DIY Insulated Dog Crate Cover

Making your own insulated dog crate is a bit more difficult than a usual dog cover.

Fleece is often being used which you can easily cut at the edges and simply tie together. For insulation, you will need thicker material and you should be handy in sewing.

Follow this DIY dog crate cover guide for further instructions. Make sure that you are choosing a water-resistant, warm, and washable fabric.

Let your creativity run wild and add some pockets or other nice features like mesh windows to your design.

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Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet.

About Danielle

Equipped with 5+ years of expertise as a Rottweiler owner, I partner with licensed veterinarians and trainers to share research-backed and actionable advice for you and your furry friend.