Dogs can feel quite stressed to see the household going on without them, and it can prevent them from settling. One of the easiest cures for restless, crated dogs is a crate cover. They block out light, movement, and even some noise, allowing your dog to calm down and fall asleep faster.
In the morning, crate covers can even block out sunlight and cause your active pup to sleep longer—allowing you to get a full night’s rest.
There are several things to consider before investing in a crate cover, though. Your first question might be, will my dog even like their crate covered? You might also wonder about materials, durability, and extra features.
Luckily, we’ve compiled the best dog crate covers for you below so that you don’t have to do all the work on your own!
Table of Contents:
Is a Crate Cover Right for You and Your Dog?
If you’re someone who already covers your crate with a blanket or sheet, you’re likely wondering if you even need a crate cover! The answer comes down to aesthetics and practicality.
Blankets and sheets work fine, but they usually aren’t very pretty. They don’t fit your crate’s measurements and are likely either too short or drag on the ground. It may take multiple blankets to cover every side of the crate as well.
Crate covers fit securely onto the crate and look much more pleasing in your home. They also offer several practical features like mesh windows and roll-up door panels.
If you’re not using a crate cover at all, some benefits to think about are your dog’s comfort, warmth, and sleep. Many dogs feel more comfortable in a den-like environment that blocks light and movement.
We talk all about the pros and cons of crate covers in this article if you want to know even more before making the investment!
Related reading: Scaredy Pooch! My dog freaks out in his crate – What should I do?
8 Things to Look for When Buying Crate Covers
1. Proper Ventilation
It’s essential that your crate has proper airflow. This will prevent health problems like suffocation and heat stroke.
The crate cover should be open on at least one side. Mesh windows on multiple sides are a huge plus, as are breathable fabrics.
Always keep your environment in mind as well when using a crate cover. If it’s very hot, you’ll want less coverage so that the crate retains less heat.
2. Fits the Crate
Of course, your crate cover needs to fit your crate! Be sure to measure the height, width, and depth of your crate before you begin your search for the perfect crate cover.
3. Easy to Use
While it’s important to get a crate cover that fits your crate, it’s equally important that the cover is easy to put on and take off. An inflexible fabric that fits the crate exactly will be very difficult to manage, especially if you dismantle the crate often for travel or moving around the house.
The cover also shouldn’t get in the way of the crate’s doors. Any mesh windows should be easy to keep open and adjust, and pockets should be decently-sized and clasp securely to keep your things inside, especially during movement or travel.
4. Lasts Over Time
Cheap crate covers can be tempting, but most won’t last over time. It’s better to buy a well-made product from a reputable brand than to find yourself looking for another cover in less than a year!
You want the cover to hold up to your dog, wear and tear from travel, and weather conditions if used outdoors.
5. Insulation for Outdoor Use
If your home is very cold, your dog’s crate is on the patio, or you have a crate for outdoor use in the winter, you may want to look for an insulated crate cover.
While your dog should never be left outdoors in freezing conditions, an insulated cover can help keep them warm while you work in the garage nearby, for example.
They’re also great for travel to the veterinarian or fun road trips in the cold!
6. Panels and Windows that Suit Your Preference
Some people want their crates covered as well as possible (while still allowing for airflow), blocking out sights that will excite or upset their pup.
Others want their dog to be able to see the world from the safety of the crate.
It’s really up to you to know what’s best for your dog, but be sure to look for what will suit them. There are also crates with mesh windows that can be covered and uncovered by a zipped piece of fabric if you’re unsure or like the versatility!
These windows should be easy to open and come with a snap, Velcro, or tie to keep the fabric out of the way.
7. Machine Washable
Your crate cover doesn’t have to be machine washable, but it’s a huge bonus! Especially during travel or when crating a puppy, accidents happen.
When washing your crate cover, always read the washing instructions. Some may shrink in the drier, for example, and need to be air-dried instead.
8. Aesthetically Pleasing
Lastly, the crate cover should be cute and blend in with your décor—especially if this crate is in your house all of the time!
There are so many styles of crate cover, and most of them come in various colors and patterns so that you can choose something that speaks to you and your pup!
4 Best Crate Covers for Metal Wire Dog Crates
1. Midwest Homes Pet Crate Cover
The Midwest Homes Pet Crate Cover comes in three neutral designs: black with a simple white stripe, brown with a lovely geometric pattern, and grey with a swirling white pattern.
It features loops and tabs to hold the cover in place, making it a breeze to put on. However, it’s also very easy for dogs to slip the cover off! Those of you with destructive chewers should avoid this one as it also seems to rip easily.
This insecure fit seems to be caused by the Velcro that allows the cover to be used on 2-3 door crates. Since each side can open up and fold over the top of the crate, they aren’t latched securely onto the sides or bottom like a wrap-around cover would be. This can also lead to a poor fit on the crate.
The Teflon material resists water and stains, but it is also less breathable—something you’ll need to account for by keeping multiple sides of the crate open. Due to heat retention, it might not be the best for those hot, muggy days.
Pros
- It’s easy to use and machine washable—a win, win!
- The designs are simplistic, neutral, and stylish.
- You can use this one 2-3 door crates, and multiple sides open up, making it versatile for even 1-door crates.
Cons
- It’s not the most breathable fabric.
- Destructive chewers will dismantle it in minutes!
This cheap crate cover is good for the price if you want a simplistic crate cover and your dog isn’t a chewer. However, it isn’t the sturdiest.
CLICK HERE to learn more and see pricing for the Midwest Homes Pet Crate Cover.
2. Explore Land Dog Crate Cover
The Explore Land Dog Crate Cover is made with chewers in mind. Although the company stresses that it’s not indestructible, it does latch securely onto the crate.
A strong chewer will still find a way to destroy this one, but they will have to go through some extra effort to do so.
The cover is made for 1-2 door crates with two door panels that zip open and closed. Plastic locks secure the excess fabric when the doors are open to keep it out of the way for you and your pup.
In addition to the doors, there is a mesh window with a fabric panel that opens and closes just like the door panels.
This cover is also slightly weather-resistant, as it’s made to block out wind while remaining breathable. It’s not machine washable.
The biggest issue with this cover is the smell. It gives off an odor like plastic or chemicals and gives some people headaches—while others barely notice it. Your opinion will likely vary depending on how sensitive you are to scents.
Pros
- Can be used on 1-2 door crates, with sides that roll up as well as a mesh window.
- The cover locks onto the bottom of the crate, preventing some chewing.
- Resists winds and drafts to keep your dog warm in basements, porches, or outdoors.
Cons
- The cover isn’t machine washable, so you’ll have to wash it by hand.
- A plastic or chemical-smelling odor turns many people off of this cover.
If you can get past the foul smell, this crate cover is sturdy and durable. It locks onto the crate well and is easy to use!
CLICK HERE to learn more and see pricing for the Explore Land Dog Crate Cover.
3. Yotache Dog Crate Cover
While the Yotache Dog Crate Cover claims to be waterproof, this doesn’t seem true if you leave the product out in the rain. We don’t recommend buying it for this feature.
The windproof feature appears to be true. However, it might work a little too well—the inside of the crate can become quite hot with this cover on! Opening both panels for good ventilation is a must.
This cover is easy to assemble and put on the crate, but there are a lot of pieces between the hooks on the bottom and the Velcro straps. Some of the Velcro straps must attach inside the crate, leaving perfect access for destructive chewers.
A wonderful thing about this cover is the included mesh covering that attaches when the door panels are opened. It provides much-needed ventilation while keeping out mosquitos and other pests.
It also has a small pocket on the side, but truthfully it can’t hold much! It is handy for storing away the mesh screening when not in use.
While the cover isn’t machine washable, we don’t view this as a con since it can be easily wiped down!
Pros
- Comes with two door panels and a mesh screen that can attach to either side.
- Easy to wipe down, though not machine washable.
- One small pocket can hold mesh screening when not in use, as well as other tiny items.
Cons
- Not waterproof as advertised.
- Poor ventilation traps heat in the crate, so opening all panels is a must.
CLICK HERE to learn more and see pricing for the Yotache Dog Crate Cover.
4. Molly Mutt Dog Crate Cover
Molly Mutt dog crate covers come in a plethora of fun colors and patterns, from neutral brown and tan to a bright elephant print. They’re made of 100% cotton and are machine washable. There are even matching bed covers if you want to go all-out with your chosen look!
The front and right sides of the cover roll up when open and can be snapped down when closed.
While the cover is beautiful when off the crate, it doesn’t always fit well. Some of them have a baggy appearance with sides that have to be tucked beneath the crate since they’re too long.
Others are slightly too small. This problem seems primarily focused on the width of the sides, as they aren’t sewn together. While this makes the covers super easy to slip onto a crate, it doesn’t hold in place or block light very well.
If you’re looking for light blockage, we recommend ordering a size up to ensure the entire crate will be covered.
Pros
- Machine washable for simple cleaning.
- Easy to put on the crate and attaches to the bottom with straps.
- Features two sides that can be rolled up as needed to let your dog people-watch or for better ventilation.
Cons
- Sizing may be off, with long sides or sides that don’t come together to block out light at the corners.
CLICK HERE to learn more and see pricing for the Molly Mutt Crate Cover.
Last update on 2022-01-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
