We’ve had our large dog using the Indigo Dog House for a while, and honestly, it handled all sorts of weather better than we expected. The igloo-style shape keeps our dog dry and blocks most wind and rain. There’s plenty of space inside for dogs around 50 to 90 pounds—they can stretch out without bumping into the walls.
That raised floor? It drains water really well, so even after a storm, the inside stays dry. The top vents let fresh air in, though I’ll admit, on super hot days it can get a little stuffy. Still, the house feels sturdy, it’s mostly made from recycled stuff, and cleaning it is a breeze.
Bottom Line
If you want a weatherproof dog house for a big dog that actually stands up to the outdoors, the Indigo Dog House is worth a look. It protects well and keeps pets comfy as the seasons change.
Thinking about a dry, cozy spot for your dog outside? Check it out here.
Overview: Petmate Large Dog House Outdoor Weatherproof
We found this dog house solid and roomy, with enough space for large dogs to relax. The igloo shape blocks wind and rain, and the raised floor keeps pets away from damp ground. The vent on top lets air circulate, so it doesn’t get too stuffy.
The plastic feels tough and stands up to different weather. It’s built for year-round use—warm enough in winter, cool enough in summer. That said, it doesn’t come with much padding or insulation, so adding a bed will help with comfort.
It’s a simple, no-nonsense shelter that does the job without extra bells and whistles.
All-Weather Insulation
We noticed this dog house keeps pets comfortable, whether it’s hot or cold out. The insulation helps hold warmth in winter and keeps things from overheating in summer. The igloo shape and offset entrance do a good job blocking wind and rain.
The raised floor keeps the dog’s sleeping area dry, even after a downpour. The inside does feel a bit plastic-y, but the insulation works without any extra fuss from us.
Ventilation and Airflow
When we tried out the dog house, the airflow seemed decent—not amazing, but not bad. The design lets some air move through, so it doesn’t get stale inside. No fancy vents or fans, though, so on the hottest days, it can heat up.
The plastic walls keep wind out, which is great for cold or rainy days, but also means less airflow. In mild climates, the ventilation works, but if you live somewhere really hot, you’ll want to add shade or maybe a small fan.
It’s a pretty good balance of shelter and airflow, though I wish it had a bit more ventilation for summer.
Spacious Interior for Large Breeds
We found the house roomy enough for bigger dogs—ours is about 80 pounds and had no trouble turning around or lying down. The igloo shape gives decent headroom, though really tall dogs might have to duck a bit.
That offset doorway helps with space and keeps the weather out. For most large dogs, the size works well, but if your dog is extra-large, you might want something bigger. It’s spacious without taking over your whole yard.
Raised Floor and Water Drainage
The raised floor turned out to be super practical. It keeps dogs off cold, wet ground, especially when it rains or snows. Water drains off to the sides, so no puddles form inside.
The floor feels sturdy, and we didn’t see any water build-up. If you put the house on really uneven or soft ground, some water might pool near the edges before draining, so picking a good spot matters.
The drainage system works well and kept our dog dry, even during some pretty nasty weather.
Eco-Friendly Construction
We like that this dog house uses mostly recycled materials—about 90% recycled plastic, which is a nice touch for the environment. It feels solid and should last a long time, so you won’t need to replace it often.
The plastic can get warm if you leave it in direct sun all day, so some shade helps. Still, the recycled build makes it a more sustainable pick compared to wood or metal. It’s a good choice if you want something eco-friendly that’s still tough.
Pros and Cons
After testing, a few things stood out—some good, some not so much. Here’s what we noticed.
Pros
- The insulation works. Our dog stayed comfy in both hot and cold weather.
- The raised floor keeps moisture out, so our dog always had a dry spot.
- The top vent helps keep air fresh and prevents stuffiness.
- There’s plenty of room for larger dogs to move around.
- It’s sturdy and weatherproof. Wind and rain didn’t bother it during our tests.
- We appreciate the use of recycled materials.
- Setup is easy—no extra tools or parts needed.
Cons
- It’s too big for small dogs—definitely made for bigger breeds.
- The single molded unit is awkward to move or store in tight spaces.
- Some folks have had issues with shipping damage, so watch for that.
- No door flap or cover, so heavy wind or rain can get in.
- Limited color options, which might not fit everyone’s taste.
Customer Reviews
Most people seem happy with how well the dog house stands up outside. It’s tough enough to handle a bit of chewing and keeps out wind and rain. The size works for medium to large dogs, giving them space to relax.
A few customers said the packaging could be better—some got cracked or damaged houses, but that’s more about shipping than the product itself. The durability and weatherproof build get good feedback.
Pros:
- Sturdy and weather-resistant
- Good size for large dogs
- Solid protection from the elements
Cons:
- Packaging can lead to damage
- Not possible to take apart, so moving it takes effort
Tips for Setting Up Your Dog House
When setting it up outside, pick a flat, dry spot that doesn’t flood. We found that putting it in some shade helps keep it cooler, even though the ventilation does its job.
Face the entrance away from strong winds or heavy rain. The raised floor keeps the inside dry, but blocking bad weather at the door helps even more.
Assembly is simple, but make sure you tighten the screws for stability. Sometimes the plastic parts need a firm push to snap in place.
It’s easier to keep clean if you lift it now and then to check underneath for dirt or bugs. A soft mat works well inside, but avoid anything too thick that could trap moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
We got a lot of the same questions when we tested this dog house, so here’s what we learned.
What are the main features of the Petmate Indigo Igloo Dog House?
The igloo design really stands out, especially with the offset door that blocks wind and rain. There are vents on top for airflow, and the raised, sloped floor drains water so the inside stays dry. It’s mostly made from recycled plastic, so it feels sturdy but isn’t too heavy to move.
How does the Petmate Indigo Igloo Dog House perform in extreme weather conditions?
It does a good job protecting against rain and wind thanks to its shape and door placement. The insulation keeps dogs cooler in summer and warmer in winter, but in really cold weather, you’ll still want extra bedding. The sloped roof sheds snow and debris. For the harshest conditions, it’s better off in a covered spot.
Is assembly required for the Petmate Indigo Igloo Dog House, and if so, how complex is it?
Assembly is minimal. You just snap a couple of parts together—no special tools needed. We had it ready in under 10 minutes, so getting your dog settled is quick and painless.
What sizes and breeds of dogs is the Petmate Indigo Igloo suitable for?
We tried the large size, and it fits dogs between 50 and 90 pounds comfortably. It works well for big breeds like Labradors or Boxers. Smaller dogs might find it too big, but you could fit a couple of little pups in there if you wanted. Overall, it’s a good match for most large dogs.
How durable is the Petmate Indigo Igloo Dog House when it comes to wear and tear over time?
After regular use, the plastic held up well—no big scratches or dents, even with some chewing and scratching. The vents and floor stayed solid, and weather like sun and rain didn’t cause any real damage. It looks like it’ll last at least a few seasons without much trouble.
What are the cleaning and maintenance recommendations for the Petmate Indigo Igloo Dog House?
Cleaning this dog house is pretty simple—just grab a damp cloth and some mild soap, and you’re good to go. We wiped down the plastic surface without any trouble. The raised floor does a nice job keeping mud from piling up inside, so you won’t need to clean it as often. If you want it to last, just rinse off any dirt outside and let it dry before you stash it away for winter. Honestly, the straightforward design means you don’t have to mess with any tricky parts or complicated maintenance.
