If your dog's crate doesn't feel particularly homey, these dog kennel accessories can help make it more comfortable for your pooch.
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9 Dog Kennel Accessories Fido Will Appreciate
Updated on Nov. 05, 2024
For some pet owners, kennels and crates are a must-have. They function simultaneously as a training tool and a dedicated space to help your dog feel safe and secure. But without accessories, a kennel or crate is little more than a cage. That’s why we recommend picking up some accessories to make it more comfortable and homey.
“When selecting and outfitting a kennel or crate, it is important to choose accessories that are durable and easy to maintain,” says pet shop owner Christine Meyer. “Choose items that blend with the décor and environment where the kennel will be located.” We’ve rounded up the most important, essential accessories for your dog’s crate or kennel.
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MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate Cover
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Frisco Dog Crate Replacement Pan
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PETMAKER Stainless Steel Hanging Bowls
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O2COOL Pet Crate Fan
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MidWest Home for Pets Universal Crate Casters
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Frisco Mocha Swirl Dog Crate Mat
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MidWest Homes for Pets Divider Panel
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Groov Training Aid
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On Sale
MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate Cover
One of the most commonly purchased dog kennel accessories is a cover, like this one. The MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate Cover fits snugly over wire crates, covering the sides and top to give your dog privacy and make the space feel more like a den. Crate covers can also help prevent dogs from waking up as soon as the sun comes up, giving you more time to sleep in.
Frisco Dog Crate Replacement Pan
If your crate didn’t come with a floor pan (or if your dog damaged it), you can get one like the Frisco Dog Crate Replacement Pan for cheap. This plastic pan comes in various sizes to fit most wire crates, and there are a few benefits to having one. First, it will give your pup a solid surface to stand on, reducing their risk of getting a nail caught on the crate’s wires. And it also makes it quick and easy to clean up any accidents that might happen in the kennel.
PETMAKER Stainless Steel Hanging Bowls
If your dog is going to be in its crate for an extended period, you can give them food and/or water with the PETMAKER Stainless Steel Hanging Bowls. These come with hangers that attach to the side of a wire crate. Each bowl has a 20-ounce capacity, allowing you to provide your dog with plenty of provisions. Plus, the stainless steel bowls are durable and easy to clean in the dishwasher.
O2COOL Pet Crate Fan
Help your dog cool down on hot days with the O2COOL Pet Crate Fan. The five-inch fan includes two plastic brackets that allow you to clip it onto the exterior of a wire crate, providing a gentle breeze to keep your dog comfortable. Because it’s battery-operated, it’s also a useful tool to bring along if you ever use your dog’s crate in the car.
MidWest Home for Pets Universal Crate Casters
If you plan to travel with your dog’s crate or move it around the house frequently, you can make it significantly more portable with the MidWest Home for Pets Universal Crate Casters. These wheels come in sets of two, so you’ll likely need two packs for a total of four. They can be installed on the bottom of most wire crates. With these wheels installed, you can simply roll the kennel around as needed. The wheels also have locks for when your dog is inside.
Frisco Mocha Swirl Dog Crate Mat
Plastic crate floors aren’t the most comfortable surfaces to sleep on, so your dog will appreciate a product like the Frisco Mocha Swirl Dog Crate Mat. The cozy mat comes in most common crate sizes, and the polyfiber cushion has a plush, velvety surface that’s perfect for snoozing. The non-skid bottom keeps it from moving around. Clean-up is easy; just toss it in the washing machine. It’s like a dog bed for the crate.
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MidWest Homes for Pets Divider Panel
Many people use crates when raising puppies. If you have a kennel that’s too big for your growing dog, the MidWest Homes for Pets Divider Panel will come in handy. This panel can be installed in a wire crate, creating an appropriately sized area for puppies to rest in. In general, you want your dog’s crate to be just big enough for them to stand up and turn around. If it’s any bigger, they’ll have space to go to the bathroom, which defeats the purpose of crate training.
Groov Training Aid
The Groov Training Aid is a useful tool if your dog doesn’t like going into its crate. This cool dog toy attaches to the wall of wire crates; you can spread peanut butter or another food over its nubby surface to encourage your dog to lick the treat. Groov can help calm dogs down and reduce their anxiety about being in the crate, making the experience more positive for them.
Snuggly Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy
When you first bring a puppy home, they often miss sleeping with their litter mates, which can cause them to cry at night. The Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy can help smooth the transition. The cute stuffed animal has a pulsing heartbeat to make them feel like they’re sleeping with another dog. You can even put small heating packs into the Snuggle Puppy to further help your new dog feel right at home in its crate.
Dog kennel accessories may go nicely with these dog kennel designs.
What to Consider When Buying Accessories for a Dog Kennel
A wide variety of accessories for dog kennels can make shopping for them daunting. Below, we’ve outlined some common, essential items to guide you on your shopping journey.
Bedding and Mats
- Comfort and Support: Bedding and mats are all about your dog’s comfort and the support they provide. Like humans, some dogs prefer cushier options, while others like firmer ones, so choosing one that suits your dog is crucial. Support is necessary to ensure your pup’s health and well-being. For older dogs with joint issues, consider mats and bedding with orthopedic support to ease their discomfort.
- Durability: Dogs aren’t easy on furniture, so durable bedding and mats can save you money in the long run. For chew-happy dogs, prioritize chew-resistant options, usually made from tough materials like ballistic and ripstop nylon. Waterproof or water-resistant materials also boost durability by preventing damage from slobber, water and urine. Some mats even come with washable covers for easy cleaning and longer life.
- Size and Fit: It is vital to get bedding and mats properly sized for your dog’s kennel. Oversized beds can cramp the space, while undersized ones won’t provide adequate comfort. Always measure the kennel’s interior and compare it to the bedding’s size before buying.
- Climate Considerations: “Choose an elevated dog bed design in cooler locations for a warmer and more comfortable sleep,” says Meier. “For dogs who prefer to snuggle, choose a covered bed or include a washable blanket to provide extra comfort.”
Kennel Covers and Canopies
- Protection from Elements: For outdoor kennels, a cover or shade can protect your dog from weather. Waterproof covers keep dogs dry during rain, sleet or snow and offer sun protection, especially in warmer months.
- Insulation: Cold weather requires insulation to help your dog stay warm inside the kennel.
- Ventilation and Breathability: While covers shield from rain and sun, your dog needs ventilation to stay comfortable. Some covers have vents or flaps to allow airflow, preventing hot, stagnant air.
Food and Water Bowls
- Design: Some dogs are messy or prone to knocking things over. A bowl with a non-spill design—like one with a wider base and grippy bottom—can be helpful. Some bowls can attach to the crate to prevent tipping.
- Materials: Since dogs aren’t gentle, choose durable, chew-proof bowls for long-lasting use. “Stainless steel removable bowls are easy to wash, fill and replace,” says Meier.
- Sizing: Different-sized dogs require different bowl sizes. Ensure food and water bowls are appropriately sized to your dog’s needs for easy access.
Kennel Pads and Flooring
A pad or flooring under your dog’s bed increases comfort and safety. It also makes cleaning easier, especially if washable or waterproof. Non-slip surfaces offer security for older dogs with joint issues.
Toys and Chews
“Dogs who spend extended time in their kennels need a few toys to choose from,” says Meier. Toys and chews help stimulate their minds and improve health, making kenneling more pleasant. Interactive toys, like puzzles with treats or lick mats, engage their problem-solving skills, provide excellent enrichment and can help reduce boredom and anxiety. For tough chewers, opt for durable, non-toxic toys.
Crate Training Accessories
Divider panels and adjustable interiors can make crate training easier for growing dogs, allowing you to modify the crate space. Potty training pads also help with cleanup during the training phase.
Organizational Solutions
Efficient storage is a useful way to keep a kennel tidy. Accessories like wall hooks, clear storage bins and portable carts can help organize toys, leashes, grooming supplies and cleaning products. Make sure to label these storage options for easier access and to promote cleanliness. This is a great way to maintain a hygienic space for pets.
Why You Should Trust Us
Camryn Rabideau is a shopping writer specializing in fashion, beauty, home, smart technology and general lifestyle content—including articles on pets and pet gear. She regularly contributes to popular media sites such as Martha Stewart, Food52, InStyle, Taste of Home, USA Today, Reviewed.com, The Spruce, Elite Daily and The Everygirl.
For this article, we consulted Christine Meier, co-founder of Wild Love Tails, a site built on a patent-pending platform created by a team of merchants, operators and developers. It is an online space for pet and pet-lover products, information and entertainment. Her expertise in pet accessories proved instrumental in creating this guide.
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.
How We Found the Best Accessories for Dog Kennels
