Pop Up Tents for Dogs

Anyone who loves their dogs knows that nothing is too good for them. Do canines need their own tent? You'll find it's quite useful in a variety of situations. Plus, think of how cute the photo op will be. Depending on your needs, you may choose a hardy outdoor tent or a frilly decorative castle. Have fun shopping.

  1. Function

    • Maybe you'd like to bring Fido to a long-distance family reunion or on a weekend getaway for the holidays. Think about all the different uses for a tent: traveling, camping, at the beach, inside your car, at home (instead of a dog house) or at a motel.

    Benefits

    • Using a dog tent will keep your pooch safe, happy and protected from mother nature. It gives a dog a place to rest, sleep and stay cool, and helps prevent your pooch from roaming other camp sites for shelter.

    Features

    • Most portable dog tents are meant to pop up in seconds and collapse easily. The tough, waterproof material will stand up to your dog's sharp nails and make clean-ups easier.

      The knitted fabric will stay free of fleas and mites and it keeps dogs cool while blocking out UV rays. While most tents have them, make sure to check for side panels with ventilation.

      The fabric should resist mold and mildew, which will prevent the wet dog smell.

    Size/Price

    • For large dogs, Comfort House offers the Coolaroo Pop Pup Pet Tent and Shelter for $51.95 in 2009. It measures just more than 47 inches long by 31.5 inches wide and 37.5 inches deep. Comfort House (Comforthouse.com) also offers a medium tent that's 38.5 inches by 26 inches, and 18 inches deep.

      AllPetFurniture.com offers a variety of choices: The Umbra Tent Pet House is $104.99; the Sports Alu Cage Portable Aluminum Dog House is $229.99 with built-in reflectors; and the Instent Dog Haus Pet Tent by Abo Gear is $64.99 and comes with a carrying case.

      Sizes of various tents:
      • Small: 26.38 inches high by 23.38 inches wide, 23.38 inches deep
      • Medium: 31.5 inches high by 29.5 inches wide, 29.5 inches deep.
      • Large: 35.38 inches high by 35.38 inches wide, 35.38 inches deep.

      Coleman also makes pet tents available for about $20. A medium offering, for dogs up to 60 pounds, is 36 inches by 36 inches. 
The large is 48 by 48 for dogs over 60 pounds.

    Tips:

    • Not all tents are created equal, be wary of canine carriers being mislabeled as tents. Purchase your tent from a reputable dealer.

      In "Ruffing It: The Complete Guide to Camping With Dogs," by Mardi Richmond, there's a great cartoon about the owner and his dog having separate ideas about their vacation. The dog wants to hike while the man wants to relax. Here are some tips that will help make your trip run smoother: Make sure your pet has an identification tag that includes the name of the park or campsite where you're staying, along with your cell phone number. Your travel bag should include a copy of Fido's latest vaccinations, a pair of tweezers (for ticks), a first-aid kit, a leash, a water bowl (the nylon ones are handy), a gallon of water, bedding and dog toys.