The 4 Best Dog Tents You Should Buy: Reviewed

Key Points:

• The Overall Best dog tent is the Pickle and Polly Dog Teepee Tent.
• A dog tent can make a fun and decorative sleeping or play option in the home. Pet tents can also be used when camping or to provide shade for your dog when outdoors.
• A good dog tent should be fairly easy to set up and break down; it should also be portable and made of durable fabrics that will stand up against wear and tear.
• You’ll want to look for an outdoor tent that has good ventilation so that your dog doesn’t get overheated in hot or humid conditions. We’ve selected the best dog tents for various uses, based on the following features: fire resistance, durability and breathability, base, ease of set up, and size.

Your furry companion deserves a place to call their own. Even if it is just a small corner in your room, they need a place to go and rest or unwind. And if you’re looking to give your pets that special space, why not choose a cute little tent bed that offers all of the comfort of a regular bed along with some incredible style? 

Who says your little companion needs to stay in a simple bed when they can have an adorable tent to themselves? A dog tent provides plenty of comfort and can make for a nice addition to playtime. The soft materials ensure that your puppy is having a good time, while the sturdy construction ensures that it can withstand the harshest playtimes. 

Dog tents are useful in multiple ways. If you enjoy camping and taking your canine companion with you, there are tents that will keep your dog safe, dry, and comfortable when roughing it outdoors. Tents can also be utilized for shade, like if you are at an outdoor event or maybe the beach and you’d like your pet to have some shade.

When making our recommendations for the best dog tents, we sought choices that would suit different purposes — a play tent/bed for indoor use, a tent for playing indoors or out, a tent that would be suitable for camping, and an option to be used for shade and elevation off the ground. 

Of course, no product is perfect, but we found some beds that came close. We want to provide you with an honest and unbiased look at these options to make a more educated decision. So, if you are looking for a dog tent to add to your home or use outdoors, we have the perfect selections for you. 

The Top Picks for the Best Dog Tents

#1 Best Overall Dog Tent: Pickle and Polly Dog Teepee Tent

The overall best dog tent is the Pickle and Polly Dog Teepee Tent. The bed features fairly sturdy construction, which allows it to withstand your excited canine. The cloth material on the sides is easy to wash and is machine-washable. The wooden stands ensure plenty of durabilities. 

The tent is quick and easy to assemble. However, some customers reported that the tent was too small for their dog. Unfortunately, this tent only comes in one size to fit small- to medium-sized dogs, so it will not work for larger breeds. Be sure to check the measurements of the tent before you make a purchase.

Pros and Cons of the Pickle and Polly Dog Teepee Tent

Best Overall Dog Tent

Pickle and Polly Dog Teepee Tent

• Pentagonal indoor plush dog tent
• 100% pine frame
• Machine washable outer cover
• Removable dog bed pillow
• Gray or white

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2. Best Dog Tent for Camping: Alcott Explorer Tent

The Alcott Pup Tent has a very sleek and portable design, making traveling so much easier. If you’re someone looking to travel a lot more and hit the road, then you need a tent bed that is just as versatile as you are. This tent has a waterproof base that ensures your pup stays nice and dry, while the sides of the nylon tent help to keep light rain out. However, be aware that only the base of the tent is fully waterproof; the rest of the tent can still get wet, especially with heavy rainfall.

It even has plenty of space for bigger dogs to rest easily. Of course, the best thing about this tent is its ability to fold up into a portable package for you to carry. However, there have been some complaints from buyers that the tent is not as durable as they thought. You will have to be careful when setting it up, taking it down, and storing it, as many say that is when it ripped. 

Pros and Cons of the Alcott Explorer Tent

Best for Camping

Alcott Explorer Tent

• Easy assembly nylon dog camping tent
• Waterproof base
• Dimensions 32" Wide x 42" Deep x 30" Tall
• Includes 4 ground stakes and travel bag

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3. Best Play Tent for Dogs: Purrfect Fence Play Tent

The best thing that the Purrfect Fence Play Tent has going for it is that it is easy to set up and has plenty of space for your four-legged companions to play. It is especially great if you’re looking to keep your small dogs safe as they play outside. However, it is not suitable for large dog breeds.

The mesh of the tent’s sides is thick and sturdy, and there are two different entry points with large zippered doors. It also comes with stakes so you can anchor the tent to the ground if needed.

The mesh panels are easy to see through and allow for ample ventilation. The mechanism on the top allows you to set up and pack away the entire tent in seconds. However, even though it has seen a lot of praise from many customers, some have reported that the play tent is flimsy and does not last very long. 

Pros and Cons of the Purrfect Fence Play Tent

Best Play Tent

Purrfect Fence Play Tent

• Heavy duty indoor or outdoor pet play tent
• Two zipper doors and breathable mesh for optimum ventilation
• Adjustable waterproof weather cover
• Dimensions 76” Long x 62” Wide x 40” Tall

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4. Best Elevated Cot with Canopy: SUPERJARE XLarge Outdoor Elevated Pet Cot with Canopy

The SUPERJARE XLarge Outdoor Elevated Pet Cot with Canopy is not only great for camping but also keeps your dog shaded and comfortable at the beach. This outdoor dog bed comes in two sizes: large (for dogs up to 100 pounds) and extra-large (for dogs up to 120 pounds). It is a great choice for those with larger dog breeds. It comes in the colors dark gray, silver gray, and brown.

The fabric of the bed and canopy is breathable, sturdy, durable 1680D Oxford fabric, and is held in place with a steel frame. The canopy is removable, and the bed and canopy have their own lightweight carry bag. However, it is important to note that the canopy and bed are not rain-resistant, so if you were camping and it rained, it may be best to bring the cot into your tent so your dog can stay dry and cozy next to you.

In addition, some customers reported trouble with dogs that like to chew. In a few cases, their dogs chewed the corners of the bed (especially if the canopy was not attached). Unfortunately, this is precisely where the canopy attaches to the bed, so once chewed, you cannot use the canopy anymore. However, customers also reported excellent customer service from the company and were able to get replacements.

Pros and Cons of the SUPERJARE XLarge Outdoor Elevated Pet Cot with Canopy

Best Elevated Cot with Canopy

SUPERJARE XLarge Outdoor Elevated Pet Cot with Canopy

• Portable canopy covered dog cot
• Great for the beach, camping, or other outdoor adventures
• Durable 1680D Oxford fabric and breathable mesh
• Dimensions 36"L x 30"W x 7.2"Th

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Criteria: How to Choose the Best Dog Tent Bed 

There are always certain features that you should look out for when buying a good tent bed for your dog. Here are a few of the things that you should consider:

• Fire resistance
• Base
• Ease of setup
• Size
• Durability and breathability

Fire Resistance 

The first thing that you should look for in a good dog tent is flame-resistant materials so you can be assured of your dog’s safety. Of course, you should still practice proper fire safety procedures because other materials might still be flammable, but having some flame-resistant materials in its construction will make your dog’s pet tent that much safer.

Base

Another thing you should look for in a good dog tent is a good base, preferably one that is waterproof. A waterproof floor will protect the cushion and padding from getting wet, ensuring that it stays in the best shape. This will also help to prevent bacteria growth and odors.

Ease of Setup 

The last thing you want to do is go through the hassle of pulling out all of your tools when setting up the tent. If camping, you need a tent that is preferably easy to set up, such as a pop-up. It should also be easy to pack away and even carry if you are considering back-packing.

Size

The size of your dog may dictate which type of tent will work well. Many dog tents are suited to small- or medium-sized dogs. But what if you’re wanting something suited for a Saint Bernard? You’ll want to make sure that the tent is not only wide enough but also tall enough for your dog to stand.

Durability and Breathability

The tent you choose should be able to stand up to repetitive use and the wear and tear your dog may inflict on it. The last thing you need is your dog scratching a hole in the tent to escape! But beyond that, there should be vents and openings to provide your dog enough ventilation, especially if camping in a hot or humid place. 

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