Dog Kennels
A dog kennel gives your dog a defined space of their own, somewhere to rest, shelter from the weather, or stay safely contained while you get on with your day. This collection brings together dog kennels for indoor and outdoor use, from compact enclosures for smaller breeds to larger kennels with room for a big dog to stand, turn and stretch out.
Use the sections below to work out which type of kennel suits your dog and your space. Dimensions, materials and assembly requirements vary between products, so check the individual listing for exact measurements before you order.
Shop Dog Kennels for Different Needs
Not every dog needs the same kennel. The right choice usually comes down to where the kennel will live, how much room your dog needs, and how much weather protection is required.
Outdoor Dog Kennels
An outdoor dog kennel sits in the yard or garden, so weather resistance matters more than anything else. Look for rust-resistant frames or treated panels, a floor that keeps your dog off wet ground, and a roof or cover that provides shade. Place the kennel somewhere sheltered rather than in full afternoon sun, and add a raised bed or a washable mat inside, our dog beds and dog blankets both work well for this.
Indoor Dog Kennels
Indoor kennels are usually lighter and more open, designed to give a dog a settled corner inside the house rather than to block out weather. Measure the space you plan to use before you buy, including the room needed to swing a door open. A quiet spot away from foot traffic normally works better than a busy hallway, and a soft bed plus a couple of chew-safe dog toys makes the kennel somewhere your dog chooses to go.
Large Dog Kennels
Dog kennels for large dogs need more than extra floor area. Height matters, your dog should be able to stand without ducking, and so does panel strength, because a bigger dog puts more pressure on doors, latches and corners. Check the stated size range or weight guidance on each listing, and look at how the panels connect. Heavier kennels are more stable but harder to move once assembled.
Covered and Roofed Kennels
A dog kennel with a roof adds shade and cover from rain, which is worth having for any enclosure that sits outside for long stretches. Some covers are fixed panels; others are fabric tops you can remove in mild weather. Either way, airflow still matters, so look for a design that shelters your dog without closing the kennel in completely.
How to Choose the Right Dog Kennel
Once you have narrowed down the type, these are the details worth comparing across listings.
Materials and Durability
Metal kennels tend to be the most secure and the easiest to hose down, while plastic and fabric options are lighter and simpler to move or store. For outdoor use, coated or galvanised metal handles rain better than untreated finishes. Whatever the material, check how the panels join, the connections usually give out before the panels do.
Ventilation and Comfort
Airflow stops a kennel getting stuffy in summer, so open mesh or barred sides are generally preferable to solid walls on all four sides. Comfort comes from what you put inside: bedding your dog can settle on, water within reach, and shade if the kennel sits outdoors. A dog feeder or bowl that will not tip over is a useful addition for longer stays.
Security, Cleaning and Assembly
Look closely at the door latch, since that is the part a determined dog will test first. Smooth floors and removable trays make cleaning far quicker. Check whether the kennel arrives flat-packed and what tools you will need, some models clip together by hand, while others need bolts tightening. If you plan to move the kennel between the house, yard and car, weight and fold-down design matter too.
Choosing the Right Kennel Size for Your Dog
Size is the decision most people get wrong. As a general guide, measure your dog from nose to the base of the tail, and from the floor to the top of the head or shoulders while standing. Then allow extra room in both directions so your dog can stand fully upright, turn around comfortably and lie down stretched out.
Bear in mind that brands describe sizes differently. A kennel labelled large by one manufacturer may be closer to another's medium, so rely on the listed dimensions rather than the size name. If you are buying for a puppy, think about the adult size of the breed, buying once for the dog your puppy will become is usually more practical, as long as the space does not feel overwhelming in the meantime. When the kennel is really for travel rather than home use, our dog carriers are often the better fit.
Dog Kennels vs Dog Crates
The two words often get used interchangeably, but shoppers usually mean different things. A dog kennel describes a larger, more permanent enclosure, often outdoors, often with a roof, that gives a dog a space to stay in for longer periods. A crate is typically a smaller, collapsible indoor structure used for training, short-term containment and travel.
Neither is automatically better; they solve different problems. If you need a fixed, weather-protected space in the yard, a kennel makes more sense. If you need something portable for the car or for house training, a crate or carrier is the more practical choice. Whichever you go with, a well-fitted harness, collar and leash make moving your dog in and out easier.
Shop Dog Kennels at Pawtons
Browse the full dog kennels collection above to compare sizes, materials and covered designs, and check each listing for exact dimensions before you order. If you are setting up the space around the kennel at the same time, our dog accessories collection covers the extras that make it comfortable day to day.
Dog Kennel FAQs
What is a dog kennel?
A dog kennel is an enclosed space that gives a dog somewhere secure to rest or stay contained. Kennels are commonly used outdoors, where a roof and solid flooring provide shelter, but indoor versions are also popular as a permanent spot for a dog inside the home.
What size dog kennel do I need?
Measure your dog's length and standing height, then choose a kennel with enough room to stand upright, turn around and lie down fully stretched. Size labels vary between brands, so compare the listed dimensions rather than the name. For a puppy, plan around the adult size of the breed.
Can a dog kennel be used outdoors?
Many kennels in this collection are made for outdoor use, with weather-resistant materials and roof or cover panels. Check the product description to confirm a kennel is intended for outside use, and place it somewhere shaded and sheltered rather than exposed to direct sun or standing water.
What is the difference between a dog kennel and a dog crate?
A kennel is generally a larger enclosure, often outdoors and often roofed, meant to give a dog a longer-term space. A crate is usually a smaller, collapsible indoor structure used for training, short stays and travel. They serve different purposes rather than one replacing the other.
How much does a dog kennel cost?
Price depends mainly on size and materials. Compact indoor enclosures sit at the lower end, while large outdoor kennels with roofing and heavier frames cost more. You can sort this collection by price to see the current range, since pricing changes with stock and any active promotions.
How long can a dog stay in a kennel?
A kennel works best as a resting or containment space, not somewhere a dog spends most of the day. Dogs need regular breaks for exercise, toileting and company, and the right routine depends on age, breed and temperament. Your vet or trainer can advise on what suits your dog.
What should I look for when buying a dog kennel?
Start with the internal dimensions, then check the material, the door latch, ventilation and how easy it is to clean. For outdoor kennels, look for weather protection and a floor that keeps your dog off wet ground. Finally, check the assembly requirements and whether tools are needed.
Where should I put a dog kennel?
Indoors, choose a quiet corner away from heavy foot traffic and direct heat sources. Outdoors, pick level ground with natural shade and good drainage so water does not pool underneath. Keeping the kennel within sight of where the family spends time helps your dog feel less isolated.