The 8 Best Dog Pens of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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Our winner was the Frisco Wire Dog & Small Pet Exercise Pen with Step-Through Door
People / Jhett Thompson
According to data from the Pew Research Center, 62 percent of Americans own a pet, and nearly all consider their pet part of the family. But with so many dog owners working a hybrid schedule, managing your pet’s comings and goings can be a challenge. A good tool to add to your dog supplies is a dog pen, and PEOPLE Tested is here to help you choose the right one.
We caught up with Tom Davis, a dog trainer for Patrick and Brittany Mahomes, among many others, for his thoughts on how best to use a dog pen. “Any dog owner can use the pen, but it’s important to know it’s a safe holding tank for your dog to throw a toy around or take a nap while you work," he tells PEOPLE. "It’s not a backyard, and it doesn’t replace the walk. You can use it in many stages of the dog's life and with any other dogs in the future." However, he does suggest that if your dog has behavioral issues or exhibits signs of aggression, then pens may not be the safest option, especially when guests come around.
Whether you’re looking for that indoor safe space or an outdoor playpen so your puppy can safely enjoy the sunshine, we tested 19 different dog pens for various needs and stages, including the best options for big dogs, small dogs, traveling dogs, puppies, and more.
Keep reading for the best dog pens that PEOPLE tested.
Best Overall: Frisco Wire Dog & Small Pet Exercise Pen with Step-Through Door
Pros
Because of its clip-secured structure, this pen was very easy to assemble.
The thin frames are sturdy without being clunky, which makes them less of an eyesore.
This design is versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor use.
Cons
Since it weighs 25 pounds, this pen is not the easiest model to transport compared to a few others we tested.
If setting up a dog pen feels like the most daunting part of the process, consider yourself covered by this one. We were initially worried that this pen would require a lot of steps, but all it needed was to be unfolded into our desired shape and clipped together with easy-to-use hooks. In just over 90 seconds, we had this pen up and running.
Once securely standing, the Frisco pen was mostly easy to use, though the door has two latches and may take some effort to open and close. Still, this wasn't a factor that would deter us from buying it. The metal sides make this pen versatile enough to be used in multiple locations indoors and outdoors; it comes with stakes to make it sturdier when used outside; and it’s a good size for many dogs.
We think that the size, versatility, and ease of setup and use make this product worth the money. It was intuitive to set up and take down; it is surprisingly sturdy despite its thin, wire frame. The only real downside is that this particular dog pen isn’t the most portable of those we tested. Weighing in at around 25 pounds, we wouldn’t want to lug it around for long periods of time. However, carrying it from place to place as needed is doable, and it would easily fit in most car trunks for transport.
Sizes: 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 inches | Dimensions: 62 x 62 x 24 inches, 62 x 62 x 30 inches, 62 x 62 x 36 inches, 62 x 62 x 42 inches, 62 x 62 x 48 inches | Weight: 18 to 33 lbs. | Material: Metal | Colors: Black | Included Accessories: None
Best Budget: Ruff 'n Ruffus Portable Foldable Pet Playpen
Pros
This model is easy to fold up and transport.
It comes with a zippered doggie door that's very easy to use.
This pen was very simple to set up — no manual was needed.
Cons
It's really only meant for puppies and small dogs, as it's pretty lightweight and not super stable.
This is an incredibly easy product to understand and set up right out of the box. It’s easily foldable or collapsible and comes with a roof that attaches with a zipper. The zippered doggie door is also quite easy to use.
One thing we didn't love about this product is that it’s quite light — an ambitious dog could ostensibly chew through or maybe even damage the product. It's also not as versatile as some other dog pens with its single orientation. Still, for the job it’s designed to do, this is a good choice and a fair price point. Ultimately, we would recommend it to anyone with smaller dogs who needs to keep them under control in one place for short periods of time.
Our budget pick is also a good choice for a puppy or other small dog for those short periods of time. We feel confident that the zipper entries would keep the dog inside while being easy to operate from the outside. This would be great for a work-from-home parent who needs their dog to stay put when those Zoom calls go over time.
Sizes: Medium, large, extra large | Dimensions: 29 x 29 x 17 inches, 36 x 36 x 23 inches, 48 x 48 x 23.5 inches | Weight: 2.4 to 4.6 lbs. | Material: Polyester | Colors: Aqua | Included Accessories: Carrying case, collapsible 16-oz. food bowl
Best Design: Iris 4, 6, or 8 Panel Plastic Playpen
Pros
This pen is super easy to set up and use in any setting.
It's an ideal option for smaller dogs or those that aren’t prone to escape.
Cons
It's not easy to transport, as the panels are carried as a stack.
It took about eight minutes to set up this dog pen, thanks to the instructions, which were short and simple. It’s highly versatile, too, with panels that can be added or removed to change the size, and the door is super cute and easy to use.
The pen would be useful both indoors and outdoors — definitely a use-anywhere type of pen. The walls are really short, so it's best for smaller dogs. An adventurous or escape-prone pup might not be secure in this pen, in which case a dog GPS tracker can come in handy. If you have a dog who's content to hang out in a pen and you'd like to give them a set space, this is a great setup. If not, you may need something with higher walls.
Without a carrying case or a way to make the panels more compact, relocating this dog pen isn’t exactly a breeze. You have to carry the panels as a stack, and they’re a bit of an awkward shape to hold, which takes a little more effort than is ideal. Still, we found that this pen was worth it, thanks to the overall ease of setup and disassembly.
Sizes: 4, 6, or 8 panels | Dimensions: 35.13 x 35.13 x 23.75 inches, 60.75 x 60.75 x 23.75 inches, 60.75 x 60.75 x 23.75 inches, 63 x 63 x 34.25 inches | Weight: 21.51 lbs. | Material: Plastic | Colors: Black or white | Included Accessories: None
Best for Large Dogs: Yaheetech Dog Playpen 8 Panels
Pros
This pen is very sturdy, with pins that lock the frame into place for extra security.
This pen is great for outdoor use.
Cons
It's not suited for dogs with mobility issues since the door is higher off the ground.
Pack your patience when setting up this dog pen. We found solo assembly difficult with this one and found that we needed an extra set of hands fairly often. There was some trial and error involved in setting it up as well.
Once it’s all set, however, it’s a good, sturdy option for a larger dog, especially as an outdoor pen. The pins that lock the frames into place and connect them also serve as stakes to embed into the ground for stability. The door to the pen is also a little higher off the ground than on other pens we tested, so we wouldn’t recommend this model for dogs with mobility issues.
While it could be used indoors, this pen is a more obvious choice for outdoor use. It’s especially sturdy, and we’d use it in one spot due to the longer setup and breakdown times. We would almost want to keep it set up in a backyard and then have an additional travel pen. However, it can also be stored under a bed or in the garage, either standing up or on a shelf.
Overall, we would recommend this pen for someone who is looking for something sturdy to use outside and doesn't need to travel with it. It would be great for two dog parents who have an outdoor space and a larger dog to care for.
Sizes: 8 panels, 4 sizes available| Dimensions: 51.6 x 51.6 x 25 inches, 53 x 53 x 31.5 inches, 55 x 55 x 40 inches, 86 x 29 x 47 inches | Weight: 24 to 43 pounds | Material: Electrophoresis steel | Colors: Black | Included Accessories: None
How It's Held Up
We tested this model for a few months at home to see how this pen could help our pup with separation anxiety. It almost acted like a substitute for crate training while still allowing more area to roam, as this pen offers much more space than a dog crate. We've found these bars to be basically indestructible and appreciate the height of the frames, too, as our dog would probably find a way to jump over them if they were any shorter than 40 inches. Overall, we keep coming back to this pen as one of our favorites.
Best Outdoor: New World Pet Products Foldable Exercise Pet Playpen
Pros
This pen is very easy to set up; it took only six and a half minutes to assemble.
It's ideal for keeping a puppy or small dog contained without confining them to too small of a space.
The frame is extra sturdy when set up with stakes.
Cons
It's difficult for one person to transport, as it's large, heavy, and doesn't come with a carrying case.
It only took us six and a half minutes to be up and running with this pen, thanks to the simple and clear instructions. It’s an ideal option for a backyard or other outdoor space, and the stakes make it sturdy in the grass or on other outdoor surfaces.
It’s not, however, the most versatile pen, given that it’s a lot less sturdy without the stakes. And because there is no door, you don’t have the in-and-out option of some of our other winners. With no carrying case, it’s not easily portable, so consider this a one-location model. We found it to be pretty bulky and heavy and needed some help carrying it around.
All in all, this pen would be great for puppy training, new dog owners, or dog sitters. It's also fairly priced considering its size.
Sizes: XS, S, S/M, M, L, XL | Dimensions: 62 x 62 x 18 inches, 62 x 62 x 24 inches, 62 x 62 x 30 inches, 62 x 62 x 36 inches, 62 x 62 x 42 inches, 62 x 62 x 48 inches | Weight: 10 to 29.2 lbs. | Material: Alloy steel | Colors: Black | Included Accessories: None
Best for Travel: Parkland Pet Portable Foldable Playpen
Pros
This pen is super easy to set up.
It comes with both a door and roof that can be zipped open and closed.
The frame includes a pop-up water bottle, which adds to its great value.
Cons
This model is not super sturdy.
If you’ve got a new puppy or you take your dog to work with you, portability is going to be a top priority. It took less than a minute to set up the Parkland Pet Portable Foldable Playpen, and it’s easily our top choice for travel or simply moving from place to place.
This pen has a door and a roof that zip open and close, both of which are easy to use. Traveling with it was just as easy; in addition to being lightweight, it’s easy to pack into the included over-the-shoulder bag. It will fit into almost any car and would be easy to carry around with you. The low price point was the icing on the cake for us. Well worth the money, this pen makes traveling with your dog super convenient.
The only big downside that we found is the pen’s versatility. This isn’t a primary play space for your dog since it’s on the small side and not super sturdy. It is only really suited to travel, a beach or park day, or at the airport. Ultimately, we would recommend this product as well as a good harness to someone who likes bringing their small dog on outings but doesn't want to have to carry around a heavy playpen every time. It also came with a travel pop-up water bowl, which adds to the value of the product. It's definitely not fancy, but it's easy to set up, use, and carry around.
Sizes: One size | Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 17 inches | Weight: 2.09 lbs. | Material: Cloth | Colors: Brown | Included Accessories: Pop-up travel water bowl, carrying bag
Most Convenient: EliteField Two-Door Soft Playpen
Pros
Once set up, the mesh and zipper design of this pen becomes very user-friendly.
The Velcro compartments on the sides are a nice, convenient touch for when you need to get to your pup fast.
The pen is convenient to carry thanks to its included carrying case and shoulder straps.
Cons
Parts of the setup are tricky, especially when it comes to lining up the zippers for a seamless close.
It's initially hard to fold up this model for travel or storage purposes.
Because of its breathable mesh makeup, this pen is only suited for warm, fair climates (if you're using it outdoors).
This pen has not one but two doors that are easy to zip open and close, plus thoughtful touches like multiple compartments on the sides for dog treats and their favorite dog toys. It’s nice and spacious, too, for a variety of dogs.
It was smooth sailing setting up the EliteField Two-Door Soft Playpen until it came time to align the zippers, which proved to be a bit of a headache. Folding up the pen for storage or travel was tricky in our testing as well. But those small frustrations aside, our tester noted that it’s easy to disassemble and reassemble the pen once you’ve gotten the hang of it. And it’s very convenient to carry with the included carrying case, complete with shoulder straps.
You can use it either indoors or outdoors, though it might not fare well on a rainy day. This is good for parks, beaches, or indoor settings — anywhere with warm, fair climates.
Sizes: 8 | Dimensions: 30 x 30 x 20 inches, 36 x 36 x 24 inches, 42 x 42 x 24 inches, 48 x 48 x 32 inches, 52 x 52 x 32 inches, 62 x 62 x 24 inches, 62 x 62 x 30 inches, 62 x 62 x 36 inches | Weight: 4.7 to 11.05 lbs. | Material: Nylon, mesh, synthetic fabric | Colors: Brown and beige, green and beige, black and beige, maroon and beige, purple and beige, royal blue and beige, orange and beige, navy blue and beige | Included Accessories: Carrying case
How It's Held Up
We tested this pen for about six months and never tired of its convenience and durability (seriously, it's stood up to puppy claws all this time). It remains super easy to pop open and take down, though we do struggle a bit to get it into its storage case at times. Even though this sometimes turns into a two-person job, we still appreciate the fact that it has a case at all. Its puppy-proof structure makes this netted pen well worth the splurge.
Best for Puppies: Esk Collection Small Dog and Puppy Playpen
Pros
This pen's mesh and wire structure is easy to pop open and ready for use right away.
Because of its airy materials, this model is very lightweight and provides easy visibility.
The pen comes with a large carrying case, making it packable and portable.
Its zippers and Velcro closures make for easy access points.
Cons
Folding and disassembling the pen takes more time than setting it up does.
You don’t even need directions to get started with this dog pen, which we found simple and easy to pop open. We had it up and running in just over three minutes. The Esk Collection pen is super lightweight with easy-to-use zippers and access points for small dogs to enter and exit. It comes with a large carrying case that’s slim and packable.
The ability to zip up the top was a bonus for dogs who might jump or try to climb out of a pen. Folding and disassembling were a bit tricky, though. We appreciated the mesh design for keeping rambunctious puppies contained while still allowing for visibility and airflow.
This pen is lightweight and fairly sturdy, though a larger or rambunctious dog could potentially move it around from the inside. It’s a good value, given that it does its job well but for one specific purpose only. An ideal choice for puppies or small dogs, it doesn’t have the versatility to grow with a pup who will ultimately be a larger dog.
Sizes: One size | Dimensions: 48 x 48 x 25 inches | Weight: 6.4 lbs. | Material: Oxford cloth, mesh | Colors: Red, blue, pink | Included Accessories: None
Things to Consider Before Buying a Dog Pen
Size
Think about the current and future size of your dog or dogs. You’ll want to get a dog pen with enough space for your dog to move around comfortably. “This is the first thing to consider if you have a puppy that will get big quickly — most of them tend to do this,” Davis tells PEOPLE. “You should get a big enough pen for their adult-size potential.” Note that some of our winning dog pens are expandable by adding more panels to accommodate bigger dogs. This may be a wise choice if you and your vet are unsure of how big your dog might get.
Material
Dog pens come in several different materials including metal, plastic, and fabric. If you’re looking for a dog pen you can use outdoors, a metal dog pen, like our best overall the Frisco Wire Dog & Small Pet Exercise Pen, is a great choice. Plastic pens are convenient because they are lightweight and easy to clean, and dog pens made of fabric are extremely lightweight and portable, but may not be as long-lasting as metal and plastic models.
Use
There are several different uses for dog pens, which you’ll want to consider when choosing the right one for your dog. “If you’re using it for potty training, you will want a smaller space to limit accidents,” notes Davis. However, if your dog will be hanging out on a comfy dog bed in its pen while its owner is at work, a larger space is preferable.
Price
Consider how many dog pens you’ll need when budgeting for this particular item. Are you going to need something smaller and more portable as your only dog pen, or will you want to purchase an additional, more stationary dog pen for home? Plus, you may want more than one pen to give your dog a larger area. “We like to use them as a makeshift area for a dog to be in a larger room, so we will hook three together to make a large area for a dog,” adds Davis.
People / Jhett Thompson
Related: The 11 Best Cooling Pads for Dogs of 2024
How We Tested
To start our search, we researched the market and picked 19 of the most popular dog pens to put to the test.
Setup: First, we evaluated how easy each dog pen was to set up, which we measured by having our testers set a stopwatch on their phones to time the setup process from start to finish. We then asked them to evaluate how easy or intuitive the setup would be for most people.
Assembly: In terms of measuring the other testing attributes, all of the features on each dog pen were carefully inspected, with special notice paid to opening and closing all the doors and entry points. Testers then collapsed or folded the pens, taking note of how easy or difficult it was to break them down and how adaptable and versatile they were in the process of using. We also noted the weight of each dog pen and made notes on how easy it was to carry around in terms of portability.
Evaluation: We then rated each dog pen against the following attributes: ease of setup, ease of use, versatility, and portability. Then, only after completing their evaluation, the testers learned the price of each dog pen. With the price in mind, they gave each pen a score for its value. In the end, we averaged out these scores and only the products with the highest overall ratings earned a spot on this PEOPLE Tested list of the best dog pens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dog pens should be used for large dogs?
For larger dogs, look for dog pens that can be secured to the wall or ground to ensure the dog won't knock it over. You should also look for pens with high panels; the New World Dog Exercise and Play Pen is the tallest size option on our list. “Remember that if your dog gets to be 100 lbs., it won't take much to trample the pen over," Davis tells PEOPLE. "They make pens up to six feet high, so prepare appropriately.”
What is a dog pen used for?
“I use dog pens daily with our dogs and our clients' dogs,” says Davis. “The pen can block parts of the house or office, or it can be used to make a small area for a puppy as they are teething or potty training.” Therefore, a dog pen is the next step or an alternative to the crate for some dogs, Davis explains. “Before putting your dog in a pen, you want to ensure they have adequate exercise," he says. "It's a safe place for a dog to be, knowing that they can't get into anything that can harm them." If you travel with your dogs, you can choose a pen that folds up “and throw it in the truck or RV and have a pop-up safe area for your dog," Davis says. For a lightweight, budget-friendly dog pen that's easy to set up and take down, we like the Ruff 'N Ruffus Portable Foldable Pet Play Pen.
What is the difference between dog pens and dog crates?
Crates are structures that surround a dog wholly, while pens keep the dog enclosed to a certain area, but may not have a roof or floor as part of the structure. “Crates are much safer by a long shot, and they are much more secure when you leave the house," he says. "We have seen dogs scale a pen quickly when the owner leaves the house.”
However, a dog pen has a major upside that a crate does not — ”the freedom to roam while still being secured,” he adds. “Our training facility has a setup with a crate inside a pen. This way, we can crate the dog and simply open the door to give them more space when appropriate.”
Related: The 14 Best Calming Dog Beds of 2024
Why Trust PEOPLE
Using input from our PEOPLE Tested team, freelance journalist Rennie Dyball compared several of the most popular dog pens on the market based on factors like price, size, material, appearance, sturdiness, ease of assembly and takedown, and security. For a more in-depth insight into matching dog pens with dogs, Dyball spoke to Tom Davis, dog trainer and canine behavior expert in upstate New York.
In order to keep our recommendations fresh and accurate, staff writer Alyssa Brascia updated this piece with long-term testing insights from participants who let their pups use these pens for up to six months, documenting how well (or not) they held up as time went on.
Meet Our Expert
Tom Davis is dog trainer and canine behavior expert in upstate New York who has worked with Patrick and Brittany Mahomes, among others.
What Is People Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
Up Next: The 5 Best Automatic Pet Feeders of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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