5 Best Indoor Dog House Review in 2023

Although we enjoy playing and spending time with our dogs, there are times when these canine friends demand some time of their own. In most cases, dogs demand a quiet and enclosed space where they can relax and satisfy their denish instincts.

For that reason, you need a cozy place for your dog to relax. In most cases, the best indoor dog house is exactly what you need. Other than giving them a space to relax, a dog house allows your pup to develop an attachment with your home as he has a space he can call his own.

Now, choosing a dog house might seem like a straightforward task. Whether the kennel is for crate training or just for your dog to relax in, there’s a wide selection of options available to choose from. Since this can be a tad overwhelming, this guide has offered to narrow down the huge selection to discuss only five decorative indoor dog houses that will suit your demands.

Are Indoor Dog Houses Worth it?

Yes, they are. Indoor dog houses are convenient options for myriad reasons. First, if your dog is shy and anxious about other dogs, a cute indoor dog house will provide a safe and secure place where he/she will feel safe.

Also, if you have sibling dogs that fight a lot, an indoor dog house will allow you to separate them.

Lastly, if you usually feel guilty locking your dog inside a crate, the best indoor dog house will offer you an exceptional alternative.

Comparison Chart:

5 Best Indoor Dog Houses Review 2023

1. Petsfit Indoor Dog House – Best for Small Dogs

The Petsfit Indoor Dog House is a cabin-style dog house that happens to be our first pick. The kennel is made from solid pine wood that happens to be durable, stable, and amazingly portable. The house is a wooden 2-in-1 piece that serves as a dog house and an exquisite piece of furniture. With that said, let’s explore some more features that make this piece an excellent choice.

Lightweight

If you have an indoor wooden dog house, then you’re likely to complain about the weight. With the Petsfit Indoor Dog House, this is a thing of the past as this kennel only weighs 11lbs making it easy to carry.

Easy Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning, this dog house offers you a lot of conveniences. First, it has a removable floor, and second, it has a foldable roof that’s supposed by metallic hinges and a folding arm.

Multipurpose

The Petsfit Indoor Dog House is not just a dog house, this kennel can serve as a cat house, a side table, a cat litter box, or just a decorated piece of furniture.

Natural Wood Material

About the construction, this kennel is made from solid pine wood that’s strong and durable. The pinewood used is open to customization and can be painted in different colors to match your interior décor.

For Small Pets

Lastly, the Petsfit Indoor Dog House is specifically designed for small pets such as puppies, cats, and dog breeds with small bodies. The kennel measures 19.7”L×19.7”W×19”H and weighs 11lbs.

Technical Specs

• Brand: Petsfit
• Material: Pine Wood
• Dimensions: 19.7L×19.7W×19H (Inches)
• Weight: 11lbs
• Design: Open Door
• Dog Size: Small Dogs/Cats

Quick Facts

• The Petsfit Indoor Dog House has raised feet that elevate the floor to keep your pup dry.
• The feet have plastic covers to prevent the wood from rotting or getting damaged by water.
• Lastly, this kennel has pre-drilled holes that make assembly easy.

Pros:

The natural wood used is very attractive
Can serve as a dog house and as a piece of furniture
Perfect for both dogs and cats
Pre-drilled holes make assembly easy
Raised feet keep the dog dry

Cons:

The wood used breaks into splinters easily
Not as sturdy

Summary

The Petsfit Indoor Dog House is one of the best indoor dog house and for a good reason. First, this dog house is medium-sized making it ideal for medium to small-sized pets. Secondly, it has an attractive natural color that makes it an exquisite piece of furniture. Lastly, this kennel is easy to clean and assemble.

2. Unipaws Furniture Style Dog Crate – Best Wooden Dog House

If one of your top priorities is getting a dog house that offers ample ventilation, then you’ll definitely love the unipaws Furniture Style Dog Crate.

Multifunctional

Now, just as the name implies, this kennel is a 2-in-1 piece that serves as a kennel and as a piece of furniture. It has a wide top that doubles as a coffee table, a nightstand, a side stand, and an end stand.

Ample Ventilation

Just as we mentioned earlier, the unipaws Furniture Style Dog Crate offers ample ventilation and a 360° view of the surrounding when your dog is resting inside.

Very Solid

To those searching for chewy indoor dog houses, this kennel is a superb pick. Constructed from durable pressed wood and wire, this dog house is solid enough to prevent strong chewing dogs from damaging the structure.

Double Lockable Doors

One lovable feature of this dog house is the double lockable doors on the front. These doors offer you ample space to access the inside when cleaning or placing a warm blanket for your furry pal. These doors are also lockable for peace of mind.

Soft Pet Bed

Instead of sleeping on the cold wooden floor, unipaws has added a waterproof pet bed in the package where your dog can lie and sleep on. The bed is cozy, soft, and warm giving your pup every reason to enjoy his/her sleep.

For Medium Dogs

Lastly, the unpaws Furniture Style Dog Crate is specifically designed for small to medium-sized dogs. This kennel has interior dimensions of 21.2″W x 29.7″D x 23.2″H  and exterior dimensions of 23″W x 32″D x 26″H. This kennel weighs 55 pounds and is capable of enduring dogs weighing up to 150lbs.

Technical Specs

• Brand: Unipaws
• Material: Wood
• Dimensions: 23″W x 32″D x 26″H
• Weight: 55 Pounds
• Design: Crate
• Dog Size: Medium-Sized Dogs Weighing up to 150 Pounds

Quick Facts

• The unpaws Furniture Style Dog Crate has grilled doors on the front and sides to offer ample ventilation. Besides, this design allows your dog to view the surrounding giving them some peace of mind.
• This kennel has a wide top that doubles as a kennel and as a piece of furniture where you can place some of your decorative essentials.
• The interior is wide enough to fit a warm waterproof bed for your furry pal during those chilly months.

Pros:

Double door design
Ample ventilation
Doors are lockable
Comes with a dedicated pet bed

Cons:

Wood pieces are easy to crack
Backside is unfinished

Summary

The unpaws Furniture Style Dog Crate is a top consideration when searching for a wooden crate house. This best indoor dog house is designed to offer ample ventilation for your furry pal when sleeping. It also offers your dog a perfect 360° view of the surroundings thanks to the caged walls. Lastly, this kennel comes with a warm waterproof dog bed to keep your dog warm and comfortable when sleeping.

3. ECOFLEX Dog Crate – Best for Large Dogs

New Age Pet is a brand that manufactures dog houses of different sizes. The ECOFLEX Dog Crate is among the pet houses made by this brand. Polished with a dark Espresso paint, this dog house has a medium size that makes it ideal for medium to large-sized dogs.

Made of ECOFLEX

One of the major selling points of this kennel is the superior construction. Here, New Age Pet has used ECOFLEX material that’s a non-toxic blend of reclaimed wood and recycled plastic. This material doesn’t absorb odors and is very easy to clean.

Secure

Another eye-catching feature of this medium indoor dog house is the high sense of security it offers. This is all thanks to the stainless steel tubing that helps to keep the dogs inside.

Easy to Clean

When it comes to cleaning, the ECOFLEX Dog Crate allows you to easily clean the inside floor by just taking off the top table. Besides, the door can be opened to provide additional space to access the interior.

Elegant Design

Now, other than serving as a dog house, this kennel doubles up as a fashionable piece of furniture that can serve as a decorative side table or end table.

Suits Medium to Large Dogs

Lastly, the ECOFLEX Dog Crate is a perfect home for medium to large-sized dogs. This crate has external measurements of 29.5L x 21.1W x 25.2H (inches) and interior measurements of 26.8L x 17.7 W x 20.9H (inches). It weighs 33 pounds and is ideal for dogs weighing up to 50lbs.

Technical Specs

• Brand: New Age Pet
• Material: A Blend of Wood & Recycled Plastic
• Dimensions: 29.5 in. L x 21.1 in. W x 25.2 in. H
• Weight: 33 Pounds
• Design: Crate
• Dog Size: Medium to Large-Sized Dogs Weighing 50lbs

Quick Facts

• Offers a secure space for dogs to hang out. However, you need to note that this crate only suits dogs that are crate trained.
• Made from a blend of reclaimed wood and recycled plastic. This makes it moisture, stain, and odor resistant.
• Lastly, this best indoor dog house can be painted in any color of your choice to match your interior décor.

Pros:

Comes in an elegant espresso color
Made from a blend of plastic and wood
Light enough for easy mobility
The top is removable for easy cleaning
Crate design offers ample air circulation

Cons:

Not the best for chewing dogs
The tubes are weak and easy to bend

Summary

The ECOFLEX Dog Crate is an excellent indoor dog shelter that suits dogs that are already crate trained. This kennel is made from a plastic/wood composite called ECOFLEX. This material is strong and capable of maintaining its shape without cracking or warping.

The door and the sides are fitted with stainless steel tubes and latches that prevent your pets from getting out when locked. This kennel has excellent ventilation and is quite light making mobility a breeze.

4. Petsfit Dog House Cat Houses for Indoor Cats – Best Dog House With Stairs

The Petsfit Dog House is an interesting kennel that suits small pets such as cats, chickens, rabbits, and small dog breeds. To those searching for a 2 story indoor dog house, this kennel is a worthy pick as it allows your furry pal to rest at the bottom or at the top balcony. So, why is this dog house an excellent pick?

2 Story Design

The Petsfit Dog House is a 2 story kennel that has an enclosed room at the bottom and a balcony at the top. The stairs have a distance of 3.6” apart and each staircase has a length of 6.5”.

Ideal for Small Dogs

When it comes to the dimensions, this dog house has an overall size of 27.6”L x 19.3”W x 25.6”H with interior dimensions of 17.8”L x 17”W x 13.8”H. With such a size, this dog house is ideal for small pets such as cats, chickens, rabbits, and small dog breeds.

Easy Assembly

When it comes to the assembly, this dog house has pre-drilled holes that make it easier for you to put together.

Weatherproof Paint

The Petsfit Dog House is made from solid kiln-dried cedar. To boost longevity, Petsfit has painted the wood with weatherproof-based paint to make it waterproof and impossible to crack and warp.

Lockable Door

While some models have unlockable doors, this one has a lockable door to keep your pet safely inside. The door and the window have corrosion-proof tubes and latches that are strong and very rigid.

Removable Bottom Panel

Since this is an indoor dog house, keeping it clean at all times is very important. For that reason, Petsfit has designed the floor with a removable bottom panel to make cleaning an easy process.

Technical Specs

• Brand: Petsfit
• Material: kiln-dried cedar
• Dimensions: Exterior Dimensions;6”L x 19.3”W x 25.6”H &
• Interior Dimensions: 17.8”Lx17”Wx13.8”H
• Weight: 24.8 Pounds
• Design: 1-Story Design
• Dog Size: Small Dogs

Quick Facts

• The Petsfit Dog House has an arc door and a square window with corrosion-resistant tubes to allow air circulation to the inside.
• The 2 story design is quite interesting as it allows you to separate your pets to have one sleep on the balcony and the other at the bottom.
• This best indoor dog house is made from kiln-dried cedar and painted with weatherproof-based paint to make it waterproof.

Pros:

Has a lockable opening
Polished with a weatherproof based paint
Ideal for small pets
2 story design

Cons:

The door dimensions are quite small
The construction seems poor

Summary

The Petsfit Dog House is a cute kennel that has a 2 story design. This design allows you to fit two dogs or a dog and a cat by having one sleep at the bottom and the other on the top balcony. The interior has a moderate size that fits small-sized dogs or adult cats. This kennel is well ventilated and has a removable floor that makes cleanup a breeze.

5. PAWISE Portable Soft Dog Crate – Best Portable Dog House

Claiming the remaining position is none other than the PAWISE Portable Soft Dog Crate. While most of the kennels we’ve discussed here are solid structures, this one is made of fabric that’s easy to fold and carry. So, what makes this kennel a superb pick?

Light and Portable

Now, the PAWISE Portable Dog Crate is marketed as a lightweight and portable kennel. This dog house is made from a solid mesh fabric that lets you fold and carry it wherever you go.

Very Convenient

Other than being light and portable, this luxury indoor dog house for small dogs is very convenient. While at home, the kennel can be erected and placed anywhere within the house. When traveling, this dog house can be folded and packed or it can be placed in the backseat of your car for your pet to sit on.

Airy and Comfortable

The PAWISE Portable Dog Crate has three mesh doors on the front and sides to allow ample air circulation. This allows ample sunlight to get through in the morning while enhancing breathability.

Small Size

When it comes to the size, this dog house is specifically built to suit small-sized dogs. This is demonstrated by its medium size which measures 26″x18″x21″.

Technical Specs

• Brand: PAWISE
• Material: Fabric
• Dimensions: 26″x18″x21″
• Weight: 5.12 Pounds
• Design: Crate
• Dog Size: Small Dogs

Quick Facts

• The PAWISE Portable Dog Crate has a strong steel frame that keeps the structure strong and erected.
• The doors have mesh fabric panels with velcro closures to provide both ventilation and insulation depending on the weather conditions.
• This best indoor dog house is waterproof and has a non-slip bottom to prevent it from shifting.

Pros:

Soft and cozy interior for dogs to rest on
Lightweight and portable
Installation doesn’t need any tools
Highly ventilated
Suits puppies and small dog breeds

Cons:

Susceptible to dirt
The zippers break easily

Summary

The PAWISE Portable Dog Crate is a fantastic pick if you’re looking for a dog crate that’s lightweight and easy to carry. Made from heavy-duty fabric with mesh windows, this kennel offers a lot of flexibility that’s essential to your dog. Ventilation is well taken care of and the interior floor is fluffy enough to keep your furry pal comfortable when resting.

Why Choose the Best Indoor Dog House?

Although we’ve discussed some of the fancy dog houses indoors for large and small dogs, most people must be wondering whether it’s really necessary to get a kennel. Does it serve the intended purpose in your home? Well, in this section, we’re going to answer this exact question.

It’s a Safe Spot

First and foremost, an indoor dog house serves as a safe spot for dogs with high anxiety. So, if your dog is scared or maybe it’s feeling unsafe when exposed to people and other pets, then an indoor dog house can serve as a convenient spot for them to rest in.

Good For Crate Training

If you’re training your pup to potty seat, an indoor dog house with locking door is ideal for this task. This type of kennel will help you to monitor your dog and to ensure that it stays indoors when it’s time to poop.

Boost the Dog’s Psychological Health

Now, we know that dogs have denning instincts just like their wild ancestors. So, to ensure that you satisfy these instincts, you should gift them an indoor kennel. Secondly, indoor kennels give your dog a sense of belonging as they develop a sense of possession, especially when they’re aware the house belongs to them.

Factors to Consider When Buying an Indoor Dog House (Buyer’s Guide)

Size:

If you’re a pet parent, it doesn’t take rocket science to note that a Chihuahua and a Rottweiler can’t fit in the same dog house. This is the reason why it’s important to consider the size of your dog before deciding on what to get.

In most cases, the best indoor dog house should provide ample space for the dog to stand up, turn around and lie down without getting squeezed. Other than keeping your dog comfortable, your kennel should have extra space to fit some toys and a dog bowl.

Material:

Other than the size, the type of material used to construct your kennel will have a huge influence on your overall decision-making. In most cases, you’ll come across different materials such as wood, plastic, fabric, and mesh. While each of these materials is incredible in its capacity, each has its own pros and cons that distinguish it from the rest.

For instance, wood is durable, strong, and blends in beautifully with other interior furniture. However, it’s heavy and harder to clean.

Plastic, on its side, is lightweight and easy to clean. However, it’s susceptible to scratches and chewing if your dog is a strong chewer.

Lastly, a soft indoor dog house made of fabric or mesh is lightweight, portable, and easily collapsible. They’re also inexpensive and easy to handle.

Ventilation & Insulation:

When choosing a dog house, you need to check whether it’s perfectly ventilated. If you live in areas that get really hot, you need to ensure that your kennel has sufficient air circulation.

On the other hand, you need to check whether the kennel is properly insulated. Proper insulation is key in any dog house as it helps to keep your dog warm during chilly months.

Portability & Ease of Assembly:

If you’re searching for the best indoor dog house for large dogs, then you need to consider its weight, especially if you’ll be moving the kennel from one room to another. Also, if you’re planning to carry the kennel with you during trips or outside when the weather is favorable, then a lightweight structure will be highly essential.

About the assembly, you need to get a dog house that’s easy to put together. One with pre-drilled holes or a pop-up design is highly essential when it comes to ease of assembly. After all, no one likes to put together a structure, especially if you have other things to attend to.

Appearance:

When it comes to appearance, a luxury indoor dog house is what you’ll definitely pick over anything else. Since the dog house is to be used indoors, you need to get a dog house that’s attractive and one that matches your interior décor.

Security & Durability:

Lastly, you need to consider the durability of the kennel and the amount of security it offers. Your dog house should be durable enough to withstand damages such as scratches and chewing. It should also offer a high level of security by keeping your dog indoors and not allowing them to break out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Dogs Like Indoor Dog Houses?

Of course, they do. You see, dogs are creatures with strong denning instincts. For this reason, they enjoy sleeping in a comfortable enclosed space where they’re not disturbed. But, other than providing privacy, a dog house, especially a modern indoor dog house can serve as a piece of furniture where you can display some of your important valuables.

How to Keep House Clean With Indoor Dog

According to statistics, most homes in the USA and across the globe have a 4-legged pal. But, if you ask most people, keeping the house clean is not just a walk in the park. So, how do you keep your indoors clean when you have a dog?

• First, you need to conduct regular cleaning of the house to remove pet hair, pet dander, shredded paper towels, urine stains, and vomit. This will help you to remove any build-up of germs, bacteria, and any infections that might affect other pets in case they get contaminated.
• Secondly, you need to groom your dog regularly using the recommended grooming products. Here, you need to wash your dog and remove loose hair from its coat using lint rollers and rubber brushes.
• Lastly, cover your furniture with bed sheets and blankets whenever your dog climbs on. This is to keep your furniture clean from pet hair or any accidental mess.

Who Should Buy an Indoor Dog House?

• The best indoor dog house is necessary if you’re planning to crate-train your pup.
• Also, if you’re worried about your dog’s security and you’re not comfortable seeing her roam from one room to another, then a dog house will allow you to lock her in to avoid any mess.
• If you have a dog with high anxiety or two puppies that have a “sibling rivalry”, then you can get a partitioned dog house to lock both dogs in separate rooms.

Why does your dog need an Indoor Dog House?

Just as we mentioned earlier, dogs are creatures with strong denning instincts. So, to satisfy their denning behavior, it’s good when you gift them an enclosed space where they can sleep and relax privately.

How To Find The Best Dog House?

Finding a dog house that will suit your dog’s demands is not easy. In most cases, you’ll come across multiple brands that promise to offer high-quality dog houses that are durable and secure. While most of the information is just marketing strategy, the best place to find authentic information is from customer reviews or credible sources such as this specific buyer’s guide.

Where Is The Best Location For An Indoor Dog House?

While a crate is considered a perfect home for indoor dogs, one thing that is likely to leave you stranded is where to place the crate. Now, dogs are considered social animals and real members of a family. For that reason, they need to be close to their pet parents.

So, one area you can choose to place a soft indoor dog house is a busy area with a lot of traffic. This can be in the kitchen, living room, or dining area.

But, if you have an introvert dog or one that doesn’t like too much noise or high foot traffic, especially from guests, then you can consider placing the dog crate in a quiet corner where there’s less disturbance.

Lastly, if you’re dealing with a puppy, a rescued dog, or a dog that has been recently separated from her foster family, then you can consider placing the crate in your bedroom. This way, you’ll manage to pamper the dog to make her feel loved and secure.

Can I Use My Indoor Dog House Outside?

Yes, you can. However, considering variables such as bad weather, keeping the best indoor dog house outside can expose it to rapid wear and tear as the structure is not built to withstand such outdoor stress. However, if the weather is calm and sunny, then you can place the kennel outside for your dog to enjoy the sun.

Are Indoor Dog Houses Expensive?

Well, this will depend on your demand. If you’re looking for a simple ordinary dog crate, then you can get it at a much lower price. However, if you’re searching for a luxurious 2-story dog house, then this one will be available at a much higher price range. In most cases, a dog house can range anywhere from $50 to upwards of $8,000 depending on what you need.

Are There Certain Types Of Dogs That Should Stay Indoors Instead Of Outside?

When you think of a dog, what comes to mind is an outdoor dog with high protective, social, and loyal temperament. While that’s the case with most dogs, there are certain dog breeds that are introverts.

These dogs are calm, gentle, and enjoy staying indoors rather than engaging in physical activities outside. A large indoor dog house with door is a great fit for such dogs as you only need to entertain them with toys and they’re good to go. So, which are some of the dogs that enjoy staying indoors rather than outdoors?

• The Shar-Pei
• Pug
• Maltese
• Japanese Chin
• Finnish Lapphund
• French Bulldog
• Cotton De Tulear
• Chow Chow
• Chihuahua
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Bull Dog
• Basset Hound
• American Hairless Terrier

Final Verdict

Whether it’s a large structure or the best small indoor dog house, your dog deserves a quality home for them to feel safe, secure, and comfortable. In this guide, we’ve discussed five high-quality dog houses that are every dog’s wish.

Since it’s overwhelming to choose one dog house over the other, we’ve managed to pick the Petsfit Dog House as our overall best. Featuring a 2-story design, this dog house has an upper and a lower deck where your dog can rest in.

The upper balcony allows your dog to socialize with the surroundings while the lower deck provides her with security in case she needs to be alone.

To those looking for the best indoor dog house for large dogs, then the ECOFLEX Dog Crate is a remarkable pick. Made from ECOFLEX, a blend of recycled plastic and reclaimed wood, this dog house is large, strong, and extremely resistant to warping and cracking.

With that said, we believe that this guide has provided some value. So, the next time you go out in search of a dog house, don’t forget to read this guide as it has everything you need to make an informed decision.

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