MidWest Homes for Pets Octagon Exercise Pen Fabric Mesh Top Cover
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Product description
The essentials
If you already have an octagonal exercise pen for your dog, this MidWest Homes for Pets fabric mesh top cover is the sort of add-on that can make the enclosure feel a lot more usable in real weather. The idea is straightforward: give shade and help reduce flying insects coming in, while keeping airflow through the mesh. It’s also designed to offer a bit more privacy for your dog within the pen, which is useful if your set-up is in a busy yard or somewhere it can get stared at.
One thing to note up front: this is the top cover for an octagon-style pen. The exercise pen itself and the octagonal canvas base/lower section are sold separately, so it only makes sense if you’re building on an existing pen set.
Where it shines day to day
On paper, this cover targets two common annoyances: strong sun and flying insects. The mesh fabric still lets air and visibility through, but the top configuration is meant to provide a proper shaded zone. In practical terms, it’s the difference between a pen that’s quickly unbearable in direct sun versus one you can keep your dog in for longer spells (as long as you continue to supervise).
It also has a door panel built into the design, making it easier to access your pet without awkward rearranging. And because the cover uses a Velcro technology for installation, it’s meant to be quick to fit onto the existing octagon pen framework.
Key takeaways (what you’ll likely notice)
- The mesh top is intended to help with shade and pesky flying insects.
- Velcro installation should be simpler than wrestling with straps and clips.
- The built-in door panel makes day-to-day access easier.
- It adds a touch more privacy than an open mesh-only top.
That said, it’s not a “one size fits all” blanket for any pen anywhere. It’s designed for MidWest Homes for Pets and New World exercise pens that match the octagonal form and the stated dimensions.
Key specifications
- Type: Octagon exercise pen fabric mesh top cover
- Material: Polyester mesh fabric
- Installation: Velcro technology
- Door panel: Included for easy access
- Intended fit: Octagonal pens from MidWest Homes for Pets and New World that match the octagonal setup
- Size guidance given: Pens with 24 inch width and 8 panels
- Warranty: 1-year manufacturer’s warranty from MidWest Homes for Pets
Who it’s for (and who may want to skip it)
It’s a sensible purchase if you already own the correct octagonal exercise pen and you want an upgrade focused on comfort outdoors. If your dog’s pen time is mostly in the garden, patio, or somewhere that gets sun and insects, a shade-focused top like this can be a practical improvement.
It may not suit you if you’re hoping for a fully enclosed, weatherproof shelter. The cover is mesh, so it’s not aiming to block everything—think airflow and shade, not turning the pen into a sealed indoor kennel.
Also, if you don’t already have the compatible octagon pen frame, you’ll need to budget for the pen itself and the octagonal canvas bottom section (both sold separately).
Things to check before buying
Before you click “buy”, it’s worth double-checking that your existing pen is the right octagonal configuration and matches the dimension guidance mentioned: a pen width of 24 inches with 8 panels. If your current enclosure doesn’t align with that, the cover may not fit as intended.
Another sensible check is whether you’re comfortable using the pen responsibly: the product guidance explicitly says you should always supervise your pet when using it. That’s standard for exercise pens, but it’s still worth keeping in mind.
A mini FAQ
How easy is it to fit?
The cover uses Velcro technology, which is meant to make installation on the existing pen straightforward.
Does it keep insects out completely?
It’s designed to reduce flying insects coming through thanks to the mesh top, but it’s still a mesh fabric, so it’s better thought of as “help” rather than absolute sealing.
Will it fit my pen?
It’s designed for octagonal MidWest Homes for Pets and New World pens in the compatible form, with guidance that it suits pens that are 24 inches wide and have 8 panels.
Do I need to buy the pen separately?
Yes. The exercise pen and the octagonal canvas bottom section are sold separately.
Final verdict
When it makes sense
This is worth considering if you already have a compatible octagonal dog exercise pen and you want a mesh top cover that brings shade, more airflow, and helps with flying insects—plus a Velcro fitting method and an access door panel.
When it may not be the best match
Skip it if your pen isn’t the octagonal compatible type mentioned (24 inches wide, 8 panels), or if you’re looking for a fully enclosed, weather-sealed setup. And if you don’t already have the pen frame and bottom section, remember this is only the top cover, so the total setup cost will be higher than buying the cover alone.