How big should an outdoor dog kennel be?
The minimum, worked out
The US Animal Welfare regulations (9 CFR 3.6) set the minimum floor space for each dog in a licensed facility as (dog length in inches + 6) x (dog length in inches + 6), in square inches; divide by 144 for square feet. Dog length is measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. The same rule asks for an enclosure tall enough that the top is at least 6 in above the dog's head when it stands normally.
| Dog length, nose to tail base | Minimum floor space |
|---|---|
| 30 in | 9 sq ft |
| 36 in | 12.25 sq ft |
| 42 in | 16 sq ft |
That figure is a legal floor for dogs that also get daily care and exercise. It is not a target. For a backyard kennel, plan for:
- Room to walk a few steps and turn around without brushing the fence.
- A bed and a shaded area well away from the spot the dog uses as a toilet.
- Water and food that cannot be tipped into the bedding.
- More floor for every extra dog: the rule gives each dog its own minimum, so add them together.
Our kennels by size
| Kennel | Footprint | Floor area | Height | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Backyard Run | 20 x 10 ft | 200 sq ft | 7.3 ft | $379.99 |
| The Yard Run 15 | 15 x 10 ft | 150 sq ft | about 7.3 ft | $310.99 |
| The Yard House | 7.8 x 4.2 ft | about 33 sq ft | 4.8 ft | $178.99 |
Both walk-in runs have two elevated feeding bowls with 3 height settings and an outside refill window, so you can top up food and water without going in. The smaller covered kennel has a rotating feeder with height-adjustable bowls and works best as a daytime spot for one dog.
Check these before you buy
- Ground: pick a level patch of yard, since uneven ground leaves gaps under the panels.
- Roof and shade: the 20 x 10 ft run has a waterproof Oxford roof; a dog still needs shade on hot afternoons.
- Assembly: the walk-in runs take two adults about 2 hours, with no special tools.
- Delivery: the 20 x 10 ft run ships in 3 boxes and weighs about 199 lb, so plan where the boxes go.
- Locks: dual-latch doors on the walk-in runs; the covered kennel adds a secondary safety lock.
FAQ
How much space does a large dog need in a kennel? The USDA minimum for a 36 in dog is about 12 sq ft, and that assumes daily walks and care. A backyard run of 150 to 200 sq ft gives a large dog real room to move.
How tall should a dog kennel be? At least 6 in above your dog's head when standing, under the same rule. Walk-in runs around 7 ft tall also let you step inside to clean.
Can two dogs share one kennel? Yes, if the floor covers both. Add each dog's minimum together, then size up from there.
Is a dog kennel the same as a dog crate? No. A crate is for resting indoors; an outdoor kennel or run is a fenced area to move around in.
Our picks
- The Backyard Run - 20 x 10 ft run, 7.3 ft tall, waterproof roof, $379.99
- The Yard Run 15 - 15 x 10 ft run, about 7.3 ft tall, $310.99
- The Yard House - 7.8 x 4.2 ft covered kennel with a rotating feeder, $178.99
