Custom dog house building: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What custom dog house building is

A carpenter designs and builds a dog house sized to your dog, with the entrance, insulation, floor and roof chosen for the climate and the dog's needs. The work is a small wood project, but the size and the ventilation matter for the dog's comfort.

Signs you need it

  • Your dog is large, has a thick coat or has special needs for shelter
  • You want a dog house that matches the look of your home or yard
  • Your current dog house is too small, damp or poorly ventilated
  • You want a weatherproof shelter for an outdoor dog in a cold or wet climate
  • You want a durable dog house that will last for years

What the pro does

  • Asks about your dog's size, age, coat, sleep habits and where the house will sit
  • Measures the dog and the site, and checks the ground, drainage and sun exposure
  • Designs the house with a floor, walls, roof, entrance and ventilation for the dog's size
  • Chooses materials that are safe for the dog and suited to the weather
  • Builds the house with sealed joints, a raised floor and a roof that sheds water
  • Gives you a care plan for cleaning, bedding and checking the house over time

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The size of the house and the number of entrances or levels
  • The materials, such as untreated lumber, plywood, cedar or insulation
  • Whether the house needs insulation, a raised floor or a special roof
  • Whether the design includes a custom door, window or decorative finish
  • Whether delivery and installation on the site are included
  • Whether a design sketch or a second design option is included

What a written quote should spell out

  • The size of the house, the materials and the finish
  • Whether insulation, a raised floor and ventilation are included
  • Whether a design sketch or a second design option is included
  • Whether delivery and on-site setup are included
  • The completion date and the warranty terms for the build

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What size will the house be for my dog, and how did you choose it?
  • What materials do you use, and are they safe for a dog that chews?
  • How will you keep the house dry, warm or cool for my climate?
  • Do I need a permit for a structure in my yard?
  • How will the house be raised and anchored on the ground?
  • Can I see photos of dog houses you have built?
  • What warranty do you give on the build and the materials?

Red flags

  • Builds a house that is too small for the dog to stand and turn in
  • Uses treated or painted materials that are unsafe for a dog that chews
  • Does not include ventilation or a raised floor for a damp site
  • Will not show photos of dog houses built to a similar size
  • Does not say whether a permit is needed for the structure

What you can do yourself

You can build a simple dog house from untreated, dog-safe wood if you measure your dog and plan the ventilation and the raised floor first. Use screws, not nails that can come loose, and seal the joints with a dog-safe finish. Hire a carpenter for a large or insulated house, a custom design, a house for a large or high-energy dog, or any build that must stand up to heavy weather.

Licenses and permits

Some cities and counties require a permit for an outbuilding or a structure in the yard, and the rules depend on the size and the location. Check with your local building department before you build, and ask the carpenter whether they handle the permit paperwork.

Custom dog house building questions

How big should the dog house be?

The house should let your dog stand, turn and lie down comfortably. Ask the carpenter to measure your dog and to design the house around the dog's size and sleep habits.

Do dog houses need insulation?

It depends on the climate and the dog's coat. Ask the carpenter what insulation fits your weather, and how they will keep the house dry and ventilated.

What wood is safe for a dog house?

Ask the carpenter which materials they use and whether they are safe for a dog that chews. Avoid treated lumber or finishes that the dog could lick or chew.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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