Dogs left in an outdoor pen have nowhere to go when the sun swings round. They cannot open a parasol or take themselves indoors, and a bare metal pen on a hot patio offers no shade at all. A tie-on top solves both ends of the problem at once, giving a shaded half of the pen through summer and a dry one when a shower blows across.

It is cut octagonal to match the shape of a standard eight-panel metal playpen, and it fastens with adjustable tie straps at the corners rather than elastic, so it holds against a breeze instead of lifting at the first gust. The top fabric is waterproof, which means rain runs off the edge rather than soaking through onto whatever is underneath. Untie the straps and it lifts straight off.

• Waterproof top fabric for rain and strong sun
• Octagonal cut for standard eight-panel metal pens
• Adjustable tie straps at the corners
• Listed at 174cm across
• Available in grey, silver, beige or black
• Lifts off in seconds for storage or cleaning

It is a cover, not a roof. The straps hold it against ordinary weather, but it is not an escape-proof lid, and a cat or a climbing dog should not be left in a covered pen unattended. Pen sizes also vary between makes, so check the 174cm figure against your own before ordering.

Who it's for: Owners whose dog or small pet uses an outdoor pen and needs shade and shelter over it.