Your dog’s outdoor kennel definitely needs a roof to keep the weather out. But aren’t all dog kennel roof ideas ugly and practical?
Not so! We’ve trawled the net to sniff out some fabulous kennel cover ideas that you can use to smarten up your dog’s den.
Read this listicle to discover nine stylish, practical outdoor dog kennel roof ideas for a perfect pup palace!
Table of Contents
9 Outdoor Dog Kennel Roof Ideas You’ll Love!
In this part of our guide, you’ll discover our favorite nine ideas for outdoor kennel roofs that we think you’ll love!
1. Nickanny’s UV Rated Kennel Cover
This kennel cover is designed to protect your dog from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
The cover comes with everything you need to fit it, including grommets and cable ties. The USA-made protective cover is made from 100% UV-treated high-density polyethylene and can reduce the temperature inside your pet’s kennel by as much as 15 degrees F.
The water-resistant cover has been built to work effectively for many years and comes in different sizes to suit virtually every kennel. No additional tools are needed to install the cover, and full instructions are provided with the kit.
2. Simple Kennel Roof
This detailed YouTube tutorial shows you how to construct an outdoor wire mesh kennel and fit it with a practical water-resistant cover that keeps out the sun and rain.
The kennel has adequate ventilation, and the waterproof UV-resistant cover ensures that your dog stays cool, comfortable, and protected against the elements.
3. Sunblock Shade Tarp Panel
This UV-resistant sunblock shade tarp panel provides a simple summertime solution to the problem of strong sunshine.
The tarp is made from breathable mesh blocks that dramatically reduce the temperature to create a comfortable environment for your pet. The kit comes with everything you need to attach the tarp to a wire mesh kennel, and the heavy-duty fabric has reinforced edges for longevity.
You can also use the tarp to shade your veggies and patio area if you need to!
4. Cheap Tarp Roof Solution
If you have some basic DIY skills, you could build a practical roofing solution for your dog’s kennel at a minimal cost.
This video tutorial shows you how to construct a simple wooden framework and fix a weatherproof tarp to it, blocking out the rain, snow, and powerful sun. This is the perfect dog kennel design for an outdoor dog house.
5. Neocraft My Pet Companion Dog Kennel With Roof
If you’re looking for a new outdoor kennel for your pet, this offering from Neocraft might be the ideal solution.
This mesh outdoor portable kennel comes complete with a 600D polyester, PVC-coated roof. The roof is fitted to keep sun, rain, snow, and debris out of your dog’s den, and the roof pitch design enables water and light snow to run off instead of accumulating and damaging the roof.
The collapsible kennel comes with everything you need for simple, quick assembly and can be set up in minutes without the need for extra tools.
6. Corrugated Kennel Roof
This video tutorial teaches you how to create a corrugated kennel roof to keep your dog dry in wet weather. A corrugated sheet metal roof is practical and inexpensive and should last quite a few years.
The main drawback to a corrugated roof is that it can be very noisy in a hailstorm or during heavy rain. Also, unless your dog’s kennel is very well-ventilated, a metal roof can trap the heat inside the kennel on a warm day, making the environment uncomfortable for your pet.
However, this homemade kennel roof can protect your dog’s kennel in minutes.
7. Temporary Tarp Roof
This idea for an outdoor kennel roof is very simple and cheap to do. Simply drape a large piece of waterproof UV-resistant cover over a metal mesh dog kennel to keep out showers and the sun.
If you want this roof to be a more permanent solution for your dog’s outdoor shelter, you’ll need to ensure that the tarp is securely attached to the kennel so that it doesn’t blow away in high winds.
8. UV Sunblock Roof Tarp
Here’s another take on the idea of using a UV sunblock tarp to create a roof for your dog’s outdoor mesh open-topped kennel. This cheap dog kennel idea keeps your pet’s comfy kennel protected from the sun’s rays and showers.
Check out this video tutorial to see how to create your own outdoor dog kennel setup.
9. Copper Kennel Topper
This beautiful decorative dog kennel topper doubles as an attractive copper table top that can look great in your outdoor space.
You can create this gorgeous kennel cover from scratch if you have some DIY skills and the right tools.
Although it’s not the cheapest way to create a roof for your dog’s kennel, this outdoor dog kennel idea is definitely one of the most attractive we’ve found.
Outdoor Dog Kennel Roof Styles
There are several popular dog house roof styles to choose from, all of which have pros and cons.
Flat Roof
A flat roof is a great choice of roof style for a dog house.
You can use a flat roof as an extra storage surface, install a rooftop garden, install solar panels, or even place a rainwater barrel on top linked to a water fountain in your dog’s run.
Of course, a flat roof should never be entirely flat. You want rainwater and snow to fall off the roof, not pool on top of it. So, all dog house flat roofs actually have a very slight slope for that reason.
Gabled Roof
The traditional design of a gabled roof generally has a slope to each side, rising up to a ridged center at the top. You can choose a style with the roof sloping to the sides or front and back of the dog house.
Gabled roofs are extremely popular for dog kennels, as they allow rainwater and light snow to run off easily, preventing the roof from sagging and developing leaks.
Skillion Roof
The skillion or shed roof is the simplest and easiest practical design to construct for a functional kennel roof. Essentially, this style of roof is a flat roof but built with a very pronounced slope. Water and snow simply run down the roof and off it, keeping your dog cozy and dry inside his kennel.
Dog House Roof Materials
As well as different roof styles, there are a few different types of materials that you can use for a cozy dog house.
UV-Protected Tarp
As you’ve seen in our list above, UV-protected tarps are very popular as roofs for dog houses. This inexpensive option works well in the summer to protect your dog from the sun’s potentially harmful rays and keeps light rain off, too.
Tarps can be impractical if you live in a region where you get heavy snowfall during the winter months. The snow’s weight can cause the tarp to sag, potentially collapsing into the kennel. In addition, strong winds will probably rip the tarp off its fixings.
Shingles
Asphalt shingles are a more permanent roofing material for an outside dog house.
Shingles keep the weather out, provide shade, and can last for between 25 to 30 years if installed correctly.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is a good option if you want a relatively inexpensive material for your dog’s kennel. Good quality metal roofing can last for between 35 and 90 years, so its longevity is excellent.
The main drawback to using metal roofing material is that it is very noisy under hail and heavy rain unless you take care to insulate the roof thoroughly.
Wood
A wood roof looks beautiful on an outdoor dog house and might be the best option for you if your dog house is in a prominent spot in your backyard or garden.
Wood roofs are amazing structures that are usually constructed from pine or cedar shingles, which look gorgeous. However, you need to paint or proof the wood to prevent it from rotting and to ensure that the roof is watertight. That proofing needs to be reapplied every three to five years.
Slate
Although it’s an expensive option, slate makes a beautiful roofing material that lasts forever. Once your slate roof has been installed, you know that you have a weatherproof dog kennel that will be there for many generations of pampered pooches to come!
Plastic
Many modern dog kennels have plastic, acrylic roofs. These plastic dog kennel roofs are weatherproof and water-resistant, providing your pet with shelter in the worst of the weather.
The main downside to premium plastic kennel roofing for an outdoor shelter is that it can be very noisy in heavy rain or hail. You also need to be sure that the kennel has ample air ventilation slats so that your dog doesn’t overheat.
However, a plastic roof should last you for a long time before it begins to discolor and become yellow.
You might also like: Dog Breeding Kennels – Designs, Ideas, Tips For Responsible Breeders
Final Thoughts
Outdoor dog house roofs come in different shapes and materials. In our opinion, the most practical and long-lasting is a skillion or gable roof made from asphalt shingles or wood. However, a UV-proof tarp is an excellent solution to protect your dog from the summer sun.
What kind of roof does your dog’s outdoor kennel have? Tell us in the comments box below.
