The best indoor dog gates of 2024

As much as we love our dogs following us around everywhere we go, sometimes it’s nice to have a little space (to any dogs reading this, we’re sorry, but it’s true). Indoor dog gates offer owners a chance to section off an area of the home for their best friends while still being able to monitor them. It not only keeps them off our tail, so to speak, but keeps them out of harm’s way and distances them from potential triggers like visitors or other pets.

Selecting the right dog gate

With so many dog gates on the market, choosing the right one for your home (and pup) can be tricky. Here’s a roundup of our favorites, taking into account durability, installation, and the types of environments they’re best suited for. Tap the links to learn more:

The best indoor dog gates reviewed

The benefits of indoor dog gates

Unsure if you even need a dog gate? You might not! It all depends on your pup and your home environment. Does your canine pal like to scavenge for dropped food in the kitchen or get into your cat’s food and litter? Do you worry your puppy is chewing up your furniture while you’re at your desk working or taking a shower? Maybe you don’t want to trip over your dog as they follow you like a shadow.

Dog gates will keep your best friend contained in a safe, comfortable, and appropriate area. Many pups actually feel more comfortable having a designated space in the home that is ‘theirs.’ Think of it like a bedroom for your pup!

👉 Want your pup to get some extra outdoor time? Take a look at our vet-recommended doggie doors.

Things to consider when purchasing an indoor dog gate

When shopping for the best dog gate for your home and pup, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

• Material and quality. Pet gates are made of wood, metal, plastic, or sometimes a combination. The material you choose may depend on your dog’s temperament or strength. For example, while wood accents have a higher-end look, they may encourage chewing.
• Security and durability. When purchasing an indoor gate, consider your dog’s size. Larger dogs or dogs with some spring in their step will need sturdier gates, while smaller dogs usually get by with something shorter and less durable. Height is also a consideration for breeds that can jump high like greyhounds or border collies.
• Placement. You also need to consider where you want to use your dog gate. Some gates can fit a variety of open spaces, while others only block off narrow halls or doorways. It’s important to measure the area you need to section off first — don’t just guess!

👉 It’s not recommended to use pet safety gates at the top of stairs or on banisters for pet and child safety reasons.

Types of indoor dog gates

Not all dog gates are the same. There are varying styles that come in different sizes and textures, each tailored for different owner needs:

• Freestanding dog gates. These gates don’t need to be attached to a wall or door frame, making them easy to move around. They can be adjusted to fit openings throughout your house and are good for traveling or leaving your dog with a sitter. These can sometimes be used to create a playpen area for your pet as well.
• Adjustable tension gates. Also called pressure-mounted gates, these are another popular option as a temporary barrier. They are fairly easy to install but can be more tedious than a freestanding gate if you move it from spot to spot in your house. These gates use a scratch-resistant pressure system against the wall or door frame for support rather than needing to be drilled in, so there’s less damage left behind when taken down.
• Wall-mounted gates. Perhaps the most tedious to install are wall-mounted dog gates. These are ideal for owners with a set area to keep their dog away from, like a kitchen or dining room. Because you’re drilling the plates into your wall, these tend to be very sturdy and accommodate dogs of all sizes.
• Walk-through dog gates. Perfect for when you don’t want to detach and reassemble a gate repeatedly, walk-through pet gates can be freestanding or mounted with a latched walk-thru gate. These allow household members to pass through the gate hands-free while keeping your pup confined. Some even come with small pet doors that you can leave open for smaller animals to come and go.
• Retractable dog gates. A retractable baby gate can double as a dog gate (or vice versa) and is an excellent option for those who want something that can disappear when not in use. These gates need to be permanently mounted to the wall for support, so they’re best to use when you don’t need to use a gate in multiple areas and plan to use it regularly.

While your dog may initially be annoyed at a gate keeping them from getting into mischief, they’ll ultimately benefit from these safe spaces where they can stay put and relax. Luckily, a wide variety of options are on the market to accommodate your unique home and pup!

Frequently asked questions

What dog gates work best for bigger breeds?

Large breed dogs benefit from sturdy, durable gates they can’t push through or jump over, such as pressure-mounted or wall-mounted gates that generally stay in one place in the home.

What are some good heavy pet gates?

Durable dog gates include the auto-close walk-thru dog gate by Cumbor and the Carlson home decor gate.

Are freestanding dog gates safe?

Freestanding dog gates are safe for pets that won’t try to topple them over to get through. As with any dog gate, do not insert them at the top of a stairwell because you risk injury.

Are dog gates worth it?

Dog gates benefit owners who need to keep their pups out of certain rooms of the home, either because it’s unsafe or where you store other pets’ food and belongings. They also give your dog a defined area of the home to consider “theirs.”

Do retractable pet gates work?

Retractable dog gates eliminate the need for storage space when you’re not using them because they simply fold up into themselves along the wall they’re mounted to.