Best Dog House Heater Options in 2022 [Warm Your Dog]

Happiness is a warm puppy. And we aim to maintain that with a quality dog house heater by their side. 

But finding safe yet powerful heating units can be somewhat of a challenge. 

Our team uncovers how efficient the market’s top picks really are. A little analysis never hurts. Besides, when there’s electricity and heat involved, no research can ever be too thorough. Let’s begin.

Methodology — Laying Our Research Foundations

Successful research is nothing without a prioritized set of evaluation criteria. Every decent researcher, including ourselves, will agree on this. Here’s our approach.

Safety

Whether the heat is electric or solar, from lightbulbs or heating pads, safety is the number one priority with dog house warmers. Thermo-sensors are built into almost every device we found, preventing overheating. When the heat limit is at maximum, some heaters turn off automatically. Finally, all of them featured chew-resistant cords, with some even having protective steel strings.

Quality of Materials 

Steel is the most common and arguably the most durable heater material. In contrast, heated dog houses are mainly made from plastic. Still, plastic may readily break, even if it offers excellent insulation. We also found tents. But they’re the least durable and work best in a sheltered area. 

Efficiency

The dog kennel heater units range from 300W to 1500W, while the heating parts use around 40W. Most heat outputs adjust automatically and turn off in the chance of overheating. The heated dog houses have added insulation, the most popular being EPS foam.

Extras

Most heated dog houses have drain holes, removable doors, and angled entryways. Their windows are see-through, and you can adjust them to warm the area or ventilate the air. The warming pads are waterproof, and their cords are chew-proof. Also, the heating units or panels have temperature modes, a “tip over” switch, and an anti-freeze mode. 

Warranty/Guarantee

Most, but not all, companies backup their heaters for dog kennels with a satisfaction guarantee. They usually come at a higher price, with warranties ranging from one to three years. We also found products with a safety certificate. 

Installation

Installing heating units is as easy as ABC. All you need is quick-mount drilling, and you’re done. The heated dog houses are more complicated as they require complete assembling, but it’s nothing an instruction sheet can’t fix. The heat pads and panels are the easiest to install — you only need to plug them into an outlet. 

Cleaning & Maintenance 

Maintaining dog house heater units is pretty simple, as most thermostats are replaceable. Plus, the dog pads usually come with machine-washable covers. Heated dog houses are the most challenging to maintain, as some require unscrewing parts to clean them thoroughly. Still, they do have drain holes for easier clean-up. 

Petmate Igloo Dog House 

For more than 50 years, Petmate has been renowned for its products. Its igloo dog house is made of a heavy-duty plastic structure measuring 43.8″ x 34″ x 25.8″. It cools the space in summer and warms it up in winter.

Its angled entryway protects dogs from inclement weather like wind and rain. Also, the raised flooring and side moats drain water and keep your dog dry. What’s more, it has antibacterial protection against stains and germs that cause odors.

The igloo dog house heater has a roof ventilation system for fresh air. If you want more comfort and extra warmth, you can upgrade the igloo house and purchase the Petmate’s igloo door and a heating pad. 

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Why we choose this product: Petmate has been famous for its eco-friendly pet products for more than 50 years. Its igloo is durable, with roof ventilation and an offset entryway. 

Hound Heater Akoma Dog House Furnace

Akoma’s pet products aim for safety, simplicity, and efficiency. The company’s Hound Heater is a 300W wall mount system with 100,000 on/off cycles. Also, it’s made from 16-gauge powder-coated steel, protected with a quiet, forced-air fan.  

The replaceable thermostat can heat up from 30°F to 100°F, but people usually set it up just above 50°F. The forced-air fan runs quietly and is supported by a Thermo-sensing bulb against overheating. 

Due to its internal shield, the Akoma dog house heater provides safe, dry heat. Plus, it has a heavy-duty, chew-proof prong grounded cord with a protective stainless steel spring. You can choose between 6 ft or 10 ft cord length.

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Why we choose this product: Hound Heater aims for longevity with its 100,000 on/off cycles and has an unnoticeable forced-air fan. Also, it features a Thermo sensing bulb for heat control and an internal shield for safe and cozy warmings. 

ASL Solutions Insulated Dog Palace

ASL Solutions designed a 38.5″ x 31.5″ x 47.5″ dog palace that’s 30°F warmer than the outside temperature. It’s all thanks to its EPS foam insulation and raised 4” bedding area. The palace is more suitable for medium to large dogs, but it’s not fit for extreme cold weather. 

The large dog house with a heater has an easy passage with a self-closing door and sloped floor with added drain holes for easy clean-up.  Also, the windows are see-through. 

ASL Solutions’ dog palace is free from harmful odors or chemicals. It’s made in the US and comes in brown, gray, and red. A 100% satisfaction guarantee backs up the purchase.

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Why we choose this product: It’s a roomy, sturdy, and aesthetically pleasing dog heater house. It’s insulated with EPS foam, featuring a self-closing door system and raised bedding area. Plus, it comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. 

Climate Right Electric Dog House Heater

Climate Right features a 300W heater and fan wall mount that gently warms up animals’ houses in cold climates. It has an adjustable thermostat with a heat dial and detailed graphics for low, medium, and high settings. 

The internal fan of the dog house heater circulates the warmth up to 75 cubic feet and protects the system from overheating. The cord is 8 ft long and chew-proof. 

When the temperature reaches the upper threshold, the fan will turn off until the temperature falls below the lower barrier. There’s no need for venting, and the installation process requires only quick-mount drilling. 

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Why we choose this product: Climate Right’s heater has a three-mode adjustable thermostat and 300W heater. The internal fan circulates the warmth and controls the heat levels. It also comes with a chew-proof cord. 

De’Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater

The De’Longhi thermic panel heater features an adjustable thermostat with two heat modes — 1500W and 750W. It comes in a sleek and compact 27” x 10” x 22” unit that you can set up on the floor or wall. 

These puppy heaters are strong enough to warm up rooms up to 300 sq. ft. Since they don’t have a fan, they heat the space in silence. What’s more, there’s an anti-freeze setting. 

De’Longhi has a thermal cut-off and an internal tip-over switch if the panel gets unstable. Also, it has power/caution indicator lights. The thermic panel comes with a three-year warranty guarantee.

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Why we choose this product: It’s an electric dog house heater that looks good. Plus, it’s compact and portable. The thermostat is adjustable and powerful enough to heat 300 sq. ft space. The three-year warranty offer guarantees quality. 

K&H Thermo Tent Pet Bed

The K&H Thermo Tent Pet Bed is an attractive solution for warmth during wintertime. It’s ideal for dog houses, basements, garages, or any other outdoor shelter. Alongside the Petco dog house heater comes a thermostatically controlled heated pad and a removable orthopedic 40W heated floor with a machine-washable fleece cover. The internal thermostat heats the bed only when pets are laying on it. 

The gray K&H tent bed measures 16” x 24” x 19”. Also, the product has a safety certification and comes with a one-year warranty. 

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Why we choose this product: K&H has designed innovative pet products for over 20 years. The tent has a safety certification. It features a 40W dog house floor heater and a thermostatically controlled heated pad. 

ASL Solutions Insulated DP Hunter Dog House

The ASL Solutions’ 23″ x 29″ x 23.5″ dog house provides a clean, snug, and pleasant shelter for tiny pets. It comes in gray and brown, with a 4” recycled EPS foam. Plus, it’s UV-8 protected. 

The 3” raised floor provides a dry and warm bedding area with an electric floor heater. This outdoor dog house heater has weather-adjustable window panels and a sloped floor with drain holes. 

Even in temperatures as low as 40°F, the insulated DP Hunter House can maintain 70°F. But without insulation, the temperature falls to 45°F. The product is backed up by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. 

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Why we choose this product: DP Hunter Dog House provides quality insulation with 4” recycled EPS foam. The panels are UV-8 protected, and the windows are weather-adjustable. Plus, it comes with an electric floor heater. 

K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed

The K&H outdoor heated pet bed is made of therapeutic foam and fleece cover with a 5.5 ft steel-wrapped cord. 

Its internally regulated thermostat heats the unit with 20W. The heating pad for dog houses is water-resistant, making it ideal for garages, porches, or barns. 

K&H also offers safety certification. The pet bed comes in brown and in three sizes — small (14” x 18”), medium (19” x 24”), and large (25” x 36”).

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Why we choose this product: It’s packed with soft foam and an internally regulated thermostat. Plus, you can place it outdoors since it has a water-resistant fleece cover. 

Finding the Finest Dog House Heater — A Buyer’s Guide

Before making that final decision, you might want to make a checklist, or as we call it — shopping guidance. 

What to Look For?

When buying a dog house heater, there are five aspects to consider. Let’s dive right in and see why they’re essential. 

Heating Power

The heating power you’ll need depends on the dog’s breed, where it sleeps, and the climate. If you live in a place with mild winters, you can go for an insulated dog house, tent, or self-warming pad. Consider a dog house heater with a transmitter that can reach and sustain high room temperatures, maybe one with an additional air blower for freezing temperatures.

Dog House Size

Electric panels heat the most space. Still, they’re only for indoor areas like the house, barn, or garage. If your pooch prefers to sleep outside, you can get a battery-powered dog house heater unit. But remember — the smaller the house, the lower the heat transmitter you’ll need. 

Breed, Age & Weight

Older dogs need an orthopedic dog bed to relieve joint pain, but they can benefit from insulated dog houses with softer flooring. Smaller dogs with single coats should get a dog home with heat pads that’s warm and well-insulated. Until the temperature falls below 20°F, larger double-coated dogs don’t need a heater. If you have a chewing dog, look for a heater that’s either impossible to chew or won’t hurt your dog if chewed.

Portability

You can place dog houses anywhere — from backyards and barns to patios and garages. But if the dog house is far away from your home, you’ll also need portable dog box heaters. It’s best to get tents for a sheltered area, as the material might not endure strong winds, snow, or rain. Self-heating pads are the most portable, but they aren’t suitable for harsh weather. 

Budget 

Finding a low-cost dog house heater isn’t hard, but it’s also not the safest. So it’s best not to buy the first one you see on sale. Do your research. If you want a heater plus a house, go for an insulated dog house with added self-heating pads. In case you already have a pet house, buy and mount only a heating unit.

Dog Heaters for Outdoors — What Are They & How Do They Work?

Dog house heaters heat your dog’s sleeping place, and you can usually mount them on the walls. They have an air fan that circulates warm air around the space. Whenever they reach their heat limit, the thermostat shuts off and turns on when the room gets colder.

Heated Dog House vs. Doggy House Heater

A heated dog house is a well-insulated space for your pet during the chilly winter months. It preserves warmth due to its raised floors and foam insulation, as opposed to a dog crate heater that’s specifically installed to spread the heat. Heated dog houses usually don’t need an additional heater, especially if your dog has a thick coat. Still, you can place self-healing mats for extra heat. 

Types of Heaters

We’ve only scratched the surface of dog house heaters. Let’s take a closer look at their varieties.

• Solar-powered dog houses generate heat by absorbing infrared radiation from the Sun. Some of these pet warmers for outside include a sun-absorbing floor, while others have solar panels.
• Electric Heaters are heating units that run on electricity. So you need to plug them into an outlet to get them started. Because of the electrical cord, they’re not that great for chewing dogs, and you should always supervise your dog if that’s the case.
• Insulated Dog Houses are foam-insulated spaces with raised floors and ventilation systems. They usually come with self-heating pads, self-closing doors, and see-through windows.
• Light Bulb Heaters, like the Inkbird Ceramic Heat Emitter on Amazon, have infrared bulbs. These pet heaters are ideal for reptiles, aquariums, brooders, and other small places to receive warmth.
• Heating mats/pads warm using low voltage transmitters that activate upon laying. You can use them as they are or as heating pads for dogs’ houses.
• Microwavable Pads, like the Snuggle Safe Pet Heating Pad on Amazon, act like hot water bottles and are convenient for short warm-ups. But you must reheat them frequently to keep your dog comfortable.
• Some beddings contain a thermostat for gentle warmth during nap times. K&H Thermo-Snuggly Heated Pet Bed on Amazon is one such pet bed. But they’re best for an indoor space. 

Why Do You Need a House Heater? 

Many people believe that a dog’s natural fur provides adequate insulation for the cold outside. That might be valid for dogs with a double or triple coat, like the Husky or the Bernese Mountain Dog. But dogs with a single coat, like Chihuahuas, are more vulnerable to the cold and need an additional heat source.

Also, if you don’t have a dog house heater, you might be breaking the law. Places like Pennsylvania, Buffalo, New York, La Grange, Georgia, and Mebane City, North Carolina, have banned keeping dogs tethered outside for more than 30 minutes in temperatures below 32°F  or above 90°F.

Who Needs a Dog House Heater?

Some dogs are natural heat-masters, bred to be out in the elements. But not everyone has a Husky, Malamute, or St. Bernard. Here are the dogs that need a heater the most: 

• Short-haired dogs should be outside in extreme temperatures. If you can’t bring your dog inside, invest in an insulated dog home with a heater, or your pet will most certainly freeze.
• Pregnant dogs are believed to birth healthier dogs in winter, but that doesn’t mean they should sleep outside in the cold. A heater box for a dog house is crucial for pup mothers. Also, remember to do a veterinary check before winter begins. 
• Senior dogs are more susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. If your older dog prefers the outdoors, invest in a comfortable bed that will support its joints and bones. To keep your dog off the chilly floor, make sure to get elevated flooring.

Making a Solar Powered Doggy House Heater

While purchasing an outside dog house heater can keep your beloved dog warm in winter, it’s pricey and comes with increasing electricity bills. 

But you have an alternative. As long as the weather cooperates, you can utilize solar energy to keep your dog warm. 

What Is a Solar Powered House Heater?

Solar power harvests the Sun’s heat and light, turning it into energy you can use. Solar panels work by converting sunlight into usable electricity, and that power is called wattage. Essentially, if you have a solar dog home heater, you’ll keep your puppy happy and healthy without paying a higher electricity bill.

Advantages & Disadvantages of a Solar Dog House Heater

The biggest advantage of solar-powered dog house heaters is efficiency. You’re relying on the Sun, nature’s endless heat source, to warm up your puppy. 

The thermal mass is heated by soaking up heat rays during the day and releasing them at night. Plus, you’ll be helping the planet and its limited fuel resources. Saving money is another massive advantage, as you won’t have to pay for more electricity usage. Plus, it’s a fun DIY project, especially if you have the right tools and knowledge to do it. 

As for the disadvantages, a solar dog house heater is a bit complex to set up, with more parts to construct and connect. Also, the solar units cost more upon initial installation than electric heating units or self-heating pads. But it’ll be worth it in the long run.

How to Set It Up

The first thing you should do is provide excellent insulation and a waterproof and chew-resistant dog bed. Then, you’ll install the solar system. 

We like to work smarter, not harder, relying on the most efficient and reliable products, like the Renogy Monocrystalline Solar Starter Kit on Amazon.

Your future homemade dog house heater comes with Renogy 100W 12V Mono Solar Panel, Wanderer 30A PWM Charge Controller, 20ft 10 AWG Solar Panel Connectors Adaptor Kit, 8ft 10 AWG Tray Cable, and Z-brackets. Renogy says this kit is pretty DIY-ready, with a user-friendly installation. 

All you need to do is lay out the panel, mount it on corrosion-resistant, power strut metal rails, and secure the array to the house roof. Run the cable along the roof and through a hole in the rear of the house, connecting it to the solar charge controller. That’s all there is to it.

Is an Outside Heater for Pets Worth It? 

Insulated dog houses are quite expensive, ranging from $150 to $250. But behind that high price stand features like foam insulation, raised floors, see-through windows, self-closing doors, heating pads, and roof ventilation. It’s an excellent “two-in-one” purchase if you don’t have a good-quality pet house and need to warm up your dog in winter.

If you don’t want to purchase a brand new house and are looking for outdoor pet heaters, you can find a cheap option around $100. But the pricier ones have a higher voltage, last longer, and are generally safer. They usually cost about $190. Also, some of the products above are currently on sale, so you might find a high-quality heater at a very low price. 

Glancing Through the Doggy House Heater Reviews

• Petmate Dog House: Insulated igloo dog house
• Hound Heater Akoma Dog House Furnace: Long-lasting pet house heater
• ASL Solutions Insulated Dog Palace: Large breed insulated dog house
• Climate Right Electric Dog House Heater: Dog house heater with an air fan
• De’Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater: Heater with a thermostatic panel 
• K&H Thermo Tent Pet Bed: Thermostatic tent bed
• ASL Solutions Insulated DP Hunter Dog House: Insulated dog house for small breeds
• K&H Pet Products Lectro-Soft Outdoor Heated Pet Bed: Heating mat for dog house

Tips on Heating Your Dog’s House

One of the first things you can do to warm up your dog’s home is to raise the floor level. That way, your dog’s body will be above the ground and could warm up more rapidly. A good option is an elevated pupper bed.

Next, place the pet home in a protected area away from severe winds, rain, or snow. Also, you may want to consider adding a flap door to insulate the house further. 

Another option is a bedding dog heater, as it allows for a rapid and effective warm-up. No matter how big your dog is, winters can be brutal. So always keep extra water and the best large breed dog food on hand.

Finally, dog winter coats, like ThinkPet Warm Reversible Dog Coat on Amazon, are a fantastic option for low temperatures, especially if you have a short-haired pup.

Final Thoughts: The Top-Notch Dog House Heater Should Also Be the Safest

No heating unit can compare to the warmth and coziness of sleeping with a dog. But some dogs aren’t snuggle buddies and prefer their own space. If that’s the case, you need to ensure a comfortable sleeping space for your pet. That means excellent insulation, coziness, and a quality heater. 

The Petmate Dog House is an igloo-shaped dog house that makes winters more pleasurable and keeps summertime cool. Because of the angled doorway, no weather is strong enough to reach inside. The house features raised floors, a roof ventilation system, and antibacterial protection. Plus, you can add even more warmth with the igloo dog house heater pads.

Do you want your dog to experience the coziest winter possible while being safe outside? Consider adding a wireless dog fence to your house. That way, your dog will wander freely without you worrying about it going too far.

FAQs

Are dog house heaters safe?

Dog house heaters aim to be as safe as possible. They have automatic shut-off/on features to prevent the unit from overheating, rounded corners to protect dogs from accidental bumps, and chew-proof cords. 

How do I install an outdoor heater for pets?

A pet home heater is pretty simple to put together with its instruction manual. You’ll probably have to drill a hole in one of the house’s walls for the electrical cord and fasten it with a few screws.

What is the best heater for a dog house?

The best heater to warm your pooch in winter is the Hound Heater Akoma Dog House Furnace. It’s a 300W dog house heater made of 16-gauge powder-coated steel with a 30°F–100°F thermostat, forced-air fan, chew-proof cord, and Thermo sensing bulb.