Providing your small pets with safe, enriching outdoor time is a wonderful way to improve their quality of life. Whether you have a curious rabbit, a sun-loving guinea pig, or a feral cat needing shelter, the right outdoor pen or hutch is essential for their security and comfort. This roundup features ten excellent options designed to withstand the elements while giving your animals space to play, rest, and explore. From portable playpens to multi-story wooden habitats, you’re sure to find the perfect secure space for your furry, feathered, or fluffy friends.
Selecting the right product depends on your pet’s species, size, and your specific needs for portability, durability, and ease of cleaning. The following list includes a variety of styles and materials, each with unique benefits. We’ve highlighted key features like weatherproofing, assembly, and safety details to help you make an informed choice for your pet’s outdoor adventures.
Our Top Picks for Small Animal Outdoor Pens & Hutches
- Rockever Outdoor Cat House, Weatherproof Rabbit Hutch
- Prevue Pet Products Multi-Color Small Pet Playpen
- PUPTECK Pet Playpen, Printed Cage with Bottom
- Aivituvin Dog Playpen, Foldable Pet Play Pens with Carrying Bag
- MidWest Homes for Pets Small Wabbitat Rabbit Cage
- Aivituvin 36″ Rabbit Hutch Bunny Cage Indoor Outdoor
- PawHut 49″ Wooden Rabbit Hutch with Outdoor Run
- GUTINNEEN Chicken Coop Outdoor Rabbit Hutch with Run
- Tespo Pet Playpen, Portable Large Plastic Yard Fence
- Trixie Rabbit Hutch with Outdoor Run
Rockever Outdoor Cat House, Weatherproof Rabbit Hutch
This sturdy wooden shelter is an ideal solution for providing outdoor protection. Constructed from real fir wood with a waterproof asphalt roof and security paint, it is built to handle various weather conditions. The plastic flap over the entrance helps keep insects out, while plastic foot covers protect the base from ground moisture, extending the life of the structure.
Designed for easy maintenance, both the roof and the two-part floor can be opened for straightforward cleaning. The assembly process is user-friendly, with pre-drilled holes and all necessary hardware included. Once put together, it forms a stable and secure house suitable for one larger cat or two smaller animals like cats or rabbits.
Prevue Pet Products Multi-Color Small Pet Playpen
For owners of very small pets like hamsters, gerbils, or mice, this wire playpen creates a secure and colorful play area. The nine connected panels form a circular enclosure with a 36-inch diameter, giving tiny animals a generous space to exercise and explore safely. The 3/8-inch wire spacing is designed to prevent escapes.
Its simple panel design makes it easy to set up, take down, and store. The playpen provides a controlled environment for supervised outdoor or indoor playtime, allowing your pet to experience new sights and smells without the risk of getting lost. The bright colors can also be visually stimulating for your small animal.
PUPTECK Pet Playpen, Printed Cage with Bottom
This playpen offers a fully enclosed space perfect for puppies, kittens, rabbits, and guinea pigs. The included bottom is a key feature, preventing pets from digging out and protecting your lawn or floor. Its printed design is attractive, and the mesh sides provide excellent ventilation and visibility.
Assembly is designed to be free and easy, requiring no tools. The portability makes it suitable for use both inside your home and in a secure outdoor area like a patio or yard. It serves as a temporary safe crate for play, training, or relaxation during travel or family gatherings.
Aivituvin Dog Playpen, Foldable Pet Play Pens with Carrying Bag
Focusing on portability and convenience, this foldable playpen is excellent for active pet owners. It features a removable half-mesh, half-shaded top that provides both airflow and a cool resting area. The zipper door allows easy access, and side pockets offer handy storage for pet toys or supplies.
Its eight-panel design collapses flat and comes with a carrying bag, making it ideal for travel, camping, or trips to the park. No assembly is needed—you simply unfold it to use. The reinforced corners and protected seams contribute to a durable structure that contains your pet securely.
MidWest Homes for Pets Small Wabbitat Rabbit Cage
This classic wire cage provides a simple and effective outdoor or indoor habitat for rabbits and other small animals. The grid mesh floor and removable plastic tray underneath make cleaning straightforward. Access is convenient through both a top and a front door.
A significant advantage is its tool-free, instant assembly. The cage snaps together quickly, which is perfect for new pet owners or for situations requiring a temporary setup. The rust-resistant finish helps it withstand outdoor conditions, providing a durable and spacious area for your pet.
Aivituvin 36″ Rabbit Hutch Bunny Cage Indoor Outdoor
This two-story hutch offers vertical space for your pet to explore. It includes a hinged trap door between levels, allowing you to separate animals or contain them in one area during cleaning. The four metal wheels, two with brakes, make it easy to move the hutch to different outdoor spots or indoors.
Cleaning is simplified by two deep, leak-proof plastic trays. Wooden baffles above the trays help prevent bedding from spilling out. This design combines the comfort of a wooden house with practical features for easy maintenance and mobility.
PawHut 49″ Wooden Rabbit Hutch with Outdoor Run
This hutch provides a complete setup with an enclosed sleeping area connected to a secure outdoor run. The solid fir wood construction and waterproof asphalt roof are made to last through outdoor weather. It is designed for use both inside your home and in your garden.
The large lockable door on the run allows pets to enter and exit freely under supervision. A pull-out tray in the sleeping area enables quick waste removal. This hutch is a great choice for rabbits, chickens, or ducks that need protected sleeping quarters combined with exercise space.
GUTINNEEN Chicken Coop Outdoor Rabbit Hutch with Run
For those needing substantial space, this large enclosure offers over 17 square feet of area. Its versatile design works well for rabbits, chickens, ducks, and guinea pigs. The sleeping house features a durable PVC floor that resists moisture and chewing, promoting a cleaner and drier environment.
Multiple access doors are strategically placed for hassle-free feeding, cleaning, and interacting with your pets. This thoughtful design means you won’t have to reach awkwardly across the entire pen. The spacious run allows for healthy movement and natural behaviors.
Tespo Pet Playpen, Portable Large Plastic Yard Fence
This modular plastic fence system offers incredible flexibility. The twelve translucent panels can be configured into various shapes—squares, rectangles, or octagons—to fit your available outdoor space, providing up to 20 square feet of area. Cable ties and anti-slip pieces are included for stability.
It is suitable for a wide range of small animals, from hedgehogs and guinea pigs to rabbits. The translucent material allows you to keep an eye on your pet from any angle. Its DIY nature means you can even create a custom gate by leaving a panel opening.
Trixie Rabbit Hutch with Outdoor Run
Trixie is a well-known brand in pet habitats, and their rabbit hutches with attached runs are popular for good reason. These structures typically combine a weatherproof wooden sleeping house with a secure wire mesh run, giving rabbits the option to shelter or exercise. The design often focuses on animal safety and owner convenience.
Common features include lockable doors, easy-clean trays, and raised construction to protect from damp ground. While specific features vary by model, Trixie hutches are generally recognized for providing a reliable and functional outdoor living space for rabbits and other similar-sized pets.
Browse Trixie Hutches on Amazon
What to Look For in the Best Small Animal Outdoor Pens and Hutches
Choosing the right outdoor home for your rabbit, guinea pig, or other small pet isn’t just about picking the prettiest one. I’ve learned from experience that a few key factors make the difference between a good purchase and a great one that keeps your furry friend safe and happy. Let’s talk about what really matters when you’re looking at the best small animal outdoor pens and hutches.
First and foremost is security. This is non-negotiable. A good outdoor pen or hutch needs to be a fortress. Look for strong, welded wire with small gaps (1″ x 1/2″ or smaller is ideal for most pets) to prevent escapes and deter predators like raccoons, foxes, and neighborhood cats. The floor should be solid and sturdy—many hutches have a solid wood or plastic base that protects feet and makes cleaning easier. Doors need robust latches, preferably with a locking mechanism. I always check that every seam and corner looks well-constructed; a predator is a master at finding weak spots.
Next, consider size and space. The old-fashioned, tiny hutch just doesn’t cut it anymore. Your pet needs room to move! For a hutch, think of it as a multi-room apartment: a sheltered, enclosed sleeping area and a larger, wire-fronted run area. The more space you can provide, the better. For pens or runs that attach to a hutch, bigger is always better to allow for hopping, running, and exploring. Remember, a cramped space can lead to boredom and health issues.
Then there’s weather protection and materials. Your pet’s home will live outside in the sun, rain, and wind. The wood should be thick, pressure-treated, or sealed to resist rot and chewing. The roof should be waterproof and ideally overhang the sides to keep driving rain out. Look for models with removable weatherproof covers or solid panels that can be attached to the wire sections to block wind. Proper ventilation is also crucial to prevent dampness and respiratory problems, so it’s a balance between shelter and airflow.
Finally, think about practicality for you. How easy is it to clean? A pull-out tray or a large access door makes life so much simpler. Is it on legs? This helps keep the hutch off the cold, damp ground and deters pests. Can you move it easily if you need to? Wheels on one end are a fantastic feature for repositioning on the lawn. By focusing on these core aspects—security, space, weatherproofing, and ease of use—you’ll be well on your way to finding a perfect outdoor setup that gives you peace of mind and your pet a wonderful place to enjoy the fresh air.
FAQ
How often should I clean my outdoor hutch or pen?
I recommend a quick daily tidy-up. Remove any soiled bedding, uneaten fresh food, and droppings. Then, do a full, deep clean at least once a week. This means taking everything out, scrubbing the surfaces with a pet-safe disinfectant, rinsing thoroughly, and putting in all-new bedding. In warmer or wetter weather, you might need to do this more often to prevent flies and keep things dry and hygienic for your pet.
Can I leave my small animal outside all year round?
This depends heavily on your climate and the specific animal. Many hardy rabbit breeds can live outside year-round if their housing is properly prepared. The hutch must be waterproof, draft-free but well-ventilated, and have plenty of insulating, dry bedding in winter. In summer, it must be in constant shade with lots of fresh water. However, for extreme temperatures—very hot summers or freezing winters—I strongly advise bringing the hutch into a garage or shed, or moving your pet indoors. Guinea pigs are generally more sensitive and often do better as indoor pets with supervised outdoor playtime.
What’s the difference between a hutch and a run or pen?
Think of them as a bedroom house versus a backyard. A hutch is the main enclosed living structure, usually with a solid back and sides, a sleeping area, and a wire-fronted space. It’s where they sleep, eat their main meals, and retreat to. A run or pen is typically a larger, often portable, enclosure made mostly of wire mesh and frame that you place on the grass. It’s for exercise and grazing. The best setups often combine both: a secure hutch connected to a spacious run, giving your pet the full range of options for the best small animal outdoor pens and hutches experience.
Do I need to predator-proof the bottom of an outdoor pen?
Absolutely, yes. This is a critical step many folks overlook. Predators can dig. If you’re using a pen directly on the ground, you need to secure the perimeter. You can use galvanized wire mesh (hardware cloth) laid on the ground under the pen’s edges and secured with stakes. Alternatively, some pens come with an integrated wire floor, or you can choose a design with a solid, raised bottom. Never assume the grass alone is a barrier; a determined dog or fox can dig under a wire wall in minutes.
What type of bedding is best for an outdoor hutch?
For the sleeping area, I use a thick layer of absorbent, dust-free material. Straw is a classic choice as it’s great for insulation and nesting. You can also use a layer of newspaper or paper-based bedding topped with hay. Avoid sawdust or wood shavings from pine or cedar, as the aromatic oils can be harmful to small animals’ respiratory systems. In the droppings tray or run area, you can use a different absorbent material, but the main sleeping quarters should be cozy and safe for burrowing.