A lot of folks come to us knowing they need some kind of animal shelter, but not quite sure which one fits what they have. The answer depends on your animals, your property, and what you expect the shelter to do day-to-day. Here is a practical breakdown of each type we carry and who each one is built for.
Run-In Animal Shelters: For Livestock That Roam
A run-in shelter is exactly what the name suggests: an open-front structure that animals can run in and out of freely. There are no gates, no stalls, and no confinement — just a solid roof and back wall that breaks the wind and keeps rain off the animals when they choose to use it.
This style works best for:
- Horses, mules, and donkeys on pasture
- Cattle, goats, sheep, and other livestock that graze freely
- Properties where the animals have access to the shelter at will and do not need to be locked in at night
Our run-in shelters feature board and batten LP SmartSide siding, a durable metal roof, and a fully open front for easy access. They are delivered on skids and can be placed wherever your pasture layout requires.
Chicken Coops: For Poultry That Need Predator Protection
Chickens, ducks, and other poultry need a fully enclosed shelter at night. Predators — foxes, raccoons, opossums, hawks — are real in Tennessee, and an open or flimsy shelter will not keep your flock safe after dark.
A quality chicken coop provides:
- Full enclosure with a solid door that latches securely
- Ventilation that allows airflow without creating an entry point for predators
- Nesting boxes for egg-laying hens
- Enough interior space for your flock to roost comfortably
- An attached or adjacent outdoor run area where the birds can be outside safely during the day
Our chicken coops are built with LP SmartSide siding, a metal roof, and a design that makes cleaning straightforward. The last part matters more than people expect — you will be in there regularly, and a well-designed coop makes the chore considerably easier.
Dog Kennels: For Dogs That Need Their Own Space
A dog kennel is a purpose-built enclosure for one or more dogs — structured, secure, and sized to give them room to move while keeping them contained. Our kennel design features a standard 8’×12’ footprint with cage-style runs built beneath a gable roof and LP SmartSide siding on the back and sides.
Kennel configurations:
- Single cage: 2’ deep × 3’ high × 4’ wide per run. Good for one dog.
- Double cage: Two 4’ wide runs side by side — allows two dogs to be housed separately while sharing the same structure.
Dog kennels work well for hunting dogs that spend time outdoors, breeders who need dedicated housing, or any situation where dogs need a consistent, safe outdoor space separate from the house.
What If You Have Multiple Types of Animals?
Many of our customers have a mix — horses and chickens, goats and dogs, or a full small farm with several species. In that case, the question is not which shelter you need but which combination makes sense for your layout and budget.
A few approaches that work well:
- A run-in shelter for large livestock paired with a separate coop for chickens that free-range during the day
- A larger barn (like our Standard Barn or Barn Deluxe) that provides enclosed space for multiple uses, with a run-in lean-to attached or placed nearby for pasture access
- A dog kennel positioned near the house for working or hunting dogs, separate from the livestock area
Browse Our Animal Shelters
View all three shelter types — or reach out and we will help you figure out the right fit for your property.