6 Space Saving Dog Kennels For Small Apartments
Maximize your limited square footage with these six space-saving dog kennels. Discover functional, stylish designs perfect for comfortable urban pet living.
Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your dog’s comfort or your own sanity. By treating your pet’s kennel as a piece of functional furniture rather than an eyesore, you can reclaim valuable square footage. Here are six space-saving solutions that prove you can maintain a stylish home while keeping your pup happy.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Choosing Furniture-Style Dog Crates for Small Spaces
When you live in tight quarters, every square inch of floor space must earn its keep. A standard wire crate often feels like a cage, creating visual clutter that disrupts the flow of a small room. Furniture-style crates solve this by serving a dual purpose, acting as side tables, consoles, or display surfaces.
The key to choosing the right piece is balancing your dog’s need for a den-like environment with your need for a functional surface. Look for materials that match your existing decor, but prioritize ventilation and durability. Remember, if it doesn’t serve a secondary purpose, it’s just another piece of bulky equipment you’ll eventually want to hide.
New Age Pet ecoFLEX End Table Crate for Apartments
If you are looking for a reliable, no-nonsense solution, the ecoFLEX End Table Crate is a fantastic entry point. It’s constructed from a wood-polymer composite that won’t warp or crack, which is a major win if you live in a humid climate or have a pup that likes to chew.
This crate is ideal for the minimalist who wants a clean, unobtrusive look that blends into a living room setup. It isn’t the most high-end piece of furniture you’ll own, but for the price point and durability, it’s a workhorse. Choose this if you want a permanent, low-maintenance fixture that stands up to daily wear.
Merry Products Slide-Aside Crate for Narrow Areas
Small apartments often have awkward, narrow gaps between furniture that go completely unused. The Merry Products Slide-Aside Crate is a clever solution because its door slides into the unit rather than swinging outward. This design eliminates the need for clearance space in front of the crate, making it perfect for tight hallways or cramped corners.
Because the door tucks away, you don’t have to rearrange your entire room just to let your dog in or out. It’s a specialized tool for a specific problem: the "door-swing" bottleneck. If your floor plan is too tight for a traditional hinged door, this is the most practical upgrade you can make.
Fable Pets Crate: Minimalist Design for Tiny Homes
Keep your small dog safe and secure with the enhanced iCrate. It features a patented Paw Block latch, leak-proof pan, and folds flat for easy travel.
The Fable Pets Crate is for the design-conscious apartment dweller who views their pet’s gear as an extension of their home aesthetic. It features a curved, bent-wood frame and a clear acrylic gate, making it look more like a piece of modern art than a kennel. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it also functions well as a side table.
However, keep in mind that the acrylic gate is a statement piece; it requires regular cleaning to stay looking sharp. It’s best suited for dogs who are already crate-trained and don’t suffer from severe separation anxiety. If you prioritize aesthetics and have a well-behaved dog, this is the gold standard for blending form and function.
Diggs Revol Dog Crate: Collapsible Modern Solution
Sometimes, you don’t need a kennel in the living room 24/7, but you still need a safe space for your dog when guests visit. The Diggs Revol is the best collapsible option on the market, featuring a design inspired by high-end baby strollers. It’s incredibly easy to set up and break down, and it looks significantly better than a standard wire crate.
The main advantage here is portability and storage. When not in use, it slides under a bed or into a closet with ease. Buy this if you value flexibility over a permanent furniture piece; it’s the ultimate choice for the nomadic or space-conscious owner.
Richell Expandable Pet Crate for Custom Floor Plans
If you live in a studio or an apartment with an unconventional layout, the Richell Expandable Crate is a game changer. It features adjustable panels that allow you to change the width of the crate to fit specific nooks or to accommodate a growing puppy. It’s basically a modular system that adapts to your room, rather than forcing you to adapt to it.
This level of customization is rare, but it does come with a slightly more "industrial" aesthetic. It isn’t a side table, but its ability to expand and retract is unmatched. Choose this if you have an awkward space that standard crates simply won’t fit into.
Bowhaus Modern Pet Crate: Sleek Mid-Century Style
For those who lean into a mid-century modern aesthetic, the Bowhaus is a standout. It features a powder-coated steel frame with sliding doors, providing a sleek, airy look that doesn’t feel heavy in a small room. It’s essentially a high-end metal cabinet that doubles as a sturdy surface for lamps or books.
This is a premium investment, but it’s built to last for years. It’s perfect for the person who wants a "buy it for life" piece that looks like it belongs in a design magazine. If your budget allows and you want a centerpiece that hides your dog’s crate in plain sight, this is the one.
Measuring Your Dog and Apartment for Optimal Fit
Before you buy, you must measure your dog in their natural sleeping position, not just their standing height. A crate that is too large wastes precious apartment floor space, while one that is too small causes unnecessary stress. Aim for the "Goldilocks" zone: enough room to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably, but nothing more.
Don’t forget to measure your "clearance" zones as well. Map out your floor plan with painter’s tape to see how the crate interacts with traffic flow. If the crate blocks a pathway to the bathroom or the kitchen, it will become a source of frustration, no matter how beautiful it is.
Creative Placement Ideas for Compact Dog Kennels
Think vertically and utilize "dead" space to keep your floor clear. A sturdy furniture-style crate can easily function as a TV stand or a bedside table, effectively removing the need for an extra piece of furniture. You can also place them under a sturdy console table or inside a large walk-in closet if you have the ventilation to support it.
The goal is to integrate the crate into the room’s existing function. If you can move your books, plants, or electronics onto the crate’s surface, you are effectively reclaiming the footprint of the kennel. Always ensure the placement allows for airflow and that your dog still feels like they have a "den" rather than being stuck in a high-traffic zone.
Maintaining Cleanliness in Small-Space Pet Living
In a small apartment, pet odors and hair can accumulate quickly. Because these furniture-style crates are often enclosed, they can trap smells if not maintained properly. Invest in a high-quality, washable crate mat and wipe down the interior surfaces weekly to keep the space fresh.
Regular grooming and cleaning are non-negotiable when your pet’s living space is integrated into your main living area. Keep a small handheld vacuum nearby and dedicate a specific day for deep-cleaning the crate. By staying on top of the maintenance, your dog’s "furniture" will stay as clean as the rest of your home.
Maximizing a small home doesn’t require you to compromise on your dog’s well-being or your own interior design standards. By selecting a crate that serves a dual purpose and fits the specific dimensions of your layout, you turn a necessary piece of equipment into a functional asset. Take your measurements, assess your dog’s needs, and choose the solution that makes your small space feel just a little bit bigger.
