The short answer: a custom crate cover is cut to your crate’s own outside measurements, so it sits square instead of sagging or straining. To order one, measure the crate’s front, sides and height (floor to top, tray included), choose a size by the longest side, pick an outside and an inside fabric, and decide whether you want a full-length front flap and your dog’s name.
Most people come to a custom cover after a blanket that won’t stay put or a store-bought cover that never quite fit. Once the crate is a permanent part of the room, it’s worth getting right. This guide covers measuring, sizes and prices, fabrics, the front flap, personalization, and how to choose a cover for your dog, with links to our deeper guides on each.
How to Measure Your Dog’s Crate
Measure the crate itself, never the box it came in or the size printed on it. Crate sizes on packaging are rounded, and a crate sold as one size can measure a little more. Always measure the outside of the crate, edge to edge.
- Front. The side your dog uses to go in and out. Measure it from the outermost wire on one corner to the other. Your dog’s name goes on a short flap on this side.
- Sides. Measure along the side from the front corner to the back corner.
- Height. Measure from the floor to the very top of the crate, including the tray. A cover that reaches the floor hides the tray and looks finished.
- Check again. Measure the front and the height at both ends. If they differ, use the larger number. Note any handles or latches that stick out.
We accept half-inch measurements. Front and sides can be 12″ to 53″, and height 12″ to 45″. Our full guide to measuring your dog’s crate correctly covers wire and plastic crates and the most common mistakes.
Crate Cover Sizes and Prices
The size is set by your crate’s longest side. Every cover is then cut to the exact front, sides and height you enter, so a crate that sits near the edge of a size still gets a cover that fits.
| Size | Longest side of your crate | Starting price |
|---|---|---|
| XS | Under 26″ | $124.99 |
| S | 27″–30″ | $144.99 |
| M | 31″–36″ | $184.99 |
| L | 37″–42″ | $239.99 |
| XL | 43″–48″ | $264.99 |
| XXL | 49″–53″ | $349.99 |
Personalization is free. The full-length front flap is a $25 add-on. Some designer fabrics add a small upcharge, shown as you choose them.
Choosing Fabrics: Outside, Inside and Reversible
Each cover takes two fabrics, one for the outside and one for the inside, chosen from more than 300 options. The cover is reversible, so you can show either fabric and change the look of the room without buying a second cover. Your dog’s name stays visible whichever way round it is.
Think about three things when you choose:
- Airflow. A cover should never make the crate airtight. Choose a fabric weight that suits your home and climate, and leave the front open when your dog needs more air. Our guide to designing a breathable crate cover explains how.
- Durability. Dogs who scratch or chew need a sturdier fabric. See crate cover tips for puppies who chew and the ultimate guide to choosing materials.
- The room. A crate in the living room is part of the furniture. Our guide to choosing colors and patterns helps you pick fabrics that belong in the space.
Want to see and feel a fabric first? Order fabric samples before you design.
The Front Flap and Your Dog’s Name
Every cover has a short flap on the front, where we embroider your dog’s name for free. You choose the font, thread color and text. The embroidery shows whichever way round the cover is, so your dog’s name is still on display when you reverse it to the inside fabric.
Add the full-length front flap ($25) if you want to cover the crate opening for more privacy, for example at night or for a dog who settles better with less to look at. Leave it off to keep the front entrance open. Our guide to adding embroidery to a crate cover has ideas for names and styles.
Choosing a Cover for Your Dog
The right cover depends on what your dog needs from the crate.
- Nervous or reactive dogs often settle better with fewer things to watch. See the best crate cover designs for reactive or nervous dogs.
- Puppies need durable fabric and a cover that’s easy to wash. See tips for puppies who chew.
- Homes with more than one dog can coordinate covers across crates. See custom crate covers for multi-dog homes.
- Still using a blanket? Compare the two in dog crate covers vs. blankets, and read about the hidden benefits of a crate cover.
Custom vs. Store-Bought Crate Covers
A store-bought cover is made for a range of crates, so it rarely fits any one of them well. The usual problems are a hem that drags on the floor or pulls tight across the frame, thin fabric that shows hair and wear, and ties or zippers that give out first.
A custom cover starts from your crate’s measurements. It’s cut to fit, sewn by hand in the USA, and made in the fabrics you choose. It costs more up front and takes time to make, but it fits the first time and doesn’t need replacing when a cheaper cover wears out. Before you order, check our list of the top mistakes people make designing crate covers.
Before You Order: A Quick Checklist
- Front, sides and height measured on the crate itself, outside edge to edge, height from the floor.
- You know which side is the front, where your dog goes in.
- Outside and inside fabrics chosen (or samples ordered).
- Full-length front flap: yes or no.
- Your dog’s name, font and thread color.
- This is the crate your dog will keep using. If your puppy will move up a crate size soon, wait.
Ready? Design your crate cover and see it in 3D before you order, or browse Signature Styles for finished designs.
