ShadeMart 90% UV Dog Kennel Shade Cloth Review

Intro — why I bought a kennel shade and what to expect

I’m The Pet Dude, a gear-obsessed pet parent who’s tried a lot of ways to keep my outdoor dog area cool, calm and private. Shade cloths aren’t glamorous, but they’re one of the most useful outdoor upgrades you can make for an animal that spends time in a run, coop, stall or on a patio. The ShadeMart 90% UV Block Sun Shade Cloth (this review covers the 4' x 5' beige size in hand) is the kind of product I reach for when I want heavy shade and airflow without a solid roof.

Below I’ll walk through what it is, how it performs in daily use, build and materials, safety notes, who should (and shouldn’t) buy it, and a clear verdict with a checklist before you hit buy. Everything I say is grounded in the product specs and long-term owner experiences I’ve collected while testing and living with the cloth.

What it is — first look and key features

At its core, the ShadeMart shade cloth is a UV-resistant HDPE mesh panel marketed for dog kennels, but purposely sold as a multi-use shade and privacy cloth. The listing calls out these headline features:

• Blocks 90% of sun and harmful UV rays (the listing’s stated figure).
• Made from UV-resistant HDPE mesh—breathable and built to last, per the product specs.
• Grommets spaced every 2 ft and included zip ties for quick installation.
• Non-waterproof: the listing specifically notes that it allows rain through.
• Custom sizes are available and it’s made in the USA; ShadeMart says they can produce custom shapes/sizes with a 2–3 business day lead time.

The version I’m focusing on in this review is the 4' x 5' custom size in beige, with an item weight listed at 11.2 ounces. The product listing also offers multiple colorways (see the "colors" section below) and a long menu of other prefabricated sizes from 2' x 2' up to 4' x 6' and beyond.

In daily use / hands-on testing

My approach when testing shade cloths is practical: hang them in the places I actually care about. I’ve used ShadeMart panels on a small dog run, a chain-link backyard section for privacy, and over a raised garden bed. Other real-world uses I’ve replicated are shading a chicken run and covering an outdoor AC condenser (the listing suggests the latter too).

Cooling and shade performance

• The ShadeMart cloth is advertised to block 90% of sun and UV, and in use it produces a very noticeable drop in direct sun exposure beneath it. That level of density gives a strong visual and temperature break for dogs, chickens or plants sitting under the cloth.
• Because the material is mesh (HDPE), airflow continues. That breathability is a big plus: you get shade but not the sauna effect that a solid tarp can create. For animals and plants that need airflow, this is the right tradeoff.

Privacy and behavior

• One of the most practical wins: the cloth acts as a visual barrier. Hung on chain-link, it shuts out sightlines to neighbors and distractions. In my testing that reduced my dog’s tendency to bark at stimuli he could no longer see—exactly the behavior-control angle ShadeMart highlights.

Installation and daily handling

• The cloth comes with metal-reinforced grommets spaced every 2 ft (per the listing) and ShadeMart includes zip ties so you can attach it to fences, frames or runs without having to buy extra hardware. In practice the spacing is generous enough to get a taut, wrinkle-free setup across a short run or fence panel.
• Because it’s lightweight (the listing gives an item weight of 11.2 ounces for the 4' x 5' panel) and flexible, it’s easy to fold up and store between seasons. The included zip ties are handy for temporary mounting and can be swapped for more permanent fasteners if you want.

Versatility — where I used it

• Dog runs and kennels: typical win—blocks sun, reduces visual triggers, preserves airflow.
• Chicken coops / runs: the 90% density gives hens substantial shade while still letting breezes and rain through (the listing notes it is non-waterproof).
• Garden shading: used over raised beds it softens intense midday sun while allowing water and air in, useful for shade-sensitive plants.
• Privacy screen on chain-link: a fast, affordable way to hide a view or block weed creep-through; owners have doubled the cloth over where they needed extra coverage.

Materials & build quality

The ShadeMart cloth is made from UV-resistant HDPE mesh—this is explicitly called out in the product features. That material choice explains the two most consistent properties I observed: solid shade factor while remaining breathable.

Construction details I care about

• Grommets and reinforced edges: the cloth has metal-reinforced grommets every 2 ft and reinforced edging where the grommets sit, which is exactly what you want to reduce tearing at attachment points.
• Included hardware: zip ties come in the package so you can get it up quickly. If you want longer-term installation, swapping in heavier-duty ties, clamps or bungee cords is straightforward thanks to the grommets.
• Weight and hand-feel: at the listed 11.2 ounces for the 4' x 5' size it packs down small and is easy to handle alone, but it still feels thicker than bargain bin shade cloths I’ve used before.

Colors and sizes

The listing offers a range of color choices: beige, black, blue, brown, green, red, white and grey. It also lists a long set of prefabricated sizes (2' x 2' up through many 3' and 4' options and custom sizes), and ShadeMart explicitly offers custom fabrication with a 2–3 business day lead time and US-based shipping.

Durability — how it holds up over time

Longevity is the thing that separates a one-season tarp from a multi-year solution. In extended use, this ShadeMart cloth has shown itself to be tougher than garden-grade, thin shade tarp alternatives. My on-the-ground observations and hands-on experience echo long-term owner experiences:

• It stands up to seasonal sun exposure without shredding quickly. Several long-term uses I saw involved the cloth holding through at least one summer and being expected to last into a second season.
• When mounted on a fence or over a run it resists wind wear reasonably well if you anchor it tightly at the grommets. Doubling the cloth over a high-wear area (for privacy or to stop plant growth through chain-link) is a simple way to extend life.
• There aren’t owner reports of rapid tearing or failure in normal outdoor use—just praise for the thicker build relative to cheaper alternatives.

Safety considerations

Safety first. The ShadeMart listing and owner experiences suggest this product is low-risk, but there are practical considerations to keep in mind for pet households.

Key safety notes

• Non-waterproof design: the listing states the cloth allows rain through, which is good for plant health and prevents water pooling under the cloth. If you need a waterproof cover, this is not it.
• Grommet hardware: metal-reinforced grommets are sturdy, but check sharp edges after installation and ensure the grommet area is not at a dog’s face height where it could cause abrasion.
• Zip ties and attachments: the package includes zip ties for mounting. Trim the tie ends flush after installation so dogs or chickens can’t snag loose tails or feet. Replace zip ties with softer or more permanent attachments if the run is frequently interacted with.
• Chewing risk: the listing doesn’t claim chew-proof materials. The cloth is described as heavy-duty and thicker than many competitors, and in real use it resists general wear and tear. However, if you have a power chewer who targets fence coverings, do not assume this is bite-proof—no owner data guarantees that level of resistance.

Who this is for — and who should skip it

If you’re shopping for a kennel cover or privacy/sun solution, here’s how to think about fit.

Great fit if you:

• Need strong sun and UV reduction: the product blocks 90% of sun and UV, making it useful for hot climates and midday sun exposure.
• Want airflow: the HDPE mesh design allows breathing air and water through—good for animals and plants that require ventilation.
• Want privacy and behavior control: the cloth is excellent at reducing sightlines that trigger barking or anxiety.
• Like a quick install: grommets every 2 ft and included zip ties make mounting fast on fences, runs, coops and frames.
• Require custom sizing: ShadeMart offers custom sizes with a short lead time and US manufacturing, which is great if your run or stall isn’t a standard dimension.

Skip or be cautious if you:

• Need waterproof coverage: the listing explicitly notes the cloth allows rain through and is non-waterproof, so it won’t keep an area dry.
• Have an extreme chewer: the listing doesn’t claim chew-proof performance—heavy chewers may puncture or fray the mesh over time.
• Require total blackout or 100% sun block: this is a 90% shade product. For complete blackout you’ll need a different material.

Value and cost considerations

The ShadeMart panel sits in a category where build quality and versatility matter more than a rock-bottom sticker price. In my experience, the thicker HDPE mesh, reinforced edges and included mounting hardware make it feel like an intermediate-to-premium shade option compared with the thinnest garden screens. Some buyers find the price high for what is essentially a piece of shade cloth; others value the pre-sized options, included zip ties, and the sturdier construction enough to justify it. If you’re price-sensitive, weigh whether the included grommets, thicker weave and quick install are worth the premium over the cheapest panels you can find.

Colors_available

This listing offers multiple colorways. The available colors named in the product listing are:

• Beige
• Black
• Blue
• Brown
• Green
• Red
• White
• Grey

Verdict — my take as The Pet Dude

ShadeMart’s 90% UV Block Sun Shade Cloth is a practical, no-nonsense solution for pet owners who want serious shade, visual privacy and airflow. The HDPE mesh, metal grommets spaced every 2 ft, and included zip ties make installation straightforward. In daily use I found it keeps areas noticeably cooler and calmer, reduces visual triggers that cause barking, and is sturdy enough for garden, coop and kennel use.

If you need a waterproof tarp or something guaranteed to withstand a power chewer, look elsewhere. But if your goal is a breathable, heavy-duty shade and privacy screen that’s easy to install and available in custom sizes, this is a solid pick.

Check before you buy — quick checklist

• Measure the area you want to cover and pick the correct prefabricated size or request a custom size from ShadeMart (custom lead time stated as 2–3 business days).
• Confirm you want a non-waterproof, breathable cloth that allows rain through (the listing notes it is non-waterproof).
• Decide how you’ll fasten it: zip ties are included, but consider heavier hardware for permanent installations.
• Trim or cover zip tie ends after installation to prevent snagging or injury to pets.
• Choose a color that matches your yard and offers the visual privacy you want—available colors include beige, black, blue, brown, green, red, white and grey.
• Keep in mind chew-risk if your dog tends to rip fence covers—material is thicker than bargain cloths, but not marketed as chew-proof.

Final notes

Shade cloths are one of those simple upgrades that can drastically improve an outdoor pet area. ShadeMart’s 90% HDPE product nails the basics: serious shade, airflow, reinforced grommets and an easy install. It’s not a roof, and it’s not chew-proof, but for shading runs, coops, gardens and making a patio more bearable for pets, it’s a practical tool I reach for again and again.

Tags

• dog run shade
• kennel cover
• privacy screen
• 90% shade cloth
• HDPE mesh
• chicken coop shade
• garden shade
• made-in-usa shade