The Best Playpens for Dogs
It's tough to always keep an eye on your dog to make sure they're behaving well and keeping out of harm's way. Even when dogs are indoors, they can cause mischief when you aren't looking. Dog playpens provide a safe space for your dog and keep them contained. But not all dog playpens do the job well. Some are better for the outside than the inside, while others come with some extra perks.
What to Look For
In order to find the best dog playpens on the market, we asked ourselves three questions: How reliably can this pen keep my dog contained? How portable is it? Will my dog be comfortable inside of it? Our favorite pick was New World’s canine playpen because it’s affordable, reliable, and easy to set up. But Horing’s pop-up tent intrigued us, too, because it offers a level of portability that New World’s pen simply doesn’t. Read on to learn about the rest of our favorite options and why they stood out to us.
New World Pet Playpen
Simple and safe
The New World Pet Playpen is simple and easy to use. It has eight connected panels that, when combined, provide a simple octagonal area for your pet to play in. Better yet, New World offers their sturdy pens in five different sizes, so you can find the perfect pick for your pup. And when it’s time to set it up, assembly is a breeze. There aren’t any tools required to put the playpen together — just unfold it and it’s ready to go. Appropriate for both outdoor and indoor use, this option comes with ground stakes to secure the playpen in your yard. It also has four locking thumb snaps and can connect with a metal crate to expand your dog’s sleeping area.
Pros:
- The rust-resistant metal construction has one major advantage: you can keep it outside indefinitely.
- We appreciate the inclusion of locking thumb snaps; these help connect the pen to your pup’s crate.
Cons:
- If your dog is determined, they could potentially break the fastener that keeps that gate securely closed.
Horing Pop Up Tent Pet Playpen
Stretch their legs
If you have puppies or a small breed, you should definitely check out this pick from Horing. It pops up easily, so you can take it wherever you go to provide your pooch with a safe place to lounge. It’s also a fantastic alternative to keeping your dog on a leash when you hit the beach or park.
Pros:
- We appreciate that the flooring zips off for convenient washing. After all, accidents are inevitable — especially with puppies.
- Unlike some dog playpens, this one is easy to assemble and easy to collapse.
Cons:
- It’s fairly small, so it’s not the kind of playpen that’s ideal for holding a pet all day long.
Carlson Pet Products Foldable Steel Pet Playpen
Fun in the sun
Dogs deserve a little elbow room, especially when they’re outside enjoying the breeze. That’s why we recommend Carlson’s foldable pet playpen. Made out of UV-protected polyester and a metal frame, this durable playpen is ideal for letting small- and medium-sized dogs enjoy the outdoors without running off. The best part of all is that, although it’s fairly large in size, it can be unfolded and set up in just a couple of minutes. Of course, you could also use it inside, but your dog would probably prefer the fresh air.
Pros:
- It’s surrounded by a mesh screen that blocks mosquitos and other bugs, which your dog will certainly appreciate.
- The steel frame gives it a durability that competing playpens just don’t have.
Cons:
- It is a bit pricy, but considering how secure and well-made this playpen is, we think it’s a worthy investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these be used for other animals?
Yes, any of these playpens can be used for other pets such as hedgehogs, guinea pigs, ferrets, or rabbits. Remember, however, that these products are usually designed for dogs, so some may have spaces that a small animal, like a ferret, could slip through. If you have a small animal, we recommend choosing a playpen with a screen instead of one with bars.
Can I leave my playpen of choice outside?
Many of the options on our list are rated for the outdoors. These options can certainly handle a little bit of moisture, sun, or other weather conditions. That being said, your playpen will last the longest if you bring it inside when it isn’t in use since all weather-proof products have their limits.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.