True story of unsafe dog garages — and the info to make it safe again

So yes, I have this friend with a great garage. He doesn’t know it yet, but it’s a perfect place for the — many — pets in his family. Since he’s a good guy, we can forget the DIY caging instructions on this blog. Instead, we’ll discuss the specific changes needed to make that cold and grey room more cozy.

First thing first: open your eyes

We all have friends or family that could use their garage space to help animals have a safer, cozier and — let’s face it — happier life. With so many irrefutable evidence, it’s hard to say no to an animal‑friendly garage. Let’s discuss this evidence together:

1. More room, more fun. Dogs are active animals; they like to move around. I know some dogs who love to sleep in their cage — they were trained well and enjoy the safety it procures. If this is the case with your dog, you can place the open cage on the garage floor and it will use it as needed.
2. Warm place for the winter. I don’t care if you have a Chihuahua, a Great Dane, or a doozie domestic cat, the cold weather is no joke for a pet. Oh it’s okay, they have a small shelter… Please don’t. Every time you let your pet spend the day outside in the cold, you are putting the animal at risk of frostbite, which can be very dangerous if your pet isn’t used to extreme temperature variations.
3. Little dogs, big barks. So you thought the neighbors couldn’t hear that small yapping? Oh they hear it just fine — trust me. By offering your pet a controlled environment to live in, free of unnecessary distractions like windows or passersby, all the roundabout will roll out the red carpet for your arrival. Using a well‑insulated (R‑16) garage door will make sure your pets are protected from the harsh elements. And with a great acoustic barrier, the neighbors won’t hear a thing.

Want to do it right? Learn from the best.

Even the crookiest of cats can learn to appreciate life indoors, as long as the transition is made gradually. Why not use your Saturday morning to spend some time with your pets? With you by their side, they’ll soon figure out that the garage is an amazing place to spend winter. If you own a dog and you don’t want it running around your stuff, just set up a barricade appropriate to their size. Since there is a risk of entrapment, we do not recommend keeping any pet on a leash while they are alone.

Now I know you’re a good owner, so your pet is probably housebroken. This means you don’t have to worry about… crummy casualties — lucky you! If you are planning on raising a puppy litter however, make sure you put some newspaper on the floor. It’s also possible to buy absorbent pads made expressly for easy clean‑up. For the cats, use a large plastic container with sufficient scattering material.

As long as you keep a positive attitude, you should be able to train your pet to associate the garage with a safe and cozy space. Remember to use good reinforcement, treats and TLC.

Weathertight garage, woofy glory

When planning the safest place for your pets, a well‑insulated and weathertight garage is essential. In the winter, you should keep the interior temperature at a minimum of 50°F (10°C). With the right garage door, you shouldn’t have to use an extra heating device.

Winter can also cause humidity in the garage, which could be problematic for your pets. It’s easy to measure this value — aim for below 50% — using a hygrometer. You can add a dehumidifier if the humidity level is too high.

Feeding the animals

Animals are creatures of habit. This means that if your pets are used to eat in a bowl inside the house, they should have the same conditions in the garage.

Now the most vital part: always offer fresh drinking water to the pets. The bowl should not be easily tipped over.

The comfortable road to pet happiness

If you truly want to make your pet happy, make sure it has a comfortable bed. Some like it soft and fluffy, others prefer to lay on the cold concrete floor on sizzling summer days — you know what’s best for your furry friend. Offer fresh new toys so the pets can play (it will distract them!). If the dog or cat misses you when you leave, why not place that vintage T‑shirt your mother‑in‑law just laundered on the floor? You can also let your favorite playlist play so they will remember you when you come back…

But yes, toys and treats are primordial to the development of good behavior — they keep your pets busy as bees, so they don’t set their teeth into some precious possessions.

The removing of the hazardous

Anything that can be swallowed, chewed or in any other way destroyed should be removed from the reach of your dog or cat. A garage is full of harmful substances, not only for pets but for the whole family. Toxic or dangerous items should be locked in a cabinet, far from the reach of little hands (or paws). It’s also a good habit to sweep your garage floor after any DIY projects, in order to remove any small objects your pets could consume. Remember that ropes, cords and straps could result in a precarious predicament.

You know my friend, the good guy with the great garage? He has this blazing black racing motorcycle he keeps indoors during the winter. Let’s say you also have some larger articles you’d like to keep in your garage, you obviously don’t want an anxious (from your separation) dog destroying your property, right? Well I have a secret to tell you: just put a cover on it, and it won’t see it. Magic.

If your garage door isn’t well insulated…

Okay. So you figured out how to make your garage a safer and cozier place for your dog — good for you! But did you remember the last piece of the puzzle… the garage door? Don’t worry, you just need to contact us at 905-684-8161 to discuss all your garage door needs. We will be happy to explain to you our whole range of doors and advise you on the greatest options for the comfort and safety of your pets. It’s also possible to ask for an online quotation.

One last thing before I go — if the change of garage doors is in a foreseeable future, our Design Centre may be the best tool for you. That way, it will be exactly how you want it. Need a little more inspiration? Visit our image gallery.