Do Dog Crate Covers Work? (Plus Best Picks)

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Do Crate Covers Actually Work?

Yes, for most dogs. But the answer comes with caveats.

Dogs are den animals. In the wild, their ancestors sought out enclosed, dark spaces to rest and feel safe. A wire crate is useful but doesn't fully replicate that den experience. Light comes in from every direction. Visual stimulation keeps alert dogs from settling. Covering the crate darkens the interior and reduces visual triggers.

During my five years as a vet tech at a mixed-practice clinic in Portland, I recommended crate covers constantly for anxious dogs, dogs who struggled to settle, and puppies in the middle of crate training. The majority of dogs responded positively. Their breathing slowed, pacing decreased, and they fell asleep faster.

The important caveat: not every dog benefits. Some dogs feel trapped by a cover. Dogs who already have confinement anxiety may escalate. Watch your dog's body language the first time you try it. If they pant harder, scratch at the crate, or vocalize more, remove the cover.

When Crate Covers Help Most

Anxious dogs who react to visual stimulation (people walking by, other pets, movement outside windows)
Puppies who are learning to settle in their crate
Light-sensitive dogs who wake up too early or can't nap during the day
Multi-pet households where one dog needs visual separation from others
Travel where unfamiliar environments overstimulate your dog

My Top 4 Picks

1. MidWest Homes Crate Cover (Best Overall)

Buy on Amazon ($24.99)

MidWest makes the iCrate, so their cover is designed to fit it perfectly. The polyester fabric is machine washable, blocks light effectively, and has a Velcro flap on the front door for easy access. Available in sizes from 22 to 48 inches.

Why it won: Fit matters more than anything with crate covers. A cover that's too big bunches up and a cover that's too small pulls off. The MidWest cover snaps perfectly onto MidWest crates. I use the 42-inch version on Benny's iCrate. The Velcro front flap lets me fold it up during the day for airflow and drop it down at night. After six months and dozens of machine washes, it still holds its shape.

Best for: MidWest iCrate owners (which is most people). All-around best option.

2. Explore Land Crate Cover (Best Universal Fit)

Buy on Amazon ($19.99)

If you don't have a MidWest crate, the Explore Land is the best universal option. It features a heavy-duty polyester shell, mesh panels for ventilation on the sides, and a roll-up front flap. The adjustable straps underneath accommodate slight size variations.

Why I picked it: I tested this on a Diggs Revol crate and an Amazon Basics crate. It fit both reasonably well, though not as precisely as a brand-matched cover. The mesh ventilation panels are a standout feature. They allow airflow while still blocking most visual stimulation. The dark interior creates a genuine den effect.

Best for: Non-MidWest crate owners, crates with non-standard dimensions.

3. Precision Pet Indoor/Outdoor Crate Cover (Best Heavy-Duty)

Buy on Amazon ($26.99)

Made from a thicker, water-resistant nylon that works both indoors and outdoors. This is the cover to get if your crate lives in a drafty room, near a window, or if you crate your dog in the garage or covered patio.

Why I picked it: Portland winters are damp and drafty. I keep a crate in my entryway for foster dogs, and the Precision cover adds a noticeable layer of warmth. The water-resistant shell repels the light drizzle that blows in when the door opens. It's heavier than the MidWest cover, so it stays put better on windy days.

Best for: Drafty spaces, temperature regulation, indoor/outdoor use.

4. DIY Blanket Method (Best Free Option)

You don't need a commercial cover. A dark, breathable blanket draped over the crate works. I used this method for years before buying dedicated covers.

Tips for the blanket method:

Use a breathable fabric. Don't use heavy quilts that trap heat.
Leave the front partially open for airflow.
Tuck the edges under the crate tray so the dog can't pull the blanket inside and chew it.
Watch for overheating, especially in summer.

Crate Cover Safety Tips

Looking for breed-specific crate guidance? See our best dog crates for Labrador Retrievers.

Ventilation is critical. Never cover all sides completely with a non-breathable material. Dogs can overheat inside a sealed crate, especially brachycephalic breeds.
Remove if your dog chews it. Some dogs pull the cover through the wire bars and chew on it. This creates an ingestion risk. If your dog does this, a cover isn't the right solution.
Monitor temperature. A covered crate is warmer than an uncovered one. In summer or warm rooms, fold up the front and one side panel. Use mesh-paneled covers when possible.
Don't use covers to punish. The crate should always be a positive space. If you cover the crate when your dog misbehaves, they'll associate the cover with punishment, and that defeats the entire purpose.

Crate Training Basics (With and Without a Cover)

A cover only works if your dog is properly crate trained in the first place. Here's the quick version:

Make the crate positive. Feed meals inside it. Toss treats in randomly throughout the day. Never force your dog inside.
Start with the door open. Let your dog enter and exit freely for the first few days.
Close the door briefly. Stay in the room. Open it before your dog gets anxious.
Gradually increase duration. Add minutes slowly. If your dog regresses, go back a step.
Add the cover gradually. Once your dog is comfortable with the closed door, drape the cover partially. Then fully. Watch their response at each stage.

Try our free tool: Crate Size Calculator -- find the correct crate dimensions for your dog's breed and weight.

The Bottom Line

Crate covers work for most dogs and cost under $25. The MidWest Homes Cover is the best option if you have a MidWest crate (and you probably should -- it's the most recommended crate for a reason). The Explore Land is your best bet for other crate brands. Or just use a dark blanket you already own.