Skip to main content
A dog relaxing in his dog pen in the kitchen. Credit: IRIS USA, Inc.

The Best Dog Pens of 2024

Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.

A dog relaxing in his dog pen in the kitchen. Credit: IRIS USA, Inc.

Why trust Reviewed?

Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

Learn more about our product testing
Product image of Iris 34-Inch Exercise 8-Panel Pet Playpen

Iris 34-Inch Exercise 8-Panel Pet Playpen

Much like a child’s playpen, the Iris is made of commercial-grade plastic with eight interlocking panels secured with full-length connecting rods. Read More

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Convertible

Cons

  • Door is very small
  • One size only
Product image of MidWest Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen

MidWest Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen

Available in five different heights, MidWest’s dog pen offers 16 square feet of enclosed space. Read More

Pros

  • Option for built-in door
  • Extra large

Cons

  • Some report sharp edges
Product image of FXW Outdoor Dog Playpen

FXW Outdoor Dog Playpen

The option to expand the FXW from eight to a whopping 16 panels makes this a great option for yards of any size. Read More

Pros

  • Good for dogs of all sizes
  • Can adjust from 81 to 729 sq ft

Cons

  • A bit pricey
Product image of EliteField 2-Door Soft Pet Playpen

EliteField 2-Door Soft Pet Playpen

This one folds down from its full size into an easy-to-carry bag, making it a breeze to store or pack for a weekend trip. Read More

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Compact for travel
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • May tip because it’s one piece
  • Some have had zipper issues
Product image of Lucky Dog Uptown Outdoor Dog Kennel Playpen

Lucky Dog Uptown Outdoor Dog Kennel Playpen

The Lucky Dog offers a heavy-duty outdoor kennel with a UV-resistant, waterproof cover to protect your pooch from the elements. Read More

Pros

  • Heavy duty
  • Protective cover

Cons

  • No anchors included

Dog pens are a great way to introduce a new furry family member into your home without the worry that they’ll get into trouble the minute you take your eyes off them. Finding the best dog pen for your pup all depends on your and your dog’s needs. A place for dogs to feel safe, or a place where they’ll be sure to stay out of messes—there are a lot of different options for the best dog pens on the market.

Taking size, ease of setup, and whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor solution into consideration, we looked at some of the best dog pens and user reviews for different options. Whether you’re a new pet parent or just looking for new digs for your dog, we found some of the best options to make your life a little easier.

Product image of Iris 34-Inch Exercise 8-Panel Pet Playpen
Iris 34-Inch Exercise 8-Panel Pet Playpen

Much like a child’s playpen, the Iris dog pen is made of commercial-grade plastic with eight interlocking panels secured with full-length connecting rods. A hinged access door is closed by using double steel latches but may be short for some dogs as it sits at 15 by 20 inches.

This is the best dog pen if you’re looking to create a dedicated personal space for your dog inside your home. More rambunctious dogs and puppies might be able to jiggle the lock open or move the pen around, but many users find that the rubber feet help to deter that.

What’s nice about this indoor dog pen is that you don’t need to use all the pieces, meaning you could use one or just a couple of pieces to block off areas of your home just as easily as using the dog pen as a whole.

Pros

  • Lightweight

  • Convertible

Cons

  • Door is very small

  • One size only

Product image of MidWest Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen
MidWest Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen

Available in five different heights, MidWest’s dog pen offers 16 square feet of enclosed space. Eight ground anchors for outdoor use and four thumb snaps are included, and there’s no need to use tools, making this foldable metal option easy to assemble, and the manufacturer offers a one-year warranty.

This dog pen also has an option for a built-in door that also makes it accessible for dogs of various sizes, making getting your dog in and out a breeze, no matter their size. While most people like this product for a variety of uses, some do report having had sharp edges on their product, so you should closely inspect before use with your dog.

Pros

  • Option for built-in door

  • Extra large

Cons

  • Some report sharp edges

Product image of FXW Outdoor Dog Playpen
FXW Outdoor Dog Playpen

The option to expand the FXW dog pen from 8 to a whopping 16 panels makes this a great option for yards of any size, and the expandable 32- to 35-inch height makes this one of the best dog pens for both small and large dogs. The coated metal bar construction of this pen protects against rust due to outdoor elements, and the heavy-duty wire is chew-proof for even the most rambunctious puppies.

Panels for this pen can be constructed in a variety of configurations and are easy to set up. This FXW also includes ground stakes with metal rounded tops so that the pen stays sturdy and safe for your pet.

Like many traditional dog crates, the FXW dog pen folds down flat for storage when not in use.

Pros

  • Good for dogs of all sizes

  • Can adjust from 81 to 729 sq ft

Cons

  • A bit pricey

Product image of EliteField 2-Door Soft Pet Playpen
EliteField 2-Door Soft Pet Playpen

The EliteField soft dog pen comes in a variety of colors and sizes, making it easy to pick the size that best suits your pooch. This pen folds down from its full size into an easy-to-carry bag, making it a breeze to store or pack for a weekend trip.

This pen’s outside pockets make it easy to store other pet accessories like poop bags or leashes for easy access. In addition, the mesh windows ensure airflow no matter what the temperature may be outside. Locking zippers are included and make it so that your pet won’t succeed in any breakout attempts.

As pet parents, we love the fact that the EliteField dog pen includes a removable zip-off and washable floor mat and top cover, so there’s no need to worry about washing. We would choose this as more of an outdoor bedding dog pen option when camping, as opposed to a playpen. Due to the structure of this pen, it may tip if dogs bump or lean against its walls. The EliteField dog pen includes a two-year warranty with purchase, which offers peace of mind on any dog-friendly adventure.

Pros

  • Lightweight

  • Compact for travel

  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • May tip because it’s one piece

  • Some have had zipper issues

Product image of Lucky Dog Uptown Outdoor Dog Kennel Playpen
Lucky Dog Uptown Outdoor Dog Kennel Playpen

A great outdoor option, the Lucky Dog dog pen offers a heavy-duty outdoor kennel with a UV-resistant, waterproof cover to protect your pooch from the elements. Weighing 103 pounds, this isn’t a compact pen for travel but rather a permanent backyard option.

Made of welded steel, the Uptown model of this dog pen has raised legs, making it easy to sweep or hose out, and the pitched roof ensures that debris won’t gather on top. Pre-assembled modular panels make assembly easy; they can be connected quickly with hand-tightening clamps. For safety as well as security, it is recommended that you anchor the dog pen in your yard, but anchors are not included here.

Whether you’re fostering and need a spot for quarantining or looking for a permanent backyard solution, the Lucky Dog Uptown Outdoor Dog Kennel is one of the best dog pens to go with.

Pros

  • Heavy duty

  • Protective cover

Cons

  • No anchors included

Product image of Yaheetech Dog Playpen
Yaheetech Dog Playpen

Have you ever wanted to take your dog camping but felt worried about him or her running off somewhere in an unfamiliar area? If you don’t want to worry about your pup taking off on you while running into the RV for a sweatshirt, then consider getting the Yaheetech Dog Pen for all of your away-from-home adventures. This portable dog pen can be bought with up to 32 panels, meaning you can literally create a mini, fenced-in backyard for your dog. What’s more, it can be assembled in different shapes and sizes based on personal preference—add or subtract as many panels as you prefer. If you plan on using this dog pen at home, its rounded edges will also prevent your floor from getting scratched up.

When the door is closed, the latches will secure automatically. This dog pen has enough bar spacing that isn’t too far apart when your pup can escape. Reviewers find that this dog pen is easy to assemble. When you’re ready to break it down, it’s easy to fold up and put away for storage.

Pros

  • Great for camping

  • Versatile build

  • Affordable

Cons

  • Easy to assemble

  • A little flimsy

Product image of Frisco Wire Dog & Small Pet Exercise Pen
Frisco Wire Dog & Small Pet Exercise Pen

From rabbits to small dogs, the Fisco Wire Small Pet and Dog Pen keeps your pets safe and secure without limiting their play space. The doorway latches secure easily with double locks and an added safety clip. This dog pen even comes with metal anchors to keep it in place, making this a sturdy dog pen that reviewers seem to love.

The material of this dog pen is coated with an electro-coat finish, giving it good durability. When you are done with this dog pen or plan on taking it on a trip, it can easily be folded up for storage. What’s more, it comes with snap hooks that allow you to attach two of these dog pens together, which is ideal if you have multiple pups or want your dog to run around more freely.

Pros

  • Sturdy

  • Good quality

  • Secure

Cons

  • Not for large dogs

Product image of AmazonBasics Dog Pen
AmazonBasics Dog Pen

If you own a Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua, then this AmazonBasics dog pen is the perfect pick for your pup. This 24-inch dog pen can fit pets up to 16 inches tall and can be designed as a circle, square, or rectangle, depending on the area you’re putting it in. The rust-proof ion wire gives this dog pen some durability as well.

This dog pen includes two locking slide-bolt door latches, eight panels that can connect with thumb clips and eight anchors for the ground to secure it outside. Reviewers do say that it is pretty flimsy once assembled, though.

Pros

  • Affordable

  • Durable

  • Different shape options

Cons

  • Flimsy

  • Heavy

What You Should Know About the Best Dog Pens

Should I Put My Dog in a Dog Pen?

Dog pens can be a great solution for many puppy and dog owners. Not only do the right dog pens give your dog a safe space to play, but they also prevent curious puppies from chewing and destroying your belongings. In addition, since most dog pens are travel-friendly, they allow you to bring your dog outside while simultaneously keeping them in a secure spot while you are doing other things.

Dog pens are also great for anxious dogs since they allow your dogs to be near you, safely, wherever you go. If you must leave your puppy or older dog unattended for any reason, you can rest assured that they won’t get into anything they aren’t supposed to.

Is a Dog Pen Better Than a Crate?

You may be torn between buying a dog pen or a dog crate. The main difference between them is that a dog pen is usually bigger and doesn’t include a top, while a dog crate is typically a small square box, almost like a cage. If you plan on investing in a dog pen, be sure that it is tall enough so your puppy can’t get out of it.

Dog pens are ideal if you plan on leaving your pup in there for more than a few hours since it is spacious. Dog pens are also ideal for limiting their access around your home and allowing you to do other things without needing to watch over your dog 24/7.

Dog crates are better for shorter periods of time, such as for house training purposes. In addition, dog crates can be used as your dog’s overnight sleeping space since dogs do not move around much at night time anyway.

Consider why you want to buy a dog pen or dog crate and how it will be used to determine which will best suit your dog. When in doubt, you could always get both to have options.

Can You Leave a Dog in a Dog Pen?

It is completely safe and reasonable to leave your dog in a dog pen for more than a few hours since they are still able to move around easily and play. You can also ensure that your dog is happy in their pen by investing in one that provides an optimal amount of space.

Meet the writer

Ceara Perez-Murphy

Ceara Perez-Murphy

Staff Writer

@

Ceara Perez-Murphy is a staff writer at Reviewed. In her free time she likes trying out new recipes in the kitchen, exploring new restaurants and spending time outdoors with her dogs.

See all of Ceara Perez-Murphy's reviews

Checking our work.

Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.

Shoot us an email

Up next