The Best Tent For Dog Owners – My Top Picks

When I go camping, I used to hate leaving my dog behind. Seeing her sad little eyes through the window as I drove away for the weekend, it’s enough to make your heart melt.

These days I always take her with me. She loves it.

So today, with my past experiences in doggy camping, I will be showing you what is the best tent for dog owners that you can get.

The Best Tents For Dog Owners On Amazon

Coleman Sundome Tent

First up we have the Sundome tent by Coleman.

If you have never heard of Colman before, they are one of my ‘go-to’ brands when it comes to camping gear.

They have been providing campers with high-quality products for many, many years. They even provided camping stoves to soldiers in the second world war.

These days, they manufacture quality products such as this handy 2 person tent.

The Coleman Sundome is a perfect tent to camp out with your dog in the warm weather due to its huge windows and vented ground.

The reason this is number one on my list is due to the fact that the windows are at a decent height, high enough so your dog will not be able to get their nails stuck in the mesh, and that the rest of the tent is made from a quality, rugged material.

It also comes with inverted seams and welded corners, so not only will it keep water coming into the tent, it will stop your dog from escaping under the sides.

Other features of the Sundome, are the ‘E-port’ that allows you to run outside electrical cables into the inside of the tent, and the included rainfly cover, which will ensure you keep yourself dry in rainy conditions.

One thing I really like about this tent is the sturdiness of the thing. The manufacturer’s website states that it can withstand up to 35 miles an hour winds, and I can believe it. Once set up, this thing is solid.

What I like

• Amazingly sturdy in almost any weather
• The Included ‘rain fly’ keeps you bone dry even in the wettest of weather
• Really easy to setup
• Quite roomy for a 2 person tent

What I don’t like

• Two of the sides are completely mesh (although they can be covered using the included rain fly)
• Due to the full size ‘windows’, even with the cover on, it’s not the warmest of tents, so I can’t recommend this for winter camping.

HuiLingYang Outdoor Instant Pop-up Dome Tent

I hadn’t heard of HuiLingYang until last year when I was looking for a new camping chair. The company is fairly new compared to some other brands, but what they lack in experience, they make up for in terms of quality products.

This instant pop-up dome-style tent by HuiLingYang is a spacious 6 person tent that can fit up to 6 adults in sleeping bags. If you are going to be taking your dog camping in this tent, I recommend that you have a maximum of 4 people inside, so your dog has plenty of room to move around in.

However, if you wish, you can keep your dog inside of the vestibule at the front of the tent, where there is more than enough room for the largest of dogs.

The 52” center height of the tent is more than enough for most people.

This tent is perfect for any weather. It is fully waterproof so you can stay dry on rainy days, and due to the large front mesh door and the hooded vents at the rear, you can be sure that you will not be baking in sunny weather.

Since this is a pop-up-style tent, it takes next to no time to assemble as it comes with pre-assembled poles. I had this tent fully set up in seconds

What I like

• Plenty of space
• E-port to run electrical cables into the tent from outside
• Very quick setup
• Awesome weather protection

What I don’t like

• Some people may find it hard to fold back up
• No Centre roof net
• Does not have a hook for you to hang your camping light

Coleman 8-Person Tent for Camping

Another awesome product by Coleman, this time, a spacious 8 person tent.

Unlike the Sundome, this tent features an awning that is more than capable of doubling up as a sleeping space for your dog.
As this is a Coleman tent, you can expect full waterproofing, with Colemans’ patented inverted seams and welded floors, as well as an included rainfly.

One thing I do like about this tent is the fact that it features angled windows that both keep out the rain, and provide you with exceptional air circulation.

Space-wise, this thing is big. Even someone who is over 6 foot tall will have no problem standing up in it. The only problem with this though is that you will struggle to pack it back into the included carry case. I suggest that you buy a separate duffle bag if you can.

One other thing you may want to consider buying is some heavy-duty tent stakes as the included ones can come out of the ground quite easily.

What I like

• The size is perfect for larger people and larger dogs
• Easy to setup
• The awing is perfect for your furry friend
• It’s a Coleman tent
• The angled windows

What I don’t like

• The tent stakes seem quite flimsy
• It is hard to get the tent back into the included carry bag

Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent

Wenzel is another company that I can vouch for in terms of quality products.

With over 100 years of experience in crafting camping gear, they sure know a thing or two about what campers really need.

Their website states that they are dedicated to providing quality over profit products and this Klondike tent of theirs really shows that.

This is another 8 person tent that you and your dog will love.

Featuring a HUGE awning, your dog will be sure to have more than enough space, and even room for their water and dog food.
With enough space for 2 queen size air mattresses, you can be sure that you and your camping buddies will also have enough room.

Build wise, this is a really solid tent that will be sure to protect you from any type of weather. The only exception to this is if you are camping in windy conditions as the included stakes don’t seem to be up to that job and mine came loose overnight. So I would highly recommend that you buy some new heavy-duty tent stakes.

What I like

• Features a huge awning that is big enough for any dog
• Solid build
• Even though it’s a huge tent, it takes next to no time to set it up
• High-quality seams ensure a good amount of waterproofing
• Well designed window covers

What I don’t like

• Poor quality tent stakes
• Lack of E-port

Alcott Pup Tent

The last tent on this list is something a little different.

The Pup tent by Alcott is a standalone tent for dogs.

If you are the kind that does not like the idea of your dog sleeping in the same tenet as you, whether it’s for hygiene reasons or something else, you will be more than happy to know that your dog can sleep in its very own high-quality tent.

This dog tent features a waterproof base, four net inserts that allow a good amount of air circulation, and is rugged enough for you to be sure that your dog will not find its way out of it in the middle of the night.

Although I prefer to keep my dog with me at all times, I can see why someone would want this tent.

The only thing that I can find wrong with it, is that it does not seem to be fully waterproof. If you decide to buy this tent then I highly recommend that you also treat it with a waterproofing spray.

What I like

• It’s a good solution for those who do not want to sleep in the same tent as their dog
• Decent size for most dog breeds
• If your tent is big enough, it can be used as a dog crate

What I don’t like

• Although I didn’t have this problem, a few of the reviews on Amazon state that it was not fully waterproof

Things to Look for in a Dog-Friendly Tent

Before purchasing a new tent that is capable of housing both you and your dog, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.

Is it going to be big enough? – Firstly, you will need to make sure that you look for a tent that is big enough.

If it is going to be just you and your dog that is going camping then you could just settle for a small two person tent. However, if you are taking the whole family out on an outdoor adventure then you would be wise to look at the bigger sized tents.

Is it durable enough? – You will need to make sure that the material of the tent is strong enough that your dog won’t be able to rip it. The last thing that you need on a camping trip is for your dog to reenact the ‘great escape’ in the middle of the night.

Does your dog need its own space? – If you are not fond of sleeping in the same room as your dog, then you should look at either buying a separate tent for them or going for a tent with an awning that is suitable enough for your dog to sleep in.

Is the tent secure? – Another way for your dog to escape is through the front door. This could easily be achieved if you opt for a tent with a simple velcro fastening.

Be sure that you go for a tent that has zip-locked doors and windows

What to Expect When You Go Camping with Your Dog

As you are taking your dog somewhere unfamiliar, they will more than luckily act completely differently to how they act at home.

The new sight and smells that they encounter during camping may set them off on a barking spree and they may even want to chase some of the wildlife.

Usually, your dog will calm down after a while, once they are used to their new surroundings. Just keep a close eye on them and make sure that they are on a leash so that they don’t go chasing any other animals.

Another thing that you can expect (especially on the first night) is disturbed sleep.

Your dog will likely react to all of the unknown sounds that they hear during the night.

Once again, this can usually be remedied by giving them a little time to adjust. You may also want to consider keeping them close to you during sleep for that added security.

Camping With Dogs – The Essentials

There are numerous things that you should take with you if you are camping with your dog. Here is a list of items that you should pack:

• A dog collar
• Bowls for food and water
• Dog food
• Water if you know that you won’t have access to any
• A dog-friendly tent, or even their own tent
• Poop bags
• A leash
• A tether so you can do things such as cooking or tent set up/take down, without having to keep hold of a leash

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the dog sleep?

There are three main places where your dog can sleep.

1. In your tent
2. In your tents awning (if it has one)
3. In their own little dog tent

Does my dog need its own sleeping bag?

Depending on the weather, you may need to invest in their own sleeping bag to provide some extra comfort on a night and also keep them warm.

You can buy special sleeping bags that are made specifically for dogs such as this one: Lifeunion Dog Sleeping Bag

Should you get a separate tent for your dog?

This totally depends on your own preference.

I myself, like to keep my dog with me at all times

How Much Room Will Your Dog Really Need?

Once again, it depends.

If you have a smaller breed of dog, then you won’t really need that much room for them.

Obviously, the bigger the dog, the more space you will need