10 Best Dog Tents (Yes, These Tents are Actually for Dogs!)

If you enjoy bringing your dog camping, or simply want to add a light dog shelter to your rucksack for a long hiking trip, a dog tent may be what you need.

Coming in at exactly 45.3″L x 34.6″W x 28.3″H the Pettom Dog Tent is our overall favorite.

It’s made of a water-resistant polyester, making it easy for cleaning and also lightweight. 

Slightly larger than the Pettom Dog Tent (don’t be fooled by the small dog in the picture), but also a bit more expensive is the Yosemite Pet Dome Tent.

It measures 48.0” Wide x 37.4” Deep x 25.5” Tall and sets up like a traditional tent weighing only 1.9 pounds in total.

Why invest in a tent for your dog?

According to the 2018 KOA North American Camping Report, compiled by Kampgrounds of America Inc., more than 77 million families have at least one individual who enjoys camping. 

It is no secret that Americans love their dogs! (Statistics show that roughly 85 million families in America own at least one pet!)

With that, it makes sense that more Americans want to include their dogs on their camping trips.

Dog tents have a lot of uses. If you are an avid camper, you might already own a tent. At first, it may seem silly to invest in a dog tent just for your four-legged companion.

However, there are plenty of reasons to do so.

First, tents can be a bit snug.

Second, if you are a light sleeper, your dog may keep you up. (With all the new sights, sounds and smells outside the tent – your dog might take time getting themselves settled.)

Third, waking up to let the dog out of the tent can be a hassle.

Leaving the tent flap open will let bugs in so that is not a smart choice either.

By bringing a dog tent, you can get a good night’s sleep while your dog sleeps in his or her own space, with easy access to the outdoors.

What to look for in a dog tent?

Before you invest in a dog tent, you should consider a few things.

Your Needs

The first thing you should think about are the needs your dog tent will fulfill.

Are you looking for something suited for a hiking trip or a day at the beach? A light, portable, airy option may be the best dog tent for you.

Do you tend to camp for multiple days at a time, spring through autumn? A sturdy dog tent with a waterproof rain fly may be better for your purposes.

Determining what you intend to use your dog tent for is an important first step.

Durability

Let’s face it – dogs can be a bit rough. If your dog likes to dig or has separation issues, their tent needs to be able to stand up to scratching.

Just like your own tent, however, a dog tent needs to be stand up to the elements and environment you plan to use it in.

Size

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Tents often do too. Make sure your dog will fit in the tent you are considering buying before you purchase it.

The tent should be able to fully close with your dog comfortably inside. (This is true even if you plan on leaving it open.)

In the table below make sure you pay attention to column number 4: size. This quick chart will help you determine the minimum dimensions you need for your dog.

Regardless of how the name brand, or how well it’s constructed, if the tent doesn’t fit your dog then it’s going to do no good.

The Kleeger, MyDeal, and Ruixang tents are made for smaller breed dogs.

The Winterial is made for larger breed dogs (i.e. see the picture of the Golden Retriever fitting comfortably inside below).

While the rest are made for mid-size breeds, but the Pettom and Yosemite may be able to handle some large breeds depending on how large.

Airflow

Just as it is for you, airflow in a tent is important for dogs.

Not only does it help keep your dog cool, it helps reduce linger smells often associated with “the wet dog” and various other scents your dog may pick up on his or her outdoor adventure with you.

Features

As with human tents, dog tent manufacturers try to include bonus features to help their tent stand out.

Whether this is an elevated bed style, washable padding, or something more – these features may affect how your dog takes to his or her new tent.

Top 10 Dog Tents in 2019

Rank	Picture	Name	Size	Where to Buy
1		Pettom Dog Camping Tent	35" W x 45" L x 28" H	See it on Amazon
2		Yosemite Pet Dome Tent	48" W x 37" L x 26" H	See it on Amazon
3		Petego Umbra Portable Pet House	35 " W x 35" L x 35" H	See it on Amazon
4		Winterial Outdoor Pop-Up Pet Tent	30" W x 64" L x 29" H	See it on Amazon
5		Kleeger Premium Canopy Pet House Retreat	21" W x 26" L x 24" H	See it on Amazon
6		Lumsing Pet Tent	32" W x 45" L x 27" H	See it on Amazon
7		MyDeal Pop Up Pet House	24" W x 24" L x 26" H	See it on Amazon
8		alcott Pup Tent	32" W x 42" L x 30" H	See it on Amazon
9		RuiXiang Outdoor Pet Tent	20" W x 21" Lox 27" H	See it on Amazon
10		FrontPet Portable Pet Tent	36" W x 36" L x 39" H	See it on Amazon

Top 10 Dog Tent Reviews

We talked in detail above about our top 2 picks: Pettom Dog Camping Tent and Yosemite Pet Dome Tent.

Now let’s take a look at some of our favorites in ranks 3-10.

#3 Petego Umbra Portable Pet House

The Petego Umbra Portable Pet House comes in three sizes and comes highly rated. This dog tent works as both a shelter and a containment system.

Made of high quality, durable fabric, the Petego Umbra includes mesh components that boost airflow to keep your dog cool and protected from the elements at the same time.

Pros:

The Petego Umbra is a portable, pop up pet house that is quick and easy to set up. Durable and dual-purpose, this is the best dog tent for serious campers.

Cons:

The Petego Umbra Portable Pet House is far from the cheapest option. Extremely large dogs will not fit, even in the biggest size available.

Bottom Line:

The Petego Umbra is one of the best dog tent on the market today.

However, the high quality has a high price tag to match, which makes it perhaps best suited only for serious campers.

#4 Winterial Outdoor Pet Tent

Great for hiking trips or beach visits, the Winterial Outdoor Pet Tent features a sleek and spacious design. As a pop up tent, it sets up instantly.

In fact, with lots of mesh and a washable foam-padding insert for the bottom – the Winterial makes set up, clean up and take down a cinch.

Pros:

This is one of the largest and most airy tents on the list. If you are going out on a hot, clear day – the Winterial can keep your pet cool.

Cons:

The Winterial is not ideal for serious camping trips. It is also not suitable for high winds or rainy weather.

Bottom Line:

The bottom line is that the Winterial makes a great, and moderately priced, option for anyone looking to spend a day in the sun, adventuring with his or her dog.

#5 Kleeger Premium Canopy Pet House

Another lightweight option, the Kleeger Premium Canopy Pet House lifts your dog off the ground to increase airflow even more.

The Kleeger gives your small dog an elevated place to lay their head while out camping or enjoying the beach.

Pros:

The Kleeger combines an elevated pet bed with a breezy tent concept. As a log cost solution that lets your dog enjoy the day with you, the Kleeger is lightweight and easy to set up.

Cons:

The Kleeger does not come with a front door, nor will it stand up to rainy weather well. In addition, it is only suitable for small dogs.

Bottom Line:

The Kleeger Premium Canopy Pet House is ideal for small dogs and short trips. Particularly useful on the beach or during the days at your campsite, the Kleeger should only be used on occasion.

#6 Lumsing Pet Tent

The Lumsing Pet Tent is a portable, folding tent that offers plenty of space for any dog. Waterproof material helps keep your dog dry, while mesh windows help increase airflow. Lumsing takes it up a notch by designing a pet bed directly into the base of the tent itself!

Pros:

The Lumsing Pet Tent is one of the most highly rated units on Amazon thanks to its durability. In addition to that, it comes with an affordable price tag that campers of all levels can enjoy.

Cons:

For dogs that are determined to get out, the mesh and rods may not stand up to them.

Bottom Line:

The Lamsing Pet Tent may be the best dog tent on the market today based on durability, portability and cost-value.

#7 MyDeal Pop Up Pet House

The MyDeal Pop Up Pet House takes seconds to set up; take it out of the carry bag and drop it – this pet tent will set itself up for you! The weather resistant material and airflow make it a lightweight solution for short camping trips, sports events, beach days, and hikes!

Pros:

Incredibly lightweight and easy to set up, the MyDeal Pop Up Pet House is great for short trips and priced to match!

Cons:

This tent is not nearly as rugged as other options on this list.

Bottom Line:

The MyDeal Pop Up Pet Tent is portable enough to keep in your trunk for adventures on the go! Spend the day on the beach or take the dog to your child’s soccer game – you have the perfect portable shelter that will be ready in seconds.

#8 Alcott Explorer Pup Tent

The Alcott Explorer Pup Tent is a low-cost option. With roll up window seals, a bathtub floor and a waterproof canopy, the Alcott truly is a miniature version of your own tent. Lightweight and durable, the Alcott sets up easily and comes complete with tent stakes and a carrying bag.

Pros:

The Alcott is a low-cost option for campers looking to bring their dog along. While it comes only in one size, large dogs can comfortably fit inside.

Cons:

Some users have complained of the Alcott’s durability. Others have noted that the seams may leak. (We always recommend weather proofing any tent seams to help increase their waterproof-ability!)

Bottom Line:

The Alcott is especially great for new, or budding, campers to bring along for the dog. The Alcott is cheap enough to replace yearly if durability becomes an issue.

The Best Dog Tent for You

The best dog tent for you and your pup is one that fits your needs and budget.

For those experienced campers looking for quality, the Pettom Dog Tent and Yosemite Pet Dome are our two choices.