15 Genius Ways to Hide Your Dog Kennel in Plain Sight
Let’s be real—dog kennels are practical, but they can totally wreck a beautiful backyard or living room aesthetic. I’ve been there. You drop serious cash on a gorgeous outdoor space, and then… boom. A giant metal box plopped in the middle of it. It doesn’t have to be that way, friend.
I’ve spent way too many weekends (and far too much money on plants) figuring out how to make my dog’s crate and outdoor kennel disappear into the scenery. The good news? You don’t need to be a professional landscaper or a master carpenter to pull this off. I’m sharing my favorite sneaky tricks that are equal parts stylish and totally doable for any pet parent.
1. The Faux Garden Shed
This is my absolute favorite transformation. If you have an outdoor chain-link kennel, you can build a simple wooden frame around it and add a slanted roof. Suddenly, it looks like a charming little potting shed instead of a dog jail.
Paint it to match your house trim, and add a small window box with fake flowers. Nobody will guess there’s a doggy palace inside. It’s a weekend project, but the payoff is huge for your curb appeal.
2. Living Plant Wall (The Green Screen)
Forget expensive fencing. Plant a row of fast-growing shrubs or tall ornamental grasses around the kennel perimeter. Think bamboo (in a planter to control it), arborvitae, or even giant sunflowers during the summer.
This is the “hide in plain sight” trick because it doesn’t actually cover the kennel—it just distracts the eye. The greenery softens the harsh lines of the wire, making it look like a natural garden feature. Plus, your pup gets extra shade.
3. The Indoor “Furniture” Crate
Inside the house, you can ditch the ugly wire crate entirely. Buy an end table or console specifically designed to hold a dog crate, or DIY it. I took a cheap IKEA cabinet, cut a hole in the side, and inserted my dog’s crate inside.
Now it looks like a stylish piece of furniture where I keep my throw blankets. The door is on the side, but the front looks totally seamless. It’s a game-changer for open-concept living rooms.
4. The Pallet Privacy Fence
If you’re on a budget, this is your hack. Grab a few wooden pallets (free from local stores usually), stand them up around the kennel, and secure them with zip ties. Stain them in a warm wood tone or paint them a moody charcoal.
This creates a rustic, farmhouse vibe that looks intentional. You can even attach a couple of hanging planters to the pallets to make it look like a feature wall. It’s not permanent, so you can move it when you move.
5. The Pergola Upgrade
Build a pergola over the top of your outdoor kennel. This is the “luxury resort” approach. It frames the space so beautifully that the dog kennel just looks like a shaded outdoor lounge area.
Drape some string lights across the top and let climbing vines (like ivy or jasmine) grow up the posts. When you look at the yard, your eye goes to the pretty structure, not the wire mesh underneath. Your dog will feel like royalty.
6. Camouflage Netting + Vines
This is the quickest fix on the list. Buy some green camouflage netting (the kind used for gardens) and drape it over the top and sides of the kennel. Then, weave some fake ivy vines through the netting.
It instantly breaks up the solid shape of the kennel. From a distance, it just looks like a giant, lush bush. It’s perfect if you need a fast solution for a party or a BBQ and don’t have time to build anything.
7. The Repurposed Playhouse
If you have an old kids’ playhouse that’s seen better days, don’t throw it out. Remove the door, pop the roof off, and place it over your dog’s kennel base.
It looks like a whimsical garden cottage. You can paint it a cheerful color and add a “dog house” sign. It’s a quirky, fun look that especially works well in backyards that already have a playful, eclectic vibe.
8. Strategic Seating
Hide a small indoor crate by building a bench seat around it. Simply build a wooden box that fits snugly over the crate, leaving the front door accessible. Add a cushion on top.
Now you have a window seat, a place to put on your shoes, or extra storage if you make the top liftable. The crate becomes invisible because your brain just registers “cozy seating area.” It’s functional and clever.
9. The Rock Garden Illusion
For outdoor kennels on a concrete slab, surround the perimeter with large decorative boulders and river rocks. Place the kennel *behind* the rock feature.
The rocks create a natural barrier that blocks the bottom half of the kennel. Plant some succulents or ornamental grasses between the boulders. It looks like a high-end desert landscaping project, and the kennel just peeks out from behind the rocks.
10. The Curtain Trick
This is so simple, but it works wonders. Buy outdoor shower curtains or heavy-duty fabric and install a tension rod or a simple wire around the kennel. Let the curtains pool slightly at the bottom.
Choose a pattern that matches your outdoor decor—stripes, florals, or a solid neutral. It instantly softens the space and makes it look like a cabana. Just make sure the fabric is waterproof and breathable so your pup stays comfy.
11. The Storage Shed Combo
Turn the area around the kennel into a dedicated utility nook. Place the kennel next to your outdoor storage shed and build a small wooden screen connecting the two.
Then, add shelving around the kennel for potted plants, extra leashes, and gardening tools. By making the area look like a purposeful “work zone,” the kennel just looks like part of the storage solution. It’s all about context.
12. The Mismatched Fence Panels
If your kennel is up against a fence, attach decorative lattice panels or bamboo rolls to the outside of the kennel that faces your yard.
This gives it a texture that matches your fencing. If you have a wooden fence, use wood. If you have vinyl, use white lattice. It blends the kennel into the fence line so well that you almost don’t see it until you’re right on top of it.
13. The “Reading Nook” Vibe
For indoor crates, place the crate in a corner and build a bookshelf on either side of it. Put a curtain rod above the crate with a nice drape that you can pull closed.
When the curtain is open, it looks like a cozy alcove. When it’s closed, it looks like a large piece of furniture hiding a secret. Add a small rug in front and a wall sconce for lighting. It becomes a feature, not an eyesore.
14. The Garden Archway
Place a metal garden arch or trellis over the entrance of your outdoor kennel. Train a climbing rose or clematis to grow over it.
This draws the eye upward and frames the entrance beautifully. The kennel becomes the “secret garden” behind the arch. It’s romantic and charming, and it completely distracts from the utilitarian nature of the kennel itself.
15. The Sunken/Recessed Look
This is a bigger project, but it’s the ultimate disguise. If you have a lower deck or patio, build a platform around the kennel so that the kennel sits slightly recessed into the structure.
Line the top of the platform with potted plants and outdoor decor. The kennel is now at a lower level, so it doesn’t dominate the sightline. It feels like a designated “dog zone” that is integrated into the architecture of your home.
Final Thoughts: Prioritize Your Pup
Remember, while we love a pretty space, the kennel is your dog’s safe haven. Make sure whatever you do to hide it doesn’t block airflow, visibility, or their ability to get in and out easily. A happy, comfortable dog is the best decoration of all.
Pick one idea that matches your skill level and budget. Even just adding some plants around the base makes a world of difference. Your backyard can be beautiful and functional—you’ve totally got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to cover my dog’s kennel?
Yes, but you must ensure proper ventilation. Never block airflow completely. Leave one side open or use breathable materials like mesh or fabric that allows air to circulate freely. Always monitor your dog the first few times.
What is the cheapest way to hide a dog kennel?
Camouflage netting with fake vines is the cheapest and fastest. You can also use free wooden pallets for a more permanent but low-budget fence. Even just moving existing potted plants around the kennel helps a lot.
How do I hide a dog crate in a small apartment?
Use the furniture method! Get a crate that fits inside a console table or TV stand. If you can’t build, look for “crate furniture” that looks like a sideboard. You can also use a tall houseplant to block the view from one angle.
Will my dog feel trapped if I hide the kennel?
Not if you do it right. The goal is to make it look like part of the house, not to make it dark and enclosed. Keep the front door visible and open. The “hiding” is for our eyes, not to restrict your dog’s view.
What plants are safe to put around a dog kennel?
Avoid toxic plants like lilies, azaleas, and sago palm. Safe options include marigolds, sunflowers, rosemary, basil, and snapdragons. Always double-check with the ASPCA list, as dogs love to nibble on anything new.
