Best dog playpen 2023 for your pup to roam about in

Dog chilling outside in one of the best dog playpens
(Image credit: Getty)

Once you’ve invested in one of the best dog playpens, you’ll wonder how you (and your pooch) ever went without. These handy pieces of pet kit give your dog a dedicated space to rest, play or just stretch their legs. They also give you some peace of mind, knowing that your four-legged friend is safe and you’re managing their behavior.

Playpens are especially handy if you have a puppy, or you are the owner of a dog who’s displaying destructive behavior. They’re also ideal for those who want to give their pooch some time outdoors, but in a safe and enclosed environment. Some people often toy between investing in one of the best dog crates or a playpen and choose the latter. Unlike a crate, playpens can be less restrictive as they are often open topped, designed with a flap and some options give you the flexibility to make your pooch’s roaming space bigger or smaller, depending on how much floor area is available. 

These are features you should take into consideration when choosing the best dog playpen for you and your furry friend. Once you’ve decided what you want from your dog’s playpen, it will help you whittle down the choices. In the meantime, take a look at the best options on the market right now. From robust and study offerings that are water-resistance to those which come with high sides, secure latches, and adjustable panels.

PetRadar’s pick of the best dog playpens 

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MidWest Foldable Metal Dog Exercise playpenBest buy award

(Image credit: MidWest)

MidWest Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen

Best overall dog playpen

Specifications

Measurements: 62" x 62" x 48" (LxWxH)
Weight: 29.20 lbs
Materials: Metal

Reasons to buy

+
Folds flat 
+
Durable gold zinc finish  
+
Easy assembly  

Reasons to avoid

-
 Not suitable for very large dogs  
-
 Doesn’t keep its shape 

 If you’re looking for a basic, but well-built and useful dog playpen, that you’re going to use regularly, then something like this option from MidWest will likely suit a wide variety of different dog parents. 

You can use it to create a contained enclosure, or you can position it to divide up rooms - say if you want to keep your pooch away from the meal-prep area of a kitchen. 

It has a secure double latch door which you can open and close when you or the dog needs to get in and out of the pen, which means you won’t need to lift them in and out - ideal for heavier dogs, or those with mobility issues. 

The pen is easy to set up, requiring no specialist tools or expertise to get it into position. If you don’t want to use it all the time, it also folds flat for easy storage - meaning you could also take it with you on trips to unfamiliar locations too. 

You can use this pen either indoors or outdoors, with ground anchors included in the box for outdoor use, plus corner stabilizers - so it’s also a good option for those who have unsecured gardens but want to give their dog a little fresh air while you enjoy the garden yourself. 

The major downside of this pen however is that it’s mainly suitable for small-medium dogs. Larger dogs may be able to easily escape it from the top.

Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Dog Exercise and PlaypenPets Radar Approved Award

(Image credit: Amazon Basics)

Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Pet Exercise and Playpen

Best budget dog playpen

Specifications

Measurements: 60" x 60" x 30" (LxWxH)
Weight: 19.85 lbs
Materials: Metal

Reasons to buy

+
Good value 
+
Variety of sizes 
+
For indoor or outdoor use 

Reasons to avoid

-
Not overly sturdy

If you’re looking for something that simply does the job but don’t want to spend too much, this pen from the Amazon Basics range is a great idea. 

Available in a variety of sizes depending on the size of your pooch, it’s a basic metal wire construction that is quick and easy to set up. When not in use it also folds flat for easy storage. 

You can use this pen either indoors or outdoors, with anchors supplied in the box for outdoor usage. The black finish is rust proof, so you don’t need to worry too much about leaving it outside in poor conditions if you don’t have room to bring it inside. 

With this pen you can either create a complete enclosure, or you can use it to divide up spaces making use of walls and other areas to block off parts of the room. 

The basic / cheapest option of this playpen doesn’t include a door, so you’ll either have to lift your dog in and out of it, or lift the pen out of the way to free them - so it can be a little awkward for larger dogs. A version with a door is also available for a little extra outlay, though. 

BestPet Pet Playpen Dog Kennel 8 Panel Folding Metal Exercise PlayPenPets Radar Approved Award

(Image credit: BestPet)

BestPet Pet Playpen Dog Kennel 8 Panel Folding Metal Exercise Pen

Best premium dog playpen

Specifications

Measurements: 40" x 30" x 32" (LxWxH)
Weight: 51 lbs
Materials: Metal

Reasons to buy

+
Heavy duty  
+
Easy to construct  
+
Door included

Reasons to avoid

-
 High price 

If the primary purpose for a pet playpen is to create a secure area in your garden, then a durable and sturdy pen is what you need. 

This option for BestPet can be used indoors, but it’s well-suited to outdoor use thanks to its heavy-duty construction and rust-resistant coated metal materials. 

It can be easily constructed without tools, and if you need to make it bigger, you can even attach multiple pens together for an even larger set up. A door means that you and your pet can easily get in and out of the playpen without having to make awkward manoeuvres or move an entire panel out of the way. 

You can set up the pen in a number of different shapes, which is useful if you have an awkwardly shaped outdoor space. If you don’t want to use it all the time, it collapses down flat for easier storage too. The playpen is available in three different sizes from 24-inches up to 40-inches. If you have the space for the larger pen, it’s recommended that you get that one, even if your dog is small, to give them maximum room.

Although quite a high price compared with some of the other pens on the list, if you need something stable and secure for outdoor playtime, it’s better to spend a bit more to get a well-made product. 

North States MyPet Petyard Passage Dog PlaypenPets Radar Approved Award

(Image credit: Amazon)

North States MyPet Petyard Passage Playpen

Best dog playpen with lockable pet door

Specifications

Measurements: 35.25" x 10.3" x 26.5" (LxWxH)
Weight: 22 lbs
Material: Plastic

Reasons to buy

+
Convenient locking pet door
+
Configurable for any space
+
Foldable panels for easy portability

Reasons to avoid

-
Not tall enough for big dogs

Far and away one of the best and most popular doggy playpens around, this model features an ingenious swinging pet door that allows your pup to enter and exit the playpen as they please, but that also locks for those times when you're wanting to keep your furry friend securely contained. 

Made from strong and durable plastic and with an attractive espresso brown finish that fits flawlessly with any decor, this playpen has eight panels that can be made bigger or smaller and configured to fit any space. So it's ideal for both play times and for when you're wanting to create a crate for training or sleep purposes.

The panels are foldable and come with a convenient travel strap, which makes this lightweight playpen ideal for taking with you wherever you go. It also has skid-resistant pads which hold it in place and protect your floors.

As far as we can tell, the only downside to this playpen is the side of the panels themselves. Measuring 26-inches in height, they're brilliant for containing small to medium sized breeds, but we wouldn't recommend this model for humongous hounds, who will easily be able to clamber over the panels and escape. 

Ruff ’n Ruffus dog playpenPets Radar Approved Award

(Image credit: Ruff ’n Ruffus)

Ruff ’n Ruffus Portable Foldable Pet Playpen

Best dog playpen for travel

Specifications

Measurements: 48" x 48" x 23.5" (LxWxH)
Weight: 6 lbs
Materials: Polyester

Reasons to buy

+
Comes with travel case and travel bowl
+
Easy construction   
+
Variety of sizes  

Reasons to avoid

-
Not sturdy 

Available in three different sizes depending on the size of your dog, this playpen is ideal for those with like to travel with their dogs. 

Made from lightweight and water-resistant materials, the playpen quickly pops up for easy assembly without hassle or tools. When not in use, you can fold it flat and transport it with the included carrying case. 

This would be an ideal pen for taking pets to the beach or the park if you want to spend time in one location - such as while having a picnic. You won’t need to worry about your dog running off or pulling on the lead, yet they can still enjoy the outdoors with you. 

It’s also a good alternative for those who are travelling with their dogs to an unfamiliar location and aren’t sure how dog friendly their accommodation is going to be. It could also easily double up as a travel bed, too. 

The playpen has a zippered top which you can remove if you prefer, or leave it on to provide extra security, or shade when in a sunny location. 

Price is the only downside of this option, particularly if you don’t intend to travel a lot - but for opening up a variety of travel options it could easily be considered excellent value for money.

New World Pet Products Foldable Metal Exercise Pen X-Large dog playpenPets Radar Approved Award

(Image credit: New World)

New World Pet Products Foldable Metal Exercise Pen X-Large

Best for large dogs

Specifications

Measurements: 62" x 48" x 62" (LxWxH)
Weight: 29.2lbs
Materials: Metal wire

Reasons to buy

+
Easy construction 
+
Ideal for outdoor use 
+
Suitable for very large dogs  

Reasons to avoid

-
 No door 

If you have an extra large dog, then you’ll need an extra large playpen if you want to keep them fenced in.

This product from New World is available in a variety of sizes, but of course for this entry we’re focusing on the X-Large option, which is suitable for dogs which are up to 30-inches tall.

Easy to construct and dissemble when not in use, although the playpen takes up a lot of space when it is fully assembled, it folds down flat for easier storage when you’re not using it. You can use it either indoors to block off certain areas, or construct it as a fully-enclosed pen either indoors or outdoors. 

For use outdoors, there are ground stakes included to keep the pen anchored to the ground. The outer coat of the pen is also rust-resistant, so you shouldn’t ned to worry too much about bringing it inside should the heavens open. 

You can use the pen in conjunction with an existing crate to expand your dog’s living areas indoors, while also keeping them away from any areas you don’t want them to get to. There’s no door inbuilt to this crate however, so so you’ll need to unlock one of the panels to allow you/your dog to walk in and out of it.

IRIS Dog PlaypenPets Radar Approved Award

(Image credit: Amazon)

IRIS USA Ci-604E Pet Playpen

Best for small dogs

Specifications

Measurements: 36" x 24" (WxH)
Weight: 10.8 lbs
Material: Plastic

Reasons to buy

+
Provides 8 square feet of play space
+
Secure twist-to-open locks
+
Non-skid rubber feet

Reasons to avoid

-
Could be sturdier

The IRIS 24'' 4-panel dog exercise playpen with it's own access door is brilliant for giving small pups a safe and secure place to play and rest. 

Measuring 36" W x 24" H and with an access door that's 15.75 inches wide and 18.88 inches in height, it's ideal for use both in the home and yard.

Providing 8 square feet of play space, the IRIS playpen features panels that snap together easily and because the design is so lightweight, it's a breeze to transport from A to B.

Made from durable, molded plastic, it has non-skid rubber feet to protect your flooring and ensure that the playpen stays firmly fixed in place. 

Unipaws Six-Panel Walkthrough Dog PlaypenPets Radar Approved Award

(Image credit: Amazon)

Unipaws Six-Panel Walkthrough Playpen

Best versatile dog playpen

Specifications

Measurements: 46.3 inches x 24 inches (rectangle)
Weight: 46.25lbs
Materials: Pressed wood and wire

Reasons to buy

+
Looks amazingly stylish
+
Can be configured in many ways
+
Has anti-scratch feet

Reasons to avoid

-
Indoor use only

If you're looking for a stylish playpen that will fit well in most homes, then this product by Unipaws should be high on your list. It's been produced using strong pressed wood and wire and, as well as being aesthetically pleasing, it's also durable and, just as importantly, versatile too.

Since it consists of six foldable panels, you can decide how you want to arrange it. You could, for example, opt for a simple rectangle or you may even want to spread it across a wide doorway, making an entire room a pen. If you place it against a corner wall you could have a narrow playpen five panels long. Maybe you want a hexagon. It really is up to you and your imagination, helped by hinges that rotate 360 degrees.

Whichever option you choose, your setup will benefit from a pet gate, making access easy. This is lockable for added peace of mind and since the gaps between the bars are just 1.3 inches, there's little chance of escape elsewhere. 

The playpen also sits on four support feet which should ensure it doesn't get knocked over and, to protect your wooden floors, there are anti-scratch pads. It's just a shame it's indoors-only although we suspect the wood and wires would get ruined outside.

FXW Dog Playpen OutdoorPets Radar Approved Award

(Image credit: FXW)

FXW Dog Playpen Outdoor

Best heavy-duty dog playpen

Specifications

Measurements: 4.7" x 24" x 23.8"
Weight: 24.25lbs
Materials: Metal

Reasons to buy

+
Very secure
+
Dogs won't injure themselves trying to escape
+
Easy to assemble

Reasons to avoid

-
Goes rusty relatively quickly

It may be the case that you want a dog playpen that will be nice and sturdy, and difficult for your dog to escape from. In this instance, this offering from FXW will fit the bill nicely.

Available in a range of sizes, from 24 inches all the way up to 50, the FXW Dog Playpen is incredibly easy to set up, taking no more than five minutes to assemble. it's customizable too, meaning there is no predefined shape; there are a number of ways in which to arrange the panels.

Moreover, there are safeguards included for if your dog tries to escape. Rounded ball tops are fixed to the top of the stakes, making them kinder on their claws. If you choose to have it outside then the stakes can be embedded in the ground, making it even harder to knock over.

The only issue we have really seen mentioned is that of rust – a number of reviews reported this to occur after a short amount of time, meaning this is best kept inside when not in use.

In terms of sturdiness and reliability, however, we have heard few complaints about this.

Puppy playing in a dog playpen

(Image credit: Getty Images)

How to choose the best dog playpen

Height and weight  

A dog playpen obviously needs to be able to contain your pooch appropriately. The size you need will of course depend on the size of your dog, as well as their ability to jump.

If you have a large dog who can easily scale obstacles, look for a playpen which offers plenty of height, or you could also look for those which offer the option of extending the height as they grow or get older. 

Another alternative is to purchase a playpen cover which should keep your dog secure, as well as providing good shade if you’re intending to use the pen outdoors.

Weight is important for two different reasons - you’ll want to be able to manoeuvre the pen reasonably easily, but if it’s very light, you might find some strong dogs can lift it up and escape. Bear this in mind in relation to your own dog when choosing a pen.

Materials 

Most playpens are made from metal wiring, which acts as a sort of cage for your dog. This helps to keep them contained without being too heavy or cumbersome. 

Alternatively however, you might look for pens which are made from transparent or translucent plastic sheeting. This gives you a better sight of your dog from a number of different angles, so you might consider it to be more appropriate for your needs.

Entry and exit points  

The cheaper dog pens often don’t include a door or gate for the dog (or you) to get in and out of the pen. That won’t be a problem for some dogs, but if you have one that you don’t want to lift in and out of the pen, it makes sense to get one with an inbuilt door for the easiest operability. 

Some pens don’t have doors, but do have sections that can easily be released and move in a door-like way. It’s generally worth paying a little extra for an inbuilt door if you can, though.

Outdoor options  

Have a think about how you intend to use your dog pen. If it’s for indoor use only, you might be able to get away with cheaper options that haven’t been designed to be particularly durable. 

If however you’re wanting to give your pooch a run around outside to get some fresh air, you should look for those that feature rust-proofing, as well as coming with stakes to secure the pen to the ground. You’ll probably find that you don’t want the hassle of having to move the pen in and out of the house if you're using it frequently, so investing in one that can withstand various weathers makes a lot of sense.