9 Top Dog Crate Covers for Breathability, Sound, and More

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• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Dog crate covers can be great accessories to help create a cozy and comfortable den for your dog. There’s a huge range of options out there, all suited to different styles of crate and different purposes.

With the help of Tanya Yim, a certified dog trainer and founder of Denver-based Family Pupz, we’ve rounded up our favorites to do everything from block light or UV rays, create a cool or insulated environment, or help reduce external stimuli so your dog can rest.

Not sure where to start or how to use crate cover safely? Hop down to our explainer, then read on for our top picks.

Best Overall Dog Crate Cover: MidWest Dog Crate Cover

The MidWest dog crate cover is made from a cotton and polyester blend that’s treated with a coating to repel stains and oils. While it’s made to fit the popular MidWest brand wire crates, it’s compatible with a lot of the wire crate options out there (just be sure to take measurements before you order).

Each of the panels of this crate cover can be fastened with hook and loop closures, moderately dampening sound while also allowing for good air flow. We like that it works with a variety of crate configurations (you can set it up so the open side is your pet’s favorite door) and can be machine washed and dried after an especially muddy camping trip.

Remember to place any covered crate out of the sun, even when indoors.

What We Like:

• Design allows use of both front and side doors on two-door crates
• Can be machine washed and dried
• Side panels, which are held closed by hook and loop, can be rolled up and fastened to allow ventilation and a view
• Comes in six sizes, from 22 to 48 inches

To Consider:

• Be sure to measure your crate before ordering

Best Small Dog Crate Cover: Molly Mutt Crate Covers

It can be tricky to find crate covers for especially small kennels—but Molly Mutt fits the bill. This crate cover is available in a huge range of sizes (including a tiny 24-inch), and it stands out as an especially stylish option for wire crates, since it comes in well over a dozen patterns and textures.

The cover is versatile enough for crates with both front and side doors, and each of the panels snaps closed to help create the right amount of air flow. We especially appreciate that it’s machine washable.

What We Like:

• Available for 24- to 54-inch wire crates
• Can use both front and side crate doors
• Panels snap closed
• Provides a quiet crate experience
• Panel rolls up neatly to allow ventilation or more light

To Consider:

• Best for indoor use

Best Large Crate Cover: Explore Land Dog Crate Cover

The Explore Land Dog Crate Cover comes in five sizes and is designed to be compatible a wide range of wire crates, including an extra large 52-inch option for giant breed crates. It’s made from durable and windproof Oxford and fastens easily with zippers on all four sides. We like that it gives pet parents the option for two doors and includes a mesh window for ventilation and visibility.

Though this crate describes itself as having a “universal fit,” you’ll still want to measure carefully, since a loose crate cover can sometimes be pulled into a crate and chewed by an enterprising pup.

What We Like:

• Fits most wire crates and is available in six sizes, up to 2XL
• Zippered enclosures
• Durable and windproof fabric
• Optional mesh window included

To Consider:

• Measure before ordering
• Hand wash recommended

Best Waterproof Dog Crate Cover: Yotache Dog Crate Cover

The Yotache Dog Crate Cover gets great reviews for its versatility. It can be used indoors or out, thanks to an all-weather cover made of dense and durable polyester fabric that’s windproof, weatherproof, and waterproof. It comes with an attachable mesh window screen for one side that allows ventilation, light, and a view while keeping insects out.

Two sides roll up for added ventilation, and the cover fits over a crate using hook and loop fasteners. The cover can be hand-washed; the manufacturer does not recommend machine wash or dry.

What We Like:

• Waterproof and weatherproof
• Comes in seven sizes, from 18 to 48 inches
• Material is breathable high-density polyester

To Consider:

• Hand-wash only
• Measure your crate to ensure fit

Best Dog Crate Cover for Blocking Light: Kefit Durable UV-Blocking Cover

The Kefit UV-blocking cover is another popular choice for outdoor use, since it features a heavy-duty polyester cloth with an anti-UV coating that’s especially good at keeping out light. When your pup is ready for some sunshine again, the cover rolls up and includes a small window for improved ventilation. The entrance is secured by a zipper, and each corner uses elastic toggles—which do poke through the bars on most wire crates, so chewers beware.

Some reviewers have also noted that the window doesn’t have a mechanism to secure it in the wind, so several added Velcro strips of their own.

What We Like:

• Provides UV protection with ventilation
• Available in six sizes, from 24″ to 54″
• Uses heavy-duty durable polyester cloth
• Protects from light and noise

To Consider:

• Measure before ordering
• Hand-wash is recommended

Best for Indoor-Outdoor Use: Precision Pet Products Indoor/Outdoor Crate Cover

The hardy Precision Pet Indoor/Outdoor crate cover works well for a wide range of environments, with waterproof nylon canvas roll-up panels, zippers, and reenforced double-stitching at the corners to prevent tears. Roll-up windows add ventilation and visibility when the weather is nice.

Anytime you are using a crate cover in warm weather, dog trainer Tanya Yim recommends monitoring your dog, making sure they have plenty of water, and measuring the temperature both inside and outside the crate. Crate temperatures can become too hot, even when indoors. If you need some options for cooling, consider a crate fan.

What We Like:

• Available in five sizes, from 24 to 48 inches
• Only the front/end door can be used with this cover
• Top panel can also be opened
• Uses zippers and reenforced double stitching

To Consider:

• Measure before ordering to ensure proper fit
• Windows are open; no mesh
• Always monitor temperatures when using outdoors

Best for Outdoor Use: HiCaptain Polyester Crate Cover

For prolonged outdoor use, you may want something even sturdier than the other examples on our list. This HiCaptain cover features 600D durable polyester fabric that is wind- and waterproof and includes a roll-up mesh window for added ventilation and visibility. It has two zippered roller shades that all work for front and side crate doors, plus toggles to help the cover stay firmly in place. This crate cover comes in multiple sizes, from 22″ to 48″, making it one of the more versatile options for many different crate sizes.

What We Like:

• Features durable polyester fabric that is wind and waterproof
• Offers UV protection
• Uses zippered entries and includes a mesh window
• Sizes range from 22 to 48 inches

To Consider:

• Different color options have varying degrees of UV protection; check your needs against each color choice
• Hand-wash recommended
• Measure before ordering to ensure fit
• Always monitor temperatures when using outdoors

Best for Plastic Crates: Mud River Dixie Insulated Kennel Cover

Plastic crates are typically already better at blocking noise and light than wire ones—so a lot of pet parents in the market for a crate cover for a plastic kennel are looking for insulation.

The Mud River Dixie Insulated Kennel Cover works well in that regard, since it’s made with an insulated fabric that helps to retain and reflect a dog’s body heat. Window flaps on the side help with ventilation—and the manufacturers recommend you use them, even when it’s chilly out.

The Mud River cover is also excellent at blocking out external noise, which can be especially helpful when camping. The range of sizes is limited (medium to large), as it’s intended for sporting breeds.

What We Like:

• Comes in four sizes, 32 to 40 inches
• Has multiple storage pockets on the outside for gear, food, and toys
• Features two handles for carrying

To Consider:

• Not machine-washable; consider spraying with a hose to keep clean
• Intended for plastic travel-style crates
• Measure before ordering to ensure fit

Best Insulated: ArcticShield Insulated Kennel Cover

This insulated sport travel crate cover is similar to the Mud River option, but with a little less fuss, as it lacks the outside pockets. It’s a heavy-duty cold weather crate cover that’s weatherproof in rain, snow, and wind. We like it for cool-weather camping or outdoor sports. It has two zippered windows on the sides for ventilation (important to use, even in cold weather), plus three adjustable straps with buckles to secure a fit.

What We Like:

• Heavy-duty cold weather crate; weatherproof in rain, snow, and wind
• Patented insulated fabric retains your dog’s body heat
• Features zippered windows for ventilation

To Consider:

• Limited size availability
• Fits over the top of plastic crates with opening at the bottom
• Measure before ordering to ensure fit

How To Choose a Safe Dog Crate Cover

When selecting the right dog crate cover, there are a few key factors to consider.

First, you’ll want to take into account the problem you’re trying to solve, or the environment you’re aiming to create. Some dog crate covers are designed primarily for indoor use to block light and noise. Others are heavily weatherproofed for outdoor use, offering insulation from wind and rain or protection from UV rays.

Next, you’ll want to take into account your dog’s preferences—do they need an especially quiet or dim space to combat anxiety, or does full coverage make them nervous?

Most important of all is safety. Tanya Yim, a certified dog trainer and founder of Denver-based Family Pupz, specializes in positive-reinforcement training and has some advice for pet parents who are considering dog crate covers.

She notes that dog crate covers need to be made from non-toxic materials and provide plenty of ventilation, with a close fit and windows, preferably mesh, to help create good airflow.

When you’re first testing your new crate cover, you’ll want to be sure to observe your dog closely and make sure they shows signs of being comfortable. If your dog is slow to take to the new environment, try introducing the cover for short periods until they show signs that they are comfortable. While some dogs naturally take to covers, others may feel claustrophobic.

Dog crate covers can be used to effectively minimize sounds for dogs—especially sounds that may make dogs nervous, such as fireworks or thunderstorms. However, Tanya notes that noise-minimizing covers should not be used to address behavioral problems. Noise muffling covers can be used with other positive training tools, such as exercise and mental stimulation, which also help to reduce anxiety in nervous pups.

How We Chose

We selected these crate covers based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with expert trainers. We prioritized versatile designs, secure fastenings, protective qualities for a range of environments, and washable covers to help pet parents create the right environment for their pups. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated dogs, who are never stingy with their feedback.

Further Reading

• Do You Need a Dog Crate Fan? Experts Review Their Safety & Effectiveness
• The Best Dog Crates for Stress-Free Travel 
• How to Crate Train a Puppy