Keeping your furry friend safe is essential if you’re a pet owner. So we’ve gathered the best dog gates on the market to help you keep your pup in check.

We’ve got something for everyone, from traditional wooden gates to high-tech options. So whether you’re looking for a way to contain your dog while at work or need a little extra security when guests are over, we’ve got the perfect dog gate for you.

These gates effectively keep dogs contained and look great in any home. So what are you waiting for? Please scroll down and check out our best dog gates for now.

What Is a Dog Gate?

A dog gate is a physical barrier to keep dogs in a specific area. Dog gates are made of wood, metal, plastic, or other materials, and you can typically place them at a room or staircase entrance.

Dog gates are an effective way to keep your dog safe and prevent them from getting into trouble. They are also a convenient way to keep your dog contained when you have guests or are not home.

Our Top Pick for The Best Dog Gates

If you’re looking for a dog gate that is both effective and stylish, we recommend the MYPET North States Paws 40″. This gate is constructed of robust, long-lasting plastic and has adorable paw print details. In addition, it comes in a lovely Light Gray tone that flawlessly blends with other décor.

It measures 23 inches (58.42 centimeters) tall and adjusts to various widths ranging from 26 to 40 inches (66.04 to 101.6 centimeters). It’s also simple to take down and put up – so you can use it anywhere! 

Furthermore, it is also lightweight and portable, making it ideal for travel. Plus, it’s super easy to set up and take down, so you’ll never have to worry about your dog getting loose when you’re not around.

The Different Types of Dog Gates

Pressure-Mounted Gates

Pressure-mounted pet gates are one of the most popular types of dog gates. They are easy to install and can be placed almost anywhere. Pressure-mounted gates force the entrance closed by applying pressure to your walls or door frames, keeping your dog out.

Some pressure-mounted gates come with a walk-through door while keeping your dog contained. Others have a solid panel that you can place in front of a door or opening to block your dog’s access.

Wall-Mounted Gates

Wall-mounted gates are incredibly stable, although they do require some assembly. However, they can cause damage to your doors and walls, so keep that in mind. On the other hand, wall-mounted gates are the most excellent option for strong, destructive dogs who can’t readily knock them over.

They work by attaching to your wall with screws or brackets. Unfortunately, you cannot easily remove this type of gate, so it’s essential to ensure you measure twice and drill once.

Freestanding Gates

Freestanding gates are great for dogs who jump or dig. They can be placed almost anywhere in your home and are ideal for outdoor uses. If you have numerous dogs, they are also a fantastic alternative. 

Freestanding dog gates are fantastic since they don’t generally require assembly and come in various configurations for adaptability. However, these gates are better suited to smaller dogs or more passive, less curious canines.

Portable Gates

Portable gates are usually pressure mounted and are helpful when traveling with your canine companion. They’re lightweight to make traveling with your dog more manageable, but they’re sturdy enough to keep your dog contained.

A portable dog gate is perfect for homes with multiple dogs or for use while traveling. It is lightweight and straightforward to set up. So, it is ideal in hotel rooms, RVs, or friends’ houses. It has a typical mesh or fabric, and you can fold it down for easy storage. Most portable gates have a frame that is made of metal or plastic.

Retractable Gates

Retractable gates for dogs are a newer type of gate that is becoming increasingly popular. They are made from a fabric screen you can retract when not in use. 

Materials Pet Gates are Made From

The materials utilized in your pet gate are also a significant consideration when purchasing an indoor dog gate. Most pet gates are made from metal, plastic, wood, or fabric. Metal and plastic gates are the most durable, while wooden and fabric gates are more aesthetically pleasing. 

Metal Gates

Metal pet gates are the most durable type of gate. They are often made from steel or aluminum and can be either pressure-mounted or wall-mounted. Metal gates are suitable for strong, destructive dogs who need a heavy-duty gate.

Plastic Gates

Plastic is another popular choice for dog gates since it is lightweight and easy to move around, yet tough enough to withstand dogs that may try to scratch and bite the barrier. Plastic is also straightforward to keep clean and in good working order if something spills or happens.

Wooden Gates 

Different types of wood make indoor gates, providing them with a cleaner, more excellent appearance. Maple, cedar, and pine are the most popular woods used in pet gates. In addition, wooden pet gates can be stained or painted to match your home’s décor.

Fabric Gates 

Pet gates made from fabric are usually pressure-mounted and are easy to set up and dismount. In addition, they are more aesthetically pleasing and are available in various colors and patterns. Fabric gates are suitable for small dogs or in homes with multiple dogs.

The Best Dog Door Gates at a Glance

1. MYPET North States Paws 40″ (Best Overall)
2. BalanceFrom Easy Walk-Thru  (Best Dog Gate for Doorways)
3. Internet’s Best Traditional Dog (Best Durable Dog Gate)
4. Carlson Extra Wide Walk (Best Pressure mounted dog Gate)
5. Carlson Lil Tuffy Metal (Best for Dog Gate for Small Dogs)
6. Arf Pets Free Standing (Best Freestanding Dog Gate)
7. Retractable Baby Gate Dog Gate (Best Retractable Gate for Dogs)

What to Look For in Pet Gates

Durability

The first thing you’ll want to consider is the durability of the gate. You’ll need a heavy-duty gate to resist breakage attempts if you have a strong, destructive dog. Metal and plastic gates are typically the most durable.

Materials

As we’ve seen, the different materials used to construct pet gates can significantly impact their overall quality. Metal or plastic is your best bet if you’re looking for a sturdy, long-lasting gate. 

Installation

Another thing to think about is the installation. For example, you can wedge into position pressure mounted pet gates by applying pressure to the entrance frame or surrounding walls. As a result, they don’t need drilling and won’t leave holes in your walls. 

You can best use them at the foot of stairwells or indoors, but they can’t completely close off a room without something to grab. Hardware-mounted pet gates are similar to pressure-mounted pet gates in that they need securing to walls or a door frame, but they’re fitted with screws and are generally considered more durable. 

For use at the top of stairwells, we propose hardware-mounted gates. Another alternative is freestanding gates, which have feet that enable them to stand up in any room without a door frame or walls to attach to. The ideal gate will depend on your needs. 

If you want the most security and stability, go with hardware or pressure-mounted gates that attach securely against an opening to protect people passing through it and pets you may let out during trips outside! 

Recommended Breed Size

While some pet gates are suitable for all dogs, the design of others is for specific breeds. Smaller dogs can get through gaps that would be impossible for a large breed, so it’s essential  to choose a gate that will be big enough to contain your pet. 

Some manufacturers list the recommended breed size for their products, so check that before purchasing.

Multiple Pet Use

You’ll need a gate that can handle all of your pets if you have more than one. For example, some gates have swinging doors allowing pets to pass while keeping others out. Others have multiple panels arranged in different configurations to create an opening just the right size for your pets.

Hallway Size

When choosing a pet gate for your hallway, measuring the width of the opening before making your purchase is essential. In addition, hallways come in different shapes and sizes, so you’ll want to ensure that the gate you choose will fit comfortably in the space. 

The Best Dog Gates Under the Microscope

MYPET North States Paws 40″ (Best Overall)

Key Features

• Height: 23 inches (58.42 centimeters)
• Material: Plastic
• Expandable?: Yes
• Available colors: Fieldstone, light grey
• Product dimensions: 25.5 x 23 x 3 inches (64.77 x 58.42 x 7.62 centimetres)
• Unit: 1 count
• Amazon choice accolade: In Dog Doors by MYPET

The MYPET North States Paws 40″ is a great way to keep your pet contained and provide a stylish accent to your home decor. This doggy gate is made of sturdy, durable plastic and features adorable paw print accents. It’s easy to take down and install, and the rubber bumpers protect your walls from damage.

The curved handle allows for a firm grip, making it easy to use. Overall, this is a great product that is perfect for modern homes. It is suitable for all breeds between 26 and 40 inches ( 66.04 to 101.6 centimeters) wide and can be expanded up to 40 inches(106.1 centimeters) wide. 

To install, start by placing the gate in the opening where you want to use it. Then, push the comfortable curved handle on each side of the entrance to expand it and ensure all four side bumpers are touching the sides of the space. 

Insert the locking handle into one of its slots to keep it closed. Overall, the MYPET North States Paws 40″ is an excellent choice for keeping your pet contained and your home safe. If you’re looking for a high-quality gate that’s convenient and stylish, this product is worth considering.

What we liked:

• Strong, durable construction
• Attractive paw print accents
• Easy to take down and install
• Protects walls from damage

What we didn’t like:

• Not suitable for use around stairs.

FAQs

How Easy Is This Gate to Install?

The MYPET North States Paws 40″ is very easy to install. First, place the gate in the opening where you want to use it and push the comfortable curved handle on each side of the entrance to expand it. Ensure all four side bumpers are touching the sides of the space, then insert the locking handle into one of its slots with enough tension to keep it closed.

How Wide Can This Gate Be Expanded?

The MYPET North States Paws 40″ can be expanded up to 40 inches (106.1 centimeters) wide.

BalanceFrom Easy Walk-Thru (Best Dog Gate for Doorways)

Key Features

• Material: Steel
• Expandable?: Yes
• Available colors: White
• Product dimensions: 30 x 30 x 2 inches (76.2 x 76.2 x 5.08 centimeters)
• Item weight: 15 pounds (6.80 kilograms)

If you’re looking for a reliable, convenient pet gate that is easy to install and provides stylish protection for your home, look no further than the BalanceFrom Easy Walk-Thru. 

This gate is available in multiple sizes to accommodate a range of openings, and it is easy to install without the need for screws or other tools. The gate door features an auto-close mechanism that gently closes behind you and includes a hold-open feature to keep the door open when needed.

This BalanceFrom Easy Walk-Thru pet gate is one of the best doorway gates for dogs

designed for quick and easy installation. First, place it in the entrance where you want to use it, then push the four side bumpers against the sides of the opening to secure it in place. 

To adjust the gate width, push or pull on the side bumpers until you achieve the desired width. Finally, insert the locking handle into one of its slots and use enough tension to keep the gate closed.

This pet gate features durable steel to make it long-lasting. Its design facilitates its high performance and peace of mind. Also, it comes with a two-year satisfaction support guarantee from BalanceFrom. Rest assured that you get value for money after purchasing this dog gate. 

What We Liked:

• It’s easy to install
• Multiple size options
• Durable steel construction

What we didn’t like:

• Some users found the auto-close feature to be too sensitive

FAQs

Is This Gate Easy to Transport?

Yes, it’s simple to remove and replace this gate. There are no permanent screws or attachments in any of the pieces. This dog gate is also lightweight and portable, making it easy to move from room to room. 

How Wide Is the Gate?

The gate is available in multiple sizes to accommodate a range of openings. The width of the gate will depend on the size you select, but it ranges from 29.1 inches to 62.2 inches wide.

Internet’s Best Traditional Dog (Best Durable Dog Gate)

Key Features

• Height: 24 inches (60.96 centimeters)
• Available colors: Espresso and White
• Product dimensions: 60 x 0.75 x 24 inches (152.4 x 1.91 x 60.96 centimeters)
• Weight: 16 pounds (7.26 kilograms)
• Unit count: 1 count

If you love your pet as much as we do ours, you need the Internet’s Best Traditional Dog Gate. This gate has three sturdy panels secured together by hinges, allowing it to fold out into a Z-shape configuration. 

The design makes the gate freestanding. So, you can place it at the bottom of your stairs or in front of doorways and hallways. The gate is made from durable MDF and finished with a sleek white coating, making it sturdy and attractive. 

Additionally, the gate folds down to just 2.25 inches(5.72 centimeters) for easy storage, and the spacing of the slats is 1.5 inches(3.81 centimeters) apart to contain even larger dogs and puppies. This gate can provide a safe and secure way to confine your beloved pet with dimensions of 60 Width x .75 Depth x 24 Height inches(152.4 x 1.91 x 60.96 centimeters). 

What we liked:

• Sturdy construction
• Attractive design
• Easy to fold and store 
• Space between slats allows for safe confinement of large dogs and puppies

What we didn’t like:

• None! 

FAQs

Does the Gate Have a Locking Mechanism?

Yes, the Internet’s Best Traditional Dog Gate has a secure locking mechanism that allows you to lock the gate when needed. 

How Thick are the Slats?

The slats are about 1.5” thick and are ideal for safely confining larger dogs and puppies.

Carlson Extra Wide Walk (Best Pressure Mounted Dog Gate)

Key Features

• Unit count: 1 count
• Material: Steel
• Expandable?: Yes
• Available colors: White
• Item weight: 9.78 pounds (4.44 kilograms)
• Product dimensions: 36.5 x 1 x 31 inches (92.71 x 2.54 x 78.74 centimeters)
• Amazon choice accolade: In Dog Doors by Carlson Pet Products

If you’re looking for an extra-wide and tall gate to keep your dogs contained, the Carlson Extra Wide Walk is a great option. Made of all steel for durability, it has a walk-through door for convenience.

It is quick and easy to set up without tools. The gate is one of the best extra wide dog gates on the market today and features a patented small pet door that is 8 x 8 inches (20.32 x 20.32 centimeters), allowing small pets to pass through while keeping everyone else out. 

It also has a four-inch-wide extension kit, four pressure mount spindle rods, four wall cups, and screws. 

Plus, it has multiple-lock features to keep your dogs safe. It’s perfect for the doorway, hallway, and bottom of the stairs. 

What we liked:

• Quick and easy to set up without tools
• Perfect for doorway, hallway, and bottom of stair use
• Patented small pet door allows for safe confinement of small pets

What we didn’t like:

• It may not be suitable for all pets, particularly larger or more rambunctious animals

FAQs

How Wide Is the Gate?

The gate expands to fit openings between 29-36.5 inches wide.

How Tall Is the Gate?

The gate is 30 inches tall.

Carlson Lil Tuffy Metal (Best for Dog Gate for Small Dogs)

Key Features

• Material: Metal
• Expandable?: Yes
• Available colors: White
• Product dimensions: 38 x 1 x 18 inches (96.52 x 2.54 x 45.72 centimeters)
• Item weight: 5 pounds (2.27 kilograms)
• Amazon choice accolade: In Door & Stair Baby Gates by Carlson

This Carlson Lil Tuffy Metal is the perfect solution for safely keeping your dog in one area of your home. It is one of the best puppy gates available on the market today. Its patented small pet door and adjustable design make it perfect for use at the bottom of stairs or in doorways and hallways.

This dog gate features a durable, all-steel construction design. So, it can be useful for many years. Plus, it includes a safety-lock feature and non-toxic finishes for your peace of mind. To set the gate, grab both sides and expand it to the desired width before raising the locking pin, sliding it into place, and fastening it with the included safety-lock feature. 

And with its convenient wall mounting design, this dog gate is sure to keep your dog safely contained while giving you the peace of mind you need. 

What we liked:

• The extra-wide design is perfect for use in doorways and hallways
• Its adjustable design makes it easy to set up and dismount
• Includes a safety-lock feature and non-toxic finishes

What we didn’t like:

• Some reviewers have noted that the pet door is too small for larger dogs

FAQs

Can This Dog Gate Be Used at the Top of the Stairs?

No, this dog gate is not for use at the top of the stairs.

What Is the Width of the Small Pet Door?

The small pet door is 9 inches wide by 9 inches tall.

Arf Pets Free Standing (Best Freestanding Dog Gate)

Key Features

Height: 31.5 inches (80.01 inches)

Material: Wood

Expandable?: Yes

Available colors: Rich Espresso

Product dimensions: 36 x 22.62 x 4.5 inches (91.44 x 57.45 x 11.43 centimeters)

Weight: 27.9 pounds (12.65 kilograms)

Amazon choice accolade: For “dog gate 80 inches wide”.

You may consider getting the Arf Pets Free Standing gate if you have a small animal or pet. This particular gate is perfect for those who wish to block off select home areas or create an enclosed pen for their pet. 

This freestanding dog gate is of quality wood material, making it sturdy and perfect for restricting your furry friend’s access. Additionally, the gate features a hinged door that is easy for humans to open but keeps pets safely contained. 

Further stabilizing the gate also includes support feet that provide additional balance. Overall, the Arf Pets Free Standing gate is a great way to keep your pet safe and contained in one area.

What we liked:

• Sturdy wooden construction
• Used as a gate or enclosed pen
• Flexible connections for different configurations

What we didn’t like:

• Some users found the gate to be a bit flimsy or unstable at times.

FAQs

Can This Gate Be Used at the Top of Stairs?

The Arf Pets Free Standing gate is not recommended for use at the top of stairs, as it may not provide enough support or stability. However, other stair gates are available on the market that may be a better fit for your needs.

Can Additional Extension Sets Be Purchased to Create a Larger Pen?

Yes, additional extension sets can be purchased to increase the size of your pet pen. The Arf Pets gate is highly customizable and can be configured in various shapes and sizes, depending on your needs.

Retractable Baby Gate Dog Gate (Best Retractable Gate for Dogs)

Key Features

• Weight: ‎5.09 pounds
• Expandable?: Yes
• Available colors: Black, white, grey
• Product dimensions:‎ 34.57 x 4.96 x 3.39 inches
• Indoor, outdoor use, or both?: Both
• Amazon choice accolade: For “dog gate for stairs bottom of stairs.”

This Extra Wide Retractable Baby Gate is perfect for those looking for an extra-wide, swinging pet gate. The extra tall and sturdy design provides excellent protection for children and pets, with strong mesh that prevents accidental bumps or injuries. 

Additionally, the one-handed operation makes it easy to open and close while holding your child, and the gate automatically locks when released. It is also one of the best stair gates for dogs. 

Finally, the versatile design is usable either indoors or outdoors, making it an excellent choice for any home. So if you are looking for a safe and reliable retractable baby gate, look no further than this Extra Wide Retractable Baby Gate.

What we liked:

• Easy one-handed operation
• Versatile use indoors and outdoors
• Reliable child and pet protection

What we didn’t like:

• A bit on the pricier side compared to other gates of a similar design.

FAQs

What Is the Weight Limit for This Gate?

The Extra Wide Retractable Baby Gate can accommodate children and pets up to 40 pounds (18.14 kilograms). However, we recommend using this gate with children under six months old and pets under 10 pounds (4.53 kilograms). 

Is This Gate Suitable for Use Outdoors?

Yes, this gate is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, making it ideal for homes with pets and children.

Why Trust I Love Veterinary?

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First, I Love Veterinary is run by experts. The team behind the website includes veterinarians, pet groomers, and pet experts who know everything there is to know about taking care of pets.

Second, I Love Veterinary is unbiased. We don’t accept money from brands or manufacturers, so you can trust that our reviews are honest and objective.

Third, I Love Veterinary is comprehensive. We cover everything from the best food for your pet to the latest products. If it’s related to pets, we’ve got you covered.

Finally, I Love Veterinary is updated regularly. We post new articles and reviews every week, so you can always be sure that you’re getting the most up-to-date information. So if you’re looking for the best source of information on all things related to pets, look no further than I Love Veterinary.

The Final Bark!

You want what’s best for your furry friend as a pet owner. But with so many products on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. Whether you have a small home, need to gate off a specific area, or are traveling and need to contain your furry friend, one of these dog gates will do the trick.

They’re all stylish, sturdy, and easy to set up, so you can rest assured that your pup is safe and sound. However, we recommend the MYPET North States Paws 40″ for the best overall pet gate. This sturdy gate has metal and plastic materials, and you can use it indoors or outdoors. It’s also adjustable to find the perfect fit for your doorway.

No matter which pet gate you choose, you can rest assured that your furry friend will be safe and sound. So go ahead and pick up one of these gates and give your pet the freedom to roam.

Happy Shopping!