Local builders auction luxury dog homes for Saskatoon SPCA

Being sent to the dog house has a whole new meaning when you look at the rows of creations on display at Prairieland Park.

More like small-scale luxury homes, the custom builds being showcased at Gardenscape this weekend include all-cedar decks and balconies, large windows and even solar lights.

“These are not your typical dog houses you can buy at the store and just put together, these are high-end material finishes and it shows,” said Yves Beaulac with Bear Construction and Design.

Custom dog houses built by Saskatoon contractors on display at Prairieland Park. (Daniella Ponticelli/650 CKOM)

Beaulac is one of 14 contractors involved with the inaugural K9 Cribs fundraiser. The custom dog houses are being auctioned online, where people can view more photos, with all proceeds benefitting the Saskatoon SPCA.

“We didn’t really know what to expect, but every company came in and did amazing houses,” said Mark Kindrachuk with On the Mark Homes.

Local contractors were given certain specifications – such as the homes having to be insulted with removable roofs – while the rest was left to them.

Kindrachuk’s design is modelled after his company’s current build of a modern French home in Buena Vista. Between materials and man hours, the team put in about $1,700 into the dog house.

Darren Nickle with King’s Forest Construction built his custom dog house to look like a cabin in the forest.

“We’ve got an all cedar tongue-in-groove exterior with a double-hinged door for the dog to get in and out,” Nickle said. “Got a super cute little round window for the dog to look out at the stars.”

The custom homes were previously on display at Lawson Heights, and will finish its public showcasing at Gardenscape.

The online auction closes at 9 p.m. Sunday.