
Watch Edmonton Students Building Dog Houses
Proper Shelter is a Requirement under the Animal Protection Act
All animals in Alberta must be provided with proper shelter for the species, breed and size of the animal. When it comes to dogs, this means the animal must have some place to go to get out of the extreme weather elements we see in Alberta. Even if your dog does not regularly use the dog house, some form of shelter must be available to him or her.
What Do We Look for in a Proper Doghouse or Other Shelter?
Insulated
- Insulation ensures the dog’s body heat will be used to help keep it warm,
- All walls, roof and floor should have insulation.
Appropriate for size and breed of the dog
- The dog should have space to stand up and turn around in the house,
- The house should not be too big as that will allow body heat to escape and prevent the shelter from keeping the dog warm.
Protection from the wind, rain and snow
- The house should have a flap over the door or be in a shielded location that keeps the wind, rain and snow out.
Dry bedding
- Straw is a great form of bedding, and any moisture is drawn away from the dog.

Dog House Plans
Doghouse Plans – Large Breed Dog
Materials:
- 5 sheets – 1/2″ plywood for outside and inside walls,
- 1 sheet – 4′ x 8′ rigid insulation,
- 1 package of roofing shingles,
- 2 pieces of 8′ 2″ x 4″s,
- 4 pieces of 8′ 2″ x 2″s,
- 8 – 3″ screws for the base,
- 1 1/4″ screws for rest of the house,
- Roofing nails for the shingles.
Doghouse Plans – Medium Breed Dog
Materials:
- 2 sheets – 1/2″ plywood for outside and inside walls,
- 1 sheet – 4′ x 8′ rigid insulation,
- 1 package of roofing shingles,
- 2 pieces of 8′ 2″ x 4″s,
- 4 pieces of 8′ 2″ x 2″s,
- 8 – 3″ screws for the base,
- 1 1/4″ screws for rest of the house,
- Roofing nails for the shingles.
The Alberta SPCA is providing these plans to dog owners to use to build their own doghouses. These plans are just guidelines, and we encourage dog owners to make modifications to suit their own dog and situation.
Why All Dogs Need a Doghouse
The Alberta SPCA believes all domestic animals should have their basics needs met which are encompassed in the Five Freedoms. Originally developed for farm animals in the UK, these freedoms are internationally recognized to be ideals for all domestic and captive wildlife species.
Providing doghouses to dogs in need addresses several of the Freedoms animals require to have their basic needs met.
- Freedom from discomfort (by providing an appropriate environment that is dry and protects dogs from the elements)
- Freedom from pain, injury and disease (that can be caused by extreme temperatures),
- Freedom from fear and distress (dogs that do not have protection from injurious heat or cold may become in distress as defined by Animal Protection Act).
Things to consider when housing dogs outdoors
- Dogs should be acclimatized to outdoor living when they are young and the weather is warm,
- Dogs should have an insulated shelter with an opening that protects dogs from wind, snow and rain (even with a shelter some dogs with short coats may not be able to tolerate the extreme temperatures of Alberta winters),
- Houses should have dry bedding (such as straw) and checked frequently to ensure it stays dry,
- During severe weather, dogs may need to be brought inside the family home or other heated and safe area,
- Puppies, dogs of advanced age, or dogs with compromised health should not be housed outdoors during cold weather,
- Outdoor dogs require more food to maintain their body temperature during cold weather and have access to fresh, liquid water,
- Dogs need exercise and socialization (being outside doesn’t mean they get exercise). Dogs should be walked and played with daily. Play such as fetch or hide-and-seek with treats or toys are good ways to mentally and physically engage dogs.
- Dogs can get bored, so it’s important to provide them with enrichment through access to toys (such as Kongs filled with kibble or peanut butter).