The 5 Best Dog Crate Covers Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024

I wish I had a crate sometimes. There’s something very appealing about having a small hideaway that is cosy and secluded. A safe haven just for your dog to call their own. A solace away from the bustling world. (1)

Dog crates inherently give that comforting feeling to a dog if used correctly. Adding to the atmosphere with a dog crate cover is always a good idea. Many dogs would benefit from having their crates covered with a blanket or another material designed for use in crates, as this can assist to calm and relax them.

However, if you need an idea of what dog crate cover to buy, we have you covered. We teamed up with canine behaviourists and veterinarians to form a team of independent experts. We then spent months testing various brands from the Australian market to find which of them have the best dog crate cover.

In today's review guide, we will reveal this study's results and look at crate covers. How do you use crate covers? What are they for? What are the qualities of a great dog crate cover? Finally, what are the best dog crate covers on the Australian market? Let's dig in.

Australia's Best Dog Crate Covers Reviewed

Ready to discover the best of the best? After months of research and dozens of options later, our independent team of experts were able to agree that the following are the best dog crate covers Australia offers. Let's check them out in detail!

The best dog crate cover on the Australian market today comes from Midwest Homes for Pets. Midwest is a great brand for all things crate and cage related. So it stands to reason that their crate cover would be a cut above the rest!

Affordable and well-made, the fabric used will stand the test of time. It’s made out of a polyester-cotton blend, with Teflon protection. This makes the cover lightweight, fully machine washable and easy to keep clean. The Teflon protector also repels liquids, oils and dirt.

We made this brand our first choice because, when compared to the Explore Land crate cover in our number two spot, this allows more airflow, which keeps our dogs cool inside their crates even in hot weather. It is also secure because of its hook and loop tabs that make the cover stay in place.

As for design, the model comes in three looks: solid black, brown geometric pattern and grey geometric pattern. Our team discovered that the neutral colours suit any interior design.

Best of all, the Midwest dog crate cover comes in a wide range of sizes. There are six available models starting at 22 inches (56 cm). The largest size is 48 inches (122 cm). No matter what size of crate you have at home, one of these inexpensive covers will fit them perfectly. It is compatible with one, two or three door folding metal crates.

The only con our team could find is that it isn’t compatible with crates that are top-down access. It only fits crates with front, rear or side doors. However, the velcro seals allow you to roll up the sides of the crate for easy access.

Overall, the top reviews don’t lie! The Midwest dog crate cover is a great product that you won’t be disappointed with.

We highly recommend this brand because it has a Teflon Fabric Protector, making it oil and stain-proof. It forms a protective barrier on the fabric, preventing liquids from penetrating the surface. This makes cleaning easier and helps to maintain the fabric's appearance for longer periods of time.

Crate covers in general aren’t that expensive. But for an even more inexpensive option, check out the Explore Land range. These simple products will do the trick without breaking the bank.

To start, the cover is made from 600D polyester Oxford fabric. This is durable, stain-proof and waterproof. I love how it’s incredibly easy to clean while also being lightweight.

Unlike the first option from Midwest, which only offers 48 inches (122 cm) as its largest dog crate cover, Explore Land's dog crate cover is better in terms of sizes because its largest cover can fit up a 54 inches (137 cm) crate. This is a great option if you have large breeds of dogs, which members of our team of independent experts do.

It’s a very flexible cover that allows you to fold up the sides easily for ease of access. The top zip allows you to access the crate handle if you are using it as a carrier.

You can fix the cover to a wire crate with five plastic toggle locks provided by the manufacturer. This prevents the cover from sliding off and gives you the flexibility of how the cover lays on the crate.

Similar to our number one choice, the design of the Explore Land crate covers isn’t very exciting. They come in three neutral colours: black, cream and grey. There are no patterned options but that could work perfectly for your style.

There is a wide range of sizes too. There are five sizes available ranging from 42 inches (60 cm) to the largest 54 inches (122 cm).

Overall, this is a great quality product for the price. The good reviews attest to how much others enjoy this cover. The one con? It’s not indestructible. A rambunctious chew-happy puppy on our testing panel made light work of this product. So bear in mind that it is not chew-proof!

What we love about this brand is its waterproof feature which is very helpful especially when we are spending time with our dogs outdoors or even when travelling. 

Also, we like the roller shades feature that provides privacy for our pets while still allowing them to see their surroundings. Additionally, the mesh window promotes ventilation, ensuring a comfortable and breathable environment for our furry friend. 

It’s relatively rare to get a crate and cover together. So we just had to include this bundle as it is inexpensive and incredibly useful!

If you’re completely new to crating and have a small dog/puppy, this is what you need to get started.

We chose this as our third option because compared to Midwest and Explore Land in our number one and two spots, this is not only a crate cover but a crate with a cover with a lot of good features that can compete with the previous brands.

The crate itself is a standard metal dog cage with two access doors: the front door and the side door.

I personally appreciated how this is a tool-free setup. I simply unfolded the crate and started using it!

The wires are black powder coated and rust-resistant. Very durable and waterproof.

The crate comes with a removable tray too for easy cleaning.

As for the cover, it is a simple matte black cover that fits the crate perfectly. This is the benefit of having a bundle. You can guarantee that the cover fits the crate like the glove as they are created for each other.

It is made of polyester with a PVC coating. So it is completely waterproof and durable.

This bundle comes in three sizes. The smallest size is 24 inches (60 cm). The medium size is 30 inches (76 cm). The extra-large size is 48 inches (122 cm) which is the largest that most crates will go to.

If you’re in search of a crate with a cover already built-in, look no further than this handy, valuable bundle.

What every member of our independent team of experts liked about this option is its convenience, especially for new dog owners. Finding a cover that will fit your crate might be a time-consuming task, and this brand definitely solves that by providing a two-in-one solution.

We also like the two-door feature of the crate. The front door can be used as easy entry and exit, while the side door can provide convenient access to your pet's food and water bowls. The metal construction of the crate ensures durability and security, keeping your pet safe while you're away.

The PAWZ Road crate cover is ideal for extra-large crates. If you have a 42 inch (107 cm) or 48 inch (122 cm) crate, these covers are good value and the perfect fit.

It is made from Oxford polyester which is durable, waterproof and bug-resistant. It’s super easy to clean too. Simply undo the velcro attachments to slide it off the crate and throw it in the washing machine.

Compared to the third option, this brand has an insect-proof material, which allows your dog to sleep soundly, free from flies, mosquitoes and bugs. You can be sure that it functions more than just a regular dog crate cover.

I like how the cover is flexible enough to allow access from all sides. Sure, I was able to roll up the front access and side access, which is standard for most covers. But a step above is that this cover allows for top access. This means that if you have a crate with a top door, this crate cover will be compatible. Result!

If you can get over the rather boring design, the PAWZ Road crate covers are perfect for large and extra-large crates. Good value for money, flexible and easy to clean. What more could you want?

The dogs on our team of independent experts loved this crate cover. Because it is made out of a thicker material, the interior remains warmer than other crate covers. One of our dogs, who much prefers being outside, has recently begun spending more time inside the cage than they ever have.

For those of you who are very intentional about having beautiful things in your home like I am, you’ll want a pretty crate cover to match your home decor. As I said, it makes no difference to your pup but it may make your day to have well-designed items around you.

This brand stands out because of its design, and out of all the above mentioned crate covers, which only have some basic and boring colours, this crate cover has a creative and beautiful pattern that you will surely love.

The TUYUU crate covers come in three distinct designs, which are all equally cool. It’s worth noting however, that not all three designs are available in all five available sizes. That can be a drawback if your favourite model isn’t available in the size you need it in.

Speaking of sizes, let’s talk about what’s on offer. The smallest size is 25 inches (63 cm) and the largest is 49 inches (125 cm). Quite a decent range for the price point, especially compared to the other items on this list.

The cover has two access points and a breathable mesh window on the right side.

Easy to use, clean and maintain, the TUYUU range has a style for everyone. We love it!

Our team of independent experts highly recommend this because it balances design and functionality, giving our dogs a stylish crate cover while keeping their privacy and comfort. It is a must-have if you want that sophisticated look for your canine companion.

Why Do You Need A Dog Crate Cover?

Dog crate covers may seem like a bit of a luxury item. While it’s not essential for crating your dog effectively, a cover can immeasurably improve the experience for your dog. How so? According to our team of independent experts, a dog crate cover can:

• Calm nervous dogs
  

Many dogs can suffer from separation anxiety and generalised nervousness. A dog crate can do wonders to reform this behaviour.

Slow desensitisation techniques combined with a cosy crate haven can soothe those nerves.

Dogs are denning animals. So dark, small caves are inviting as a place to rest. Most crates are built with open caging that lets in a lot of light. With a crate cover, you can make the atmosphere inside the crate darker and therefore calmer for your anxious pup.

This also may help them to sleep if they are jittery at night.

A crate cover doesn't just create a cosy cubby for your pooch. Here are some of the other ways a cover for your dog crate can be advantageous:

Having a cool crate cover can make a dog crate more aesthetically pleasing. They can come in a wide range of colours and patterns to appeal to your designer eye. The way the crate cover looks makes absolutely no difference to your pup, but it may brighten your day to have a beautiful crate in your home. Happy owner, happy pup.

What I Look For In A Dog Crate Cover?

Fit

The fit is the most important aspect of shopping for a crate cover. It is entirely useless if it does not fit. When searching for the right crate cover for your dog, it’s best to measure your crate to narrow your search. You want the cover you choose to fit snugly.

Waterproof material

Most crate covers are waterproof in some way. Accidents can happen in crates and waterproof material protects the integrity of the cover. It also depends on how you intend to use the crate. You may need a higher need for a waterproof crate cover if you intend to travel with the crate or put the crate outdoors. 

Flexibility

You want the crate cover you use to be easy to adjust. Most covers will have the ability to put down one side independently from the others. This allows you to customise the way the crate is covered. A cover that only fully envelops the crate isn’t any more effective than a normal blanket.

Machine washable

As I mentioned before, accidents happen in crates. Just like crate beds, you want the cover to be easily washable so you can keep it fresh. With this, you want a product that will actually hold up to being washed. There’s no use buying something that will melt in the machine!

Ease of use

Is it easy to take the cover on and off? You probably won’t be using it 24/7. Does it pack down neatly? Does it have an easy release system to take off quickly if needed? Our experts note that these are all important to review before you make a purchase.

Can You Create DIY Dog Crate Covers?

You absolutely can! This may be your argument against buying a ready-made crate cover. Wouldn’t a blanket do the trick? It can in theory but there are a few limitations of DIY crate covers. Here’s what you need to know:

Using a blanket for a cover

To have a blanket cover, you really have to trust your pup! It’s very common for dogs to pull the blanket off and use it as a chew toy.

On top of that, a blanket is not quite as flexible as a typical crate cover. It’s difficult to expose one side at a time. It’s also tough to tie it down so that the blanket doesn’t slip off on its own.

Blankets rarely provide the same breathable and occlusive coverage as a typical cover. 

Outside of that, a blanket is perfectly fine for moments when you want to completely cover the crate. It’s cost-effective because you likely already have a suitable blanket at home. For your dog, it won’t make much of a difference. It’s up to you if you can be bothered with the extra logistics to tie down the blanket and customise the way it is used.

Making your own crate cover

If you are decent with a sewing machine, you may be able to make your own cover at home. Measure the crate and create a split/seam fabric cover that suits you best.

This is a more cost-effective solution. All you need is fabric and thread, which are inexpensive.

Of course, the issue here is the time and complexity to craft a crate cover completely from scratch. If you are a crafty person, you may love this project! If not, a crate cover off the shelves will save you a lot of time and effort.

My Final Say

Choosing the best dog crate cover in Australia requires careful consideration of your pet's needs, the size of the crate, the cover's material, design and style, and your budget. By considering these factors, you can find the perfect cover that provides your pet with a comfortable, safe, and stylish space to relax and sleep in.

With these things in mind, our panel of independent experts all agree that our top choice is the Midwest crate cover. Midwest is an expert in crates, so their crate covers fit well and are easy to use. Durable, clean and comfortable, these stylish crate covers will do the job perfectly.

If you don't yet own a crate and want a starter pack, then we recommend the PETJOINT crate and cover combo. You get a reliable, durable crate and a perfectly fitting cover for one price. It's a great place to start with crating your dog!

References

1. Leigh, P. November 30, 2015. “Crates are Forever – Not Just for Puppies”. American Kennel Club. Retrieved October 14, 2023. “https://www.akc.org/canine-partners/crates-are-forever-not-just-for-puppies/
   
2. Gibeault, S. January 17, 2023. “Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Causes, Prevention, and How to Stop”. American Kennel Club. Retrieved October 14, 2023.  https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dog-separation-anxiety-how-to-stop/
3. Schade, V. November 14, 2016. “How to Calm a High Energy Dog”. PetMD. Retrieved October 14, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/how-calm-high-energy-dog
4. Scott, D. December 5, 2022. “Crate Training A Puppy: 6 Easy Steps”. Dogs Naturally Magazine. Retrieved October 14, 2023. https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/crate-training-a-puppy/