The 12 Best Dog Gates To Keep Your Pup Safe and Secure

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• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

A dog gate or playpen can be a useful tool for dog parents, whether you need one to keep your dog away from potential hazards or simply to confine them in a certain area so they can’t get into trouble. Dog gates can also be used to separate pets that have trouble getting along or to protect your property against damage from curious teeth and sharp nails.

Good dog gates share a few key qualities and can be used in conjunction with crates to reinforce good behavior. Gates should feature safe, durable materials and should allow pet parents to install them in a secure way to prevent enthusiastic dogs from knocking them over. Ideally, they’ll be easy to set up, take down, and store. Depending on your needs, you may want a gate that can be used in multiple places around your home or be portable enough for trips to grandma’s.

We’ve interviewed several experts, from veterinarians to dog trainers, to build a list of our favorite dog gates to keep your pup and your home secure.

Best Overall Dog Gate: MIDWEST Steel Pet Gate

According to veterinary assistant Alex van Der Walt, gates can be versatile tools to establish temporary boundaries and are most effective when constructed of robust materials like metal or heavy plastic. This MidWest gate checks the boxes: it is ultra-sturdy, constructed from tubular steel, chew-proof, and free from pet-harming toxins. It comes in white or textured graphite and expands from 29.5 to 38 inches to fit most standard doorways.

It features a convenient walk-through door that you can operate easily with one hand, but it latches securely to keep your dog where you want them.

Key Features:

• One hand walk-through operation
• Strong steel-frame construction
• Swings wide in both directions
• Chew-proof and non-toxic
• Expands from 29.5″ to 38″ and fits most standard doorways

Best Lightweight Dog Gate: Frisco Auto-Close Pet Gate

A durable gate doesn’t have to be heavy. Some lightweight models can be just as sturdy and provide the same safe environment that experts highlight. This lightweight pressure-mounted pet gate is easy to set up and remove. It features steel construction, a double-lock safety release system, and a self-closing door. Available in white, black, or gray, this extra wide Frisco gate measures 30 inches in height and is available in several sizes to fit multiple door frame types.

Key Features:

• Lightweight and easy to set up and move
• Features steel construction with plastic fixtures
• Available in multiple sizes and colors
• Measures 30″ in height
• Self-closing door can stay also open if opened wider than 90 degrees

Best Configurable Dog Gate: Regalo 4-in-1 Configurable Gate

As several trainers highlight, gates are a great tool to help establish boundaries, and sometimes the configuration of your home requires a flexible solution. This configurable gate is available in black and white and in 130-inch and 192-inch lengths. It features a latch closure and is 28 inches high. This system can be used as one long gate or can be configured into a variety of different sized playpens. It is easy to clean and folds flat for storage. This system is wall-mounted and features a safety lock. Its 16-inch wide walk-though door allows easy pass-through.

Key Features:

• Available in 130-inch and 192-inch lengths
• Features safety latch closure with walk-though door
• Multiple configuration options
• Folds flat for storage

To Consider:

• Requires wall mounting when used as a gate

Best Wide Dog Gate: COSEND Extra Wide Dog Gate

The COSEND Extra Wide Dog Gate features steel rods and is a pressure mounted system with an auto-close door. These safety features, along with the vertical bars, are qualities that van der Walt recommends: “Robust construction, preferably using materials like metal or heavy-duty plastic, ensures durability. I’ve also come to favor gates with vertical bars, which deter even the most determined climbers.”

The COSEND door opens in both directions and will remain open when wider than 90 degrees for easy walk-through. This extra wide gate stands 32 inches tall and up to 81 inches wide. The pressure system will hold up to 180 pounds, which can help contain even the most enthusiastic pups. This gate is available in both black and white.

Key Features:

• Uses pressure mounted system
• Has an auto-close door
• Opens in both directions
• Can extend up to 81 inches

Best Foldable Dog Gate: Pawland Wooden Freestanding Foldable Dog Gate

For some dogs, a visible barrier is all it takes to keep them out. If you’re looking for a simple but sturdy freestanding dog gate, the Pawland Wooden Freestanding Foldable Dog Gate is tall enough to keep puppies and small dogs in their place but easy enough for you to step over.

It features a folding design that fits a wide variety of openings and it has a wood finish with nonslip rubber feet to protect your flooring. This gate is 24 inches tall and can extend to 80 inches wide. This foldable gate requires no tools for assembly: simply unfold the gate to set it up and fold it back down for storage.

Key Features:

• Sturdy and freestanding
• No tools required for assembly
• Gate is 24 inches tall and up to 80 inches wide
• Folds for easy storage

To Consider:

• May not work for larger dog breeds or dogs intent on escape

Best Portable Dog Gate: MyPet North States Portable Pet Gate

This portable plastic pet gate uses a pressure mounted system for a sturdy gate solution. This sturdiness is crucial to a safe gate experience. As van der Walt notes, “Unstable or wobbly gates can be more of a hazard than a 
help, and wide gaps might just be an invitation for trouble with smaller breeds or curious pups.” This gate is 23 inches tall and can be extended to fit doorframes up to 40 inches. The gate features rubber bumpers to protect walls and is available in gray or cream color. It is easy to install and take down and lies flat for storage or trips to grandma’s.

Key Features:

• Uses pressure mounted system
• Made from sturdy plastic
• Features rubber bumpers to protect walls
• Extends up to 40 inches

Best Heavy-Duty Dog Gate for Stairs: Mumeasy Extra Tall Dog Gate

This dog gate stands 36 inches tall and can fit openings as wide as 40.5 inches. It features a dual safety lock (read: required two hands and opposable thumbs) for dogs who have a knack for learning locking mechanisms. It uses a pressure mount system for easy install, but it also has the option to use hardware if you want a very secure and long-term solution. The gate uses steel rods and features two-way swinging and an auto-close function, so it will close behind you.

Key Features:

• Features steel rods and a dual lock system
• Option for pressure mounting or hardware install
• Features two-way swinging and an auto-close
• Stands 36 inches tall and extends up to 40.5 inches

Best Retractable Gate: Cumbor Retractable Mesh Pet Gate

This retractable pet gate is available in two heights (33″ and 41″) and two maximum widths (55″ and 76″) to fit your space. This flexible gate solution requires installation at both sides of your doorframe or stairway, but it can be easily opened and rolled shut. There is no floor-based attachment, so walkthrough is easy. It also features a safety locking knob for security and the mesh material is safe and flexible.

All the experts we interviewed note the necessity of a gate that will stay put if your dog puts weight against it. Because of this, retractable models are best for dogs who are not prone to jumping and may work best for smaller dogs.

Key Features:

• Available in two heights and maximum widths
• Easy to open and roll shut
• Features a safety locking knob
• Uses mesh material

To Consider:

• Requires installation (all materials included)
• May not be appropriate for dogs intent on escape

Top Gate for Small Dogs: Carlson Free-Standing Extra-Wide Pet Gate

This free-standing gate is ideal for keeping smaller dogs contained. It requires no drilling or setup but is adjustable to fit different doorways, ranging from 41 to 70 inches wide. The Carlson Free-Standing gate features a premium wood finish with black steel and is non-toxic—qualities that van der Walt strongly recommends, especially if you’ve got a taster on your hands.

Key Features:

• Easy to set-up and expand
• Adjustable widths from 41 to 70 inches wide
• Available in 20- or 28-inch height
• Features premium wood finish with black steel
• Ideal for smaller dogs

To Consider:

• Free-standing design may not work for dogs eager to escape or larger breeds

Best for Large Dogs: Carlson Extra-Tall Walk-Through Gate

This extra-tall walk-through gate stands 36 inches tall and can expand to cover doorways and staircases between 29 and 36.5 inches. It uses a pressure-mount system that is quick to setup and take down and includes a four inch extender. The Carlson Walk-Through gate uses high-end finishes to match furnishings and features a small pet door for pets who do not need to be confined. We like this gate because it has a safety lock.

Key Features:

• Gate stands 36 inches tall and extends between 29 and 36.5 inches wide
• Tool-free pressure-mount system that is easy to set up and take down
• Features a small pet door
• Uses non-toxic materials

Best Decorative Gate: Evenflo Barn Door Pet Gate

It’s not always easy to find a classy-looking dog gate. This wood option from Evenflo stands 30 inches tall and can fit doorways or openings between 29 and 43 inches wide. The door swings in both directions and has a quiet auto-close feature. If installed at a staircase, the door features a stair-stopper, which doesn’t allow the door to swing out over the stairs. It also features a red and green safety system so pet parents know if it’s fully locked.

This gate features both a pressure-mounted system and hardware mounts, which are designed for use with staircases. It’s also a heavy gate, with both wood and steel materials.

Key Features:

• Stands 30 inches tall and between 29 and 43 inches wide
• Door swings in both directions
• Includes added staircase safety features
• Heavy duty wood and steel materials

Best Car Dog Gate: Pawple Pet Barrier for Vehicles

This car pet barrier has a universal fit that works in most SUVs, cars, and hatchbacks. It uses a main panel (35.5 inches wide) and two adjustable side panels (up to 12 inches wide), and extends 16.5 inches tall. It is easy to install and remove (no tools), and features steel wire to keep your dog confined to the back of your vehicle.

The design allows you to safely see out of the rear of your vehicle, and the adjustable frame is designed to avoid damaging the interior of your car. Note that dogs should be supervised when in cars to ensure they are not destructive and that the interior climate is safe.

If you’re looking for a safer way to drive with your dog, consider a dog seatbelt harness or car crate.

Key Features:

• Universal fit accommodates SUVs, cars, and hatchbacks
• Wire design allows driver to easily see out the rear windows
• Adjustable width
• Will not damage car interior

How We Chose

The dog gates featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. We prioritized safety, durability, and versatility. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pups, who are never stingy with their feedback.

Pet Parent Resources

While dog gates can help keep your canine safe, sometimes you need an extra eye to watch your pet while you’re away. Looking for a sitter in your neighborhood? Consider Rover’s pet care services, ranging from dog walkers to boarding facilities.

Further Reading

• The 9 Best Indoor Dog Pens for Every Kind of Dog
• The Top 10 Cheap Dog Fences
• The 10 Best Puppy Playpens for Your Playful Pup