The Best Indoor Dog House: Reviewed and Ranked

Written by Kirstin Harrington
Updated: December 23, 2022
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There’s nothing cuter than seeing your best friend curl up in a cozy spot for a snooze, so why not get an indoor doghouse and throw out that stinky old dog bed? We think that indoor doghouses can really add to the enjoyment of having pets inside, and why not find a great style to match your interior design?

If you’re looking for a cozy place for your dog to relax inside, an indoor dog house is a great option. It sounds like a straightforward task to buy a dog house for your pup, but there are so many products on the market it can quickly feel overwhelming. 

Don’t fret! We’ve reviewed the best choices available to help you narrow down your options. You’ll want something comfortable and large enough for your dog, yet something that fits in with your home decor. 

Gone are the days of your dog sleeping in an ugly metal crate. Let’s take a look at which indoor dog houses made the cut! 

  1. New Age Pet ecoFLEX Furniture Style Dog Crate & End Table
    • Aesthetically pleasing
    • Versatile and practical
    • Made with recycled plastic-wood polymer composite
    • Available in four different sizes
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Merry Products Room with a View Wood Dog & Cat House
    • Handcrafter lattice fence adds a homey touch
    • Made with 100% non-toxic and natural wood
    • Rooftop and bottom panels are removable
    • Can be cleaned easily
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. PAWISE Portable Soft Dog Crate
    • Designed with strong mesh fabric
    • Three mesh doors provide plenty of fresh air
    • Easily washable
    • Perfect for use at home or traveling
    Check Amazon
  4. no!no! Plastic Indoor Outdoor Dog House
    • Sturdy and easy to set up
    • Open-door design 
    • Built-in vents provide proper airflow
    • Rounded edges for safety
    Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals Top Pick For Indoor Dog House

#1 Best Overall: New Age Pet Ecoflex Furniture Style Dog Crate and End Table

It’s hard to beat New Age Pet Ecoflex Furniture Style Dog Crate and End Table and that’s why it’s our top overall choice for the indoor dog house.

Not only is this dog house aesthetically pleasing, but it also doubles as a side table in any room in your house! The hardware on it is made from durable stainless steel and finished with brushed silver. Any pup will be able to fit in this house, as it’s available in four different sizes. The last feature we adore is the four wood finishes available to choose from! 

We like that this option isn’t going to break the bank either. Pet owners love how versatile and practical it is. Dog’s can’t get enough of the cozy interior space. It’s made with recycled plastic-wood polymer composite. This material is safe for dogs because it won’t cause splinters, warp from humidity, or crack over time. However, some customers have reported that the material is not particularly durable and “feels flimsy” when they try to move it.

Pros and Cons of the New Age Pet Ecoflex Furniture Style Dog Crate and End Table

ProsCons
This dog house can double as a side table.The material is not particularly strong or durable.
It features durable stainless steel hardware.
This dog house is available in four different sizes to suit most dogs.
It is made from recycled plastic-wood polymer material which doesn’t warp, crack, or cause splinters.
Overall Best
New Age Pet ecoFLEX Furniture Style Dog Crate & End Table
  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Versatile and practical
  • Made with recycled plastic-wood polymer composite
  • Available in four different sizes
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best for Small Dogs: Merry Products Room with a View Wood Dog House

If you have a smaller dog breed then the Merry Products Room with a View Wood Dog House is a beautiful and comfortable option.

For starters, we can’t get over the look of this piece. The handcrafter lattice fence adds a homey touch. It’s available in two different sizes and is made with 100% non-toxic and natural wood. 

One of the coolest features of this indoor dog house is that the rooftop and bottom panels are removable. It’s also incredibly lightweight, making it easy to move from one room to another. There’s plenty of space for a small dog to play, relax, and sleep. 

It’s easy to put together and can be cleaned without taking the entire thing apart. The lower lounge space is raised to keep your dog comfortable and dry. The steps on the side of the house leading to the balcony are perfectly spaced out for their little paws. 

Unfortunately, some pup parents found that this product was difficult to assemble and smaller than they expected.

Pros and Cons of the Merry Products Room with a View Wood Dog House

ProsCons
This dog house is made from 100% natural and non-toxic wood.It can be difficult to assemble.
It features a removable roof and bottom panel.Some customers reported that it was smaller than expected.
The lightweight design makes it easy to move around.
The lower lounge space is raised off the ground.
It features a veranda with a lattice-work fence.
Best for Small Dogs
Merry Products Room with a View Wood Dog & Cat House
  • Handcrafter lattice fence adds a homey touch
  • Made with 100% non-toxic and natural wood
  • Rooftop and bottom panels are removable
  • Can be cleaned easily
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best for Large Dogs: PAWISE Portable Soft Dog Crate

Our selection as the best for larger dogs is the PAWISE Portable Soft Dog Crate.

If you’ve been looking for something that you can quickly pop up that your large dog can enjoy, this is a great option! It’s designed with strong mesh fabric that your pup won’t be able to scratch or chew through. They’ll stay nice and cozy thanks to the three mesh doors that provide plenty of fresh air and natural light. 

This indoor pet house is easy to open and close. There are two pockets where you can keep things like dog treats, puppy pads, and all other pup essentials. It can fit small, medium, and large dogs and comes in two different sizes. Plus, this fog house is foldable which makes it ideal for travelling with.

However, a small number of customers have reported that their pets damaged the zippers on the doors, rendering them unusable.

Pros and Cons of the PAWISE Portable Soft Dog Crate

ProsCons
It is made from strong mesh fabric that is scratch and chew-proof.The zippers are not durable and can be broken easily.
It has three mesh doors that provide plenty of light and fresh air.
It features two pockets that can fold items such as treats or toys.
This dog house is foldable which makes it perfect for travelling with.
There are two sizes available.
Best for Large Dogs
PAWISE Portable Soft Dog Crate
  • Designed with strong mesh fabric
  • Three mesh doors provide plenty of fresh air
  • Easily washable
  • Perfect for use at home or traveling
Check Amazon

4. Best Plastic Indoor Dog House: no!no! Plastic Indoor Dog House

If you’re wanting a sturdy plastic indoor dog house that’s easy to set up then consider the no!no! Plastic Indoor Outdoor Dog House.

The plastic exterior of this house is incredibly easy to rinse clean with a washcloth or a hose. The assembly is practically effortless and soon enough your pup will be able to lounge under his own roof! The open-door design makes it simple for your dog to come and go as they please. This is a feature to note if you’re needing an indoor dog house with a door. 

Another thing we like about this dog house is that it has built-in vents that provide proper airflow to man’s best friend. The raised floor prevents your canine’s bedding from getting wet as well. Lastly, the rounded edges along the house prevent your pet from getting hurt from sharp-edged materials. 

Pros and Cons of the no!no! Plastic Indoor Dog House

ProsCons
The plastic exterior is easy to clean.It has an open door design which means that dogs cannot be locked in.
It is easy to assemble.
This dog house features several air vents to allow for good airflow.
It has rounded edges to prevent dogs from hurting themselves.
Best Plastic
no!no! Plastic Indoor Outdoor Dog House
  • Sturdy and easy to set up
  • Open-door design 
  • Built-in vents provide proper airflow
  • Rounded edges for safety
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

When it comes to finding the best indoor dog house for your furry friend, you’ll need to make some considerations. Let’s take a look at the most important features and things to keep in mind when choosing a dog house. 

Size

The first thing you’ll want to consider is the size of the dog house. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that a big dog won’t be able to fit in a small indoor dog house. 

This is one reason some dog parents opt for a larger dog house. That way it can be used for pets of all sizes. With that being said, you’ll want to make sure it’s not too big, especially if you live in a climate with extreme heat or cold. Remember to have room for toys or their dog bowl as well. 

Material

Next, you’ll want to think about what material you want the house to be made out of. There are pros and cons of each material available. For example, wood is incredibly durable, blends in with any material, but could be harder to clean. 

Plastic is a great choice for someone wanting a lightweight option, it’s easy to clean but could easily get damaged by chewing or scratching. Mesh indoor dog houses are the easiest to assemble, can be quickly packed for travel, and are usually more inexpensive. 

Ventilation

No matter where you live, having the proper ventilation for your pup is key. With that being said, consider a dog house with extra ventilation to help anxious dogs relax and get plenty of fresh air. 

Insulation

While many pet owners are concerned about their dog getting too hot in a dog house, you’ll also want to consider if they’ll get too cold. Even if you’re keeping your house inside, drafts happen, especially in an unfinished basement. 

Wood is a solid choice if you’re looking for something that will keep out cold. Always provide your dog with a comfy cushion or dog bed to lay on as well. 

Ease of Assembly

Do you know anyone that genuinely likes putting together furniture? Neither do we. Look for the ease of assembly when you’re comparing dog houses. There are several options available that require no tools at all! Mesh dog houses generally pop open and are ready for your furry friend within seconds. 

Portability

Do you need something you can easily move? Perhaps you travel a lot and need something compact that can easily fit in your car for a road trip. Look for features that are based on portability. Plastic and mesh dog houses are your best options due to the lightweight materials and easy setups. 

Security and Durability

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about security and durability. These are two of the most important features of an indoor dog house. As you know, dogs like to chew and scratch and just about anything. You’ll want to be sure to pay attention to any material that they can get their paws into.

It’s also important to keep in mind the security of the dog house. While some pet owners allow their dogs to walk around their house like it’s their own, others prefer to keep their pup in their own house overnight. 

Many dog homes have doors and latches that give you more control over when they can come and go. This can be incredibly useful during crate training. 

The Different Types of Indoor Dog Houses: Pros and Cons Compared

You’re practically an expert when it comes to indoor dog houses at this point, but we want to go over some of the most common pros and cons to give you a better idea of which house would be best for your pup’s needs. 

Pop-Up Dog Houses

ProsCons
They are easy to set up.They can be flimsy.
They provide plenty of fresh air.
This style of dog house is easy to clean.
These dog houses are usually affordable.
They are available in several sizes .

Crate Dog Houses

ProsCons
These dog houses are incredibly durable.They are not aesthetically pleasing.
They are a safe and secure option.They can be more expensive.

Plastic Dog Houses 

ProsCons
Plastic dog houses are easy to clean.Dogs can chew and scratch the material.
They are usually budget-friendly.They may not have a door.
They can be assembled quickly.

Our Criteria: How We Chose the Best

We know that getting the right products for your pooch can be tricky, and when it comes to adding items to your interior living space, it’s important to consider what size, material, and appearance is involved.

We also considered finding the prefect fit for the indoor doghouse. You don’t want a massive cabin in your living room for your toy dog, right? And you also don’t want your dog squeezing into a small spot that is uncomfortable.

Finally, material is important for durability, cleanliness, and everyday handling. We picked the plastic and stainless steal indoor dog houses especially for people wanting something easy-to-clean and practical. Our collapsible indoor dog house choice is easily washed and so lightweight; you can take it anywhere! Our wooden house may not be as easy to clean or maneuver, but it is super cozy and beautiful with lattice work and even rooftop seating Snoopy would have loved.

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About the Author

Kirstin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering animals, news topics, fun places, and helpful tips. Kirstin has been writing on a variety of topics for over five years. She has her real estate license, along with an associates degree in another field. A resident of Minnesota, Kirstin treats her two cats (Spook and Finlay) like the children they are. She never misses an opportunity to explore a thrift store with a coffee in hand, especially if it’s a cold autumn day!

The Best Indoor Dog House: Reviewed and Ranked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What do dogs like about dog houses?

Dogs like enough space to move about in, but not a lot of excess space. Instinct leads them to seek out a warm, comfortable haven that is also protected from predators. Plus, if the house isn’t too big, it’s simpler for a dog’s body heat to keep it warm.

Is it possible for a dog to live outside in a dog house? 

When the weather gets cold, the Humane Society of the United States recommends that dog owners bring their canine companions inside and that canines should never be left alone outside, regardless of the season.

Do dogs prefer to sleep in dog homes while they are indoors? 

An indoor dog house is a terrific way to provide your dog a pleasant retreat right in your own home. After all, dogs adore having their own little place.

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