How to Build a Dog Kennel That is Heated & Cooled

Some breeds of dog are bred to handle weather extremes and some are not. For those who aren't, building a heated or cooled dog house can be an excellent way of keeping them comfortable with out having them in the house. The materials needed for this project will depend a bit on the weather in your area and how much you want to spend. Pre-fabricated dog houses can be purchased, costing hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars, or you can build your own.

Things You'll Need

  • Small heater/air conditioner unit Dog house Ventilation tubing Sealant Heavy-duty plastic door Saw Timer control
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Instructions

  1. Installing Temperature Control

    • 1

      Position the dog house in an appropriate area. Ready-made dog houses can be purchased made of wood or plastic. Choose an area that is preferably shaded from the sun during summer months. Attach a door for the house made out of a heavy-duty plastic sheet to keep the warmth or coolness in. The type and thickness of plastic can depend on the weather outside--the more extreme the thicker the plastic.

    • 2

      Set up the heater/air conditioner unit. This may require you to attach it to the dog house or make a cement slab for it next to the dog house. The location you chose and the type of dog house used will dictate where to put the unit.

    • 3

      Connect the tubing from the unit and run it to the dog house. If using two units one to heat and another to cool you will need two tubes. The less tubing used the better, ensuring the excess won't be laying about to be tripped on or pulled out of position by a dog or child. As the heating/cooling unit is outside the dog house there is no worry about exhaust fumes.

    • 4

      Cut a hole in the dog house about two-thirds of the way up one side to serve as a vent. At this height, the vent is not likely to be covered in dog fur.

    • 5

      Attach the tubing to the dog house with whatever the manufacturer recommends for the unit you are using.

    • 6

      Attach the timer mechanism according to manufacturer's recommendations. Set the timer to heat and cool as needed.