Discover the Range of Pet Enclosures, Runs & Kennels Available for Dogs & Cats.

There are many occasions when constraining your pet is required or preferred. At night cats should not be allowed to run amuck across the neighbourhood.

It’s important to remember not everyone will appreciate the love your large dog displays. Visitors may not appreciate the slobber or hair that comes with them saying hello, then there’s the issue of allergies. Posties are harassed every day, and it’s never a good idea to leave young children alone with any dog, let alone a larger breed.

This article looks at the many pet enclosures available these days, the options and types, both for dogs and cats, indoors and outdoors, small and large.

Providing separation with enclosures does not have to be cruel and is often it’s a good idea for the pet’s own health and wellbeing to have their own space, free of humans or other animals.
For those that have both cat’s and dog’s, you’ll appreciate the cat will always be wary of their canine sibling and will be grateful of a space to retreat higher up and away from boisterous paws.

Types of Pet Enclosures

As I alluded to above, inside or outdoors, small sleeping quarters or large exercise sized enclosures including runs, steel, wood or plastic are just some of the choices to consider when looking at enclosing for your pet dog or cat.

There are enclosures you can buy already assembled, ready to assemble or for the DIY enthusiast, you could purchase an enclosure in kit form. For those that have the space with perhaps several dogs or cats, you can look at the businesses offering custom made pet enclosures. While the more expensive option, and typically more permanent in nature, a customised build will give you exactly what you want.

Dog Enclosures

Starting with humble kennels outside, dog owners have never been offered so much choice. Made from timber or plastic, even steel, even the basic kennel can include runs for the dog to stretch its legs without having access to the rest of the backyard.

Many, if not most dog owners these days have multiple set-ups for their pet dog, one for outside and one for inside, especially at night. Doggy doors are also extremely popular, allowing a dog to decide whether it would like to be inside or outdoors. Dog doors allow your dog to be inside at night and go outside for toilet breaks.

Outdoor Dog Enclosures

Kennels are the most popular housing bought from pet stores and specific pet enclosure businesses. Apart from taking account of the dog’s full adult size when buying a kennel, making sure it’s windproof, waterproof and has a floor that is off the ground are important considerations when making your choice.
If you’re wanting to keep your dog enclosed in a specific are of your backyard for example, fences that are high enough with concrete plinths to deter the most determined digger and gates for access are all aspects of dog enclosures to think about.

Always make sure any enclosed area you design has shelter from the elements during all seasons, plenty of fresh water and food.

Indoor Dog Enclosures

Crates are a common tool used with behaviour training and are designed to keep your dog enclosed, so unable to wander around, or interact with other animals or humans. Often crates are used as the indoor sleeping place for dogs, which if is the case, a mattress base with blankets will be appreciated, not only from a comfort perspective, but from a health and wellbeing consideration, particularly important with larger dogs prone to developing hip dysplasia.

Indoor dog enclosures can also include barriers similar to those used to keep toddlers from venturing into different parts of the house. Dog doors are again useful if you use the crate as sleeping quarters for your dog. Apart from stretching their legs, you would prefer your dog to perform all their toilet activities outside.

Cat Enclosures

Keeping cats inside the home is becoming the only option for many people, partly due to the increasing level of regulation surrounding their control. Those renting have less options because installing a cattery outside isn’t possible.

Acting as a responsible cat owner includes proving a way to enclose your cat, preventing them from visiting the neighbours, especially at night.

Outdoor Cat Enclosures

For those that have the space, elaborate enclosures for cats can give your feline all the fresh air they want, with access back into the house normally via an open window or cat flap.

Steel sheeting with ‘chicken wire’ windows is one way to provide outdoor protection for your cat and can be assembled by a DIY homeowner after purchasing a kit. These are popular outdoor cat enclosures and can be colour matched to your garden’s theme.
Wooden versions are also popular made with weatherproof treated timbers, again with panels of wire so your feline has good views, and you can also see their climbing and playing antics.

Climbing and seating areas, along with food, water and shelter from the weather are all elements to consider when enclosing your cat outside, especially for extended periods, like when you’re at work all day.

Indoor Cat Enclosures

Crates are popular with cat owners, often using them as a sleeping spot. Most however lock their cat inside when they need to go out, where it has free reign of rooms within the house and laundry, a popular location for the ‘kitty litter’ tray.

Scratching posts are a must to keep your cat mentally stimulated and can be a saviour to lounge seats.

Pet Enclosures Summary

As you’ve discovered, regardless of whether you have dogs or cats, the wide range and choices you have for enclosing your pet outdoors or inside is extensive. Not only are you creating a safe place for your fur baby to play, you’re also being a responsible pet owner by restricting their movements to your back garden area, or for when you have visitors that aren’t comfortable with your pets.

Browse the extensive range of businesses that supply and build pet enclosures across Australia listed on Pet Directory.

If you’ve come across a great enclosure for your dog or cat, or have tips you’d like to share with others, leave a comment below.

Oliver (Senior Dog Reporter)

Hi to all my fellow canines, I’m Oliver, the Senior Dog News Reporter here at PetsBook.
I will endeavour to bring to dog owners’ informative and educational articles to help make the bond between you and them even stronger.