We chose the best dog gates after reviewing 50+ products and testing more than 20 products to make this curated list of top ten dog gates.
Do you feel that giving your pooch access to certain parts of your home is fraught with danger? Dog gates are important accessories that can keep our pets safe by preventing them access to certain parts of the house that we believe could be dangerous for them. Many of these accessories can also double up as playpens providing them a safe place for them to play inside the home while protecting certain valuable items if play turned rough.
The market has umpteen number of options with each one claiming to be the best. Anybody is free to make claims, but few have the ability to back up those claims by supplying world-class products. To make your job of selecting a dog gate easy, we have included reviews of ten products that we believe offer value for money.
Contents
The 10 Best Dog Gates of 2023 (Reviews)
The North States Gate for Dogs is a perfect combination of safety barrier and a play yard that makes it one of the best dog gates. Comprising six removable panels and capable of enclosing an area of 10 square feet, can be used to create an entertainment zone or a barricade against potential unsafe places. The icing on the cake is that it comes with a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Your perception that you need a dog gate is the first step but it doesn’t end there. After in-depth research and comparing popular dog gates against one another, we have whittled down our search to ten top-rated dog gates that have been the favorites of customers and offer dog owners an attractive and strong gate, that will allow them to confine their dog to one area.
1. Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru Dog Gate
The Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru Gate is the most popular walk through dog gates and can be used with stairs, hallways, and doorways. Because of its wall-saver design, this dog gate can be effortlessly installed without using any tools.
You only need to select the place and use the pressure-mount system to set it up. This dog gate is 29 inches wide and can expand up to 10″ more to fit a larger entryway. It stands 30″ tall which is good enough for small and medium-sized pets.
It has a sturdy, white metal frame to ensure that no havoc-mongering furbaby can damage it. The spokes are only two inches apart, which means no dog will be able to get through them.
This gate also features a convenient level handle and a one-touch release safety lock system. This feature is resourceful because when you are carrying a puppy in your hand you can easily unlock the gate by lifting the lever handle and replace it back again to keep the gate locked.
- Best For: Indoors & Outdoors
- Type: Pressure-mounted, walkthrough
- Dimensions: 38.5 x 2 x 30 inches
- Weight: 0.32 ounces
- Material: Metal
This dog gate fulfills the safety standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials guaranteeing safety and quality for your furbabies. It is portable, lightweight and can be stored flat so that you don’t have to worry when it is time to take the dog gate down.
- Can fit openings between 29″-39″
- Stands 30″ for medium to small dogs
- Easy and quick to configure
- Pressure mount system prevents wall from getting damaged
- Convenient walk-through design
- Opening can be too narrow for certain individuals
- White paint may come off after years of wear and tear
2. North States Extra-Wide Gate for Dogs
It comprises six adjustable and removable panels 30″ high and capable of enclosing an area of 10 square feet. At the same time, each additional two-panel extensions, any number of which can be used, can expand the play area by 9 square feet. Due to these astonishing features, this product makes the “Editor’s top pick” position in our product reviews.
The walkthrough door panel, which swings, has a double locking system and is child-proof but facilitates smooth and easy access. The pet gate made of metal weighs 36.2 lbs and is easy to carry, and the configuration is tough.
The North States Extra-Wide Gate is a perfect combination of safety barrier and play yard. The gate, made from powder-coated metal, can be used to create an entertainment zone or a barricade against potential unsafe places.
- Best For: Indoor & Outdoor
- Type: Wall Mounted
- Dimensions: 33 x 28 x 7 inches
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Material: Metal
The product carries a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects. So you don’t need to worry after purchasing in case the product arrives with a manufacturing defect.
- Pet locking feature
- Quick collapsing
- Easy to install an extension
- Mounting hardware included with purchase
- Detachable panels
- Heavy in weight
3. Evenflo Position and Lock Wooden Dog Gate
Evenflo’s Position and Lock Wooden Dog Gate is a very economical and portable dog gate that is possible to move from room to room. It requires no hardware or tools and installs quickly in seconds.
It is available in multiple colors and does not damage walls or doorways. It is 23″ tall and fits openings between 26″-42″. The Evenflo is safe for pets as well as children so you can use it to keep them separate or ensure their individual safety.
- Best For: Indoor
- Type: Pressure-mounted
- Dimensions: 2.5 x 25.5 x 23.5 inches
- Weight: 3.99 lbs
- Material: Wood
The Evenflo has non-mar rubber bumpers to prevent damage to your walls and doorways. The locking bar of the Evenflo is notched and marked to make it easy to install and reinstall in your home as needed.
In order to reinstall the gate, you need to remove it completely from the place where it is mounted. Moreover, it can be only be intalled in straight doorways.
- The most economical on our list
- Non-mar rubber bumpers to prevent damage to walls and doorways
- Safe for both pets as well as children
- Easy to move from room to room
- Because there are no half-inch increments, this dog gate does not fit snugly in all doorways and can get pushed out if leaned on heavily
- The locking bar is flimsy and prone to breaking
- Cannot be used on walls or doorways that have baseboards or molding of any type
4. Summer Infant Multi-Use Deco Safety Gate for Dogs
A strongly built dog gate for your medium-sized dog, it looks fancy and comes in two colors – bronze and beige. It is perfectly suited for narrow to medium openings. You can also use it at the top of the stairs.
With a height of 36″, it can be extended from 28.5″ to 45″. It has a double locking system to keep your pets double secure. There is also an auto-lock feature and is easy to install but certainly not lightweight.
- Best For: Outdoor
- Type: Pressure mounted
- Dimensions: 48 x 0.5 x 36 inches
- Weight: 21lbs
- Material: Metal
The extra weight means added security which even a hyperactive pet will not be able to take down. Special hardware mounts are also available to secure the gate in position.
- Strong gate
- Good for medium-sized pets
- Dual locking system
- Easy installation
- Secure hardware mount
- The throughway could be a bit narrow for certain people
5. Carlson Extra Wide Walk Through Dog Gate with Small Pet Door
This gate is chew proof and non-toxic so that you do not have to worry about your pooch ingesting paint flakes. According to the name, this gate is suited for extra-wide openings. It comes with two extensions so you can cover any opening between 29″ to 44″.
Moreover, the Carlson Extra Wide is made from steel with powder white finish. It has been designed with a pressure mounted system, which makes installation a quick and easy task. With the walk-thru design and one-touch release handle, you will be easily able to pass through the gate even if your hands are full.
- Best For: Indoor & Outdoor
- Type: Pressure mounted, walkthrough
- Dimensions: 36.5 x 1 x 31 inches
- Weight:10 lbs
- Material: Steel
Carlson Extra Wide is unique because of its patented pet door that measures 10″ x 7″, which will allow the feline pet to pass through while the bigger furry pet dog remains confined. This is a great feature but if you are looking to confine a pup, then this is most probably a disadvantage. One also needs to ensure that the dog’s head doesn’t fit into the opening if he tends to force himself into small passageways to escape as he may get stuck.
- Fits openings from 29″ – 44″
- Walk thru design and one-touch release handle
- Comes with a mini pet door
- Pressure mount system for quick installation
- Chew proof steel construction in powder white finish
- Mini pet door feature can be a big disadvantage
6. Queenii Magic Gate for Dogs
The Queenii Magic Gate helps to keep your dog out of certain rooms without giving him the feeling that he is caged. Made from a transparent durable mesh designed to keep your dog out while still helping the two of you to feel close, it is the best solution for anxious pets and caring parents.
Though it is constructed from mesh, it is an easily adjustable gate. You simply have to roll up or roll out the mesh so as to fit into any given doorway 41″ in width. According to estimates, this can withstand resistance of 100 lbs so it can be good for larger and stockier breeds as well.
Installation and use can be a bit tricky though. It has four hooks at four corners for attachment. Each hook can be stuck where you want the corner of the gate to hang so measuring accurately is important before you start.
- Best For: Indoors
- Type: Retractable
- Dimensions: 9.9 x 3 x 1.6 inches
- Weight: 13.4 ounces
- Material: Fabric-Mesh
To walkthrough, you will have to unhook the sides of the mesh each time, which could get frustrating over a period of time.
- Transparent for easy viewing of pet
- Tough, durable mesh
- Stretches for easy adjustment
- Quick retract for easy access
- Portable and simple to store
- Installation could be a bit frustrating
- Must unhook and rehook when walking through
7. LEMKA Walk Thru Safety Gate for Dogs
This purchase includes a 2.8″ & 5.5″ wide extension kit and main gate. Expandable to cover the width of openings or stairways from 31″ to 42″. The frame is made of steel and uses a spring locking handle to securely lock the door while the pressure-mounting system does not need walls to be damaged while installing.
The double locking system allows the door to swing open in both directions. The door is auto close when the door is pushed under 90°. Push open beyond 90° for the door to remain open which makes it easy for an adult to use. This dog gate is designed to lock at the top and the bottom of the door.
- Best For: Indoor & Outdoor
- Type: Pressure mounted, walkthrough
- Dimensions: 42 x 30 inches
- Weight: 12 lbs
- Material: Metal
This pressure mounted dog gate does not require any hardware or tools to install and can be easily set up in doorways and other pass-through areas. It is chew-proof, lead-free and has a non-toxic finish. The sturdy design will allow you to keep your pet safe without compromising on style.
- Steel construction
- Pressure mounted system ensures no damage to walls
- The walk-thru door is auto close
- Chew-proof, lead-free and non-toxic finish
- There are a few complaints that package delivered contained a faulty/broken product
8. PAWLAND Wooden Freestanding Foldable Pet Gate
The Pawland Wooden Freestanding Foldable Pet Gate is a great option to quarantine your pet puppy and keep him from exploring too much of your home. It has an accordion-like hinged design that allows you to fold it to fit any doorway or hallway.
The gate is made from tough wood with metal hinges. The wide slats provide a secure barrier without giving your pet the feeling that they are completely cut off from the home.
It can be used as a pet fence, room divider and pet pen – all in one. It has been designed with an attractive wood finish and sturdy non-slip rubber feet.
- Best For: Indoors
- Type: Freestanding
- Dimensions: 80 x 2.8 x 24 inches
- Weight: 21.2lbs
- Material: Wood
A freestanding dog fence, this one can be folded out into z-shape in full hallways, double doors, or standard doorways, bedrooms, staircases or any place in your house.
Read | The Best Wireless Dog Fences
- Freestanding gate
- Does not need any installation
- Made from wood and metal hinges
- There are complaints about the product’s durability
9. Cumbor Auto Close Safety Gate
Measuring 30.5″ high & 29.5-37.8″ wide, this gate is suitable for most door. A 23.6″ thru gate makes it easier to walk while holding the baby or the laundry basket. It is a great choice for moms.
The steel design gate can defend an impact of up to 200 lbs by Husky, Alaska breeds without budging at all. Also, a small pet gate is designed that will allow cats to walk through but will stop dogs. It is just superior for pet lovers.
And you do not need to worry about forgetting to lock the pet gate because this one will close automatically due to gravity. Open less than 90 degrees and it will close by itself. Open more than 90 degrees and the gate will stay open.
- Best For: Outdoor
- Type: Pressure mounted
- Dimensions: 28.5 x 2 x 32 inches
- Weight: 13.3 pounds
- Material: Steel
Simple pressure mounting will allow you to install the gate in 10 minutes. It is perfect for stairs, hallways, doorways, and open spaces.
- Steel design can withstand an impact of 200 lbs of large breeds such as Husky, Alaska
- No need to worry about forgetting to lock the gate as it is auto-locking
- Simple pressure mounting will allow you to install in just 10 minutes
- There are complaints that they received the package with installation parts missing and that there was no small door for cats to walkthrough
10. Arf Pets Free Standing Wood Dog Gate
The Arf Pets Free Standing Wood Dog Gate is meant for open concept homes with wide openings and restricting your dog to certain areas of the home. It comprises interconnected panels that form a gate to cordon off select areas of your home.
The panels are made from quality wood and have a decorative bone carved out on top of each panel. It also features a hinged door gate mounted with 360-degree hinges, allowing you to open the door in or out. This is helpful to keep a dog from slipping out while the door is open. There is an easy to use latch attached to the gate which is dog-proof.
The connections of the panel are flexible enough to allow you to arrange the gate in different shapes or you can connect them all together to create a penned area.
It is easy to set up and when out of use, it can easily be folded back against the wall. The gate comes with two stabilizing support feet to prevent your dog from tipping the gate over.
- Best For: Indoor & Outdoor
- Type: Freestanding
- Dimensions: 80 x 2 x 31.5 inches
- Weight: 32.3 lbs
- Material: Wood
The gate is 31.5″ tall, which should contain large dogs and 80″ wide. If you are not satisfied with 80″ width considering the area you need to block, you can opt to purchase two additional panels that would add 40″ to the width. An extension kit with 1 panel and an additional gate are also available.
- Gate entrance with 360 degree hinges, allowing in or out swing
- Able to block wide openings
- Can convert to an enclosed pen
- Additional panels available to increase the width by 40″
- Doesn’t attach to walls and aggressive dogs could push aside the gate from the walls
- Need to use an accordion set up in openings – losing some of your lengths
- Not to be used with dogs that like to chew
Our Buyer’s Guide on Dog Gates
From different types of Dog Gates to important factors that need to be considered before buying a dog gate, from which type would be best for your home to FAQs, has all been discussed in this section for our dear readers.
Why Use a Dog Gate?
Using a dog gate to keep the dog out of certain areas is just one reason why you would need a dog gate. There are several other situations that may require you to use a dog gate:
- To keep multiple dogs separated from each other
If you own multiple dogs, they do not necessarily get along well. If you have a male and female who have not yet been neutered you want them quarantined especially when the female is in estrous. Dog gates are great alternatives to keep them apart.
- Keeping the dog away from an infant, or vice-versa
Many dogs treat very young children nicely but in some instances, you may want to keep the dog away from the child. It could also be the reverse where you want the child to stay away from the dog. Many toddlers can grab or pull at pets because they are ignorant and this may upset the dog. A dog gate can keep the dog and the baby apart.
- Keeping the dog away from the cat’s stuff
Cats are pretty sprightly so the gate is not going to be much of a barrier for them. However, the dog gate will be a great alternative from munching on your cat’s litterbox, eating up their cat food or chewing up their toys.
- To confine but with more room than in a kennel
Many people are not comfortable with locking their unsupervised dogs into a kennel while they’re away but some hyperactive breeds can wreak havoc if left alone. A dog gate can keep your dog temporarily confine to an area where he cannot do things such as chewing up your couch’s cushion.
- Protecting the dog
Dog gates can also be used to prevent your puppy or an older dog from falling down the stairs.
Types of Dog Gates
Many types of dog gates are available for the modern home that includes apartments and other types of houses. After having spared a thought for everything that we have covered above, you can now take a look at the different types of dog gates.
Free-standing
This type of dog gate does not need any installation. Freestanding dog gates are similar to barricades put up in public places. They comprise a vertically-standing panel supported by perpendicularly-oriented feet. The feet extensions allow the gate to stand on it own without the need for it to be attached to another vertical surface such as the wall.
Expandable Dog Gates
It is possible to add extensions to dog gates so as to fit wider spaces such as doorways and the kitchen. Some can be widened by purchasing additional panels or extensions to be attached to the gate and are expandable over 5 feet. These are the best pet barrier for your space. The panels make expandable pet gates the best during travel as their foldable characteristic makes them easy to store without damaging the gate.
Wall-mounted
These are exactly opposite to free-standing dog gates. The ends of the gate are mounted onto a wall using hardware that is securely bolted into the wall. They are the most secure gates as they are virtually immovable. Unfortunately, installing them is hard work.
Pressure-mounted or tension adjustable
Pressure-mounted gates are akin to the wall-mounted gates except that there is no actual drilling or mounting to the wall that is required. Here, rubberized extensions are stuck to the wall to create opposing tension throughout the entire width of the gate. This tension holds the gate in place. It is a sort of hydraulic system putting pressure on the opposing walls.
Convertible
Convertible pet gates are pressure-mounted and are made from four or more panels that are connected with each other and can be easily converted for other uses. 3-in-1 gates can be converted into a room divider or pet playpen and save dog owners money by having to buy only one gate for several purposes. Convertible pet gates often have lockable doors to prevent the pet from pushing it open and hinges or caps to connect the panels and weave them into the pet accessory.
Hinged and foldable
This is a sort of a freestanding gate, but with at least three panels that are foldable thanks because hinges that are integrated in the construction. Some systems have 8 or more foldable panels and can be easily converted into playpens. Because of their foldable nature, they offer temporary and portable modes of enclosures. They can also be stored very easily.
Walk-through
This is sort of a gate within a gate. It could be a freestanding, wall-mounted or pressure-mounted gate with an extra gate at the center of the fixture. This center gate is what you would be using to walk-though the dog gate, hence, the name.
Here’s What to Consider Before Purchasing a Dog Gate
Some of the most important aspects to look at while buying a dog gate are the following:
Dog Gates: Indoor vs Outdoor
While there are gates that can be used for both purposes, there are certain products that are meant exclusively for either purpose. The material of the dog gate is more important for outdoor gates for durability and weather resistance. While wood is a natural material, it would require regular maintenance and treatment outside than if the wooden gate was made for indoor use.
Materials for chewers
Some gates are made of flimsy material and the dog will easily chew through the barriers. Chewers can only be barricaded using a metal gate. So plastic, wood and plastic-and-mesh gates are best avoided in such cases.
Height: For the Escape Artist
This would depend on how much height can your pooch scale. While it is assumed that larger dogs would need bigger sized gates, it is the small and medium-sized pooches who can jump over the greatest heights.
However, trial and error is the best solution to prevent the vanishing act. We suggest that try a make-do fixture for efficacy before spending money on a gate that you find later can be easily scaled.
Check how high the pooch can jump and buy accordingly. While buying for a pup, take into consideration its adult size and buy accordingly so that you don’t have to upgrade later.
Temporary vs Permanent Pet Gates
There are a lot of options available that are either temporary or permanent. If you would not like to drill holes into the wall, then pressure-contact varieties are also available.
Permanent boundaries are meant for those areas that will always be off-limits for the household pets such as a certain floor of a multi-level home, or dining areas or outside entertainment areas.
Temporary fences and gates become necessary for apartments or rented accommodation where fixtures may not be the solution. They are also the answer in situations where boundaries become necessary only for a certain period of time, such as during house training a pet.
Temporary gates and fences can be moved and work for when the off-limit areas for the pet are changing constantly.
Dog Gates with Door
You should consider buying a dog gate that has a built-in door for small pets. This feature can come in handy especially if you have both, dog as well as a cat at your home. The small door integrated into the gate allows access to the cat to go through.
Read More: The Best Cat Doors | The Best Dog Doors | The Best Electronic Dog Doors
Which Type of Dog Gate Will Work Best for My Home?
Dog owners commonly place a gate at the top or bottom of the stairs. If the gate is at the top of the stair, be sure that it is hardware mounted so that it will not fall over if your pet or any person applied a bit more pressure. At the bottom of the stairs, you can use a pressure-mounted or a hardware-mounted dog gate.
Hardware-mounted gates are great when you know that the off-limit area is not going to change for a long time. These pet gates will stay secure and are immovable and are perfect for large dogs, hyperactive dogs or multiple dogs. The disadvantage is that they need to be mounted directly into the wall and may spoil the home-decor and take time to take down.
Pressure-mounted gates are a good alternative to hardware-mounted gates in cases where you are not sure whether you would need to move the gates or when you do not want to install hardware into the wall and spoil the decor. The disadvantage of this gate is that they are not as sturdy and secure as hardware-mounted gates.
Freestanding gates are the least sturdy and secure options. You can use the freestanding gates where you are unable to use pressure-mounted gates or are unwilling to erect hardware-mounted gates. They are a good choice for smaller homes such as apartments. The advantage of freestanding gates is that they are easy to move, elegant and can be erected anywhere quickly. The disadvantage is that they are easy to tip over because they are not secure and they are also the most expensive.
FAQs on Dog Gates
How tall should a dog gate be?
The dog gate should be high enough to prevent the dog from jumping over it. Different pooches can scale different heights. Usually larger breeds would need larger sized gates, but it is the medium and small-sized canines that can jump the highest.
Trial and error is the best way to find out the height that will prevent the vanishing act. Use a makeshift barrier to check for efficacy before spending money on a dog gate that you find out later can be easily scaled by your pooch.
Check how high the pooch can jump and buy accordingly. If you are buying for your puppy, first research how big your dog can grow as an adult and buy accordingly so that you are spared money on an up-gradation at a later stage.
How do you block a dog from stairs?
You can use dog gates to block a dog from the stairs. Install a pet-safe gate at the top or the bottom of the stairs. There are several different types of dog gates available at local pet stores or online. Some gates are screwed into the wall whereas some others rely on pressure/tension to stay in place. Gates with one-touch, walkthrough openings are a tad expensive but the convenience is worth it.
How much does a dog gate cost?
Dog gates vary greatly in prices depending on their mechanism, the material used and their versatility. However, they are not a very expensive accessory as such. The dog gates that we have reviewed cost between $10-$100 and there is something to cater to all kinds of budgets.
Can you use a baby gate as a dog gate?
Baby gates and pet gates have many things in common. Both of them aim to keep little ones or pets inside or outside a certain area. There are some safety gates that are suitable for both babies and pets.
How do I install a dog gate?
Freestanding dog gates do not require any installation as the name itself suggests. Pressure-mounted gates will need the spindles to be attached to the wall in order to create the tension throughout the width of the gate that will hold it in place. Wall-mounted dog gates will need drilling holes in the wall and will use hardware to secure them to the wall.
Conclusion
Dog gates are important to keep your pup safe because there are certain parts of your home that are potentially dangerous for him. We hope that you have found this article on dog gates very informative and have made you confident about choosing a product that is right for you as well as your pet.