As pet parents, we understand that keeping your dog safe and away from potential hazards is a top priority. By using one of the best dog gates in your home, you can easily confine your fur baby to an area, ensuring that they don’t get into trouble or create a mess. You can also use dog gates to separate pets who are aggressive or don’t get along. Another common use is keeping them from going down the stairs or going to areas that are off-limits.
After performing well-rounded research, looking at the best dog gate reviews, and talking to our staff, who happen to be doting pet parents, we tested and came up with a list of 10 of the best options available in the market — there are options for every dog breed. Keep reading to find out more about how to choose the right gate before getting to our top picks.
Are Baby Gates Safe for Dogs?
Yes, baby gates are generally considered safe for dogs; however, it depends on how you use them. It is crucial that you check if the gate is sturdily built and appropriately sized for your dog. The gate should also be installed securely — if your dog is too heavy, they may be able to push it over, or if they are a small, toy breed, there’s a chance that they can escape through gaps. So it’s important that you consider all of this.
Gates that are specifically designed for pets usually have smaller gaps that keep toy breeds contained. When you first start using a pet gate, we recommend that you ensure your fur baby can’t jump over, escape through the bars, or chew through the gate — this defeats the purpose and can put your pooch in harm’s way.
How Do I Choose a Pet Gate?
If you’re choosing a dog gate for the first time, it could be a little confusing, not knowing exactly what to look for. By keeping the following factors in mind, you’ll be able to make the right choice:
Height and Width
Firstly, you need to be aware of the width of the opening where you plan to place the pet gate. This way, you can choose a secure fit — opt for an adjustable one. It’s important that the height is appropriate since your pet shouldn’t be able to jump over the gate.
Material
Depending on the size and behavior of your pooch, you can choose a gate made of a suitable material. Materials such as metal and wood are very durable. If you have an active and mischievous pet, metal gates are the sturdiest option that you can find. Wooden gates, on the other hand, are more aesthetic and can complement your decor better. Choose wisely!
Process of Installation
A gate that is both easy to install and remove is most ideal, especially if you plan on moving it around according to your convenience. For temporary setups, opt for pressure-mounted gates and if you prefer a more permanent option, then go for a hardware-mounted gate.
Design
Take a look at the design of the dog gate — check to see if there are any gaps that your pet can squeeze through. Also, an important design feature for you to look for is a dog gate with a door or a walkthrough where humans can get across the gate without moving it entirely.
Safety Features
Ensuring that the gate is safe for your pet is a must. Some pet gates come with an auto-close mechanism that prevents your fur baby from accidentally getting away. Also, a gate with sharp and pointy edges is a big no-no since it could injure your pooch.
10 Best Dog Gates to Buy in 2025
Now that you know how to choose the best pet gate for your dog, let’s go ahead and delve into our curation of the best options available in the market:
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Also available in a plastic variant
Resistant to rust
Adjustable size
Easy to remove
Portable
But…
Door can only open in one direction
This extra-wide dog gate from Carlson Pet Products expands between 29 and 36.5 inches and stands 30 inches tall. It features a pressure mount design that’s super quick and effortless to set up — you don’t require any tools, and it is gentle on the walls. The steel design is durable and sturdy, while the walk-through door allows you to get across easily.
Additionally, it comes with a safety-lock feature, a non-toxic finish, and wall mounts for enhanced security — it is completely safe for your precious pooch! You can use it for doorways, hallways, or the bottom of the stairs.
BEST PORTABLE
MYPET North States Paws Portable Pet Gate
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Portable
Made in the USA
Sturdy
Rigorously tested
Available in 2 colors
But…
Not the best dog gate for large dogs
Crafted with durable plastic, the MYPET dog gate is ideal for blocking off indoor spaces that you don’t want your pet to enter. It is 23 inches tall and fits openings between 26 and 40 inches wide. The design makes it both easy to install and take down — you can take it with you wherever you go!
Moreover, it comes with rubber bumpers that protect your wall from getting damaged, and the adorable paw print accents make it aesthetically appealing. Lastly, the curved hand offers a firm grip, making the mounting process a breeze.
BEST DURABLE
MidWest Homes for Pets Walk-Through Pet Gate
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Durable and sturdy
Available in 3 colors
Comes in 2 sizes
Quality tested
Doesn’t damage the walls
But…
Prone to rusting
The MidWest Homes for Pets Walk-Through Steel Pet Gate offers one-handed operation and comes with a secure spring-loaded latch that keeps it safely closed whenever not in use. It measures 39 inches high and expands from 29.5 inches to 38 inches wide. It also swings in both directions — walking through is super convenient for pet parents.
Additionally, the dog gate is chew-proof, lead-free, and non-toxic — you don’t have to worry about your pet’s safety! Plus, it comes with 4 pressure gate mounts, 2 additional 3-inch extensions, hardware for installation, and a one-year warranty.
BEST EXTRA-WIDE
Cumbor Mesh Dog Gate
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Easy to install
Comes with tools
Available in 3 sizes
Space efficient
Space efficient
PRO
But…
Some people don’t like the hooking mechanism
We love how flexible and adjustable this retractable dog gate from Cumbor is! It has a height of 33 inches and can extend anywhere between 0 and 55 inches. When you’re not using it, you can just roll it up and put it away. The retractable design comes with a safety knob that makes it easy for pet parents to use — you can open and close it with just one hand.
To add on, the mesh material is really soft, and there’s no chance that your pup will hurt themselves even if they bang against it. But it isn’t just safe for your fur babies; it also has no balustrade at the bottom, so you don’t have to worry about tripping over it.
BEST FREE-STANDING
Carlson Pet Products Adjustable Freestanding Pet Gate
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Premium quality
Lightweight
Durable
Easy to assemble
Available in two sizes
But…
Might damage hardwood floors
This wide and tall dog gate from Carlson Pet Products is designed to fit spaces between 41 and 70 inches and stands 20 inches tall. It is made with premium-quality New Zealand pine wood along with steel — you can rest assured of both its durability and stylishness. Additionally, it has a freestanding design that makes setup quick and easy — the gate is adjustable, and no tools are required.
Furthermore, the finish is non-toxic, making it safe for your pet. A review on Amazon reads, “I use this in my home office for my puppy. Easy to assemble, and I like that it is adjustable. Nice finish and the quality seems good.”
BEST PRESSURE-MOUNTED
Regalo Easy Step Wide Walk Thru Gate
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Available in 4 sizes
Easy to remove
Doesn’t take up a lot of space
Extensions can be purchased
Adjustable
But…
Not a suitable dog gate for the stairs
If you’re looking for one of the best dog gates for wide openings, the Regalo Walk Thru Gate expands between 29 and 34 inches, and 35 and 38.5 inches wide; however, it will not fit an opening between 34 and 35 inches. It comes with a 6-inch-wide extension kit and 4 pressure spindle rods, making it easy to set up when you follow the instructions. Additionally, the steel design is very durable, and it makes a convenient walk-through door.
The best part is that it features multiple safety locks, four wall cups for added security, and mounting hardware. It also doubles as a baby gate, making it a valuable purchase.
BEST DECORATIVE
Summer Infant Multi-Use Decorative Pet Gate
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Can also be used as a baby gate
Wide and tall design
Auto-close feature
Made with metal
Available in 4 sizes
PRO
But…
Takes a while to put together
Featured in USA Today’s “Best Bag Gates of 2023,” this multipurpose decorative safety dog gate is constructed to fit openings that are between 28.5 and 48 inches and is 36 inches tall. You can use it in doorways or hallways, and the no-drill pressure mount system helps prevent any damage from occurring. The door can swing both ways, and it stays open when moved more than 90 degrees.
Additionally, it locks securely to keep your fur baby contained, and the narrowly spaced bars prevent them from squeezing through. Note that this gate may appear bent at first, but once you properly install it, this will be corrected.
BEST VERSATILE PLACEMENT
BalanceFrom Walk-Thru Safety Gate
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Made with an adjustable alloy steel frame
Design allows for easy passage
Automatic closure
Hold-open functionality
Adjustable width
But…
May not fit extra-wide spaces without additional extensions
Whether it’s your bedroom, hallway, or the top of the stairs, the BalanceFrom walk-thru safety gate adapts to wherever you need a little extra peace of mind. Its adjustable frame fits openings from 29.1 to 33.8 inches and forms a reliable barrier. Because it’s made of alloy steel, it’s strong without being too bulky; this makes it perfect for everyday use in popular areas of your home.
This gate features a 3-step opening mechanism and an auto-close function that gently swings the door shut behind you. If your hands are full, the hold-open feature keeps the gate propped open when needed.
BEST NO-ASSEMBLY
PETMAKER Indoor Pet Gate
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Portable and lightweight
No installation or hardware required
Stylish black wood finish
Space-saving storage
Doesn’t damage walls, door frames, or stairways
But…
Not suitable for larger or highly active dogs who may push it over
Setting up the PETMAKER indoor pet gate couldn’t be easier — there’s zero assembly required. If you don’t want to put holes in the walls of your apartment or rental home, this accordion-style gate is a terrific alternative because it stands alone after unfolding. With its sleek black finish and wooden frame, it blends easily with most décor while creating an instant, no-fuss barrier wherever needed.
Measuring 72 inches long and 24 inches tall, it’s well-suited for blocking off stairways, doorways, or wide hallway openings. And when you’re not using it? Just fold it flat and tuck it away under a bed or in a closet.
BEST BUILD QUALITY
Babelio Dog Gate
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Made from high-quality, heavy-duty steel
Allows small pets to pass through
Pressure-mounted design
Has auto-close and stay-open features
Reinforced extension slots add extra stability
But…
Premium price point
The Babelio dog gate stands out for its solid build and engineered design. This sturdy steel gate can handle the everyday bumps and even enthusiastic jumps from your medium-sized dog — it can take quite a bit, actually, up to 210 pounds. Plus, if you need to make it wider, the extensions lock in extra securely, so you can feel confident it’ll stay put across bigger doorways.
The included pet door — adjustable in three directions — allows small pets like cats to pass through easily while keeping larger pets safely contained. It measures 30 inches tall and fits openings between 29 and 43 inches wide. It also installs with pressure mounts — no tools needed — and includes both auto-close and stay-open functions.
How We Chose the Best Dog Gates
A good dog gate is a great way to keep your pet safe, preventing them from entering certain restricted areas. We spent time testing a variety of the best dog gates currently available on the market and came up with a list of the top 10 ones that offered the highest level of security.
Moreover, we also spoke to pet parents and dog trainers to get their opinions, ensuring that when you choose a product from our list, you’re getting one that has stood the test of time!
FAQ
Are dog gates a good idea?
Yes, dog gates are a good idea since they can help keep your pet safe by restricting their access to certain areas within your home.
Are retractable baby gates good for dogs?
Yes, retractable baby gates can be good for dogs, too, since they provide flexibility while also managing access to certain areas within the home.
Do pet gates work for cats?
Yes, pet gates can work for cats; however, they shouldn’t have small gaps where cats can squeeze through. The best pet gates for cats should also be tall enough so they don’t jump over.
How high should a dog gate be?
A dog gate should be at least 3 feet high to prevent medium- and large-breed dogs from jumping over.
How do you secure a dog gate?
To secure a dog gate, you can use hardware or pressure mounting methods to ensure that it’s stable. This will prevent your pet from knocking it over.
What’s the difference between a pet gate and a baby gate?
A pet gate is usually designed to be more durable and has smaller gaps than a baby gate. A baby gate, on the other hand, has wider spaces to accommodate children.
Should I gate my puppy?
It depends on your home and your pet — if you have areas that you need to restrict to protect your pup, then yes, you should gate your pet.
