The Best Puppy Playpens
If you own a puppy, you know how quickly they can make a mess of your place. Take your eyes off them for a minute, and they may chew their way through your favorite pillow or dig up the potted plant you've been growing. If your pup hasn't been fully trained or you need a comfy space for them to hang out in, a puppy playpen can come in handy.
What to Look For
A playpen should be a comfy space for your pup to play or sit in safely while you’re otherwise occupied. When shopping for a playpen, you’ll want to be sure it has enough space for your pup to move around comfortably and is tall enough that your pup can’t escape. Durability is also important. Puppies have been known to scratch through playpens that aren’t made of heavy-duty materials. To find the best puppy playpens on the market, we looked at durability, size, and whether they had extras such as waterproofing. The Tespo Pet Playpen was our top choice because it has everything puppies need to be comfortable in a playpen, including plenty of space to move around. We love that it’s transparent so that we can keep an eye on our pup at all times. The Paws & Pals Dog Playpen wasn’t far behind on our list. We found having the ability to change its configuration a big plus. Keep reading to learn more about the playpens that made our list.
Tespo Pet Playpen
Doggies on display
This playpen provides a great space for small pups to frolic for short periods of time. This pen is DIY-expandable, meaning that you can move the translucent panels into different configurations depending on the layout of your room. It also comes with heavy-duty cable ties and anti-slip pieces, and all of it is easy and quick to put together. Durable, versatile, and all-purpose, this playpen is a smart pick.
Pros:
- The playpen is transparent, allowing you to easily keep an eye on what your pups are doing.
- We found it to be extremely durable, and it can withstand several puppies jumping and banging against it at the same time.
- It’s super easy to assemble, so you can have it put together in ten minutes or less.
Cons:
- It costs a bit more than some of the other playpens on our list.
Paws & Pals Dog Playpen
A cage for your canine
Constructed from heavy-duty, rust-resistant metal, the Paw & Pals’ dog playpen was built to withstand years of use. This pen allows for a multitude of shape configurations, depending on how big your pup is. Handily, there’s a built-in door for easy access. And, if you want to use this pen outdoors, you can secure it to the ground with the included anchoring stakes. We also love that this pen’s lightweight, collapsible design makes it suitable for travel.
Pros:
- The large enclosure gives pups plenty of room to move around, allowing you to leave them in the playpen for longer periods of time.
- The playpen has enough space to leave food, water, and toys, so your dog has everything they need while in the playpen.
- The playpen’s rounded edges ensure your pet won’t get cut by sharp points.
Cons:
- The product comes with too much unnecessary packaging.
Pawaboo Playpen
A tiny tent
Weather-resistant and designed for outdoor use, this playpen from Pawaboo is well-suited for puppy playtime outside. It is crafted with breathable mesh and waterproof polyester on the bottom, which effectively prevents urine from leaking onto the floor. It’s also lightweight, foldable, and very easy to install and pack down, so you can move it around easily if need be.
Pros:
- This pen is the perfect size for small puppies, and the breathable zippered cover keeps them safe and prevents them from crawling out.
- The waterproof polyester taffeta at the bottom makes cleaning up quick and easy if your puppy has an accident.
Cons:
- You have to be careful about aiming this pen away from your face when you’re opening it; it really pops up fast.
Bodiseint Pet Playpen
Animal farm
If you want a playpen to take with you on the go, you can’t go wrong with Bodiseint’s portable playpen. This pop-up model is composed of mesh and scratch-resistant Oxford cloth that can withstand some serious wear and tear. The pen also features a well-ventilated roof. Conveniently, it’s ready to go in mere seconds, with no assembly or tools required.
Pros:
- This playpen comes in three sizes, so you can choose the size that best corresponds to your pup’s size.
- We found that pups love the playpen and will often want to sleep in it overnight.
- A great way to secure your pup when you can’t keep an eye on them. You can also add absorbent liners to make clean up easy.
Cons:
- It’s a little tricky to clean.
ESK Collection Dog Playpen
Anytime and anywhere
Crafted from fully waterproof materials, ESK Collection’s canine playpen can work anywhere you want to use it, so long as your dog is comfortable and safe. This awesomely rugged pen allows for maximum airflow, with mesh screens on all sides, plus storage compartments for your pup’s toys. It even comes with a travel tote, for easy transport.
Pros:
- You can have this playpen set up in less than five minutes. All you need to do is take it out of the bag, open it up, and zip the top and bottom into place.
- This pen is made of high-quality materials, so you won’t have to worry about your pup clawing through the mesh lining.
- You can easily reach into the playpen and play with your pet, making it a great choice if your pet has trouble moving around.
Cons:
- The zippers aren’t quite as durable as we like to see. we
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a puppy playpen?
Do note that puppy playpens are in no way a replacement for exercise. Puppies need daily walks and other forms of physical activity. If you don’t think you can provide this to a dog, then you shouldn’t get one. A puppy playpen simply gives your pup room to play and explore safely while you’re busy doing things around the house. This can be especially handy if your puppy hasn’t quite mastered toilet training yet or is prone to chewing up your stuff.
What are some things to consider when I’m looking at puppy playpens?
Above all, be sure to get a pen that can accommodate your dog’s size. Beyond this, the ideal pen should be heavy-duty enough to secure your pet and able to be easily stored when not in use. In addition, some pens are made for indoor use only, while others are designed for both indoor and outdoor use; consider what’s best for your dog and your lifestyle.
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