1. MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Playpen
Key Features
30 inches high to suit dogs up to 20 inches tall
Secures an area of 16 square feet
Black durable coating to prevent rust
Door with double latch
This is a 30-inch-high pet playpen which is suitable for dogs that are up to 20 inches in height. It provides a secure area that is a total of 16 square feet and can accommodate any dog between 26 and 40 pounds. It’s made from a number of wire mesh panels with a black durable coating and you can change the configuration to suit the space that you have available.
It comes with eight corner stabilizers and four thumb-snaps and is both quick and easy to put together. No tools are required for assembly. There are ground anchors in case you want to use it outdoors. There is a secure door that swings open for you to get to your dog with ease and it closes securely with a double latch. When not in use, the playpen folds flat for easy storage.
2. IRIS USA, Inc. Dog Playpen with Door
Key Features
24-inch-high playpen for small dogs
Secures an area of 8 square feet
Made from white plastic
Non-skid rubber feet
A 24-inch-high, square playpen that is suitable for small dogs. It covers a total area of 8 square feet and is made up of four panels. It’s made in the US from molded repurposed white plastic. The lightweight playpen is easy to assemble (without tools). The plastic panels simply interlock together with full-length connecting rods.
There are non-skid rubber feet to keep the playpen in one position and to stop it marking hardwood floors. It opens with a swinging door which has a secure locking latch.
3. Parkland Pet Playpen for Dogs
Key Features
17 high playpen for small dogs
Encloses an area of 27 inches x 27 inches
Pops up in seconds
Comes with a detachable shade cover
A totally portable playpen for your pup that is very useful when traveling with a little four-legged friend. This small model is 17 inches high and therefore only suitable for small breeds but other sizes are available. It encloses a space of 27 inches x 27 inches. It folds completely flat when you are not using it and pops up in seconds. It can be used indoors and outdoors and requires no tools at all to assemble it.
The playpen is an attractive brown and cream color and made from Oxford-coated 600-Dernier material. There is a half-mesh top that fits on with a zipper and is useful for providing shade. For dog-access, there is a mesh zippered door which rolls up and is secured with straps when it is not in use. There are also built-in floor straps in case you want to secure it to the ground.
4. IRIS USA, Inc. Exercise Panel Dog Playpen
Key Features
34-inch-high playpen suitable for most breeds
Encloses an area of 21 square feet
Made from molded plastic
Eight panels can be configured to fit your space
For indoor and outdoor use, this 34-inch-high playpen will suit most breeds of dog and secures them in an area of 21 square feet which gives them plenty of room to move around. It is made from heavy-duty molded plastic in a variety of colors and is constructed from eight panels. The panels fit together using full-length connecting rods and are configurable to fit your home.
It is quick to put together but you will need a screwdriver to fit the hinges. A hinged door with two steel latches swings open to let your dog in and out. There are rubber feet on the panels to protect your floor surface.
5. Ruff ‘n Ruffus Portable Foldable Dog Playpen
Key Features
17-inch-high playpen suitable for small breeds
Encloses an area of 29 inches x 29 inches
Made from durable nylon
Mesh panels in door and roof for ventilation
A 17-inch-high portable playpen that sets up in seconds and provides a secure area of 29 inches x 29 inches. It is perfect for camping, traveling and trips to the park but is also suitable for indoor use. It is manufactured from ultra-durable 600Dernier nylon which is breathable and water-resistant.
There are mesh panels in the door, the windows and in the removable roof to provide ventilation. The door closes with a zipper to keep your pooch securely inside and despite the fabric construction, the playpen is sturdy and strong. It comes with a handy carry case and a collapsible food bowl for when you are traveling.
6. Paws & Pals Dog Exercise Pen
Key Features
24-inch-high playpen suitable for most breeds
Encloses an area of around 30 square feet
Rust-resistant coating
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
A 24-inch-high heavy 6-gauge metal playpen that is both strong and lightweight. It encloses a total area of around 30 square feet. It is constructed from eight panels of tube frame and can be configured in multiple ways.
The playpen has a rust-resistant coating so it is suitable for outdoor and indoor use and the rounded edges make sure that your pet is not injured. It is erected and taken down without the need for any tools. You simply link the panels together. There is a small door at the front for dogs to enter and exit with a wire latch.
7. PicassoTiles Portable Dog Playpen
Key Features
14-inch-high playpen suitable for small breeds
Encloses an area with a diameter of 35 inches
Made from durable material on a wire frame
Half shaded and half open for maximum air flow
This is the cutest way to enclose your pooch in a safe and comfortable playpen. It is just over 14 inches high and provides an area with a diameter of 35 inches. It comes with a useful guide on how to make the most of the playpen, a carry case and four grounding metal stakes for using it outside. There are several colors available including pink and blue.
It’s made from durable material on a steel wire frame. It sets up in seconds and no tools are required. The base is water-resistant thanks to a nano-coating. There are a total of four double-zippered doors for entry and exit with Velcro tapes to seal them open or closed. The playpen has mesh panels and is half shaded and half open to give the best combination of airflow and security.
8. BestPet Metal Wire Playpen
Key Features
30-inch-high playpen suitable for most breeds
Made from eight panels – configurable to fit your space
Hinged door with secure latches
Made from epoxy-coated metal wire
A metal wire playpen that consists of eight separate panels and stands 30 inches high, it can be configured into multiple shapes. The metal is epoxy coated so it will not rust and can be used outdoors and the edges are rounded to prevent injuries. The playpen is available in many different colors including black, pink and blue.
It takes just a few minutes to put up and collapse and folds away to a compact size for storage. A door opens wide enough for humans and dogs to pass through and closes with two latches for extra security. It comes with anchoring stakes so that it can be secured to the ground outside.
9. BestPet 24 Tall Foldable Dog Playpen
Key Features
24-inch-high playpen suitable for smaller breeds – other heights are available
Made from eight 24-inch-wide panels
Can be configured into different shapes
Epoxy coating to prevent corrosion
The puppy fence is made up of eight, highly configurable fence panels which can make a square, a rectangle or a circle. Each panel is 24 inches long and comes in a height of 24 inches, 30 inches or 36 inches. Obviously, the bigger your dog, the taller panels you will need!
Each wire panel has an epoxy coating finish so the playpen can be used inside and outside without the risk of corrosion. It is easy to clean and easy to assemble with no tools. There are two latches on the door for extra security.
10. North States Pet Dog Enclosure
Key Features
24-inch-high playpen suitable for smaller breeds
Door swings open and can be closed securely
Weather-resistant for use outdoors
Skid-resistant pads
This attractive white dog exercise pen stands at 26 inches high and covers a total area of 18.5 square feet. It is made up of six panels and has a door that swings open to make it easy for your dog to enter and exit. The door locks securely to keep your pooch safe inside.
It is safe to use outside because the panels are weather-resistant. However, it is also suitable for indoor use and has skid-resistant pads to prevent it from damaging delicate floor coverings. It is very quick to put together without the use of tools. You can buy additional extension panels if you wish to have a larger secure area.
11. MidWest Homes For Pets Dog Playpen with Floor Grid
Key Features
31.75 inches high playpen
Built-in roof so pups cannot escape
Suspended grid floor with plastic tray
E-coated metal wire to resist rust
A fully-enclosed puppy playpen with a roof and a wire-mesh floor grid which is elevated and adjustable. It is 31.75 inches high and measures 36.75 inches x 36.875 inches. It is suitable for pups and very small breeds. The suspended floor is made from 1-inch wire mesh and so it will not hurt your pup’s paws. Beneath the floor, there is a leak-proof plastic pan.
The wire has an e-coat which is durable and resists rust. The door has a secure latch to keep your pup securely inside. When not in use, it folds flat for easy storage.
12. Yaheetech Metal Dog Exercise Fence Barrier Playpen
Key Features
24-inch-high playpen suitable for small dogs
16 panels to enclose a large area
Can be configured into many shapes
Powder-coated for durability
If you want your dog to have the freedom to roam a very large but enclosed area, this is the large dog playpen for you. It has 16 panels which are each 31.5 inches wide and so a huge area can be secured. Each panel is 24 inches high.
The panels are fixed together using metal stakes and are detachable and highly configurable. The outdoor playpen could be a rectangle, a square, a circle or even an ‘L’ shape. There is a steel panel door with a lockable latch. Each panel is powder-coated for durability and they fold flat for easy storage.
Best Dog Playpens Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Consider When Buying a Dog Playpen
Here’s what to look out for when buying a puppy pen:
- Is it big enough to give your dog room to move around but small enough to fit in your room? Playpens that are configurable to fit awkward spaces are best.
- There is no point in having a playpen that your dog can step or jump over to make sure that you get one that is the right height!
- Will your dog chew it? Metal playpens are more durable but they need a coating on them to prevent rust if you are going to use them outside.
- Some dogs are great at escaping! Look carefully at the latch provided with the playpen. Will it stop your pooch from getting out?
- Do you want the portable dog pen to be used when you are traveling? If so, you need a playpen that is very quick and easy to put up and take down.
- Extra features. Some playpens have rubber feet to protect indoor floor surfaces and others come with anchors to fix them to the ground when they are outside.
For more options, check out our detailed review of Dog Gates.
Why You Should Use a Dog Playpen
A dog playpen is an amazingly useful device for keeping your pup or adult dog in a confined space without having to resort to putting them in a crate. Sometimes it is essential for you to temporarily enclose your dog into one enclosed space. It ensures their safety and protects the fabric of your home. They should not be used as a way of isolating your dog as punishment as this can only make undesirable behavior worse. Head over to our reviews of the best dog crates and best dog crate covers for more alternatives.
Here are some of the occasions when a playpen could be worth its weight in gold!
- When you have a new puppy
A new puppy is totally adorable but is also very hard work! They need constant supervision because their desire to explore their environment can land them in a lot of trouble and can damage your house. Sometimes, you are just too busy to focus on them and a puppy pen is a perfect answer. The area is big enough for them to play in and you can put a water bowl in too. Because you can easily see into a playpen, you can pop back to keep an eye on them.
- When you have a digger or a destroyer
We all want our dogs to be able to enjoy being outdoors on a nice day but some dogs have unpleasant garden habits! They may dig up your garden or chew your favorite plants. By setting up a pet play yard on a hard surface, they can enjoy being outside with the family without the risk of damaging the lawn.
- When you are traveling
If you are camping, visiting the park or staying at a friend’s house, it can make life easier if your pooch is confined in one place. They can wander around and play with their toys but you will always know where they are and what they are doing. It ensures their safety and the safety of your friend’s house! Take a look at our review of dog toys for more options.
- When you have nervous guests
We all support the ‘love me, love my dog’ attitude but sometimes it is simply not appropriate to allow your dog unlimited access to your house guests. This may be because your guests have very young children, are unsteady on their feet or have a phobia of dogs. It may also be because they are there to do a job for you such as decorating or plumbing and your dog’s help is not appreciated! A dog indoor playpen is a great way of enclosing your dog without cutting them off from where the humans in the house are spending their time.
- When you need to socialize your dog
Playpens provide an enclosed space within which to introduce your pooch to other dogs in a controlled environment. This helps them with their social skills
- When you are training your puppy
Pups can find it hard to concentrate and have a habit of wandering off when you are trying to teach them new skills. It gives you more control during the training sessions so they will be more successful.
- When you want to protect your house
Unfortunately, some dogs can be destructive when it comes to home décor and furnishings. A playpen affords your home a lot of protection but still allows your dog to spend time with all of the family.
Types of Dog Play Pens
Here are the main types of dog pen:
- A plastic playpen is a durable and lightweight option that can be used inside and outdoors. It is fairly resilient to chewing but try to select one that is free from harmful chemicals such as phthalates.
- Wood. Best reserved for indoors where they look very attractive and blend in with the furniture. They are not suitable for big chewers!
- Metal. Very durable and will stand up to chewing. However, the metal must be coated to prevent corrosion for use outdoors. For indoor use, you need padding to protect floors from scratches.
- Fabric. The most lightweight and portable option. Perfect for days out but may not be sturdy enough for a very strong dog.
Outdoor Puppy Playpen or Wireless Fence?
There are several methods of dog containment and it is up to you to choose which is best. Dog playpens are obviously visible whereas a wireless fence works by sending an electric shock to a dog collar when they stray over a boundary. This is not acceptable to some owners and they would prefer physical containment. For a wider selection of choices, check out our electric dog fences guide.
Our Top Pick
Midwest Exercise Dog Playpens - a playpen for breeds that are up to 20 inches in height and 26 and 40 pounds in weight, it gives your dog 16 square feet of secure space to enjoy. It’s made from wire mesh coated panels that will not rust and it is configurable.
The playpen is quick to assemble and comes with eight ground anchors for outdoor use. The door is secured with a double latch.
