There’s nothing better than a warm bed on a cold night. Your four-footer thinks so too.
So, when temperatures fall, you might want to think about adding an insulated kennel cover to your dog’s crate to keep him cozy while he’s catching some Zzzs. These durable kennel covers also have some other hidden perks, like storage pockets and adjustable window flaps, that may also catch your eye.
Below, we’ll share a few of our favorite insulated kennel covers, discuss what to look for when making your choice, and share a nifty DIY plan so you can make one of your own.
Best Insulated Kennel Covers for Dogs: Quick Picks
- #1 Mud River Dixie Kennel Cover [Best All Around Insulated Kennel Cover]: Equipped with multiple pockets, two-layer insulation, and a rubberized bottom, this is best option for most owners.
- #2 Petsfit Dog Crate Cover [Most Affordable Insulated Kennel Cover]: A no-frills crate cover that’ll help keep your doggo a bit warmer without draining your bank account.
- #3 Browning Insulated Crate Cover [Warmest Insulated Kennel Cover]: Ideal for keeping your dog warm in really cold temperatures, this crate cover comes with all the bells and whistles you could want.
Why Use an Insulated Kennel Cover?
Your dog’s kennel should be his safe space to unwind, whether he’s sleeping at night or catching an afternoon nap. And adding an insulated crate cover to his kennel can go a long way in making it more appealing.
Insulated kennel covers offer plenty of perks, including:
- Keeping your woofer warm: Not only is staying toasty at night important during the winter, but it’s also needed if your dog’s kennel is located outside, near a drafty door, or if your pet rides around in a truck bed crate. The extra layer of warmth is also ideal for older dogs and puppies that struggle to insulate themselves against the cold.
- Calming: An insulated cover keeps the crate shaded and offers privacy, helping relax dogs that may fear guests, storms, or fireworks. The extra padding may provide a bit of buffer against scary sounds, which means they’re also helpful for kennel-confined dogs suffering from separation anxiety.
- Encouraging sleep: A cover can make puppy crate training easier by darkening the kennel and blocking out distractions, reinforcing that it’s rest time. Blocking out nighttime lights and shadows can also help if you have a pup that gets yappy at every little sight and sound.
An insulated kennel cover provides much-needed warmth in outdoor settings as well, but shouldn’t be relied on during blizzards or frigid temperatures. In those cases, bring your dog indoors to keep him safe.
At the same time, make sure an insulated kennel cover doesn’t make your pup’s area too hot. Never use an insulated cover in warmer weather, and always make sure your dog is comfortable when he’s in his kennel. He should not pant heavily or show other signs of overheating.
Worried about your dog’s comfort while he’s (literally) chilling out in his dog house?
Don’t worry — there are several ways to keep him warmer.
For starters, you can just insulate plastic dog houses to protect your pup when the mercury falls. There are a variety of ways to do so, and many are both easy and affordable.
And if you need to bump up the metaphorical thermostat even more, you can just heat your dog’s house. Best of all, you won’t even need electricity to do so!
Be sure to keep reading too — we offer some additional tips for warming your woofer at the end of this article.
The Best Insulated Kennel Covers for Dogs
Many insulated dog kennel covers are available, but we’ve found some shining stars in different categories that may work for you.
1. Mud River Dixie Kennel Cover
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Mud River Dixie Kennel Cover
A premium insulated kennel cover with removable flaps, a rubberized bottom, and multiple storage pockets.
About: Mud River’s Dixie Kennel Cover helps keep your canine kiddo warm with its Microlite 3 insulation and two-ply exterior shell. And in addition to being super warm for your woofer, it’s also easy to clean — just hose it off and lay it flat to dry.
Features:
- Removable window flaps for added ventilation
- Multiple pockets for accessory storage
- Rubberized bottom to stop skidding during travel
- Four D-rings for tying down
Options: There are four sizes available: medium, large, extended large, and extra large.
Pros
- Durable outside that wipes clean with ease
- Excellent storage for toting accessories from A to B
- Insulation works well for travel or around the house
Cons
- Smaller size options would be great
2. Petsfit Dog Crate Cover
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Petsfit Dog Crate Cover
Available in sizes suitable for most kennels, this insulated cover features multiple flaps and an owner-friendly price tag.
About: The Petsfit Dog Crate Cover provides a touch of warmth without going overboard, this not only helps keep the price down, but it also makes this a great choice for indoor use. The Oxford cloth finish fits in with most home decor thanks to its neutral grey coloring.
Features:
- Multiple flaps for ventilation
- Lightweight design works year-round
- Zippers into place for a fuss-free fit
- Includes flaps for front and side-entrance crates
Options: Three sizes available: 36” x 19” x 21”, 36” x 23” x 25”, and 42” x 28” x 30”.
Pros
- Versatile enough to leave on year round
- Secure, zippered fit
- Affordable
Cons
- Can be too drafty for use during travel
- More size options would be ideal
3. Browning Insulated Crate Cover
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Browning Insulated Crate Cover
A super-warm polyester kennel cover with padded handles, storage pockets, and mesh panel windows for ventilation.
About: Traveling in chilly temperatures is no big deal in Browning’s Insulated Crate Cover, a high-quality polyester cover in a camo print design. This 900D canvas cover will keep your dog’s body heat inside the kennel, while its cinched bottom and snug fit will block out sneaky drafts.
Features:
- Water-resistant material keeps your pooch dry on the go
- Roomy zippered pockets for storing canine goodies
- Mesh panel windows open and close for ventilation
- Padded handles and D-ring tie downs for safe and easy travel
Pros
- Durable construction
- Comfortable, draft-blocking fit
- Excellent storage pockets
Cons
- Measure carefully to ensure it’ll work with your kennel
- Only available in one size
4. ArcticShield Insulated Kennel Cover
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ArcticShield Insulated Kennel Cover
This warm, weatherproof, and durable kennel cover features a camouflage print and straps to keep it secure while traveling.
About: ArcticShield Insulated Kennel Cover protects your hunting hound from the elements as he travels to and from the field with its well-insulated, durable design. Equipped with multiple storage pockets and finished in a camouflage print, it’ll fit in with the rest of your hunting gear.
Features:
- Weatherproof against wind, rain, and snow
- Top handles and D-ring tie-downs for easy and secure travel
- Zippered side windows for ventilation as needed
- Adjustable straps for a more secure fit
Options: Available in three sizes: medium, large, and extra large.
Pros
- Company offers a product warranty
- Durability is top-notch, according to pup parents
- Best for all-weather use
Cons
- Can be a bit too warm in mild climates
5. TOPEIUS Crate Cover
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TOPEIUS Crate Cover
A relatively lightweight crate cover that’s ideal for keeping your pet a little warmer in mild temperatures or indoor locations.
About: The TOPEIUS Crate Cover provides just enough coverage to keep drafts at bay without overheating your dog indoors. With both front and side entrance panels, you can roll them up for extra ventilation as needed to keep your pup comfy.
Features:
- Made with anti-wrinkle, waterproof polyester
- Neutral coloring works with any decor
- Snug fit with no loose straps or buckles to worry about
- Spot clean as needed
Options: Available in seven size options, ranging from 18” to over 48” long.
Pros
- Very affordable
- It earned durability points from pet owners
- Tons of size options
Cons
- Requires hand cleaning rather than being machine washable, which can be a drag
How to Pick an Insulated Kennel Cover
Picking an insulated dog kennel cover isn’t super difficult, but there are a few things to look for to make sure you get the right product for you and your dog, like:
- Durability: Nothing is worse than having to replace something that falls apart, so seek out kennel covers that are well-made with quality stitching and materials. This includes heavy-duty fabrics like nylon or canvas.
- Insulation: The level of insulation should be appropriate for the setting, with indoor designs needing less than outdoor ones. You don’t want to overheat your dog, but you don’t want to leave him out in the cold, either.
- Waterproofing: If you’re planning on using the kennel cover outdoors, waterproof materials are essential. Not only does this keep the rain at bay, but it repels wet snow and slush, too.
- Sizing: Proper sizing is a must to ensure the kennel is adequately covered. Too small of a cover will let drafts in, and covers that are too large will allow your pooch to pull them inside the crate, where they may become chewed or ruined. Note that most crate covers are designed for wire dog crates, but some will work with plastic-sided crates too.
- Features: Some kennel covers have handy built-in features, like pockets for storing accessories or adjustable doors and flaps for customizing the amount of light and ventilation your dog receives.
- Design: A cover that attaches securely to the kennel is a must if you plan on using it outdoors or on a crate kept in the bed of your truck. This means something more like Velcro straps, snaps, buttons, or buckles.
Make Your Own Insulated Kennel Cover
You can always get crafty and make a DIY insulated kennel cover instead. A DIY dog crate cover can better blend into your home’s motif or suit your pupper’s personality than a premade cover.
The Dabbling Crafter’s DIY Hunting Dog Kennel
The Dabbling Crafter’s DIY Hunting Dog Kennel Cover makes creating your own cover a breeze if you’re a crafty canine parent.
Made with duck cloth and a warm fleece lining, this DIY dog kennel cover keeps your pup cozy in his crate when he’s traveling and at home. The no-frills design is easy to take on and off and can be spot cleaned and aired out as needed to maintain freshness.
Just note that — due to its design — this may be best for use around the house, car, or garage rather than in the bed of your truck.
Skill Level: Medium
Materials Needed:
- Duck cloth (5 yards for large kennel, scale down accordingly)
- Fleece for insulation (Same amount as duck cloth)
- Velcro (sew-on or iron-on both acceptable)
- Elastic
- Buttons
- Thread
Tools Needed:
- Sewing machine
- Fabric scissors
- Fabric marker
Can You Just Use a Blanket Instead of a Kennel Cover?
In some cases, yes, you can use a blanket instead of an insulated kennel cover. You’ll just have to think about the situation in which you intend to use the cover.
For example, dog blankets work best for non-chewers in a home setting. They should never be used for blanket-shredding canines that might pull it inside their crate and get into serious trouble, however.
Blankets also don’t work for truck bed travel or outdoor use, as the wind will whip them away.
Nevertheless, a kennel cover is usually the superior option. There are a variety of reasons for this, including:
- Insulated kennel covers will usually fit the crate better. Crate covers are made to fit certain crate shapes and sizes, providing a draft-free, snug fit in most cases. By contrast, you probably won’t have a blanket on hand that perfectly fits your dog’s kennel.
- Insulated kennel covers function better than blankets. Most kennel covers today feature ventilation flaps and pockets for added convenience on the go or around the house, while blankets lack these types of helpful features.
- Insulated kennel covers just look better. While your doggo won’t care what the crate cover looks like, you probably do. And since crate covers are designed for a particular crate size, you won’t have to deal with unsightly material bunching.
- It’s easier to keep insulated kennel covers clean. Most crate covers are made with water-resistant materials that can be easily spot cleaned and airdried, while blankets will have to make repeated trips through the laundry.
Other Ways to Help Your Dog Stay Warm: Canine Coziness FTW!
Now that you’re familiar with some of the best insulated kennel covers on the market, it’s time to turn your attention to some of the other ways you can help your woofer stay warm. After all, there are a number of times and situations in which your canine may catch a chill.
Some of the other ways to keep your dog warm include:
- Give your pup a warm winter dog bed. A warm dog bed will help keep your canine cozy wherever he sleeps. In fact, if you live in a particularly cold area, you may want to check out some of the best heated dog beds on the market.
- Pick up a dog-friendly tent for use on the trail. If you plan to sleep trailside while hunting, camping, or fishing with your four footer, a dog-proof tent is a must, Also, consider grabbing a dog camping bed for maximum canine comfort while out on the trail.
- Fit Fido with a warm winter dog coat. Canine coats and jackets are the simplest way to keep your pet a bit warmer during the year’s shortest days. But because many dog coats are kind of “vest-like” in design, you may want to check out some dog coats with legs if you expect to encounter snow-covered ground.
- Cover your pet’s paws with protective dog booties. Cold toes are no fun for anyone, so think about picking up some canine booties or shoes for your pet. As a bonus, they’ll also help protect his feet from minor injuries and keep them dry too.
- Be sure your pet has a warm winter dog house if he spends lots of time outdoors. Ideally, you’ll just let your pooch come inside during cold weather, but for those times you don’t have a choice, a cozy canine castle will help keep your pooch comfy.
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Does your dog have an insulated kennel cover? Have you used one of our picks or do you have another that works great? Let us know in the comments.
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