Blog

Oct 14, 2024

The Best Dog Gates 2024 - Forbes Vetted

Choosing the right dog gate is about more than just creating boundaries between your pet and different spaces of your house. It’s also necessary for ensuring the safety and happiness of your furry

Choosing the right dog gate is about more than just creating boundaries between your pet and different spaces of your house. It’s also necessary for ensuring the safety and happiness of your furry family member. The best dog gates, like our list of best dog crates, serve multiple purposes: They keep pups away from potential hazards, ease interactions with house guests and help manage your pet’s environment. Also, a good gate balances visibility and security, allowing you to keep an eye on your pooch without making them feel isolated. Our top choice is the MyPet Windsor Arch Pet Gate, which can easily integrate into homes with multiple dogs, high foot traffic and plenty of visitors.

The best dog gates create safe boundaries between potential hazards or rooms that are off-limits.

Dog gates should be functional, sturdy and work with the aesthetics of a room. The best dog gates are also designed to be wall-friendly, meaning there’s no damage after installation.

As Dr. Stacy Choczynski Johnson, DVM points out, figuring out what dog gate is best depends on your specific needs and your pet's behavior. Whether you're seeking a retractable option for temporary barriers, a wallet-friendly option that won’t break the bank, a freestanding gate for designated dog zones or a heavy-duty design for larger breeds, we've covered all the bases. Below, find our picks for the best dog gates to suit a variety of spaces and preferences.

Chewy

Having personally used the MyPet Windsor Arch Pet Gate for more than three years, I can confidently place it at the top of our list as the best overall dog gate. Its winning combination of style, functionality and ease of use sets it apart from the rest.

Designed to fit a range of door widths from 28.25 to 38.25 inches and standing at 28.5 inches tall, this gate is versatile enough for most household spaces. Its heavy-duty metal construction ensures durability, while the matte bronze finish helps maintain the aesthetics of any room. The gate is a breeze to set up and take down, requiring no drilling or wall damage thanks to its pressure-mount design.

The door swings both ways and it features a reliable auto-close function, which can be a game-changer for busy pet owners in a high-traffic home. Its triple locking system adds an extra layer of security, so you’ll have peace of mind that your furry family members are safely contained when you’re not around. Plus, the hold-open door feature is perfect for days when you’ve (literally) got your hands full which is a huge plus.

Pros:

Cons:

Amazon

The Regalo Easy-Step Walk-Thru Baby Gate, a top-rated choice among baby gates, also makes an excellent barrier for dogs. Priced at a wallet-friendly $34.99 on sale (originally $44.99), this gate proves that you don't have to compromise on quality for a lower price tag.

Perfect for a variety of openings, it expands to fit spaces up to 38.5 inches, while standing 30 inches tall. The gate’s pressure-mount design makes it easy to set up (customers praise the simple directions). One buyer says she was able to install it solo in under three minutes!

Structurally, the Regalo gate is built for durability and practicality. Its all-steel construction promises long-lasting use, while the included extension kit adds to its versatility for use in doorways, hallways and at the bottom of stairs. It’s easily removable as well.

Pros:

Cons:

Amazon

The Cumbor Auto-Close Pet Gate earns its title as the best walk-thru dog gate thanks to its thoughtful design that suits both babies and pets. With a height of 30.5 inches and an adjustable width ranging from 29.7 to 46 inches, it's an ideal fit for most doorways.

Beyond its convenience, this gate is a fortress of safety. The double-lock safety release is designed to remain secure against clever pets, thwarting even the most determined escape artists. Built to last, the gate's steel construction can withstand impacts up to 150 pounds, making it a reliable barrier even for larger dog breeds. Thousands of customer reviews convey their appreciation for this gate’s durability.

Pet parents say the installation process is refreshingly simple compared to similar gates, taking just five minutes to set up. The gate has both pressure and hardware mounting options, offering homeowners options for different wall types and preferences. Whether you opt for a temporary setup or a more permanent solution, the Cumbor gate is equipped to handle it all.

Pros:

Cons:

Amazon

The LZRS Solid Hardwood Freestanding Pet Gate stands out for its convenient and flexible design. Unlike other popular options that may require some form of installation, this version is ready to use right out of the box.

This freestanding gate offers unparalleled portability, making it perfect for dog owners who are always on the go. It also folds down easily, ideal for both storage and travel with your pup. Pet parents rave about its high-quality, solid wood construction, emphasizing its value for the price.

Whether you need a 24-inch or a 32-inch height, this gate has got you covered, catering to different breeds and sizes. As a bonus, it's also available in various colors.

Pros:

Cons:

Amazon

When it comes to the best dog gates for stairs, safety is the top priority. It's not just about finding a gate that fits—it's about choosing one that works seamlessly for daily use while keeping your furry friend safe. The Cardinal Gates SS-30 Stairway Special offers top-notch security and user-friendliness. Ideal for top-of-stairs installations, its wall-mounted design offers both sturdiness peace of mind.

This gate is designed to fit a range of spaces from 27 to 42.5 inches wide, so it's useful for most stairways. Featuring a latch system that's easy for adults but secure against curious pets, the door opens in both directions. An added safety bonus is the optional stop bracket, which prevents the gate from swinging over the stairs. Its ability to be mounted at various angles is especially ideal for unconventional spaces.

Consumers with pets praise the Cardinal SS-30 as a thoughtful, well-designed piece that works with the aesthetics of a home while prioritizing the safety pets. It manages to strike a balance between functionality and design, making it a valuable addition to any dog-friendly household.

Pros:

Cons:

Amazon

Retractable, sturdy and surprisingly user-friendly, the Cumbor Retractable Mesh Dog Gate is a versatile pick for homes balancing the needs of pets and practicality. It stretches up to 55 inches, so will work in narrow doorways or room entrances that run wider (like on a porch). When it’s not needed, it rolls right up, transforming your space back to a dog-free zone in seconds.

The mesh material is gentle, reducing the chances of any pet playtime mishaps. As Dr. Stacy notes, it’s important to minimize injury risks in active households. Plus, with no bottom rail, it's a trip-free zone for any home.

The top knob lock, simple for humans but impossible for pets, ensures that your furry family members stay where they need to be, while still allowing easy access for everyone else.

Pros:

Cons:

Chewy

For those with smaller canine companions, finding the right gate can be a challenge. The MYPET North States Wire Mesh Dog Gate is a winner for owners of small to medium-sized dogs, balancing safety with convenience. It's built to last, super easy to set up and thoughtfully designed to boot.

This gate arrives fully assembled—dog parents say setup is a breeze. Just extend it to fit spaces between 26.5 and 42 inches wide and press it in place. Its 23-inch height is perfect for smaller dogs, allowing you to keep them contained.

The gate features a sturdy wood frame that feels durable and looks unassuming. As recommended by Dr. Stacy, the wire mesh design prevents small heads or paws from getting stuck, which is a consideration for stressed or active pets. Overall, the gate is rigid enough to stand up to a small and curious pup but gentle enough to avoid injuries.

Pros:

Cons:

Amazon

When larger breeds are part of the household, containing them without restricting their comfort becomes a priority. The Carlson Extra-Tall Walk-Through Pet Gate is a sturdy solution that stands up to the challenge. At 30 inches tall and crafted entirely of steel, it's perfectly scaled for bigger dogs, ensuring they stay safe and sound in designated areas of your home.

This adaptable gate fits openings from 29 to 36.5 inches wide, suitable for most doorways and staircases. Pet parents love the pressure-mount design that’s simple to set up and easy on walls.

But it's not just about keeping the big dogs in—the Carlson gate also considers your smaller furry friends. The built-in, small-pet door—just 8 x 8 inches—allows cats to pass through freely, offering a clever solution to the dynamics of a multi-pet home.

Pros:

Cons:

Amazon

For furry escape artists who love a challenge, the Toddleroo by North States Baby Gate for Stairs is your fortress. This isn't just any heavy-duty dog gate, it's a wall-mounted steel champion, designed to keep even the most energetic and anxious pets safely contained.

This gate is tailored for openings from 28.68 to 47.85 inches wide, making it versatile for various areas in your home. The one-hand operation mechanism is a breeze for humans, and you can push or pull the door to open. The bars, spaced less than three inches apart, strike the ideal balance for safety, says Dr. Stacy. They are close enough to prevent adventurous heads and paws from getting stuck, but offer enough visibility to keep your pet calm and comfortable.

Pros:

Cons:

Amazon

For pet owners who want both style and flexibility, the Carlson Pet Products Freestanding Extra Wide Pet Gate is our top choice. A movable barrier? Check. No hassle of installation? Check. Stylish pine wood complemented by black steel bars? Check!

This gate is not just a barrier, it's a piece of home decor. It's freestanding, which means you can set it up or move it around with ease—no drills, no fuss. The fence-like construction offers safety without sacrificing visibility, as recommended by Dr. Stacy.

Standing at 28 inches tall, it's an effective gate for medium and large dogs, while still being low enough for most adults to step over comfortably. It also expands from 41 to 70 inches wide, allowing it to fit in various spaces around your home, like a wide hallway or door frame.

Pros:

Cons:

At Forbes Vetted, we're committed to providing you with reliable and well-researched recommendations for all your pet needs. For our guide on the best dog gates, we've dedicated countless hours to researching various products, analyzing customer reviews and researching the latest innovations in pet safety.

Our team is made up of dedicated pet owners who have real-world experience with many of the products listed. This ensures that our recommendations are practical, trustworthy and tailored to consumer needs. We also enlisted the expertise of Dr. Stacy Choczynski Johnson, DVM, a veterinarian with 12 years of clinical experience and over 20 years of experience working with animals ranging from kittens to beluga whales. Her insights on pet behavior and safety were instrumental in shaping our selections.

In compiling our list of the best dog gates, we blended expert advice, personal testing and customer feedback. Consulting with Dr. Stacy Choczynski Johnson, DVM, was a pivotal part of our reporting process. Her expertise in pet behavior and safety helped us understand the essential features a dog gate should have, including durability, ease of use and safety aspects like appropriate slat spacing to prevent injuries.

I also personally tested our top recommendation in our own home, experiencing firsthand its durability and functionality. This gate has been used daily and tested with multiple breeds of dogs across various life stages, from puppies to adult dogs. This hands-on experience provided a clear understanding of what makes a gate effective in various real-life scenarios. Of course, at Forbes Vetted, we trust the recommendations of other pet parents as well. That’s why we considered customer reviews, focusing only on products that received predominantly 5-star ratings. This customer feedback was crucial in gauging the real-world effectiveness, ease of installation and long-term reliability of each gate.

By combining professional veterinary advice, personal testing, and the real-life experiences of dog owners, we've curated a list of the best dog gates that are not only theoretically sound but also proven to be effective and reliable in everyday use.

Choose the size and adjustability of a dog gate based on your personal situation. If your dog is a jumper or stands extra-tall, you'll want a gate that's high enough to keep them safe and contained. It’s also important to measure your doorway and check the specs on the gate, so you know it’s wide enough to fit the intended space. Adjustable gates are particularly useful as they can fit a variety of door widths and spaces.

The material of the dog gate is another important consideration, as it affects both its durability and how it fits into the style of your home. These days, customers can choose from options like sturdy metal, classic wood or even sleek mesh. Metal gates are generally more durable and suitable for stronger and larger dogs, while wood and mesh gates can be more visually appealing and get the job done for smaller or less active pets. It's important to choose a material that not only suits your pet's needs but also blends well with your home.

The way you install the dog gate will play a big part in its long-term stability. Freestanding gates are great for their portability and require no installation, making them a good option for pet parents who want to contain their dog in different areas of the house. Pressure-mounted gates are easy to install without tools, don’t leave marks and are typically suitable for most dogs. For the highest level of stability, especially near stairs, wall or hardware-mounted gates are the most secure option. Dog owners with very large or active pups should consider these for making their gate a more permanent solution.

Safety is perhaps the most important factor in choosing a dog gate. Look for gates with secure locking mechanisms that are easy for humans to operate but difficult for pets to manipulate. Avoid sharp edges and small parts, and make sure the spacing between bars or mesh is appropriate for your pet's size to prevent them from getting their head or paws stuck.

Consider the gate's visibility for both you and your dog. Some pups may feel more comfortable being able to see through the gate. Gates with bars or transparent mesh allow for visibility and interaction, which can be reassuring for both dogs and their owners. The choice depends on your pet's behavior and how much you want to interact with them when the gate is closed.

Is the gate easy to use? It should be as simple as that. You don’t want a dog gate that’s a pain to open and close, especially if you'll be passing through it frequently. Look for a gate that's easy to operate, and consider additional features like an auto-close and dual-swing door.