Understanding Your Dog's Needs 

The way your dog uses the kennel will heavily influence your choice. For instance, if your dog is often outside, you'll want a kennel that offers both comfort and protection from the elements. Consider their size, breed, and temperament as well. Understanding your dog’s needs helps you select a kennel that makes your dog feel at home, something that they enjoy rather than just suffer through.

Choosing the Right Size

When selecting a kennel for travel, it’s important to balance comfort with safety. While measuring your dog to ensure they have enough space to stand, turn around, and lie down is important, it’s equally crucial to consider the kennel’s crash-test rating. Lucky Duck kennels are designed with your dog’s safety in mind, and each model is rated for a specific weight limit based on rigorous crash testing.

Here’s a quick look at what each Lucky Duck kennel is rated for:

• Lucky Kennel - Medium: Rated for dogs up to 50 pounds. This option is perfect for smaller dogs, ensuring they have enough room while staying protected during travel.
• Lucky Kennel - Intermediate: Rated for dogs up to 75 pounds. This kennel provides a balance of space and safety, making it ideal for medium-sized dogs.
• Lucky Kennel - Large: Rated for dogs up to 110 pounds. It offers a spacious interior for larger breeds while maintaining groundbreaking safety standards.

Measuring your dog from front to back is a good idea to ensure they’ll have enough space inside the kennel. However, always keep the weight rating in mind for travel purposes, as it directly relates to the kennel's crash-test performance.

It’s also important to note that these weight ratings are designed with travel in mind. If you only intend to use your kennel for in-home use, then crash-test safety is not your main concern, and we recommend you go up one size instead to give your dog a bit more room to stretch out.

Material Matters: Durability and Safety

The material of your dog’s kennel isn't just about durability—it's about safety and even ease of cleaning. At Lucky Duck, we prioritize materials that withstand the test of time and the elements. Our kennels are crafted from a patented one-piece rotomolded material, designed to handle rough outdoor and travel conditions while keeping your dog safe. This durable construction means it can take on everything from chewing to harsh weather, providing peace of mind whether you're at home or on the road.

Additionally, look for materials that are easy to clean, as a kennel that’s simple to maintain ensures your dog always has a clean, comfortable space. A well-constructed kennel not only provides long-lasting durability but also ensures your dog is safe and secure, no matter where their adventures take them.

Weatherproofing for Year-Round Use

There’s nothing like knowing your dog is safe and comfortable, no matter what nature throws your way. Whether it's a scorching summer day or a cold, rainy morning, the right kennel can make all the difference. When it comes to weatherproofing, look for features that offer protection against the elements, ensuring your dog stays dry, not too hot, and not too cold.

Lucky Duck’s kennels are built with durable, weather-resistant materials designed to withstand the harshest conditions. In addition, the Lucky Kennel Cover options, like the Storm Gray or Optifade Marsh, are made from insulated 600D polyester fabric. This keeps your dog warm and dry by shielding them from wind, snow, and rain.

Another aspect of weatherproofing to consider is the ease of setting up or removing covers. The slipover design of the Lucky Kennel Covers allows you to put them on or take them off in just a minute, making it easy to adapt to changing weather conditions.

Ventilation: Keeping Your Dog Cool

Just as important as keeping your dog warm and dry in cold weather is ensuring they stay cool and comfortable during hotter summer months. Proper ventilation in a kennel is essential for maintaining a healthy environment for your dog, preventing overheating and ensuring they have a constant supply of fresh air.

Lucky Duck kennels are designed with strategically placed ventilation holes that promote airflow while maintaining the structural integrity of the kennel. For example, the Lucky Kennel - Large includes well-ventilated side panels that allow for maximum air circulation, helping to keep the temperature lower on hotter days.

In addition, Lucky Duck offers the Lucky Kennel Fan, which is a game-changer for maintaining airflow inside the kennel during those sweltering days. This two-speed fan can be easily attached to the kennel, providing a steady stream of air to keep your dog comfortable. Whether you’re on a road trip or just hanging out in the backyard, ensuring your dog stays cool is a breeze.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Let’s face it—dogs can be messy. And that’s especially true when they’re spending time outdoors. Mud, fur, and who knows what else can quickly turn a pristine kennel into a dirty mess. That’s why ease of cleaning and maintenance should be high on your list when choosing a dog kennel.

Lucky Duck’s kennels are designed with practicality in mind, making cleaning a straightforward task. The Lucky Kennel - Intermediate, for example, features easy-clean drain holes strategically placed to allow for quick and thorough cleaning. Just rinse it out with a hose, and the water drains away, leaving the kennel fresh and ready for your dog’s next adventure.

Lucky Duck’s rotomolded dog kennels are durable and resistant to stains and odors. This means you won’t have to scrub endlessly to keep the kennel clean. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is often all it takes to maintain a hygienic environment for your dog.

Furthermore, accessories like the Lucky Kennel Pad are designed to be easily removable and hand-washable, making it easy for your dog to always have a clean and comfortable place to rest.

Portability: Moving the Kennel with Ease

Let’s face it—hunting and outdoor adventures often require a lot of gear, and a kennel that’s difficult to move can very quickly become a burden. Portability is a key factor to consider, even more so if you’re frequently on the go. Lucky Duck kennels are designed to be both durable and easy to transport.

Take the Lucky Kennel Intermediate as an example. It’s built with integrated powder-coated tie-downs that allow you to secure the kennel in your vehicle, preventing it from shifting during travel. Despite its rugged construction, this kennel is surprisingly lightweight 38 pounds, making it easy to carry and move as needed. Though it’s made to be easy to move, it was engineered for incredible strength, withstanding 630 lbs dropped from over 8 feet! Non-slip rubber feet help ensure stability.

The heavy-duty lift handles provide a firm grip for lifting the kennel in and out of your vehicle. Whether you’re moving it around the house or loading it up for a trip, Lucky Duck kennels are designed to make traveling with your dog a cinch.

Customization Options

We also offer customization through a personalized Custom Dog Name Plate. This personalized plate not only adds a touch of style and ensures your dog’s kennel stands out.

For those who need weather protection, Lucky Duck also offers various Kennel Covers in different patterns like Optifade Marsh and Mossy Oak Bottomland.

Finding the Best Dog Kennels

Ready to upgrade your dog's outdoor comfort and safety? Investing in a high-quality kennel means fewer replacements and repairs. Lucky Duck also offers a range of accessories, like the Lucky Kennel Fan and Kennel Comfort Pads, that allow you to enhance your kennel’s functionality.

Give your dog the best with Lucky Duck and explore our full range of Lucky Duck kennels and accessories today!