Quick answer

For a single small pet, the standard Animal Enclosure provides ample room; if you have two animals or want extra storage and flexibility, the Animal Enclosure XL offers separate houses and customizable gates.

Why enclosure dimensions matter for pet comfort

The right enclosure size directly affects your pet's well-being. Too small, and your pet may feel cramped or stressed. Too large for a single animal, and you might waste space and money. The key is matching the footprint to the number of pets and their activity level.

Both animal enclosures from Backyard Discovery are built with cedar wood and a galvanized steel roof, so durability and weather protection are similar. The main difference lies in the internal layout and gate options.

Decision rules for choosing the right size

  • Count your pets: One pet (dog, cat, rabbit, or similar) → standard Animal Enclosure is sufficient. Two pets → choose the Animal Enclosure XL to give each its own house.
  • Consider storage needs: If you want a separate compartment for toys, food, or supplies, both models include storage. The XL adds one per house, doubling your organization capacity.
  • Evaluate gate flexibility: The standard enclosure has fixed gate placement. The XL comes with two customizable gates and divider panels, allowing you to adjust run door positions to fit your yard layout. If your space is irregular or you want future layout changes, the XL offers more versatility.

Product facts at a glance

  • Animal Enclosure: The standard Animal Enclosure offers a single house with a storage compartment, designed for one pet or small farm animal. You get a dedicated space for your pet plus a built-in spot for toys and supplies, keeping everything organized.

    Animal Enclosure

    Animal Enclosure

  • Animal Enclosure XL: The Animal Enclosure XL features two separate houses side by side, each with its own storage compartment and back door with a small window. This layout gives each animal its own private retreat, ideal for multi-pet households or pairs of small farm animals.

    Animal Enclosure XL

    Animal Enclosure XL

Which enclosure fits your situation?

Best for

  • Single pet owners who want a simple, shaded outdoor retreat with storage
  • Owners of one small farm animal (e.g., a chicken or guinea pig) needing a secure run

Not ideal for

  • Households with two or more pets that need separate living spaces
  • Yards where gate position flexibility is important for fitting the run into a specific area