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When it’s hot out, many pet parents avoid crating their dogs due to the heat. But sometimes, it’s unavoidable or essential for your pup’s safety. Thankfully, dog parents have discovered a simple summertime solution: dog crate fans.
Pet experts say that along with other cooling methods, like cooling vests and mats, crate fans are a good tool to help keep your pup at a comfortable temperature. They’re especially helpful in warmer climates or for pups with thicker fur—albeit under specific circumstances: when the thermometer reads between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
When the temperature gets higher than that, or if your dog is looking visibly uncomfortable in their crate, it’s best to find cooler territory. But for AC-controlled car trips, supervised downtime on warm days, or summer crate training, a dog kennel fan can make a world of difference.
With these guidelines in mind, here are seven crate fans worth considering. From battery-operated and portable to solar-powered and quiet, we’ve rounded up a variety of dog crate fans so you can keep your pup cool as a cucumber.
- Best Battery-Powered: Lucky Duck Dog Kennel Fan
- Quietest Fan: Treva Crate Fan
- Best Cooling Power: Impact Crate Fan
- Best for Car Travel: Cool Pup Hanging Dog Crate Fan
- Best for Outdoors: Solar Panel Dual Fan Kit
- Best for Large Crates: Ryobi Volt Hybrid Fan
- Most Versatile: Mikikin Portable Clip-On Fan
Best Battery-Powered: Lucky Duck Dog Kennel Fan
This heavy-duty fan by Lucky Duck is ideal for pet parents seeking the strongest wind action. The dual fan design offers maximum airflow, keeping your hot dog cool and comfortable. It includes a rechargeable, long-lasting 12V lithium-ion battery and a charging port in the front. The battery compartment is also water-resistant, protecting it against accidents, spills, and inclement weather. On the low setting, it should run for 8 hours. On high speed, it should last up to 6 hours—ideal for days when your dog spends longer in the crate or car.
While this fan attaches to most wire kennels, reviewers say the bracing bars are oversized and can wobble on standard crates. It’s also not the most affordable dog crate fan, but plenty of pleased buyers think the powerful airflow and long-lasting battery life are worth the extra money.
Key Features:
- Measurements: 10″D x 4″W x 7″H
- Powerful airflow
- Attaches easily to most kennels and crates
- Rechargeable battery
- Two operating speeds
Things to Consider:
- High price point
- May wobble on a standard crate
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Quietest Fan: Treva Crate Fan
For nervous dogs and pet parents who appreciate the quiet, this battery-powered Treva crate fan is reported to be “whisper” quiet. Is it the most powerful crate fan? Not exactly. But if you’re looking for an affordable fan that won’t disturb your dog or household with excess noise, the Treva two-speed fan might be a smart pick.
Clip-on brackets make it a breeze to install, and the compact, folding design means it’s easy to store.
Key Features:
- Measurements: 3.94″D x 7.48″W x 6.3″H
- Quiet design
- Budget-friendly
- Battery-powered
- Two cooling speeds
Things to Consider:
- Runs on two D batteries (not included)
- Not the most powerful crate fan
Best Cooling Power: Impact Crate Fan
This is the crème de la crème of dog crate fans. Equipped with an 8.5-foot-long power plug-in cord, the Impact crate fan provides a steady stream of airflow that cools a space quickly. For anxious and reactive dogs sensitive to outside noise, this little machine creates a soothing sound blocker via white noise. Simply secure it to the crate door, plug it in, and watch your dog relax on those warm summer days.
It’s on the pricier side and only offers one speed, but its five-star rating is accompanied by customer reviews saying it’s well worth the cost. In particular, pet parents rave about this crate fan’s quality, durability, and airflow.
Key Features:
- Measurements: 7″W x 8″H
- Long plug-in cord
- Quick-cooling technology
- Sound doubles as a white noise machine
- 120-volt fan
Things to Consider:
- Only has one speed
- Can’t be used in the car (it has to be plugged in)
Best for Car Travel: Cool Pup Hanging Dog Crate Fan
For pups on the go, the Cool Pup Crate Fan makes car travel in the crate more comfortable. It has all the features you’d want in a travel-friendly fan: It’s compact, battery-operated, attaches to most metal crates, and has a quiet motor that runs on two operating speeds.
A built-in thermometer helps you regulate the temperature so your dog doesn’t get too cool. Pet parents point out, however, that this fan eats through batteries quickly (four Cs are required), which can get expensive if you plan to use it often. But the 6-volt AC adapter can help ease that strain by letting you plug the fan into an outlet.
Key Features:
- Measurements: 3.46″D x 6.57″W x 8.27″H
- Portable
- Quiet design
- Built-in thermometer
- Operates on two speeds
Things to Consider:
- Requires four C batteries
- Runs through batteries quickly
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Best for Outdoors: AntPay Solar Panel Dual Fan Kit
Have a pup who loves to spend time outside, even during the warmer months? This solar-powered dual fan is specifically designed to cool down outside spaces—from kennels and doghouses to chicken coops and sheds. The coated motor prevents damage from rain, and a double metal protection net prevents dogs from injuring themselves with the blades.
One thing to keep in mind is that there’s no built-in battery. Instead, this fan relies entirely on sunlight, which means it works great when the sun is shining. But it won’t be as powerful in weak sunlight or may even stop working altogether.
Key Features:
- Solar Panel Measurements: 7.2″W x 13.7″H
- Fan Measurements: 5.5″W x 11.4″H
- Solar powered
- Weather-proof
- No “ON-OFF” switch
- Has a service life of more than six years
Things to Consider:
- Relies entirely on sunlight: no backup battery or outlet
- Speed is also affected by sunlight
Best for Large Crates: Ryobi 18 Volt Hybrid Fan
With a width of nearly 20 inches, this large dog kennel fan is ideal for bigger breeds. It’s also equipped with a back bracket, handing hooks, screw mounting holes, and a pivoting head to hang and adjust it to your pup’s liking. And, with the push of a button, you can select either a low or high cooling experience.
It is a pricier option on our list, especially since the extension cord, 18-volt battery, and charger come separately. But reviewers like the flexibility of the hybrid design, which delivers cool air to your dog via a battery or a power cord—ideal for areas prone to power outages or pets on the go.
Key Features:
- Measurements: 11.3″D x 19.8″W x 11.65″H
- The wide width makes it ideal for larger dogs
- Corded electric and battery-powered
- Pivoting head allows for adjusted airflow
- Variable speed options
Things to Consider:
- Pricier option
- Extension cord, battery, and charger are sold separately
Most Versatile: Mikikin Portable Clip-On Fan
This fan isn’t technically designed for dog crate use, but we still think it deserves a spot on this list. With its flexible 13-inch neck, rotating design, and strong clamp, you can position this fan virtually anywhere—including your dog’s crate or in the back of the car. The built-in rechargeable battery also adds a unique feature as a portable power bank, letting you charge your phone on the go (great for camping).
A dense net cover keeps paws away from the blades. And unlike other cooling crate fans with only two speeds, this fan offers three-speed settings at a low decibel. Reviewers note that the battery life only lasts a couple of hours, but they don’t mind this setback too much since the fan has such an affordable price point.
Key Features:
- Measurements: 3.7 x 4.6 x 13.2 inches
- USB-rechargeable battery (doubles as a phone power bank)
- Lightweight at 0.49 pounds
- Three-speed settings
Things to Consider:
- Short battery life
How To Pick the Best Dog Crate Fan
When used correctly, crate fans can offer your pet relief from the heat. But what makes one fan better than another? And which type of fan will best suit your pup? Here are some features to look for:
- Battery-powered: These fans eliminate the risk of dogs chewing on cords. If possible, look for rechargeable batteries or efficient fans that won’t eat through batteries more quickly than you can replace them.
- Quiet motor: Some dogs may not mind a whirring fan, but pet parents with nervous dogs who don’t appreciate loud noises will want to prioritize a quiet motor.
- Enclosed blades: Blades should be encased in a cover with small holes that your dog’s paws can’t fit through.
- Multiple speed settings: Variable speeds ensure you can get the airflow right for your dog’s preferences.
- Easy to position: Ideally, you’ll be able to angle the fan so your dog isn’t forced to sit directly in front of it at all times.
Not sure how to use a crate fan safely? We’ve got you covered with a crate fan explainer from the experts.
How We Chose
The dog crate fans featured here were selected based on a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized convenience, durability, battery life, and power. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
Further Reading
- How Do Dog Crate Fans Work, and Are They Effective?
- The Best Dog Cooling Vests and Bandanas to Beat the Summer Heat
- The Best Dog Cooling Mats, Beds, and Pads to Keep a Dog Cool
- The 8 Best Dog Water Fountains for Your Thirsty Pooch
- Dog Thermometers: The Most Important Pet Safety Tool You Probably Don’t Own