Best Outdoor Dog Kennels 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

An outdoor dog kennel is a must for you, especially if you have a backyard that is not fenced. Your dog cannot stay indoors all the time. He would love to play outside, jump, or bark, but you need to provide him with a secure area where he cannot get into trouble.

It is important to get a high-quality kennel that is spacious enough for your dog to stand, stretch, or jump. It is a great option for you and your dog, especially if you come home late or have a busy work schedule.

If you are a travel person then it is recommended to get a portable kennel that you can take on your trip along with you. Having an outdoor kennel does not mean that it can be a substitute for outdoor walks. You will still have to give time and attention to your canine friend.

To bring the best products and relevant information for you to choose the right dog cage, we have spent days of research. We also consulted pet experts and specialists to bring the 10 best outdoor dog kennels for you so that you can make the right decision. Let’s get started with following reviews and a detailed buying guide.

Best Outdoor Dog Kennel in 2023 – Reviews

1. Our Top Pick – Petmate Outdoor Dog Kennel

Petmate offers the best outdoor kennel for dogs that are built with strong plastic for comfortable security. This is perfect for pet enthusiasts when taking their pets for a trip and on a campsite. This model is convenient for both pets and their owners.

Petmate Compass comes with bolts hardware and wing nuts for easy set-up. This door gate comes with a metal door with squeeze cling for the premium comfort that they need.

An easy-open front latch and a carrying handle provide added convenience for travel. The 360-degree ventilated openings are designed to prevent your pet from suffocation that is vital for dog security and safety.

The inside height is about 29 inches while the outside height is 30 inches, making this kennel a fine crate for your pets. It comes in all sizes from small to large to fit most dog breeds.

Kindly measure your pups if you are deciding to buy a small size crate from the top of his head and to the floor, then from the tip of his nose and the base of his tail. Also, the large breeds fit with ample space, making them well-accommodated inside it.

This impressive well-rounded kennel is made from recycled materials and eco-friendly. Pet lovers are going to love this model, especially when they’re going for an outing.

It is totally worry-free when you see your pet relaxed and comforted inside the kernel and enjoying the fresh air. This solid, dependable outdoor product is fashioned with camouflage color to bring the best of your tour.

The top carrier doesn’t easily come off, there are clips that grip together, making it easy to assemble and quick to detach. You can clean this and sanitize it effortlessly. And for some reason, you wanted to travel to another country and you likely desire your pet to go with you.

It is definitely possible and approved for airline travel. This premium product can satisfy your pet’s instinctual entreaties to be comfortable and be used to peacefully sleep on. A guaranteed quality product for your pets.

Key Features:

• Designed for Comfort
• Made for safe travel
• User-friendly
• Convenient for pet dogs and their owner
• Fits all sizes and shapes

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2. Runner Up – Lucky Dog Kennel

We recommend Lucky Dog Uptown Welded Wire Kennel as our runner up most definitely because it’s everything at a good price. This is constructed using heavy-duty steel materials that have been welded and coated pointed edges to protect your pets from potential harm. It can also help prevent the possible corrosion and rust in keeping your dog safe within its premise.

This is designed slightly elevated making it easy to clean up feces to contain the cleanliness of the crate. The best advice to clean this undesirable debris is to use the water hose for complete sanitation.

Exceptionally, this kennel is perfect for professional and residential use. It comes in different sizes, surely you will give the most suitable home ground for your pets.

This model is an ideal choice as an outdoor cage. It is made of a steel roof structure with a waterproof cover. The penned ends are used to provide your dogs with full protection from direct sunlight, rain, snow, and unnecessary debris.

In addition, the durable elastic cords won’t easily break or stretch and hold the cover securely for a well-groomed fit. It also has UV protection to keep your dog kennel free against fading, cracking, and ripping to give you its long-lasting quality.

This lucky dog kennel comes with a gate swing that can freely allow your pet to go in and out of the gate. The purpose of the latch is to secure the gate tightly and can be chained with any padlock. If you like to move the placement of the gate to the side of the pen, it’s possible because you can place it anywhere.

Just bear in mind that the sewn plastic tarp roof stretches further down on the long side. If you want to expand the roof tarp, secure it with the elastic fasteners and your pet will be swiped from swinging “out” by the tarp.

Key Features:

• Heavy-duty water-resistant cover
• Easy to clean and sanitize
• Made of all-steel materials
• Perfect for professional and residential use
• Keep your pet healthy and happy

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3. Best Budget – Paws & Pals Wire Dog Fence Playpen

In the suggested best budget that is presented under such versatility and quality, the Paws and Pals Fence is on the record. We believe that price and quality are interlinked and as an assumption, this model has something to do with your savings that ensures the quality is never compromised.

This durable playpen offers your dog 30 square feet of comfortable space to play. It is constructed from durable rust-resistant and coated metal for long-lasting use than mesh pens and plastics.

It possesses a heavy-duty tube frame in 1/2 inch with an 8-panel design to authorize the shape configurations to satisfy your pet. Great for both outdoor and indoor use.

To all intent and purpose, this model comes in 24 inches, 32 inches, and 40 inches height available options to safely contain your pet depending on what sizes and shape they are. Before going to a store to buy your pet a new playpen, make sure you get the right measurement of your pet to get the right fit.

If your pet is energetic and you wanted to buy another playpen and decided to assemble them together to make a wider one is quite an option. Furthermore, you can customize its shape depending on the choice you want that is best suitable for your pet. It comes with safe round edges to keep your pets from possible harm.

This playpen can also serve as a playing fence for your other pets including cats, guinea pigs, bunnies, chickens and etc. which is very accommodating and user-friendly.

The connecting rods can be applied as anchoring stakes to secure the framework in place when being installed in the yard. This pet pen includes a built-in door for easy opening, it can be attached directly to a cage or a kennel and it needs added hardware to properly fix.

Key Features:

• Made of rust-resistant coated metals
• Easy to assemble
• Best suitable for any pets
• Attachable to cage and kennel
• Adjustable panel construction

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4. Best Portable Outdoor Dog Kennel – AmazonBasics

Amazon Basic Portable Metal Pet Exercise and Playpen is the best outdoor use model allowing your pet to have fun outdoors in an enclosed space safely and securely.

This portable playpen comes in a set of 8 panels that measure 48 inches by 24 inches. Panels are made of sturdy iron metal with a rust-free black finish to give long-lasting strength and protect against outdoor elements.

This portable 48-inch playpen and exercise pen can be installed in just a second without any required tools. It can easily be detached and folded, making it easy for setup for outdoor use.

The enclosed space measures 16 square feet that are ideal for dogs up to 30 inches tall. This portable outdoor playpen consists of 8 ground anchors that are required for installation purposes.

This fashioned playpen gives your pet a safe and comfortable space. It can either be used for both outdoors and indoors and meets your expectations of what a well-founded playpen should be.

This pen creates an enclosed area of 64 square feet that can give extra space designed as a training ground, for socializing, play games, and a great space for exercising activities. Surely, you will be worry-free that it will not escape from the enclosure.

If you really want to make the space go wider, that’s not a problem, you can add and buy two panels together to double the size. Most pet lovers used this model as an answer to many household problems because of its capability to contain your pet securely during the busiest time of the day.

Key Features:

• Made of heavy-duty, rust-free metal panels
• No required tools, pre-connected metal panels
• Can be constructed in multiple shapes and sizes
• Easy to Assemble and detachable
• Suitable for all sized dog breeds

5. Best Indoor/Outdoor Dog Kennel – North States Kennel

North State is listed as the best outdoor & indoor dog kennel which attributes an oscillating door for your pets. This portable containment area encloses up almost 7 square feet across a corner to corner and is 26 inches high. The 9.5 x 8 inches swaying door is designed to allow your pet to freely come and go as they like.

Setting up this model is simple and effortless. It comes with 8 interconnecting panels that are already connected. Simply get the panels from the box, stretch them out and combine together, making them easy to carry anywhere outdoors or indoors. It comes with brown and skid-resistant pads that are scratch-free and works on any surface.

This portable kennel is perfect for households with multiple pets. The small door locks for containment purposes, benefitting you a feeling of peace in mind. No worries, if you need to contain them in a spacious and comfortable place for playtime and any pet activities.

For added convenience, if you need a bigger space for this comfortable pen, you can combine the 4-panels pet yards together for a wider exercise pen- that would bring a total of 34.4 square feet.

This comes with a suitable carrying strap and it can be simply folded in alternating directions and slips one end of the strap between the mesh of each exterior panel. Once you close the strap, you’re ready to go.

Key Features:

• Versatile and Durable
• Innovative and Superior quality pen
• Freestanding outdoor and indoor
• Made of lightweight plastic panels
• Easy-wipe clean design portable pen

6. Best Outdoor Dog Kennel with Roof – Advantek Kennel

Advantek Pet Gazebo is the best outdoor kennel with a roof that is made from galvanized steel with a built-in umbrella design that perfectly protects your pet from direct sunlight. The gazebo provides your dog with a stylish and well-accommodated space that allows your dog to relax outside in an enclosed area.

The top of this model is able to turn the other way around and be held on by bungee loops. One feature is the latching window panel has 12 inches high and 20.5 inches wide opening. The kennel side panels measure 42 inches high and 24 inches wide. The wire mesh of the panels assesses 38 inches high and 24 inches wide.

This Octagonal design is made of heavy-duty steel construction that is coated and finished in Advantek’s patented Aztekgold powder. It offers a unique size of 60”x 60” x 60” and it’s perfect for vacation and outdoor activities to contain your pet safely inside its premises.

This model comes with several sizes and can be combined to form a wider space. It is quick to set up and no tools required for installation. You can purchase additional gazebos and combine them together to create an outspread space that will surely your pet can love.

Key Features:

• Made of compact all-steel construction materials
• Made of weather-resistant polyethylene reversible cover
• The roof shields your pet from direct sunlight
• Easy to assemble, no tools required
• It comes with all styles and sizes

7. Best Small Outdoor Dog Kennel – Sliverylake

Sliverylake Crate is the best outdoor kennel for small dogs that is made of a heavy-duty steel frame. It is designed with a transportable four wheels to easily move from one place to another. It has lockable wheels feature to prevent unanticipated motion that might cause an accident and to ensure that your dog crate is secure in place.

This is made with a pluggable plastic tray that helps you grab excrement and fallen dog food and can easily be wiped for sanitary purposes. It is available in three sizes: 37 inches, 42 inches, and 48 inches that can be able to accommodate your pet in a safe and comfortable temporary house.

This model is made of corrosion-resistant steel making this strong and heavy-duty which helps prevent it from possible damages. It also contains anti-rust ability in a non-toxic finish to keep your pets safe and healthy even inside this crate.

Moreover, you can keep this dog crate outside for days in a row. This containment kennel will surely protect your dog from any possible harm.

Key Features:

• With removable (Slide-out) plastic tray
• Made of anti-rust and corrosion-resistant steel
• Durable and sturdy structure
• Lockable wheels for safety purposes
• Easy storage and convenient portability

8. Best Large Outdoor Dog Kennel – Fencemaster

This full-size-chain -link kennel can be moved from one place to another in quick to assemble features with some help of simple tools.

If you have multiple pets and you want them to place next to each other inside the pen, you can customize the two kennels and connect them to double the size.

In preventing the dog from possibly pushing the chain-link and could easily escape, it would be better off getting a chain-link pen built with welded ends.

This package measures 10 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 6 feet tall. If you have a kennel that utilizes different frames that are bolted, you certainly would not be able to extend it.

There is also an isolated chain link roll that connects at one corner and covers around the whole fence. You may need to have another roll of chain link to connect the end of the door frame.

Key Features:

• Made of galvanized steel and secure speed lock
• Rust-resistant construction materials
• Transportable and easy to assemble
• Chain-link kennel for outside use
• Convenient for your pets

9. Best Covered Outdoor Dog Kennel – Neocraft

Neocraft is known for its innovative and easy access door. It is also known as the best covered outdoor kennel in keeping your pets safe while enjoying outdoor activities.

This is 5.5 inches and is made with tough permanently welded frames and wire construction with rust-resistant steel covered for long-lasting usage.

This comes in a welded frame that is designed for easy setup. It is conveniently designed for both indoor and outdoor use. The permanent hinged design makes setting up easy.

This model features dual-sided canopy cover and all-steel roof frame that perfectly enclosed ends providing optimal visibility and ventilation for your pets to enjoy the experience outdoors.

You can combine the two pens to create a wider space. The quickest way to do this would be to combine two separate pens without connecting the panels with the doors in them.

Then you can now attach each door panel to the other pen, making you a great roofed hexagon like Playpen. It can be transported depending on the best spot you’d like your pet to put in.

 Key Features:

• Panels can be folded flat effortlessly
• Easy to assemble, no tools required
• Perfect for outdoor and indoor use
• Ideal for any dog breeds and sizes
• Dual-sided front gate

10. Best Temporary Outdoor Dog Kennel – MidWest Homes for Pets

Midwest Home is the best temporary outdoor dog kennel that is convenient for provisional purposes. This playpen can be folded flat for easy storage, making it a very accommodating exercise pen for your pets-whether in outdoors or indoors, surely a great playground for them.

Each pen measures 24 width x 30 height inches of exercise pen. It features eight 2-foot -wide panels that can be ordered in a number of configurations. This playpen measures 16 square feet enclosed area when fully expanded for your pet to step quickly into and out of the crate without terminating the panels. It will cost you a couple of seconds to assemble and detach the pen for convenient storage.

This pen can give your pet the space that they need for exercising activities, for them to be physically fit and healthy. Each pen is covered with a durable black e-coat giving long-lasting protection from rust and corrosion. It has a secured double latch door feature to prevent your dog from pushing against the door and possibly escape from the pen.

Key Features:

• Secure in double latch door feature
• Suitable for dogs 24 to 40 pounds
• Easy to assemble and detach for convenient storage
• Can be folded flat, transportable
• For temporary installation

Why Should You Need an Outdoor Dog Kennel?

There are multiple reasons for buying an outdoor kennel. Being a dog owner, it is your responsibility to take care of your canine friend in the best possible way. A dog should not only be taken outside just for walks or dumping purposes, but he also needs time to be in nature.

A quality kennel will provide you security and safety for your dog for his outdoor sessions. He can enjoy his time outside being in a kennel without getting hurt or digging up flowers and plants in your backyard. It is a safe place to keep your dog where he can enjoy fresh air, watching birds and your neighbors, without getting into any sort of trouble.

You might come across situations where it is important to keep your dog outside of the house. For example, while your house is getting renovated or you are painting, it is important to keep your dog away from the chemicals. A kennel will save your day as every dog love being outside.

Isn’t it great to assign a safe dedicated area to your dog where he can play while you are busy with your chores? It is not only spacious but also secure that will keep your dog comfortable and away from unfortunate situations. A dog house will not provide your dog with enough space to play and release energy. Moreover, you can easily adjust it’s size as your dog grows with time.

How to Set Up an Outdoor Dog Kennel?

It is great for your dog to provide him with a secure place to play outside. You can get them trained to prevent their destructive behaviors with the help of a particular kennel.

It is spacious and comfortable that can be easily installed in your backyard. This way you won’t be worried about getting the plants and flowers ruined by your pooch as they love to dig. Here are the steps of installing an outdoor kennel:

Step #1: It should be placed outdoor in the location where it suits you and your dog. Make sure it is safe under a shade where your dog can stay secure when it rains. During the hot weather, your dog must be able to escape from the heat in his kennel.

Step #2: It is important to put a high-quality dog bed or elevated bench on which your canine friend can take a nap. A resting spot is necessary for your dog’s comfort.

Step #3: The last step is to make sure your dog has a water container in it. You should change the water every day with fresh water. Moreover, you must also have your dog’s favorite toys in his kennel to keep him entertained and happy.

Difference Between Dog Crate and Dog Kennel

Some people might confuse a dog kennel with the crate. So, to make things easy for you, here are the differences between a dog crate and kennel:

• Dog Crates: A dog crate is great to carry around your dog especially when you are taking him to the vet. It can easily fit in your car while you are taking your dog to a friend’s place or a vet. It is easy to clean and dry out. The downside of having a dog crate is that if you have multiple dogs then it is not suitable for you. In addition to that, a dog crate is not spacious enough and cannot be used in many situations. As they are made up of plastic, your dog might chew on the material. Moreover, a dog crate is small, therefore, cannot be used for medium or large-sized dogs.

• Dog Kennels: On the other hand, a dog kennel can be used for a longer-term. It is spacious and safe for your dog. It can also fit multiple dogs at one time depending on the size of the dogs and the kennel. You just need one kennel for your dog that he can use even when he is a grown-up. It can be used in multiple situations in which you are busy with guests or painting at home. They are perfect for your dog to provide them with a dog-friendly environment where they can enjoy their playtime outside without getting into trouble.

Different Types of Outdoor Dog Kennels

While choosing an outdoor kennel, you might get confused about which type to choose. There are three different types of kennels that differ according to their sizes, material, and other features. Let’s have a look at the types:

• Dog Crate Kennel: The first type that is the simplest of all. You can get them made by any material that you prefer including aluminum, plastic, or any fabric. It can also be made with a simple design using a wire that provides strength and also durability. This can be used for various purposes such as training your dog or during traveling. If you are going on a business trip and you want your dog to safe and secure, then this kennel will solve your problem.

• Dog Breeding Kennel: It is made with a quite advanced design offering necessary facilities. As the name mentions, this type is used for breeding. It offers a secure and safe place for the dogs to be bred in a separate area. This can be used for indoors or outdoors use. It is mostly used by the breeders who get these kennels customized according to their requirements.

• Dog Boarding Kennel: Last but not least, a good boarding kennel is mostly used for indoor purposes but can also be used for outdoor use. While you are traveling or not around, it can be used, providing care and safety to your dog. This can be used for any breed. It comes in different sizes, materials and highly used at the boarding center. Your dog will be safe and comfortable in a dog boarding kennel when you are not around.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Outdoor Dog Kennels

Before buying an outdoor kennel, there are a few things to consider to choose the right one. Your dog’s safety and security should be your first priority which is why you should go for a high-quality kennel. Here are the important factors that need to be taken into consideration while buying a kennel for your dog:

Size

It is obvious how important this factor must be. A dog size should be the first thing to consider as your dog is going to spend hours in there. He should feel comfortable and safe in an outdoor kennel. The first step is to keep his size, age, and breed in mind. He should not feel scared or stressed in his kennel.

In fact, it must be spacious enough for him to rest or play whenever he wants. Another technique is to follow the rule of thumb to choose a perfect size that is three times bigger than the size of your dog. He should be able to stand or lie down easily.

Safety

Another important factor that you must take into consideration is your dog’s safety. The design and color come after that. It is your responsibility to provide a safe area for your dog where he can enjoy and relax. It should have high durability and strength, even during strong winds or bad weather conditions.

Furthermore, your pet should be able to feel good when he is out in his kennel. Make sure it has no toxic paints or chemicals on it as it would be hazardous to your canine friend.

Total Space Available

As mentioned earlier, a kennel should be three times bigger than your dog’s size, where he can roam around or stretch easily. It should have enough space to have an elevated bench or bed on which your bud can rest or take a nap. Do not just guess, in fact, measure the size of your dog and the kennel. Organize the kennel in a way where your dog can enjoy playing with his toys, as well as doing other things.

Weather

Make sure the kennel is strong enough to withstand bad weather conditions. Before buying make sure it is suitable for the area you live in. For example, if it snows or rains more often, then get the one that has a slanted roof. A flat roof will gather the snow or rain which will have a chance of collapsing at some point.

You also need to ensure that at extreme temperatures, the kennel is safe outside. If it is too hot outside, the kennel must have a shade where the dog can rest or sleep. He should have a water container all the time that must be cleaned every day. Also, it should be built up of materials that do not absorb heat.

Warranty

This factor must not be missed in any condition. The kennel must come with a warranty or at least two to three years with a money-back guarantee. Make sure you choose the perfect one for your dog and do not go after cheap products just to save some money.

If the kennel doesn’t meet your requirements, then you must be able to change it. It is important to ensure that it is secure, comfortable, and safe for your dog.

Benefits of Using Outdoor Dog Kennels

There are numerous benefits of having an outdoor kennel as it is a valuable thing for your canine friend. You can ask anyone who has an outdoor kennel for their dog that how beneficial for them and their dog. Let’s find out the benefits:

Great Outdoors time: Having an outdoor kennel is great for your dog’s mental health as he will enjoy the weather outside and love watching birds. Spending time outside would be more fun for him as compared to his time indoors. He won’t be allowed to bark or jump inside the house which is why he will get bored.

Helps you prevent Unfortunate Situations: It is not possible for you to manage your dog 24/7 especially when you working on a major project. Moreover, if your guests are over, you need the house clean and do not want any jumping or spilling drinks around.

For you to have some time and focus on other things going in your life, an outdoor kennel will serve you as a lifesaver. You can have a perfect time while your canine friend is enjoying the outdoors in his kennel.

Saves you from indoor poop incidents: The best thing about having a dog in a kennel is that you will be saved from all those poop incidents. Dogs can hold it for 6 to 10 hours but sometimes it is difficult for them to hold the urine especially when they have drunken lots of water.

They cannot wait for you to come home and take them outside so that they can litter. Having an outdoor kennel will keep you tension-free and your dog comfortable.

Some Important Tips

1. Instead of a crate, it is a better option as it is spacious and goes for a long time.
2. Make sure to choose a high-quality that has no chemicals used on it.
3. Introduce your dog to his kennel gradually, without rushing him into it.
4. Once he becomes comfortable with his new zone, close the door just for a little time and then open it so that he doesn’t get scared.
5. Train him to be in a kennel using his favorite treats.
6. Make his experience fun and stress-free as much as you can.
7. Make sure to put water and food in it.
8. Also, make sure to get a kennel that is strong and durable, withstanding strong wind.

Final Thoughts

You will find different options in the market or online but choosing the right outdoor kennel for your dog can be time-consuming. The most important thing is to choose the one that is safe and comfortable for your canine friend.

Also, the material should be high-grade and easy to clean as your dog will be spending hours in there. Although, dogs love to spend their time out a kennel should not be a substitute for your walks with your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an outdoor dog kennel?
It is a safe place for your dog that keeps him out in a secure area where he can enjoy the weather and watching birds. Dogs love to spend time outside but providing them with a secure place is your responsibility. You can get a kennel according to your dog’s needs and size.

Are outdoor kennels safe for dogs?
An outdoor kennel is absolutely safe for dogs. They are great for your dog’s mental and physical health. It is a safe and secure area assigned to your dog that will keep him entertained outdoors. It is spacious enough for your dog to stand, stretch, or take a nap.

Where should I put my dog’s kennel outside?
You can easily put your dog’s kennel outdoors in the yard or in your terrace. Make sure it is in the shade so that if the weather is hot, your dog will be comfortable. Also, itl should be safe from the wind.

How big of an outdoor dog kennel do I need?
Make sure you choose the right size for your dog as his comfort should be your first priority. A kennel should be three times bigger than the size of your dog so that he is comfortable. If you have a puppy then choose a large kennel so that your dog can still use it when he grows big in a few months.

Is it tough to carry out an outdoor dog kennel?
It is not tough at all to carry it out as a dog kennel is made for outdoor use. You can take a portable modelon a trip where your dog will enjoy the time with you. It is made for outdoor use which is why it is completely safe to take it along with you.

Can I leave my dog in his outdoor dog kennel alone?
You can easily leave your dog in an outdoor kennel, but make sure it is not too long. A dog craves attention and human interaction which is why it is important to give him time and plan activities with him. It is not a substitute for outdoor walks.