It is common for new dog owners to have a fear of losing their newly acquired pet. Most people opt to crate their pets to keep them safe as they get used to the new home. Crating your dog too much can deprive him of the joy of moving freely.
Whether you are out of the house running some errands or you are busy doing laundry and you are afraid of leaving your pet unattended, a quality dog playpen can keep your dog secure without making him feel caged or restricted. A dog playpen allows your dog to play with his toys.
Benefits of a Dog Playpen
- If you are still not convinced to get your pet a playpen, we have provided you with some of the benefits that you get from a quality dog playpen. Here are the benefits for a dog playpen.
- Unlike a crate, a playpen provides your dog with enough space to adequate space to move around, stretch and play thus staying active.
- It allows your pet to exercise and help in developing muscles and joints and become stronger than lying around in a crate all day.
- A dog playpen encourages your dog to develop independence and confidence by letting him know that he doesn’t need to be attached to you.
- It provides a safe, contained space for your dog to move around without having a full range of your house
- You can use the playpen to keep the dog out of mischief and out of certain rooms or spaces.
Types of Dog Playpens
It is important for you to understand the different types of dog playpens available in the market to make it easier for you to select a playpen that suits your needs. Here are the two types of dog playpens.
Indoor Dog Playpens
Indoor dog playpens are designed for indoor use. They allow you to provide your dog with enough space to move around without confining him in a specific area. An indoor playpen can help you keep your dog off certain areas in your house. Indoor playpens can also be used for housetraining your puppy. The playpen can help your pet feel more at ease in his new home.
Outdoor Dog Playpens
Outdoor dog playpens are designed for outdoor and can be used to keep your dog safe. If you live near a road and you do not have a fence, you can use an outdoor fence to let your pet enjoy fresh air while keeping him safe. It lets your dog play outside unsupervised and off-leash.
Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Playpen
Shopping for the best dog playpen can be challenging especially for first-time buyers. To help you identify the best dog playpen for your pet, we have provided you with some of the things to consider when buying a playpen. Here are some of the factors to consider.
Dog Size
When choosing a playpen for your dog, ensure that the playpen is spacious enough to not only fit your dog but also give him space to move around and play. The playpen should also be tall enough to prevent him from jumping and escaping.
Location
It is also important for you to consider the location where you intend to keep the playpen. Depending on your location, you might need to look for a playpen with added features such as waterproof if you are using it outdoors. You may also want to consider the color of the playpen to ensure that it matches your house décor if you need an indoor playpen.
Stability and Durability
The best dog playpen should be stable and durable enough to contain your pet. If you have a dog that likes to chew or scratch, ensure that the material used to make the playpen is strong and durable to withstand chewing. Look for dog playpens with stabilizing stakes to keep the playpen in place. Large dogs can easily knock over the playpen or it can be blown away by strong winds when used outside.
Material
Dog playpens are made of different materials, allowing you to choose the playpen that suits your needs and budget. Metal is one of the materials used to make a playpen. It is strong, sturdy, and durable. Metal playpens can be used both indoors and outdoors. Some people may be skeptical about using metal playpens indoors since they are not very attractive and may scratch or damage your wooden floors.
Wooden dog playpens are aesthetically pleasing, but they ate not durable enough for outdoor use. Wood may also be susceptible to avid chewers. Playpens can also be made of plastic. Plastic playpens can be used both indoors and outdoors but they may not be suitable for heavy chewers. Mesh playpens can be used indoors but they are less durable since the soft fabric includes can easily be torn and chewed.
Portability
If you will need to move the playpen around, you need to look for a playpen that is portable and easy to move. You can get playpens that are collapsible and can be adjusted if you plan to move the playpen around. Those who do not need a portable playpen can opt for a permanent fixture that cannot be easily relocated.
Flexibility
If you have multiple pets, you may want to consider an adjustable playpen that can accommodate all your pets. You may also want to get a playpen with a specific shape to fit your space. Some playpens can change the size and shape with the removal of additional panels while others can be positioned against a wall.
Entry
Some playpens come with doors to give entry to the dog. Playpens with doors can come in handy for dog owners with large dogs that cannot be lifted over the fence. It can also be good to avoid introducing your dog to the concept of jumping over the playpen.
Top 10 Best Dog Playpens
The best dog playpens vary in size, shape, and in features they offer. The safety of your pet, durability, and stability of the playpen are key factors to consider when shopping for the best dog playpen. We have provided you with reviews of some of the most reliable and durable dog playpens available in the market today. Here are reviews for the 10 best dog playpens.
#1) Richell Convertible High Pet Playpen (3-in-1)
Richell Convertible High Pet Playpen is a simple playpen that is full of ingenious features. It is made of extremely durable plastic that can be used inside or outside. The playpen does not harbor mold, germs, or any other contamination. It includes a mat to provide extra comfort to your dogs. The mat can also be used as a roof cover when conditions are not ideal outside.
The pet pen is made of quality and durable plastic that is completely water-resistant. It has vertical bars to prevent dogs from climbing or jumping and escaping. The pen includes specially designed caps to safely lock the panels in place at 90°, 120°, and 180° angles. It has a door with a safety lock so your dog can’t escape. The playpen can be laid out as a rectangle or square or even as a hexagon. It can be converted into a pet gate and room divider easily.
Pros
- It comes with caps to safely lock the panels in place at 90°, 120°, and 180° angles.
- The playpen has a mat to provide extra comfort to your pets.
- It can be laid out as a rectangle or square or even as a hexagon to provide more space for your dog.
- The Richell Convertible High Pet Playpen is made of extremely durable plastic that can be used inside or outside.
- It does not harbor mold, germs, or any other contaminants.
- The pet pen can easily be converted into a pet gate and room divider.
#2) Richell Convertible High Pet Playpen
The Richell Convertible Pet Playpen is a stylish and modern dog playpen that is very solid and sturdy. It is made of thick, durable plastic. The playpen is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. It is very easy to set up and take apart. The Convertible Pet Playpen can easily be converted to a room divider or pet gate.
The pet playpen comes with a large, lockable door that makes it easy for the dog to enter and exit the playpen. It includes a pet comfort mat and a convertible floor tray that can also be used as a roof. The playpen folds up flat for easy storage and transportation. It is a quality and durable dog playpen but it is expensive.
Pros
- It is a sturdy and solid pet playpen.
- The playpen can be used for indoor and outdoor use.
- It can be converted to a room divider or pet gate.
- Richell Convertible Pet Playpen comes with an add-on floor mat and a floor tray that can also be used as a roof.
- It easily folds flat for easy storage.
- The pet playpen is made of thick plastic for improved durability.
- It includes a large, lockable door for easy entrance and exit.
Cons
- It is an expensive dog playpen.
- The playpen is heavier than other playpens.
#3) Iris Plastic Pet Playpen
Iris Plastic Pet Playpen is designed for small- to medium-sized dog breeds. It is a great choice for dog owners who do not have so much space in your home. The pet playpen is compact and lightweight, making it a great alternative to wire playpens. It is a sturdy pet pen with double steel door latches. The plastic playpen can be used indoors or outside.
It is available in different color choices to let you select what suits your taste. The playpen is ideal for puppies to keep them from chewing on things they shouldn’t be chewing on. It is very easy to assemble and is made of heavy-duty plastic to ensure durability. The Iris Plastic Pet Playpen comes with a sturdy dog door that lets your dog easily enter and exit the playpen. Dog owners can purchase add-on panels.
Pros
- The pet playpen folds up flat for easy transportation and storage.
- It has double steel door latches and a sturdy dog door for easy entrance and exit.
- The playpen comes in different color choices to let you choose what suits you.
- It is a compact and lightweight playpen that is designed for small- to medium-sized dog breeds.
- The Iris Plastic Pet Playpen is made of heavy-duty plastic to ensure durability.
- It can be used to keep puppies away from chewing on things they shouldn’t be chewing on.
- The pet pen can be used indoors or outside.
Cons
- It does not provide you with height choices to choose from.
- The playpen may be too short for climbers/jumpers.
#4) Oxgord Heavy Duty Yard Playpen
The Oxgord Heavy Duty Yard Playpen is a large and extremely sturdy playpen that provides your pet with a secure area to play while outdoors. It is made of heavy-duty steel with a rust-resistant coating to ensure durability. The playpen is very easy to assemble and does not require any tools to assemble.
The yard playpen comes with multiple panels and a double-latch door for easy entry and exit. It can be configured in different shapes. The playpen provides you with 3 different height options to let you select the height that suits your situation. It has 73 inches in diameter when assembled as an octagon. The pet pen folds down easily for storage and easy transportation. It also comes with ground anchors for extreme durability.
Pros
- The playpen consists of heavy-duty steel with a rust-resistant coating for improved durability.
- It is very easy to assemble and does not need tools.
- The yard playpen offers you 3 different height options to let you select the height that suits your needs.
- It folds down easily for storage.
- The playpen comes with ground anchors for extreme durability.
- It has multiple panels and a double-latch door for easy entry and exit
- The pet playpen is made of heavy-duty steel with a rust-resistant coating for durability.
- It can easily be configured in different shapes.
Cons
- Dog owners can’t purchase additional panels.
- Some of the playpen’s panels are wider than average so transportation may be difficult.
#5) Midwest Exercise Pen
The Midwest Exercise Pen is a great dog playpen for larger breed puppies that need a little more room to move around and play. It comes with eight 24″ wide panels with a black E-coat finish for protection against the elements, making it a great outdoor dog playpen. The playpen has corner stabilizers for indoor use and ground stakes for outdoors.
The exercise pen comes in 5 different heights and that you can purchase to suit your needs and requirements. It has an add-on sunscreen or wire mesh top for shade or security when outside. The playpen has a double latch dog door for easy entry and exit. It folds down easily for storage and transportation. The exercise pen comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros
- The pen folds down easily for transportation and storage.
- It is available in 5 different heights and that you can purchase to suit your situation.
- The playpen has a black E-coat finish for protection against the elements for improved durability.
- It includes stabilizers for indoor use and ground stakes for outdoors.
- Midwest Exercise Pen has an add-on sunscreen or wire mesh top for shade or security when outside.
- It comes with a double latch dog door for easy entry and exit of the pet.
Cons
- Dog owners cannot purchase single add-on panels.
- The playpen may not be sturdy enough for full-grown dogs.
#6) Zampa Foldable Portable Pet Playpen
Zampa Foldable Portable Pet Playpen is a portable playpen that is easy to set up. It easily folds down and comes with a handy carrying case for easy transportation and storage. The playpen is durable and comes with an attached floor mat. It includes reinforced corners and seams to keep your dog safe and secure.
The portable pet playpen is water-resistant for the outdoors. It measures 24 inches high and 45 inches in diameter. The playpen is ideal for small and medium dog breeds but may not be ideal for larger breeds or older puppies once they grow bigger. It does not require any assembly. The pen has zippered dog door that ensures easy entry and exit of your pet. It comes with a 1-year money-back guarantee.
Pros
- It is a very portable playpen that is easy to carry and store.
- The playpen does not require assembly.
- It comes with a handy carrying case for easy transportation.
- The Zampa Foldable Portable Pet Playpen includes zippered dog door that ensures easy entry and exit.
- It has reinforced corners and seams for safety and stability.
- The portable pet playpen has an attached floor mat for comfort and support.
- It is water-resistant for effective outdoor use.
- The playpen includes 1-year money-back guarantee
Cons
- It is not ideal for large dog breeds.
- The playpen is not as sturdy as metal playpens.
#7) IRIS Indoor & Outdoor Plastic Pet Pen
IRIS Indoor & Outdoor Plastic Pet Pen is a solid and sturdy pet pen that can be used indoor or outdoor. It is a quality puppy pen that is made in the US. The pen is designed to keep your pet safe and comfortable while providing him with enough space to play. It is made of durable heavy-duty molded plastic for durability and reliability.
The Plastic Pet Pen features an 8-panel construction that is solid and comes with non-skid rubber feet to protect your flooring. The panels interlock together securely with full-length connecting rods. It easily folds for quick and easy transportation it anywhere. The plastic material not only makes it lightweight but also makes it extremely easy to clean and disinfect. It comes in two sizes of either 4 or 8 panels and is available in different colors such as chocolate, white, green, blue, and chrome.
Pros
- It is made of heavy-duty molded plastic to ensure durability.
- The playpen is made in the United States.
- It has an 8-panel construction that features non-skid rubber feet to protect your flooring.
- IRIS Indoor & Outdoor Plastic Pet Penfolds quickly and easily for easy transportation.
- It features panels that interlock together securely with full-length connecting rods for safety and stability.
- The playpen is made of plastic material that makes it lightweight and also extremely easy to clean and disinfect.
- It is available in two sizes of either 4 or 8 panels to let you choose what suits you.
- The pet playpen comes in different colors such as chocolate, white, green, blue, and chrome.
#8) Precision Soft Side Play Pen Indoor
The Precision Soft Side Play Pen Indoor is a strong and sturdy playpen. It is an indoor exercise pen that is ideal for small and medium dog breeds. The indoor playpen is easy to unfold and fold for easy storage and transportation. It also comes with a carrying case for easy transportation.
The bottom panel is zipped to let you take it off and wash it as often as you wish. It is designed to provide your pet with a spacious and comfortable area to play. The Soft Side Play Pen is made of water-resistant materials which helps protect the playpen from damage if you have it set up outside temporarily. It is a highly durable and reliable playpen that is very easy to use.
Pros
- The soft-side playpen for dogs is sturdy and strong to ensure that your pet is safe.
- It is made of quality material to ensure durability.
- The pet playpen unfolds and folds quickly and easily for easy storage and easy use.
- It comes with a carrying case for easy transportation.
- The playpen includes a zipped bottom panel to let you take it off and wash it as often as you need.
- It is made of water-resistant material to keep your dog dry and warm when outdoor.
Cons
- It is not ideal for large dog breeds.
#9) BestPet Heavy Duty Pet Playpen Dog Outdoor
The BestPet Heavy Duty Pet Playpen is a well-designed outdoor playpen that is made to provide your pet with a safe and secure area to play. It is a heavy-duty playpen that will not be affected by the weather or elements. The pet playpen can be assembled as an octagonal, squared, or L –shaped.
The pet pen has an 8-panel construction that can be shaped differently without buying any extra parts. The 8th panel is the door that provides your pet with easy entrance and exit. Dog owners with multiple pets can buy two playpens and make a bigger space they need for pets.
Pros
- It is made of quality material to ensure durability.
- The pet playpen does not get affected by the weather or elements, making it a great outdoor playpen.
- It features an 8-panel construction that can be shaped differently as an octagonal, squared, or L –shaped without buying any extra parts.
- BestPet Heavy Duty Pet Playpen comes with a door for easy entry into the playpen.
- It provides your dog with ample space that is secure and comfortable to play.
#10) Parkland Foldable Playpen
Parkland Foldable Playpen is a lightweight playpen that is easy to set up and does not require any tools for assembling. It is designed to provide your pet with enough room for a dog blanket, toys, food, and water. The foldable playpen is easy to clean and maintain. It is an affordable playpen that is ideal for camping trips.
The playpen features a zipper on the top of the pen as well as a zipper door on the front to give the pet access to the pen easily. The playpen’s door can also be rolled up after being unzipped to prevent it from getting in the way of the pet when he wants to go in and out of the pen. It weighs 1.94 pounds, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor activities as well as traveling and camping.
Pros
- It is designed to provide your pet with enough room for a dog blanket, toys, food, and water.
- The playpen is easy to clean and maintain.
- It is an affordable playpen.
- The Parkland Foldable Playpen is very portable, making it ideal for traveling and camping.
- It comes with a zipper on the top of the pen as well as a zipper door on the front for quick and easy access.
- The pet pen is easy to assemble and does not require tools.
Cons
- The playpen is not water-resistant.
Conclusion
The safety of your dog is very important when shopping for the best dog playpen. Playpens vary in size, shape, and features they offer. It is important to ensure that the pen you buy meets all your dog’s needs. It should provide him with enough space to play and should also be comfortable.
The playpens we have reviewed are among the best playpens in the market. We hope that you have found the article to be useful and helpful. We would be glad to hear about your experience using any of the playpens we have reviewed.
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Dr. Candy, a holistic veterinarian and certified raw dog food nutrition specialist, graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2009 with a DVM and has since specialized in companion animal nutrition, advocating for species-specific diets. With a background in wildlife rehabilitation and oil spill response, she combines holistic health and conventional medicine in her unique approach to treating chronic diseases, allergies, and autoimmune conditions in pets. As the owner of a veterinary practice in Colorado and an author, Dr. Candy is dedicated to educating pet parents and improving the health and happiness of animals.