Dear dog-lover,
As a caring and responsible pet owner, you know that, inevitably, you are going to transport your dear companion at some point in your life – to a vet, to a brand new home (think more of a journey in the skies), or elsewhere. There are a lot of times when dog crates come as a great aid when transporting your pet. However, did you know that this voyage can be rather stressful to your four-legged friend, and, for that and other reasons, can cause you worries likewise? As veterinary experts, we’ve emphasized how stress affects pet’s health in various articles before, and this is another case where such precautions should be considered as the topic today has a direct relation to that.
Why is a cover for dog crate necessary?
To supplement the aforementioned arguments regards your dog’s health, we are certain you must understand that it’s also important for your dog to feel safe and have its own personal space (something we also emphasized in various articles, including the informative buyer’s guideline article on dog beds).
To sum this up and be easier to note down and remember, here are some of the pinpoints that pretty much summarizes when and why you must have a dog cover for the crate used:
- Safe spot. A sense of safe den that is its own with no intruders. Mimicking this type of shelters make something similar to what dog predecessors, wolves, had – these ground shelters are low and narrow enough, yet, with just sufficient room, for this carnivore to enter and exit. The instinct to seek a quiet and cool, in other words, safe space flows strong in dog’s genes.
- Personal space. Goes hand in hand with the previous point.
- Opportunity to relax – both for dog and the owner. When a crate is uncovered, your dog gets distracted by everything that’s moving around. Your four-legged friend gets jumpy, playful, or even aggressive, disturbing and stressing out not only itself but you, the owner, too. Minimize your headache by giving a slightly more relaxed environment to your pal – give it a chance to sleep and restore its vigor to the right activities at the right time.
These are the main reasons for a dog crate cover. When going on a hunt or a big camping trip, you should look for an insulated dog crate cover. This type of dog crate cover protects from frigid temperatures when setting up for such ventures.
How to choose the best solution in your case?
Most (commercial) dog crates conform to standard measurements. That way, it’s much easier to find an appropriate cover.
If you choose a custom-made or a specific/designer dog crate, you have to look more carefully to match the crate with the cover – always check the measurements and design carefully in such cases.
However, if you need a dog crate only for indoors and do not plan to transport it frequently, we actually advise you take a look at wood-design dog crates that look more appealing and may fit much better with your house interior. Most of these crates sort of already have a wooden cover, therefore, you may manage without additional crate cover. A good example could be Casual Home 600-24 Pet Crate.
For other (transporting, for the most part) purposes, please take a look at the following list of the best dog crate covers. Afterwards, we’ll talk about hunting dog crate covers and camping dog crate covers specifically.
1. Precision Pet Indoor/Outdoor Crate Cover
–>overall best dog crate cover
If you are looking for quality combined with universal use, this might be the best choice for you. As the name implies, Precision Pet Indoor/Outdoor Crate Cover is usable both indoors and outdoors, and is great for transportation – both short and long distances.
We also appreciate the variety of sizes available – you can choose from 6 different options that should fit perfectly with all the standard dog crate sizes.
Whatever size you choose, it gives you a variety in terms of lightening too – from complete darkness when all windows are closed to an adjustable view, ventilation, and visibility when opened. Additionally, it has a zipper closure and a top flap so you can easily carry the crate by the top handle.
We’d also like to point out this cover for dog crates is machine washable. Furthermore, the material used in this product is heavy duty canvas/nylon, meaning, it is water-resistant (therefore, suitable for outdoors).
Overall, we truly appreciate the effort that has gone into production of this one; The one drawback, however, might be that the material, especially, the side windows can get ripped off after a while if not used discreetly.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Water-resistant | Although sturdy, the material could be more durable - a few customers have complained that the window covers can be ripped off too easily |
| Adjustable visibilty and ventilation | |
| Suitable for both indoors and outdoors | |
| Various sizes (6) to choose from | |
| Machine washable |
2. Petsfit Polyester Crate Cover
–>best price-for-value
Here’s a great and somewhat cheaper alternative to our pick No. 1 – Petsfit Polyester Crate Cover.
Used both indoors and outdoors, this cover is both waterproof and windproof. and provides a proper insulation inside the crate.
There are less variety in terms of size (3 options) and color (1 option only), however, if it fits one of your standard size crates, that shouldn’t be a drawback. If it’s the right fit, it’s really easy to put on.
Although you can wash it in a machine, we would advise against it as the manufacturer hasn’t clearly stated if it’s recommended.
The front flap zipper is not as durable as we’d like to, yet, the main material – durable oxford cloth – proves its worth when it comes to the overall durability.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Water-resistant and wind-resistant | Front flap zipper could've been crafted better, more durable |
| Suitable for both indoors and outdoors | |
| Adjustable visibility and ventilation | |
| Durable material | Only 3 sizes (and 1 color) to choose from |
| Best price-for-value |
3. MidWest Wire Dog Crate Cover
–>best budget dog crate cover
If your hands are tied but you still consider the aforementioned reasons for a crate cover essential in your case, look no further than MidWest Wire Dog Crate Cover.
We’re also pleased to say this comes in 6 different size options you can choose from to fit your individual crate and the fella inside.
This dog kennel cover is made of durable polyester and is machine washable (and dryer-friendly).
Sure, it’s not as adjustable (in terms of side windows, ventilation, and everything) as our previous top two picks, and the sound (noise) polyester makes may not be as pleasant to your ear, yet, for the price, it really holds up to the essentials of a solid dog crate cover when it comes to transporting your dog both indoors and outdoors.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| 6 different sizes and various colors | Not as adjustable |
| Machine washable and dryer-friendly | Polyester noises |
| Above-avarage durability - excellent for the low price | Somewhat slippery |
| Can be used both indoors and outdoors |
What are the best solutions for hunting and camping purposes?
If you are a hunter or a keen camper even in low temperatures, you must look for a well-insulated dog crate cover. Although our previous 3 picks, especially, the second one, may be a good fit as well, for more extreme temperatures we’d suggest the following:
Mud River Dixie Kennel Cover
–>best for hunting and camping (low temperatures)
This cover is the real deal when it comes to serious hunting, camping, or fishing trips – it is water-resistant and provides excellent insulation (making it significantly warmer inside than the outside temperature when closed).
Additionally, it provides removable window flaps and well-designed top handles that make it easy to move around.
We believe you will appreciate that the manufacturer has placed a tough and tumble rubber mesh over each window to ensure that air is dispensed properly and to secure a snug fit, and the stash pockets are also a great addition.
To sum this up, given its durability and many quality features, we can easily recommend this as the best solution for such activities as hunting and camping in low temperatures – the price, obviously, is noticeably higher than one for a typical crate cover, however, folks and their companions who undertake the previously mentioned activities will surely appreciate this masterpiece!
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Great insulation | Could be a bit easier to put on and take off the crate itself |
| Water-resistant and wind-resistant | |
| Well-put top handles | |
| Removable window flaps for adjustable visibility and temperature | |
| Stash pockets for small equipment |
Although we’ve narrowed this list of top covers for dog crates from a large number of products available on the market today to recommend you the very best in your individual case, if you’d still like to explore more options on your own, we strongly advise you consider the aforementioned criteria in this article when it comes to choosing the best option for your four-legged companion.
Feel free to contact us in case of any questions, concerns, or recommendations related to any given topic of this site.
Always alert,
Your hmtip team