How to help keep pets cooler this summer
When the temperatures rise, keeping pets comfortable outdoors becomes a priority. While privacy screen netting won’t actively cool the air like a fan or air conditioning, it can make a noticeable difference by creating shaded areas and reducing direct exposure to the sun.
Whether you have a family dog, outdoor cats, chickens, rabbits or run a professional kennel or cattery, privacy screening is a simple and effective way to make outdoor spaces more comfortable during warmer weather.
Creates Welcome Shade
One of the biggest advantages of privacy screen netting is its ability to reduce harsh sunlight. Installed overhead as a shade canopy or vertically along fencing, it helps create cooler spots where pets can escape direct sun.
This is particularly useful for:
- Dog runs
- Kennels and catteries
- Pet exercise areas
- Chicken runs and aviaries
- Rabbit and small animal enclosures

Even a partially shaded area can encourage pets to rest more comfortably throughout the day.
Helps Reduce Stress and Distractions
Privacy screening isn’t just about shade. It’s also widely used on dog walking fields, secure exercise paddocks and between neighbouring runs because it provides a visual barrier.
By limiting what pets can see outside their enclosure, privacy screening can help reduce distractions from passing people, traffic and other animals. Many owners find this creates a calmer environment, which may help reduce stress and excessive barking in excitable dogs.
For professional kennels and catteries, screening between runs can also provide pets with a greater sense of privacy, helping create a more relaxed environment.
Acts as a Breathable Windbreak
Unlike solid fencing or timber panels, privacy screen netting allows air to pass through while helping reduce stronger winds.
This means your pet enclosure remains well ventilated while still offering protection from wind and harsh weather. During summer, this airflow helps prevent shaded areas from feeling enclosed, while in cooler months the screening can make outdoor spaces feel more sheltered.
It’s a practical solution that provides benefits all year round.
Easy to Install
Privacy screen netting is lightweight and easy to fit to existing fencing, gates and enclosures.
Many people install it using cable ties or cord, making it a quick weekend project with no specialist tools required. It can also be installed overhead between posts or structures to create additional shade where natural cover is limited.
Because it’s available in a range of sizes, it’s suitable for everything from small garden pet areas to larger commercial kennels and dog exercise fields.
Don’t Forget the Essentials
While privacy screen netting is an excellent way to create more comfortable outdoor spaces, it should always be used alongside good hot weather care.
To help keep your pets safe during warm weather:
- Always provide fresh, clean drinking water.
- Make sure plenty of shade is available throughout the day.
- Ensure there is good airflow and ventilation.
- Avoid exercising pets during the hottest part of the day.
- Never leave pets in enclosed spaces that can quickly overheat.
A Simple Upgrade for Happier Pets
Privacy screen netting is an affordable and versatile addition to almost any outdoor pet area. By providing shade, reducing distractions and acting as a breathable windbreak, it helps create a more comfortable environment for pets throughout the year.
Whether you’re improving a garden dog run, upgrading a kennel or adding privacy to a secure exercise field, it’s a practical solution that offers benefits well beyond simply screening a fence.