Buying an indoor dog house may give your dog just what he needs to develop an attachment to your home and to you. Proving a space that is just your dogs will show him that he belongs and that he’s part of the family. If you’re stuck on how to go about finding the right one, though, fear not!
Our vet advisor, Dr. Melody Aitchison-Steed, DVM, took a careful look at all the best features and reviews of indoor dog houses and easily identified the LUCKYERMORE Dog House Plastic Pet Puppy Kennel as the best overall option most likely to satisfy pet parents. It has plenty of durable features that will withstand your dog’s wear and tear and the gate will allow you to give your dog a comfortable and secure home within your home.
While this was Dr. Aitchison-Steed’s top choice, she also offers a series of her top tips for what to look for in choosing the best indoor dog houses, a section on who should avoid purchasing them altogether, and she personally selected the best dog houses for a variety of specific use cases.
The 5 Best Indoor Dog Houses
- Best Overall – LUCKYERMORE Dog House Plastic Pet Puppy Kennel
- Best Budget – OLizee Folding Indoor Outdoor House Bed Tent
- Best Soft-Sided – Furhaven Pet Playpen
- Best for Large Dogs – K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot House
- Best for Small Dogs – Best Pet Supplies Portable Indoor Pet House
Indoor Dog Houses Compared
Here are the top picks from our veterinarian. Compare the ratings and features of different models.
| Vet’s Picks | Model | Rating | Material | Gated | Waterproof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | LUCKYERMORE Dog House Plastic Pet Puppy Kennel | Plastic | |||
| Best Budget | OLizee Folding Indoor Outdoor House Bed Tent | Oxford Cloth | |||
| Best Soft-Sided | Furhaven Pet Playpen | Polyester Cloth | |||
| Best for Large Dogs | K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot House | Denier Fabric | |||
| Best for Small Dogs | Best Pet Supplies Portable Indoor Pet House | Plush Polyester Fabric |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Buy an Indoor Dog House
- Shy or anxious dogs – If your dog is anxious about other pets, or visitors, or even around you occasionally, then it could help him feel safe and secure to give him a place to escape away from those anxieties without running away from home.1
- Sibling dogs – Sometimes the only way to keep siblings from fighting is to separate them. It is no different for dogs, and giving a place for them to go to their separate corners, so to speak, can really help dog fights.
- If a crate bothers you – Though an indoor dog house may or may not have the ability to restrain a dog, if it does, then it may be an exceptional alternative to a crate for the pet who feels guilty when locking their pet up.2
Who Should Not Buy an Indoor Dog House
- Outside dogs – Obviously the dog that doesn’t live indoors won’t need an indoor dog house. But even if you get him an outdoor dog house, bear in mind it can’t be the same. Outdoor means outside circumstances and an indoor house will not survive the weather.
- Cramped for space – If you have a smaller home, then you may not have the space to give your dog his own home within it. You may be better off giving him his own bed and blanket for a spot that can be easily relocated when need is (a dog sofa bed or even a dog bed that’s waterproof if you’re sharing space in your own bed – particularly if you’re having issues with your dog peeing in the bed – may be good options).
Buying Guide: Research Tips From a Veterinarian
You’ll have plenty to think about when picking the right indoor house for your dog. Luckily there is a large variety of indoor dog houses on the market, and one can usually be found for any budget. When selecting an indoor doghouse, be sure to contemplate the following:
- Consider your space – When picking the size and design of your dog’s indoor house, you have to also consider what size dog house will fit in your space.
- Think of your dog’s size – The interior space should be large enough to allow the dog to enter the house and be able to turn around easily, considering the other items you plan to use inside the dog house for bedding. A big spacious house is great for adult, potty-trained dogs, or maybe even multiple small dogs. Some of the same things you’d want to consider when determining how big a dog crate should be will apply to indoor dog houses.
- Travel needs – Some dog houses are more portable than others. Determine whether you would like the option to easily fold and take your indoor dog house with you places. For example, when traveling would you want to bring something like this along with you?
- Evaluate safety – If you’re looking for a space where your pup can be left unsupervised, you need to make sure there are no risks of your dog hurting himself. You’ll also want to make sure it’s well-ventilated so your pup gets plenty of air. 3
- Prepare for chewers – There are health risks associated with a dog that chews and consumes pieces of a soft-sided house, including intestinal obstruction.4 For dogs that are destructive or for young puppies, there are dog houses that are safe even when they will not be supervised. Look for a hard-sided indoor dog house for these pups. This type of dog house has smooth hard-sided walls that will prevent chewing or ingestion of soft materials.
- Prevent escapes – A gate can be closed when you are not able to supervise a young dog, this will keep him from wandering throughout the house and causing trouble. An enclosed dog house can also help with potty training. A versatile dog house can also be used without a gate for more mature dogs or as your puppy becomes well trained.
- Your tastes – The look and style of your indoor dog house are personal preferences. Once all safety, cost, and size measures are considered then choose whichever one you like the best.
If you’re planning on leaving your dog indoors for extended periods of time, then you’ll want to prevent boredom and give him plenty of attention before and after playing with him. You may also want to consider potential tactics for calming him down after your playtime, too.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $30-$100
The cost of your indoor dog house will vary based on size and durability as much as it will on quality. If you’re opting for a more chew-resistant house, then you’re looking at the higher-end of the cost range. For just a simple, soft house that will give your dog a place of his own, your budget will be far beneath that. For the vast majority of dog houses, though, you can expect it to fall somewhere in the range of $30-$100.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Pet News Daily
There are many different styles and sizes of indoor dog beds. I consider several different factors when it comes to choosing which one is best for a particular household. I evaluate cost, size, style (house, teepee, tent, hard-sided, hut, etc.), and how it fits into the home. And, most importantly we must consider the age and behavior of the dog or puppy that will use the house. – Dr. Melody Aitchison-Steed, DVM
The Best Indoor Dog House Reviews
1. Best Overall – LUCKYERMORE Dog House Plastic Pet Puppy Kennel
The LUCKYERMORE Dog House Plastic Pet Puppy Kennel is an excellent option for your dog, no matter what circumstances you’re buying it for. You can use it outdoors (potentially in conjunction with an outdoor cooling dog bed if you live in a hot climate) – it is weather and windproof, but the possibilities as an indoor house are nearly limitless. You’ll give your dog the comfort of an indoor bed, with the rugged durability of so much more. It’s not chew-proof, but it is certainly chew-resistant and the gate will allow you to use it as an effective crate replacement. – And by adding his bed and blankets in there, you’ll make it more comfortable for your dog than any other spot in your home.
It’s an excellent option for anxious dogs who become too nervous with less robust homes and the lack of windows will give him the seclusion he craves.
- Waterproof; easy to clean
- Latching gate door
- 3 sizes for optimal fit
- Bulky; not portable
- Rigid construction is less comfortable
2. Best Budget – OLizee Folding Indoor Outdoor House Bed Tent
The OLizee Folding Indoor Outdoor House Bed Tent is a great choice for an indoor dog house that gives your four-legged friend a place to call his own. The door can zip closed like a tent and, along with each of the three other sides, includes a mesh window that can be opened for optimal ventilation or closed to make an anxious pup feel more secure.
The portability of this indoor dog bed is phenomenal – remove the flexible poles and fold them into each other, roll the fabric up and store it in the included carry bag. That means you can travel with this dog house as easily from state to state as you can from room to room.
- Ultra-portable
- 2 sizes for best fit
- Machine washable
- Soft material, easy to chew
- Runs small
3. Best Soft-Sided – Furhaven Pet Playpen
The Furhaven Pet Playpen is an excellent option for a well-behaved dog who doesn’t chew or try to escape. Your fur baby will appreciate the comprehensive ventilation that comes with the 360 degrees of mesh walls and ceiling and the zippered door gives your dog the tent kind of experience without the need to go anywhere.
Some pet owners found that the mesh top proves too tempting, and as such have opted to flip it upside down and had great success. You may also want to include something to weigh this tent down or find a way to prevent flipping, should your dog be a puppy or particularly enthusiastic.
- 3 colors for owner’s preference
- 4 sizes for best fit
- Ultra-portable
- Spot-wash only
- Not escape-proof
4. Best for Large Dogs – K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot House
The K&H Pet Products Original Pet Cot House offers the kind of robust comfort your large dog will love. Though there is no door to enclose it the dark canopy will give your anxious pup plenty of seclusion to get away from the stressors in your home.
The canopy atop the elevated surface is made with a heavy-duty denier fabric that is easily removed and tossed into the washer for a fast, low-maintenance clean-up.
- Durable construction; heavy-duty frame and fabric
- 200 lb weight capacity
- Elevated for easy access
- No door to enclose
- Not chew-proof
5. Best for Small Dogs – Best Pet Supplies Portable Indoor Pet House
The Best Pet Supplies Portable Indoor Pet House will give your little dog an excellent option for a comfortable place to call his own. There is a plush design to make all sides, and especially the bottom of this house ultra-comfortable, and the lightweight design will allow you to easily move it from room to room or take it with you on the road.
Not only can you toss the removable bottom pillow in the washer, but you can also toss this entire house into the washer to make sure no matter how messy your fur baby is, his home is always fresh and clean.
- Multiple sizes and styles for maximum customization
- Plush design for ultimate comfort
- Removable pillow
- No gate or door
- Pets often chew interior pole
Frequently Asked Questions
There are plenty of indoor/outdoor options, though, that will offer a blend of these two features, should you want to find the best of both worlds.
Article Sources
Pet News Daily uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- Rooney NJ, Clark CCA, Casey RA. Minimizing fear and anxiety in working dogs: A review. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 2016;16:53-64. doi:10.1016/j.jveb.2016.11.001
- The Humane Society of the United States. Crate training 101. Humanesociety.org. Accessed March 28, 2021.
- Gunner. Why Are Dog Kennel Ventilation Systems Important? Gunner.com. Published March 30, 2016. Accessed March 28, 2021.
- Gibson TWG. Gastrointestinal Obstruction in Small Animals. Merckvetmanual.com. Updated June 2020. Accessed April 30, 2021.
- Separation anxiety. aspca.org. Accessed March 28, 2021.
- Sharpe S. How to Crate Train Your Dog in 9 Easy Steps. Akc.org. Published December 23, 2019. Accessed March 28, 2021.
Dr. Melody Aitchison-Steed graduated with her doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the University of California at Davis in 2005. Following graduation, she completed a 1-year rotating internship in small animal medicine and emergency care. After completing her internship, Dr. Aitchison-Steed has practiced small animal general medicine in Southern California. When she’s not practicing medicine, Dr. Aitchison-Steed is usually with her family (a husband and two sweet daughters, two dogs, and a cat!) enjoying the outdoors by hiking and camping, reading, or attending the kids’ sports events.
