Pets can be our best friends and companions. These little bundles of joy liven up our homes and de-stress a stressful day.
However, they can also get into potentially harmful or fragile areas of our homes – and that’s why many owners choose to get an indoor dog gate for their pets.
We’ll be talking about safety considerations for separation gates, as well as exploring a few top picks. Keep reading for more details!
Best Indoor Dog Gates: Quick Picks
- #1 Richell Deluxe Freestanding Pet Gate [Best Overall Pet Gate]: Great-looking, easy to set up, and reasonably priced, given its quality, this is our favorite pet gate on the market.
- #2 Toddleroo Extra Wide Wire Mesh Gate [Most Affordable Pet Gate]: A high-quality gate that’ll contain your canine without breaking the bank, this is a great choice for cost-conscious owners.
- #3 Unipaws Freestanding Wooden Dog Gate [Easiest Pet Gate to Set Up]: Need a pet gate but don’t want to break out the drill or futz with complicated directions? This is the gate you’re looking for.
Continue reading for more in-depth reviews
Indoor Dog Gates: Why Dog Owners Need Pet Gates
Just as invisible dog fences and outdoor dog kennels can be used to prevent dogs from accessing certain parts of the yard (avoiding that messy swamp area or that poison ivy patch), an indoor dog gate will keep your pet from accessing certain parts of your home, such as the kitchen (where dogs can get into mischief), laundry room, or other non dog-friendly areas.
Dog gates will keep your dog contained in a safe area where they can also enjoy their stay. In fact, many dogs feel more comfortable having a designated area of the home that is “theirs,” which gives them solace.
Puppies are especially easily scared of new spaces, and they can easily get themselves in an unsafe place. A dog gate sections off and turns a specific room to puppy territory, and this will immensely help in the development of your puppy’s confidence.
Indoor dog gates can also help prevent your pet from running out of your home – something no owners wants to deal with!
1. Regalo Super Wide Adjustable Gate
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Regalo Super Wide Adjustable Gate
An all-steel adjustable dog gates that’s foldable and with safety locking features.
About: Tackle big spaces with Regalo’s Super Wide Adjustable Gate, a 28-inch tall barrier that expands to a whopping 192 inches. Easily customized to fit your needs, you can choose between using it as a doorway barrier or a pen as needed. It’s also large enough to function well as a portable dog fence too, which can be great for vacations!
Features:
- Made of steel (perfect for chewers!)
- Included wall mounts allow for permanent setup if desired
- No-tool-required assembly
- Plain white finish fits any home decor
Pros
- The locking gate allows you to pass through as needed.
- Fully configurable gate allows for custom coverage.
- Vertical bar design prevents climbing canines from escaping.
Cons
- The sheer size and number of pieces can be overwhelming to some owners.
- Some owners experienced manufacturing defects with the gate’s joints.
2. Carlson Extra Wide Walk-through Gate
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Carlson Extra Wide Walk-through Gate
A wall or pressure mount design pet gate with small pet door that has safety lock features.
About: Carlson’s Extra Wide Walk-through Gate corrals your canine without holding you back. With its locking entry gate and choice between wall-mounting and pressure-mounting, you can safely use it throughout the home.
Features:
- Stands 30 inches tall and expands up to 36.5 inches wide
- Locking small pet door included for letting some pets through
- 4-inch extension kit included for extra coverage where needed
- Made of steel alloy
Pros
- Owners complimented the quality of the gate’s construction and latch.
- Having a choice between wall-mounting and pressure-mounting is nice.
- The optional built-in cat door is super convenient for multi-species households.
Cons
- The gate was a bit too narrow for some owners to walk through.
- A few owners reported manufacturing issues with the hardware.
3. Richell Deluxe Freestanding Pet Gate
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Richell Deluxe Freestanding Pet Gate
Wooden dog gate with free standing design and floor protection.
About: Richell’s Deluxe Freestanding Pet Gate will keep canines contained while allowing you easy walk-through access — and it does so without damaging your walls. Made of quality stained wood and neutral wire, it will also fit in any decor.
Features:
- Wide wooden feet for maximum sturdiness
- Built-in gate features locks at the top and bottom to keep determined dogs in
- Available in medium (61.8 to 90.2 inch L x 24 inch W x 28.1 H) and large (61.8 to 90.2 inch L x 24 inch W x 36.2 inch H) size options
- Constructed of rubberwood with wire panels
Pros
- According to most owners, the size works great for large, awkward openings.
- Owners reported that this gate is easy to assemble.
- The gate’s styling is easier on the eye than many other options.
Cons
- Though heavy, large or determined dogs can nudge this aside.
- Compared to other gates, it’s pretty expensive.
4. Toddleroo Extra Wide Wire Mesh Gate
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Toddleroo Extra Wide Wire Mesh Gate
A budget-friendly pet gate great for wide openings and easy to install because of its pressure mounted design.
About: The Todderoo Extra Wide Wire Mesh Gate is a no-fuss barrier made for quick and convenient use in doorways. Featuring horizontal and vertical wires, it prevents even the tiniest doggos from slipping through.
Features:
- Pressure-mounted design
- Stands 32 inches high and stretches up to 50 inches wide
- Rubber bumpers prevent wall damage
- Made in the USA from wood and vinyl-coated wire
Pros
- It’s pressure-mounted, so you don’t have to drill into your walls or doorways.
- It’s a very affordably priced gate.
- The gate’s ease of installation is hard to beat.
Cons
- The wood structure is super tempting to chewers.
- Due to its design, this barrier can be easily climbed by escape artists.
5. Richell 3-in-1 Convertible Elite Pet Gate
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Richell 3-in-1 Convertible Elite Pet Gate
A stylish multi-purpose pet gate which includes a lockable door for easy passage.
About: The Richell 3-in-1 Convertible Elite Pet Gate is an excellent choice for containing small and medium breeds. Featuring a number of panels in a freestanding form, you can configure it around your home as you see fit.
Features:
- Stands 31.5 inches tall and extends up to 135.8 inches wide (for the 6-panel model)
- Lockable gate for easy passage when you need it
- Available in 4- and 6-panel versions
- Made of durable hardwood and wire
Pros
- This gate is very easy to assemble.
- A versatile gate, you can use it as a small pen, a freestanding gate, or a fixed entryway blockade.
- It’s pretty stylish and fit in with existing decor better than bulky plastic models.
Cons
- This is one of the pricier options out there.
- Skilled climbers can scale the gate due to the numerous horizontal bars.This is one of the pricier options out there.
- Skilled climbers can scale the gate due to the numerous horizontal bars.
6. MidWest Steel Pet Gate
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MidWest Steel Pet Gate
A straight-forward, pressure-mounted pet gate available in multiple sizes.
About: The MidWest Steel Pet Gate is a lead-free, non-toxic tool for containing your canine. Featuring sleek styling and a locking walk-through gate, you won’t have to practice your acrobatic skills to cross this nice-looking barrier.
Features:
- Pressure-mounted design
- Expands up to 38 inches wide
- Available in 29 and 39 inch heights and black or white finishes
- Constructed with steel
Pros
- The self-closing nature of the gate is an all-around win.
- The steel construction will stand up to chewers.
- The gate comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Cons
- Some owners dislike the gate’s lever, finding it hard to use at times.
- Some owners experienced durability issues with the handle.
Hey there, pet parents! Ben, here.
I hadn’t needed a pet gate since my pooch was a young puppy, but my girlfriend and I needed a management solution for my reactive Rottie and her reactive Pyrenees.
These girls do not get along (to put it mildly). And given their size and strength, that’s a big problem.
So, I picked up a pet gate — specifically, I grabbed the MidWest Gate. Let’s check out some photos, and then I’ll share my thoughts on the gate.
Now that you’ve seen it, let’s talk about some of my general impressions:
- While it wasn’t the easiest thing to install in the world, it only took me about 30 minutes to go from a sealed box to a working gate.
- I just went with the pressure-mounted set up; I did not elect to mount it with the provided screws. So far (knocks wood), it feels pretty solid and seems secure enough for two 80-pound doggos. However, I kept all the doo-dads I’d need to do so in the future.
- The bars are wide enough apart that each dog can slip her muzzle through the bars, but there’s no way either is getting her head through there.
- I don’t think either of our dogs will be jumping over this, but lighter, more athletic breeds of similar height almost certainly could. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a big husky (for example) leap right over this.
- From a human perspective, the gate is a little harder to open than I thought it’d be — you have to do a whole “slide the latch and then lift the whole gate” procedure. It’s not terribly difficult for an adult to do so, but young kids will be as helpless to open it as dogs are.
All in all, I am reasonably happy with the gate. It has done its job so far, it was reasonably priced, and it was fairly simple to install. My chief complaint is that the latch opening mechanism could be a little more user-friendly, but that’s about it.
I would recommend it to other pet parents in similar situations.
7. Wiscky Retractable Gate
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Wiscky Retractable Gate
A handy mesh pet gate that fits doors of many sizes and tucks away neatly when not in use.
About: The Wiscky Retractable Gate is a relatively smooth-surfaced gate that stands 33 inches tall, making it an excellent choice for large dogs and climbing canines. Best of all, it rolls away when not in use, saving you space and helping to keep your house looking neat and tidy.
Features:
- Includes a childproof locking mechanism for added security
- Available in black and white finishes
- Extends up to 59 inches wide
- Made with a durable mesh and metal hardware
Pros
- Most owners found it well-made and easy to assemble.
- This gate looks a lot nicer than bulky plastic or metal options, and since it rolls away when not in use, it won’t clash with your decor too much.
- The walk-through design is super convenient in heavily trafficked areas.
Cons
- This isn’t the best option for those with heavy-duty chewers.
- This gate does require hard mounting with a drill.
8. MYPET North States Wide Essential Walk Thru Gate
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MYPET North States Wide Essential Walk Thru Gate
A fairly conventional metal pet gate that is easy to install and gets the job done.
About: MYPET’s North States Wide Essential Walk Thru Gate provides easy movement through the home. With a secure locking handle that allows for one-handed use, it’s designed to keep your dog in place without holding you back.
Features:
- Stands 30 inches tall and extends up to 38.1 inches wide
- Can be pressure mounted or hard-mounted to doorways
- Vertical bars are spaced 2 ¼ inches apart, keeping even small breeds and puppies contained
- Made of metal
Pros
- Most owners report that the gate is well-made and sturdy.
- The metal construction is ideal for chewers.
- The extension rods are a hit, allowing you to size up and down as needed.
Cons
- Some owners found the build instructions difficult to follow.
- The pressure-mounted setup won’t stand up to determined doggos.
9. Unipaws Freestanding Wooden Dog Gate
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Unipaws Freestanding Wooden Dog Gate
An aesthetically pleasing wooden pet gate that stands on its own and requires no mounting.
About: Unipaws’ Freestanding Wooden Dog Gate is a modern take on canine containment, featuring a climb-proof vertically slatted look in a smoky gray. With built-in support feet, this freestanding gate won’t scuff up your doorways or require any unsightly hardware to use.
Features:
- Rubber bottom prevents floor damage
- Folds easily for storage
- Available in four sizes, including 3 and 4 panels ranging in 24” and 36” height
- Made of wood in a gray paint finish
Pros
- With no assembly required, this gate is super easy to install.
- Aesthetically, this gate is far more appealing than bulky, plastic designs.
- Pet parents found it sturdy and well-built.
Cons
- Freestanding gates are no match for a powerful pup or determined escape artist.
- This gate is on the pricier side.
10. VATO White Transformable Panels
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VATO White Transformable Panels
A supremely flexible pet gate solution, you can set up this 10-panel system in myriad ways.
About: VATO’s White Transformable Panels can be used as a barrier or a pen to contain your canine. Containing a waterproof mat and detachable cover, you can safely stow your four-footer without risking your floors or tempting your pooch to escape.
Features:
- Comes with ten configurable panels
- Covers up to 108 inches
- Easily wipes clean
- Made of heavy-duty plastic
Pros
- The freestanding nature is super convenient and versatile since you don’t need to worry about pressure or wall-mounting.
- The vertical slats prevent climbing, keeping escape artists contained.
- Sizing works great for small breeds and puppies.
Cons
- Some owners found the material to be too lightweight for their needs.
- The height and material may not work with larger, more powerful breeds.
What to Consider When Choosing An Indoor Dog Gate
There are a number of things to consider when selecting a pet gate for your home.
Material and Quality. Pet gates are made of a variety of materials ranging from heavy, finished wood to lightweight metal barriers. The material you choose may depend on the aesthetic you’re looking for (wooden gates tend to have a more sophisticated look) as well as your dog’s temperament (woods not really a great option if your dog is a major chomper).
Security and Durability. One of the first things to consider is the type of dog you have. Larger dogs will need higher gates that can’t be leaped over in a single bound. If you have a German Shepherd, for example, then you need a heavy, more secure gate. But even small, relatively wimpy gates can keep a Chihuahua out of the dining room.
Where Your Gate Will Be Used. You also need to consider where you are going to use your dog gate. Different spaces will require different types of gates. Some gates listed here can be used to section off huge chunks of rooms, while others are designed to only fit in narrow doorways. Make sure always measure the space you need to be sectioned off from your dog – you don’t want a door gate that doesn’t fit right!
Types of Dog Gates For The Home
There are several different styles and designs of pet gates to choose from. The best pet gate for you will depend on your dog’s temperament, size, the location of the gate, and what you plan on using the gate for.
Freestanding Pet Gates
Freestanding dog gates vary in size and function. These gates can be custom-adjusted for different spaces and situations.
These gates come in handy when you have to regularly move the barrier to different areas of your home and don’t want to deal with detaching and re-attaching a gate to a doorframe.
Adjustable-Tension Dog Gates
These gates perfectly fit on doorways, and they are the best if you wish to create sectioned-off spaces in the kitchen, study, or bathroom.
Tension-fitted gates can be removed, but not quick enough for regular in-and-out access, so owners will need to step over the gate to get around it.
This makes these gates less suitable for senior owners or anyone who might have a difficult time with balance.
Hinged-Foldable Dog Gates
These types of gates can stand independently and also easily fold to a manageable size for traveling or storage.
Walk-Through Gates
Walk-through gates are often a bit pricier than standard gates, but they allow you to open a doorway to pass through the gate so that your human family members don’t have to risk tripping over the gate.
Dog Gate FAQs
Pet gates may be simple devices, but they spark a lot of questions among dog owners. We’ll try to answer some of the most common queries about pet gates below!
What size dog gates should I get?
Measure the size of the doorway where you plan to install the dog gate, and choose accordingly.
For freestanding dog gates, you may be able to choose a size slightly smaller than your doorway. However, don’t leave too much space if your dog is prone to challenging barriers.
Also consider height – even some large dogs will respect a low gate, but other dogs will jump or leap over all but the highest gates.
How do I install a dog gate?
Installation for a dog gate can vary depending in the type of gate you purchase.
Freestanding dog gates don’t require any installation outside of setting up the gate itself. Just put the gate together and position as needed.
Adjustable tension dog gates use a tension rod to stay securely fastened within a doorway.
For adjustable tension gates, be sure to choose one that is low enough to step over or one that has an inner hinged opening so you can get through the gate easily, since these gates are not convenient to constantly remove and re-install.
What type of dog gate is best for chewers?
For dogs who chew, steel dog gates are best, as wooden and mesh dog gates can quickly be destroyed by chewers.
The Carlson Steel Dog Gate is our top pick for dogs who chew — plus it features an adjustable width to fit in a variety of doorways.
Do mesh dog gates work?
Mesh dog gates can be suitable for small, gentle dogs. However, they won’t be durable enough to withstand chewers or rough dogs.
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That covers it for indoor dog gates. Do you have any suggestions regarding the best dog gates for the home? Share your thoughts in the comments!
3 Comments
July 16, 2018
Hi Meg, Great list but missing Fusion Gates. Would love to be part of your review and list. Let us know how we can participate. Thanks much, Donna
May 24, 2016
What a very complete and informative post.
May 24, 2016
Thank you so much Jan! We do our best to provide as much info as possible!