Is your dog in the apartment a lot, but doesn’t have a place of its own?
Then I recommend an indoor kennel.
For this article, I researched the best products on the market in 2023.
Based on more than 54 article reviews, I can offer you a comprehensive overview of the top products.
In the end, five indoor doghouses that I would like to introduce to you in this article particularly convinced me.
For me, the wooden Pawhut kennel was the most compelling.
But that doesn’t automatically mean that my favorite product has to be the perfect product for you, too, because after all, everyone has their own requirements and individual needs.
That’s why I picked out four other great kennels. So you have a large selection and can find your own favorite.
But now it’s really time to take a closer look at the products.
Have fun.
My kennel indoor favorites
My indoor kennel test
Pawhut dog kennel indoor made of wood
The Pawhut kennel is made from solid fir wood that has been coated with non-toxic, waterproof paint. The coating ensures that the hut looks more elegant and is more durable.
In order to guarantee good ventilation, the upper part can be tilted. This also makes access to the kennel easier, for example when cleaning.
The lower part can be removed and cleaned much more easily than inside the hut.
The hut stands on four legs that protect your four-legged friend from the cold ground.
The hut can be locked using the integrated wire door so that your dog can no longer get out. The door can also remain open for use in the house.
HobbyDog kennel
The HobbyDog kennel in a classic design is made of fabric. According to the manufacturer, this has increased scratch resistance and is therefore not so easily destroyed by active dogs.
The innovative filling made of high-quality soft foam makes this kennel a particularly soft, cuddly retreat. Your dog will love the comfortable lying feeling.
The filling is anti-allergic. This means that even sensitive dogs can use the kennel without any problems.
It is particularly practical that the roof can be removed. This makes access easier.
The cover of the hut is washable at 30 degrees Celsius.
Sunnykud teepee tent for pets
If you are looking for something special, you can use the Sunnykud tipi dog tent.
The tipi is made of 100% cotton. This material is breathable, machine washable and durable.
The fabric is held in place by 10 pine poles. Also included is a pillow, cotton rope to tie the poles together and five plastic tubes to attach the fabric to the poles. A plaque to write the dog’s name on is also included in the package.
The tipi offers a good view and protects against the sun in summer. The cushion can also be used individually as a dog bed if required.
thematys wooden kennel
The indoor wooden kennel from thematys is very lovingly designed. The beautiful windows and the ventilation slots in the form of bones should be mentioned as examples.
The material is robust and easily withstands scratches. The MDF material repels water and dirt.
The plug-in system can be dismantled for cleaning. Within a few minutes you have the best access to all areas of the hut.
If necessary, the kennel can be locked thanks to the sturdy hinges and the easy-to-use deadbolt lock.
lionto Covered dog lounger
The Lionto dog lounger is an indoor dog kennel made of fabric. The Oxford fabric is water-repellent and therefore also suitable for temporary outdoor use.
The roof can be rolled up on hot days. A mesh fabric then protects the kennel from leaves, insects and other disturbances from above, but allows the air to circulate well.
Raising the kennel protects your darling from wet and cold ground.
To clean the hut, the fabric can simply be wiped off with a damp cloth.
Purchase advice
Why do you need a kennel indoors?
You only know doghouses for outdoors and are wondering why you should definitely think about buying a doghouse for indoor use? I’ll tell you.
Outside, kennels should protect the four-legged friend from bad weather and offer a safe retreat.
If you plan to set up the kennel in the garden or outdoors, then I recommend an insulated dog kennel.
And dogs need exactly such a retreat indoors. They don’t seek shelter from the weather here, but every creature needs a break from the others at some point.
So that your dog can retreat to his own kingdom, it is important to create a place where he can be quiet and not be disturbed. Ideally, this place is built in such a way that the dog can decide for himself whether he wants to look outside and observe his surroundings or he wants to withdraw completely inside.
A kennel provides such an enclosed space. If the dog lies down with its front legs in the entrance, but at the same time it can observe everything around it.
This means that an indoor dog house is more suitable for many dogs than an open dog bed or something similar.
It is important that the dog owner accepts that the dog wants to be left alone as soon as it is in the kennel. There, if possible, people should never disturb the dog and give the animal its own privacy.
What criteria do you have to consider when buying an indoor dog house?
1. Design
An indoor kennel must match the rest of the interior. With wooden huts, for example, it is important to ensure that the type of wood is the same and that the color matches the interior design.
But even with fabric models, it should fit aesthetically. For example, a kennel indoor living room should match the carpet, sofa and curtains.
A successful overall concept is important here, so that the kennel does not look like a foreign body and destroy the beautiful atmosphere.
Depending on their taste, the dog owner can choose whether he wants the kennel to be plain and neutral or colorful and gaudy.
2. Tradability
Regardless of whether you are rearranging the apartment or moving house – it is important that the kennel is easy to handle. This means that the weight should be chosen so that one person can easily move the hut. The dimensions of the hut should also be within reasonable limits to ensure transportability.
3. Functionality
The dog should have a retreat in the house. But actually there is not enough space for a kennel? In such a case, how about a combination product that can be used in different ways?
In order to save space, there are now doghouses that can also be used as furniture, for example as a table or as a shelf.
4. Cleaning
In order for the dog to feel comfortable in his kennel, it must be clean and tidy. Dirt and dirt as well as unpleasant odors mean that your four-legged friend will look for another place to rest.
Therefore, regular cleaning and care of the indoor kennel is important for hygienic reasons. With solid materials you should make sure that they are easily washable.
For fabric, on the other hand, machine washability is the most important point for me.
5. Durability
Anyone who buys a kennel also wants to have something of this product for a while. After all, nobody wants to have to buy a new hut every week.
Therefore, the durability of the hut is an important criterion.
The material should be made in such a way that it can withstand scratches and bites as well as playful romping around.
When it comes to durability, I like to use reports from other users to get an idea of how the product works in practice.
Conclusion: indoor dog house
For me, the Pawhut indoor kennel performed best in the test. The stylish design in combination with the stable fir wood is a good basis. Easy cleaning is also a decisive criterion for me.
I find the possibility of locking the hut practical. Even if I want to leave the hut accessible as a retreat for my dog at all times in everyday life, it can still be necessary to lock it up for a short time – for example when visitors come who are afraid of dogs.
As already mentioned, the choice of an indoor dog house is a very individual decision. Depending on how the house or apartment is furnished, what your preferences are regarding the material and what other details are important to you, you may not like my favorite at all.
If that’s the case, I’m sure one of the other products will suit you better.