10-minute read · Researched with Canadian veterinary, government and animal-welfare sources · Sources listed at the end
A good insulated dog house in Canada is sized so your dog can stand, turn and stretch out but not much bigger, sits on a raised dry floor, is insulated in the walls, roof and floor, has a wind-sheltered doorway and holds deep, dry straw. Even then, most dogs are safest indoors during deep cold.
October is the right time to set up or upgrade a shelter, before the first heavy snow makes it a cold, awkward job. In Ontario, shelter isn't optional for dogs that spend long stretches outside: the province's standards of care for dogs kept outdoors spell out exactly what the dog house must provide. Here's how to choose one, insulate it and fill it properly.
Key takeaways
- Dogs that are young, elderly, ill, toy-sized or short-coated generally belong indoors in cold weather; a dog house is best for healthy, cold-adapted dogs and daytime shelter.
- Size matters both ways: your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably, but an oversized house is harder for a dog to keep warm.
- Ontario requires a waterproof shelter with an insulated roof, a level, raised dry floor, ventilation, an unobstructed doorway and bedding at least 3 inches (about 7.5 cm) thick.
- Use straw, not hay or blankets. Straw stays dry and insulates; hay holds moisture and can mould, and blankets absorb moisture and can freeze.
- Water must never be frozen. Ontario requires it to be replaced at least once every 24 hours, and a heated water bowl makes that much easier in sub-zero weather.
Indoors first: which dogs should use a dog house for winter?
A dog house is a shelter, not a substitute for a warm home. Some dogs genuinely handle the cold well. The American Kennel Club notes that medium-to-large breeds with thick double coats, such as Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds, Newfoundlands and Bernese Mountain Dogs, can stay outdoors longer than other dogs in temperatures below 0°C, and that healthy arctic breeds that are acclimated can spend chilly days outside.
Other dogs should not rely on an outdoor shelter in winter. The same AKC guidance says puppies and toy breeds struggle to regulate their temperature and that elderly or ill dogs need mostly indoor time. Ontario's standards go further: a dog must not be kept outdoors if it has an injury or illness that affects its ability to regulate its temperature or restricts its mobility.
Good uses for an insulated dog house include a daytime retreat for a cold-loving northern breed, a sheltered spot for working and farm dogs, and a wind break while you're outside together.
If your dog is a senior, plan for indoor warmth instead. Our senior dog care guide covers the home adjustments that help older dogs through winter.
What Ontario's standards of care require for dogs kept outdoors
Under Ontario's Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act regulation (O. Reg. 444/19), these standards apply to a dog that is outdoors for 60 or more continuous minutes without its owner or custodian physically present. The shelter must:
| Ontario requirement | What it means when you shop |
|---|---|
| Waterproof, with protection from the elements | A solid roof and walls that shed rain and snow; no gaps that let wind blow through |
| Structurally sound and does not cause injury | No sharp edges, loose panels or exposed hardware |
| An insulated roof and a level, raised, dry floor | Look for a built-in raised base or plan to set the house on blocks |
| Ventilated | Vents or gaps high on the walls so moisture from breath can escape |
| A doorway free from obstructions | A flap is fine, but your dog must get in and out easily |
| Bedding at least 3 inches (about 7.5 cm) thick, kept clean and dry | Enough floor depth to hold a thick layer of straw |
| Room to turn around, lie down with legs extended and stand with the head at normal height | Measure your dog before you buy |
The standards also require water that is not frozen and is replaced at least once every 24 hours, and enough protection from the elements to prevent heat- or cold-related distress. Other provinces have their own animal welfare laws, so check with your provincial SPCA or animal welfare agency if you live outside Ontario.
Dog house for winter: getting the size right
In cold weather, a dog warms its shelter with its own body heat. That's why the Alberta SPCA warns against going too big: your dog should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably, but dogs can struggle to warm up or hold heat in an oversized shelter.
To size a house for winter:
- Measure your dog standing, from the floor to the top of the head. The interior height should allow the head to be held at normal height, as Ontario's standard requires.
- Measure your dog lying on their side, legs stretched, from nose to the base of the tail. The floor needs to fit that length plus a little turning room.
- Add room for at least 7.5 cm of bedding on the floor, which raises the floor level inside.
Our dog bed sizing guide walks through measuring a dog in more detail. The same measurements apply here.
Best insulated dog house in Canada: 7 features to look for
Whether you buy or build, these are the features we look for when choosing the best dog house for winter:
- A raised floor. The BC SPCA says outdoor shelter should be elevated as well as insulated. A floor lifted a few centimetres off the ground, on its own legs or on blocks, stays drier and isn't chilled by frozen ground.
- Insulation all around. The Alberta SPCA says proper shelter should be properly insulated and fully covered against wind, rain and snow. That means the walls, the roof and the floor, because heat escapes through any surface you skip.
- A wind-sheltered entrance. The Alberta SPCA says the house should be turned away from the wind or have an L-shaped entrance to cut wind. A heavy flap over the doorway adds protection from rain and snow.
- Ventilation. Required in Ontario, and important so the inside doesn't get damp.
- A weatherproof exterior. Look for weather-resistant materials, and if you paint a wooden house, use a finish made for outdoor use and let it cure fully before your dog moves in.
- A removable floor or roof. Makes it far easier to swap wet bedding and clean.
- Sturdy construction. Snow loads and freeze-thaw cycles find weak joints quickly.
How to insulate a dog house you already own
- Set it on blocks or a pallet so the floor sits off the frozen ground.
- Line the floor, walls and roof with rigid foam board, then cover the foam with thin plywood so your dog can't chew it.
- Add a heavy flap over the door, and turn the doorway away from the prevailing wind or put a windbreak in front of it.
- Avoid space heaters, extension cords and heat lamps not designed for pets in the house, because of fire and chewing risks.
What to put in a dog house for winter (and what to leave out)
Bedding is where many well-meant setups go wrong. The Alberta SPCA and Ontario's standards of care both point the same way: dry, warm bedding, and straw is the classic choice.
- Straw: the Alberta SPCA says straw is better than blankets for a doghouse. Its dry, hollow stalks shed moisture and trap warm air, so it keeps insulating.
- Hay: avoid it. Hay holds more moisture than straw and can go mouldy in a damp shelter.
- Blankets and towels: skip them outdoors. The Alberta SPCA warns that blankets soak up moisture that then turns to ice.
Straw in a dog house: how much and how often
Fill the floor with a thick layer your dog can burrow into. Ontario's legal minimum is 3 inches (about 7.5 cm). Ontario's standards also require bedding to be kept clean and dry, so check it every day or two and plan to change it every week or two. Replace any straw that's wet, packed flat or soiled right away.
Water that won't freeze
The BC SPCA stresses drinking water that hasn't frozen over, and the Alberta SPCA suggests replacing water often or using a heated bowl, and avoiding metal bowls that tongues can freeze to. If you use a heated bowl, run the cord through a chew-proof cover and keep connections out of snow and meltwater.
Daily checks for dogs using an outdoor shelter
A quick daily routine:
- Clear snow and ice away from the doorway and flap.
- Feel the straw. Replace anything damp or flattened.
- Check that the water is liquid and fresh.
- Look over your dog's ears, tail, nose and paws, the areas AKC lists as most vulnerable to frostbite.
- Bring your dog inside during severe cold, freezing rain or a blizzard.
Paws take a beating in winter. Pair a good shelter with our advice on winter paw care for salt and ice and choosing dog boots.
When to call your vet
- Your dog is shivering hard, sluggish or unsteady after time outside.
- Skin on the ears, tail, nose or paws looks pale, blue-grey or blackened, or is swollen and painful to touch. The AKC lists these as frostbite signs.
- Blisters or skin ulcers appear after cold exposure.
- Move your dog somewhere warm and call your vet. Don't rub frostbitten skin or use direct heat such as a hair dryer or heating pad.
Our dog house picks from Petcarestore.ca
These are weather-resistant shelters from our catalogue. Their listings don't describe built-in insulation, so plan to add a raised base if needed, insulation and a deep layer of straw as described above.
- Wood Extreme Weather Resistant Pet Log Cabin Dog Kennel: A wooden log-cabin style house described as extreme-weather resistant. Wood is easy to line with foam board on the inside if you want to add insulation.
- Wooden Dog House Outdoor with Natural Spruce Wood Frame: Its removable floor is the standout winter feature, making it simpler to swap out wet straw and clean the base.
- Waterproof Plastic Dog House for Small Dogs: A waterproof plastic house with a raised floor, sized for small dogs. Best as a daytime shelter, since small dogs lose heat faster.
- Outdoor Pet House with Ventilated Windows (Large, Middle or Small): Comes in three sizes, so you can match it to your dog rather than going oversized. It has a raised design and ventilated windows; close off or cover windows on the windward side in deep cold.
- EMPSIGN Reversible Cool & Warm Dog Crate Pad: For the indoor half of the plan: a reversible, waterproof, washable pad for the crate or bed where your dog sleeps when it's too cold outside.
See every shelter and kennel in our dog kennels and houses collection, or browse all dog supplies. Most orders over $100 CAD ship free, with no customs or duty fees at checkout.
Frequently asked questions
Do dogs need an insulated dog house in Canada?
Any dog that spends long periods outside in a Canadian winter needs a shelter that is insulated, dry and protected from wind. Ontario requires an insulated roof and a raised, dry floor for dogs kept outdoors. Puppies, seniors, toy breeds and short-coated dogs belong indoors in cold weather.
Is straw or a blanket better in a dog house for winter?
Straw. The Alberta SPCA recommends straw over blankets, and its dry, hollow stalks shed moisture, so it keeps insulating. Blankets and towels absorb moisture and can freeze, and hay holds moisture and can go mouldy. Keep it at least 3 inches (about 7.5 cm) deep and replace it every week or two, or sooner if wet.
How big should a dog house be for winter?
Just big enough. Your dog should be able to stand with the head at normal height, turn around and lie down with legs extended, which is also Ontario's legal standard. Avoid going much larger: the Alberta SPCA notes that dogs struggle to warm an oversized shelter.
How do I keep my dog's water from freezing outside?
Use a heated water bowl once temperatures drop below zero, and protect the cord from chewing and meltwater. Check the bowl at least twice a day. In Ontario, water for dogs kept outdoors must not be frozen and must be replaced at least once every 24 hours.
Is it legal to keep a dog outside in winter in Ontario?
Ontario's standards of care allow dogs to be kept outdoors only if specific conditions are met, including a waterproof, insulated, ventilated shelter, thick bedding and unfrozen water. A dog with an injury or illness that affects its ability to regulate temperature or restricts mobility must not be kept outdoors. Other provinces set their own rules.
Sources and further reading
- Government of Ontario — Standards of care for dogs kept outdoors
- BC SPCA — Dangers of cats and cars in cold weather (outdoor shelter guidance)
- Alberta SPCA — Proper Dog Shelter
- Alberta SPCA — Pets and Cold Weather
- American Kennel Club — How Long Can You Keep Your Dog Outside?
- American Kennel Club — Can Dogs Get Frostbite?
About this guide
Researched and written by the Pet Care Store Canada Team for pet owners across Canada. We build each guide from veterinary, government and animal-welfare sources (listed above) and update it when guidance changes. Product details come from our product listings at the time of writing; check each product page for current specifications and pricing.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet seems unwell or you think they ate something harmful, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic right away.
Shopping with us: prices in CAD, no customs or duty fees at checkout, delivery in 3–10 business days, and free shipping on most orders over $100. See our shipping policy and returns policy, or contact us with questions.
