Dog gates provide a level of security and safety for dogs that is essential to their wellbeing. Many can double as dog playpens which can provide a safer environment for them to play in inside of the home, whilst the create barrier to keep them clear of potential hazards. The market can be unforgiving, however, seeing as there are countless pet gates claiming to be the best. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best dog gates on the market, whilst also addressing some of the finer details one should consider when purchasing a pet gate.
A Glance at Our Favorites
| Editor's Pick | Product Name | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Regalo 4-In-1 Play Yard Configurable Gate | Buy on Amazon | 4.5 |
| Extra Wide | Carlson Extra Wide Walk Through Dog Gate | Buy on Amazon | 4.5 |
| Auto-Close Feature | Summer Infant Extra Tall Dog Gate | Buy on Amazon | 4.6 |
| Budget Pick | Evenflo Tall Pressure Mount Wooden Dog Gate | Buy on Amazon | 4.1 |
| Best for Small Dogs | Carlson Pet Products Mini Tuffy Expandable Gate For Dogs | Buy on Amazon | 4.6 |
| Stylish and Dependable | North States Deluxe Décor Dog Gate | Buy on Amazon | 4.7 |
| Easy to Move | Primetime Petz Configurable Dog Gate | Buy on Amazon | 4.5 |
12 Top-Rated Dog Gates to Buy
1 Best Overall: Regalo 4-In-1 Play Yard Configurable Gate
- 4-in-1 design: play yard, super gate, fireplace barrier, and stair gate
- 8 removable and configurable panels
- Extends from 24 inches to 192 inches
- Walk-through gate with child safety locks
- One-touch quick release double lock mechanism
It is easy to understand why Regalo’s 4-in-1 Super Wide Adjustable Gate and Play Yard is preferred by many parents and pet-lovers alike. While it is intended primarily for safeguarding young children it is inadvertent that its usefulness has been extended well into the safeguarding of dogs. And why not? It’s composed of 8 24-inch panels that can be connected whichever and however you want, more like playing with LEGO bricks. When fully extended, it spans a full 16 feet.
As such you can actually ditch the idea of getting dog playpens as the Regalo already comes with 4 different functionalities including a really wide and sturdy gate, a dog playpen, and a barrier for your stairs and fireplace. If you do decide to make it a permanent gate inside your home, it can also be easily mounted onto your walls. Besides, the walkthrough gate is wide enough for everyday transit.
2 Extra Wide: Carlson Extra Wide Walk Through Dog Gate
- Can expand to stairways and openings
- The walk-through door is incredibly easy to use
- Easy to set up pressure mount design
- It is foldable for easy storage
- Includes a 4-inch wide extension kit
- Designed with a pet door
- Durable construction
Dogs, like most pets, are pretty unpredictable – you will never guess their next moves. Even the most behaved and well-trained dog will crawl into unrestricted areas. That’s why the use of the best dog gates are required to protect fluffy from unwanted rooms and areas in your home. The Carlson Extra Wide Walk-Through Pet Gate will ensure that your furry mate stays right where they are supposed to. With an expandable opening of between 29-36.5 inches wide, it sits perfectly onto the stairways that often pose risk. As for usability, it is pretty much easy to set up with no tools required. And once laid out, the small pet door allows fluffy to easily pass through its own personal door. When not in use, the gate can then be dismantled for easy storage.
3 Auto-Close Feature: Summer Infant Extra Tall Dog Gate
- Extends from 28 inches to 48 inches
- Pressure mount design for ease of installation with optional wall mounts
- Auto-close walk-thru gate with dual locks
- Removable door stopper
- Made with heavy-duty metal finished in bronze
The Summer Infant Multi-Use Deco Tall Walk-Thru Gate may have been designed specifically for young kids, but its nifty design can also be invaluable for safeguarding your pet hound. It comes with a pressure mount system that eliminates the need for any tools to mount it on your walls, although you can still mount them permanently if you wish. The arched walkthrough center gate is wide enough for easy passage and with its auto-close feature, there’s no looking back just to make sure it’s closed. There’s also a removable door stopper in case you do decide to put it at the top of your stairs so it won’t open straight down. The Summer Infant fits spaces that are as narrow as 28 inches to as wide as 48 inches. And since it is about 3 feet tall, don’t ever think you can step over it.
4 Budget Pick: Evenflo Tall Pressure Mount Wooden Dog Gate
- Extends from 26 inches to 42 inches
- Pressure mounted design complete with rubber bumpers
- Quick-release locking bar
- Easy installation, no tools required
Evenflo is best known for its baby products. It is perhaps for this reason that its Position and Lock Wood Gate is best classified as a kiddie safety gate than it is a pet gate. The good news is that the Position and Lock can also be used to safeguard your pet as it’s made of heavy-duty materials and comes with a quick-release locking bar for added security. There is no fuss when it comes to installation either as the system comes with pressure mounting mechanisms. It is perfect for spaces between 26 and 42 inches wide.
5 Best For Small Dogs: Carlson Pet Products Mini Tuffy Expandable Gate For Dogs
- Extends from 26 inches to 42 inches
- Easy-step over height at 18 inches
- Easy Fit locking system with rubber bumpers
- Pressure mount design for ease of installation
- Durable and sturdy all-steel construction
At only 18 inches high the Lil’ Tuffy Expandable Gate with Small Pet Door should be fairly easy to step over. Like the Regalo and Summer Infant, however, it is basically designed for small and young kids. It does come with a small door for small pets, though. The Lil’ Tuffy fits well into 26- up to 42- inch wide spaces so it should be perfect for narrower hallways. It has rubber bumpers so that its steel frame and feet will not scratch your floor while its pressure mount system eliminates drilling for mounts on your wall. The lock mechanism is also relatively easy to operate, although it can be tough for kids to crack. Its simple design and very friendly price make the Lil’ Tuffy a great alternative to other dog gates.
6 Stylish And Dependable: North States Deluxe Décor Dog Gate
- Extends from 38.3 inches to 71 inches
- Pivot points for ease of mounting
- Heavy-duty metal construction finished in matte bronze
- Child-proof safety latches
- Fully-expandable design with addition of bar extensions
- 25.5-inch walk-thru arch gate
The North States Supergate Deluxe Décor Gate is actually similar to the Summer Infant product, except that the Supergate comes with a super-wide dimension at 6 feet with the minimum at 38.3 inches. What’s more, you can actually expand the system by getting additional 6-bar extension kits. The system is designed to accept 6 additional extensions which also expands the width of the Supergate from a mere 6 feet to a whopping 13 feet, 3 feet short of the Regalo Super Wide. Its center-arched gate measures 25.5 inches wide which is ample enough to permit easy passage. Unlike the other products in this list, however, the Supergate needs to be mounted onto your wall. Not to worry though as the installation is simple enough.
7 Easy To Move: Primetime Petz Configurable Dog Gate
- 4-panel folding wood gate that can span 72 inches
- Free-standing, no-installations required
- 360-degree rotating hinges
- Spring-loaded secure door locks
- Surface-friendly, anti-skid rubber paddings
The 360o Configurable Dog Gate from Primetime Petz is a worthy alternative to the Regalo Super Wide Adjustable Gate. The only difference is that you’ll need to buy additional panels to help extend the versatility of the Primetime Petz. What is noteworthy is its wooden construction that comes with a luxurious walnut finish. It’s a great addition to your home’s interior décor. The hinges rotate a full 360-degrees to give you optimum versatility in its configuration. The door locks are designed with full security while its support feet are padded with anti-skid and surface-protective rubber. Like the Regalo the Primetime Petz doesn’t require any tools for installation. This also gives it exceptional portability and storability.
8 Regalo Extra Wide Gate For Dogs
- Extends from 29 inches to 39 inches
- Easy-installation, no tools required, pressure mount system
- With 6-inch wide gate extension kit
- Child safety-lock mechanism with one-handed opening system
- Comes with wall mounts for additional security
The Regalo Super Wide Adjustable Gate and Play Yard may be an exceptional product, but there’s actually another Regalo item that is favored by more consumers. The Easy Step Walk Thru Gate is one of the best when it comes to baby gates. Unlike the Super Wide, however, the Easy Step is not configurable. So if you’re planning to get a versatile dog gate that doubles as a dog playpen, then the Easy Step is not for you. If you’re only after a dog gate, then the Easy Step should be an excellent choice.
It’s perfect for spaces between 29 and 39 inches, although you can always purchase a 6-inch extension kit to really expand the Easy Step’s reach. It comes with a pressure mount system, too, negating the need for complicated setups or installations. However, if you do want to fix it onto your wall you can do so with the included hardware.
9 Richell Freestanding Gate For Dogs
- No installation, free-standing design
- Extends from 39.8 inches to 71.3 inches
- 1.25-inch wire slat spaces
- Hardwood frame construction
- Rubberized non-slip, stable feet
- Easy-step over height at 20 inches
If you don’t like pressure mounting systems or even drilling holes into your wall to mount a dog gate, then Richell’s Wood Freestanding Pet Gate is for you. It’s like the free-standing barriers setup in public places complete with perpendicular bars that serve both as support and stable feet for the gate. Its frame is made of premium hardwood and the slats are made of 7-gauge wires.
It is only 20 inches high so you can easily step over it, eliminating the need for another walkthrough gate. It can be expanded up to 71.3 inches, although you can no longer extend it some more if your space is simply wider than the Richell’s maximum width. Nevertheless, it is portable enough to be easily stored and comes with rubberized feet, too for added protection on your floor.
10 Arf Pets Free-Standing Walk-Through Wood Dog Gate
- Made of high-quality dark wood
- Fitted with support feet for better balance
- Can be arranged in an array of shapes and configurations
- Fitted with a durable and long-lasting latch
- The walk-through door is incredibly easy to use
- Fitted with nice thick bars and has a narrow space underneath
- It is foldable for easy storage
- It is easy to clean and maintain
With its heavy-duty wooden construction among other functional features, this freestanding gate has it all. It offers up more than just a convenient way to limit your fur baby’s access to certain areas, but also some much-needed peace of mind. The Arf Pets Free Standing Wood Dog Gate comes in the form of a multiple paneled dog pen, that can be positioned in a range of styles for your dog’s convenience. Besides the fact that it is made of high-quality materials, it also features a top-notch design. Its support feet make it incredibly hard for even the most energetic pets to knock it down. While its hinged door gate poses a mystery to dogs and other pets, it is incredibly easy for humans to operate. All in all, if you want something guarded, this gate will keep it guarded.
11 PAWLAND 144-Inch Extra Wide Freestanding Wire Pet Gate
- Constructed from wood and steel wire
- Opens as wide as 144″
- Folding, free-standing design
- Sturdy non-slip rubber feet
- Can be used as a puppy playpen
The PAWLAND free-standing dog gate is the ideal design for quickly partitioning off any area of the house. Its six 24-inch-wide panels standing 32-inches tall mean it can open as wide as 144 inches, so it’s not only well suited to being used in doorways but even spaces as large as archways. It is a sleekly designed, sturdy gate constructed from wood and strong steel wire to withstand puppies chewing at the bars, as they so often like to do whilst they’re teething.
Another key feature of this gate that is worth noting is the fact that it can fold away to be only 4.5-inches deep by 24-inches wide. This enables owners to quickly pack up and put away the gate when it is no longer needed. It has also been designed with rubber-bottomed feet to prevent slipping and tipping, and can even be used as a quick makeshift puppy crate in a pinch.
12 PETMAKER Freestanding Pet Gate
- Available in 5 colors
- Folds together for compact storage
- Ideal for 33″-46″ spaces
- Tall option available in standard and scalloped
- 3-panel and 4-panel options available
PETMAKER’s pet gate has been designed with versatility in mind. This is a story, freestanding gate that can be used as a partition in a variety of situations, as well as acting as an effective barrier for the stairs. PETMAKER has manufactured this dog gate in five colors so that the perfect color can be found for almost any household as well as providing a scalloped option for pet owners looking for a softer appearance.
But besides aesthetics, this gate is available in either a 3-panel or 4-panel form. With each panel being 18″ wide that means you can have it either 54″ or 72″ wide, though keep in mind that you need to take some of that width away to accommodate the slight fold it needs in order to stand up properly. For example, the 3-panel, 54″ design is ideal for 33-43″ spaces. And last but not least, they offer it in tall as well, for larger dog owners.
Best Dog Gates: Buying Guide and FAQs
There is an increasing number of pet parents who truly understand the value of installing or having dog gates in their homes. If you’re one of these people then you’ve come to the right place. In the following sections, we’ll help you navigate the process of picking a dog gate for your pet while also shedding light on some of the most common questions that would-be dog gate owners have.
What to Consider When Choosing a Dog Gate
Choosing a dog gate can be especially challenging if you are not sure what you are looking for. To help you zero in on the best type of dog gate to install or use inside your home, you may want to consider the following things.
The Size of Your Dog
You will ideally need a gate that is taller than your pet. This is to discourage any attempts of jumping over the gate when they’re feeling impatient. If you have multiple dogs at home, you might want to consider the height of the tallest dog as your reference. Furthermore, always keep the adult size of your dog in mind, don’t buy for the puppy – buy for the adult.
Placement of The Pet Gate
Where do you intend to place the dog gate? A folding stairgate may be the best option for the fireplace for example. Where an especially wide space will need something wider than a traditional pet gate. Freestanding pet gates are good for homes where they may need to be moved regularly. The best pet gate for a small household is often the mesh design as a mesh gate takes up minimal space – that is if your dog doesn’t try to rip through it.
The Purpose For The Gate
Is this going to be a permanent fixture in your house or is it just a temporary solution? Do you want to have a dog gate-only device or one that can offer you versatility such as one that can be converted to a dog playpen or some other configuration? What is it needed for and which design will suit you best?
What The Gate is Made of
Currently, there are two principal materials used in the manufacture of solid gates: metal and wood. Metal is durable and chew-proof. Wood is always elegant to look at, although it can never withstand the force of a powerful chewer.
Installation
Some dog gates need to be affixed to the wall using screws and brackets for added security. Others simply use a pressure-mounting system. Whereas others don’t need to be mounted at all. If you’re not wanting to drill holes into your wall or doorframe, then the first option may not be the best. However, if you have a particularly large or powerful dog, this is the most secure option.
Security
One of the reasons why you want to buy a dog gate is for security. That said, you should always look for a dog gate that has very secure lock mechanisms. It should be fairly easy for you to pass, but impossible for your pet. Foldaway gates usually need to be stepped over or moved aside, but mounted gates use a simple handle mechanism that relies on the use of opposable thumbs.
Types of Dog Gates for the Home
There are many types of dog gates for the modern home, including apartments and other types of domiciles. Once you’ve given careful consideration to the things we shared above, you can now take a look at the different types of dog gates to have in your home.
Freestanding
As the name implies, these don’t require any installation at all. Think of them as the barricades set up in public places. You have a vertically-standing panel supported by perpendicularly oriented feet. It is the feet extensions that allow the dog gate to stand freely on its own without the need for attachment to another vertical surface such as the wall.
Wall-Mounted
These are the exact opposite of free-standing dog gates. The opposite ends of the gate are mounted onto the wall by a set of hardware that has to be bolted securely in the wall. These offer the best in terms of security since they are virtually immovable. Unfortunately, you’d have to toil to mount them.
Pressure-Mounted or Tension-Adjustable
Pressure-mounted dog gates are just like your wall-mounted systems, except that there is no drilling or actual mounting on the wall that is involved. Instead, rubberized extensions are pressed against the wall to create opposing tension across the entire width of the gate. It is this tension that keeps the gate in place. Technically, it is like having a hydraulic system pushing against the opposing walls.
Hinged and Foldable
This type of dog gate is similar to a free-standing fixture, except that it comes with at least 3 panels that can be folded, thanks to the integration of hinges. Some systems come with 8 or more panels, allowing them to be easily turned into dog playpens as well as other configurations. Because they are foldable, they offer temporary and portable containment solutions for your pet. They’re easily storable, too.
Walk-Through
This is a gate within a gate. You may have a freestanding, wall-mounted, or even a pressure-mounted dog gate that comes with an extra gate that is usually placed in the center of the fixture. This center gate is what you will use to ‘walk through’ the dog gate; hence, the name.
Common Places to Use Dog Gates
It is important to realize that dog gates are primarily designed to keep our pets safe even when they’re safely within the house. So here are some of the most common areas in which pet gates are most often used:
The Stairs
Some owners prefer to have their pet gates located at the top and bottom of the stairs (this may require an extra-wide dog gate depending on the design). This is to prevent dogs from falling, which can cause severe injury.
In the Living Room Doorway
This can be either to keep your dog in the living room when guests are arriving, to give them some space before the puppy starts demanding attention. Alternatively, it can be used to keep them out either when you’re not home or to keep them out of the way of visitors or young children.
In the Kitchen Doorway
Kitchens are known to be a risky place to free-roam both for babies and dogs. There are chemicals and utensils that can be extremely dangerous. And with a curious young puppy wandering around, sometimes it’s a good idea for dog parents to stick a pet gate into the door frame until they’re trained not to go rooting through the cupboards.
In the Back Doorway
Keeping your dog inside the house, whilst still having the door open with a good quality dog gate for them to look out from, can be a great way to manage dogs with separation anxiety at a time when they need to stay clear. This could be when you’re gardening, if you’re setting off fireworks, or if you’re hosting a BBQ and want to keep your dog from stealing un-watched sausages.
These are just a few examples of ways in which you can utilize a dog gate in your home. But at the end of the day, it’s up to you where you feel you need to set boundaries for your dog’s safety.
