Two dogs looking over their dog gate (Photo by Alex Zotov on Shutterstock)
Bringing a new dog into your home is exciting, but it also requires some preparation to make sure your home is safe for your new family member. Dog gates help keep your new furry friend out of areas they shouldn’t be in, or to prevent them from going up and down stairs unattended. With various styles and materials available, you can choose a gate that not only matches your home’s decor but also fits the specific needs of your dog’s size and temperament. Whether you need a freestanding gate for wide room entrances or a pressure-mounted gate for busy doorways, there’s a solution for every situation. Which dog gate brands are the the most highly rated? We’ve sourced reviews from seven popular websites to create a list of the best dog games vetted by pet experts for their quality and safety. We compile our lists by combing through existing consumer rankings and weeding out the top consensus recommendations. Did we miss one that works well in your home? Let us know in the comments below.
StudyFinds compiles lists of consensus picks featured on credible review sites. We aim to lay out top consumer research finds for you by bringing expert rankings to one place.
Best Dog Gates to Keep Your Furry Friends Safe and Secure
1. Carlson Wood Freestanding Pet Gate
This gate stands out for its no-installation requirement, making it a top pick! Simply remove it from the box, adjust it to fit, and it’s ready for use. It’s ideal for smaller dogs, as larger ones might be able to jump over it. Retrievist appreciates that it’s not permanently fixed to walls, allowing for easy relocation throughout your home. Additionally, its wooden construction complements most home decor.
Rover also loves this gate pointing out its non-toxic finish which is perfect if your dog likes to lick and chew on things. It fits doorways between 41 and 70 inches and comes in two different heights. It may not work best if your dog likes to try to escape.
This gate is also easy for people to step over. The tester at The Spruce Pets is 5’2″ and didn’t have any trouble. The gate is lightweight, locks into place, and doesn’t slide around.
2. Regalo 4-in-1 Configurable Gate
If you’re looking for versatility, the Regalo 4-in-1 Configurable Gate is an excellent choice. Rover points out it can serve as a long barrier or be transformed into a custom-sized playpen. When used as a gate, it requires wall mounting for stability. Featuring an easy-to-use walk-thru door equipped with a secure safety latch, this gate is available in black or white and conveniently folds flat for compact storage.
Reviewers at Retrievist are impressed with the value of the Regalo 4-in-1 Configurable Gate, noting that similar products often cost twice as much. Its expansive 192-inch width allows for the creation of a spacious octagonal pen, complete with a convenient walk-thru door, offering substantial space and functionality at a competitive price.
This gate is suitable for pets and babies, but The Spruce Pets recommends you keep them on “opposite sides of the gate for safety.” Its easy-fold design also makes it portable, so you can take it along to a friend’s house when you need to safely separate your pet from theirs.
3. MYPET North States Paws Portable Petgate
This portable plastic pet gate is ideal for owners of multiple homes, thanks to its pressure-mounted design that eliminates the need for drilling into walls. Standing 23 inches tall and adjustable up to 40 inches, it fits a variety of doorframes and features rubber bumpers to safeguard your walls. Available in gray or cream, it’s praised by Rover for its ease of installation and removal, and it conveniently folds flat for storage or travel.
The Spruce Pets endorses this gate specifically for smaller, low-energy dogs that are less likely to challenge barriers. In testing, even when a 12-pound dog jumped against the gate, it showed no signs of wear. One tester said the gate is durable and will last a long time.
The wooden wire mesh version of this gate is a favored budget-friendly option that offers durability and safety. Veterinarians quoted by Forbes appreciate the wire mesh design, which prevents dogs from trapping their heads or paws. This gate is sturdy enough to withstand the curiosity of small dogs while being gentle enough to prevent injuries.
4. The Cumbor Auto-Close Pet Gate
This gate stands out with its superior quality and dual-sided, auto-locking door, making it an exceptional choice for large dogs. At 30.5 inches tall and adjustable from 29.5 to 46 inches, it fits various home designs and is easy to install. Notably, The Spruce Pets recommends this gate for use at the top of stairs—a rare and valuable feature in pet gates.
Forbes ranks this gate as the best walk-thru dog gate, praising its double lock safety release as a tough barrier even for the most cunning escape artists. Its steel construction ensures longevity, and it offers both pressure mount and hardware mounting options for flexible installation — perfect for either temporary or permanent setups.
If you’re a fan of Cumbor, their retractable mesh gate comes highly recommended by Rover and is particularly suited for smaller dogs. Available in two heights and widths, it’s designed to fit various spaces seamlessly. Installation is required on the door frame, but the gate is straightforward to operate, easily rolling open and shut.
5. Cardinal Gates SS-30 Stairway Special
Forbes recommends this gate as the best option for keeping pets away from stairs due to its stable wall-mounted design and easy-to-use latch system. It can be mounted at various angles to accommodate unconventional spaces and its sleek design makes it a practical and stylish addition to any dog-friendly household.
The Stairway Special is highly regarded not only as an excellent baby gate but also as the best gate for keeping dogs contained, according to the New York Times. It features a latch that is simple for humans to operate but challenging for pets to undo. Additionally, it’s easy to install and is less likely to damage walls compared to pressure-mounted gates, making it a homeowner-friendly choice.
This gate is also suitable for outdoor use due to its weatherproof design. Canine Journal notes that its brown color seamlessly matches with decks and patios. Additionally, extensions are available for purchase if you need to cover a larger area.
Sources used to create our list:
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
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