Which brand makes the best dog tent?
If you enjoy bringing your dog along on outdoor adventures like days at the beach or overnight camping trips, both of you could benefit from them having their own tent. A tent can provide welcome shade from the hot sun, and when your canine has their own, they don’t have to drag their muddy or sandy paws into yours.
Dog tents like the NTK MyPet Lightweight Pop-Up Tent can also create a calm, enclosed space for pets who have anxiety in new settings. Knowing how to safely use one and what to look for in a dog tent is important.
What to know before you buy a dog tent
Using a dog tent during the day
Always set the tent up in a shady spot and never leave a dog in an enclosed tent during the day. The tent can quickly become hot inside and be a major hazard. If your dog is well-behaved enough to go freely in and out of his tent, leave it unzipped. If you are using the tent as a playpen to keep a dog contained, make sure there is plenty of ventilation. Unzip windows and remove rain flies to leave the breathable mesh parts of the tent exposed.
Using a dog tent during the night
It is up to the pet owner’s discretion whether or not to have their dog sleep in the tent at night. However, many dog owners would not recommend this. If you are sleeping away from home, your dog can have anxiety about being in a new space and would take comfort from sleeping in the same tent with you. Having your dog sleep in a different tent will also make it difficult to know if your dog needs to go out to use the bathroom.
Wild animals are also a risk when camping, and you may not hear it if one tries to break into your pet’s tent. Overall, the safest way to use these tents is when you are awake, nearby and able to supervise your pet.
Make the tent comfortable
Make sure your dog has a padded place to lie down in the tent. If his favorite dog bed from home fits in the tent, that can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort. Otherwise, you can purchase a pad that fits inside of the tent. Make sure your pet has access to food and water inside of the tent if you will be closing it, again always remembering to provide ventilation. Consider adding some favorite toys to provide some distraction so Fido doesn’t chew on the tent.
Dog tent features
Dog tent ventilation
This feature cannot be stressed enough, as overheating can be fatal for canines left in enclosed tents. Make sure your dog tent has plenty of mesh windows to allow for airflow. Some also have roofs that can be unzipped and opened up to allow for extra airflow. You’ll want to keep these closed when it rains but on warm, sunny days, feel free to open the roof.
Low openings allow ease of access
Make sure the tent has a low opening so that it’s easy for a dog to get in and out. Keep in mind that older, arthritic or tiny dogs can struggle to get in a tent if the opening sits too high. A low opening also makes it easy for Fido to hang half of his body out of the tent if he likes to keep an eye on his humans while enjoying some shade. A large opening will also reduce the chances that a dog claws at the tent when he wants to get out.
Collapsible dog tents
Many dog tents have collapsible designs that are both easy to set up and easy to take down. With so many things to assemble and organize when you arrive at a campsite, it’s nice to have a pop-up tent for your dog so you can quickly give Fido a shady place to rest while you prepare everything else.
Anchoring a dog tent
Make sure your tent can be well anchored to the ground. It should either have ground stakes or pockets that can be filled with stones or sand. Dogs might push up against the sides of their tent and accidentally knock them over, so it’s important that this tent stays firmly in place.
Dog tent cost
Dog tents can range in price significantly, with those on the lower end being around $20 and those on the higher end costing roughly $55.
Dog tent FAQ
Can my dog sleep in a tent?
A. It is not advisable to have your dog in an enclosed tent any time humans will not be available to supervise the pet. So while dog tents make for great places for dogs to get shade and shelter from the elements while you are awake, when it’s time for everyone to turn down for the night on a camping trip, it’s best to have your dog sleep with you.
Do dogs like tents?
A. Every dog is different. Some dogs will prefer to relax outside of the tent in the fresh air. If your dog generally adapts easily to new beds, crates and similar items, he will probably get used to his tent quickly, too. If he has separation anxiety or is a creature of habit, however, he may not like relaxing away from you or in an unfamiliar place.
Which dog tent should I get?
Best of the best dog tent
NTK MyPet Lightweight Pop Up Tent: available at Amazon
Our take: This tent sets up in mere minutes and folds down into a compact size, making it great for camping trips.
What we like: Durable fiberglass frame. Includes a sun shade.
What we dislike: Not suitable for rainy weather.
Best bang for your buck dog tent
OLizee Breathable Pet Folding Indoor Outdoor Tent: available at Amazon
Our take: Made with durable Oxford cloth and outfitted with mesh windows, this tent is made to survive the elements.
What we like: Roll-up door. Available in two sizes.
What we dislike: Difficult to assemble.
Honorable mention dog tent
Furhaven Open Air Pet Playpen: available at Amazon and Chewy
Our take: With plenty of ventilation, this is a great tent for keeping Fido cool on a hot day.
What we like: Includes a carrying bag. Comes in several colors.
What we dislike: Rowdy pets can flip it over.
Julia Austin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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