In The Pasture
7 Things to Know Before Buying a Custom Dog Shelter
At Colonial Corrals, we take pride in building rugged, long-lasting dog shelters that are practical, protective and look great. Whether you’re housing working dogs on the ranch or giving your best friends a space of their own, a custom dog shelter is a smart investment – when it’s done right. Of course, not all shelters are created equal. That’s why we’ve put together this list of seven key things to consider when you’re choosing a shelter that fits your application and property.
1. Materials Matter
Quality dog shelters start with construction. At Colonial Corrals, we use American 14-gauge, 1-5/8” tubular steel for unmatched strength and durability. Many cheaper models use thin-gauge materials that bend, rust or degrade quickly under stress from weather or even the dogs themselves. A custom shelter built with premium steel and solid welds will hold up season after season.
2. Ventilation and Shade Are Essential
Dogs are tough, but they still need relief from extreme heat, cold and wind. Look for shelter designs that allow for cross-ventilation and shaded resting areas. We offer options for various roof and fence styles to create the ideal environment for your pet. Each detail you decide on can promote your dog’s health and safety.
3. Size and Layout Matter More Than You Think
One size doesn’t fit all – especially when it comes to dogs. Whether you’re housing a single Labrador or a team of herders, your shelter’s size and layout should match the number and breed of dogs using it. We’ll help you determine the ideal dimensions and flow, factoring in door placements, feeding stations, cleaning access and more. A well-thought-out layout makes care and maintenance easier for everyone.
4. Customization Can Save You Trouble Later
Think about your day-to-day routine. Would a swinging gate make feeding time easier? Do you need a covered run? Is extra weather protection needed? These are the kinds of details we walk through with our customers during the design phase. With our team’s help, you’ll have a shelter that works as hard as you and your dogs do.
5. Built to Last Means Built for Real Life
At Colonial Corrals, we design our shelters with real-world use in mind. That means reinforced joints, weather-resistant coatings and heavy-duty latches. Our goal is to build a shelter that not only stands up to the elements—but to life with dogs.
6. Color Choices That Complement Your Property
Functionality matters, but so does appearance – especially when the shelter is part of your farm or yard. That’s why we offer six standard colors to choose from for your custom dog shelter, as well as custom colors at an additional cost. Whether you want something that blends in with your barn or home, or a bold color that stands out, we’ll help you pick a finish that looks good year after year.
7. Delivery and Installation
Setting up your dog shelter should be simple. At Colonial Corrals, we offer delivery and on-site installation options throughout our service area. We’ll coordinate a schedule that works for you, arrive with the equipment we need, and ensure your shelter is safely and securely installed. Prefer to handle setup yourself? No problem. We can walk you through the process and provide guidance for your crew. Our goal is to make sure your new dog shelter is ready for use, without any added stress.
Ready to Build a Better Dog Shelter?
Reach out to our team at Colonial Corrals. We’ll help you create a custom dog shelter that delivers comfort, safety and long-term value.
