Home Best Dog Gates in 2023 (Top 6) – Reviews & Buying Guide

Best Dog Gates in 2023 (Top 6) – Reviews & Buying Guide

Last Updated on January 3, 2023
Best Dog Gate Reviews

Every dog parent had the time in their life when they needed to prevent the pup from going somewhere in the house. Be it the puppy age when a young dog needs a safe space to play, or a party when you forced to protect your guests and your dog one from another. In great number of cases, an indoor dog gate is a permanent solution for householdings – for different reasons.

Dogs (and human babies too) have to be protected from accessing places where harmful elements are stored. If your pet is prone to get places and mess with things, you definitely should restrict him from the danger zones; and the dog gate is the easiest way to cope with it. 

Another popular reason to use the indoor gates is keeping something safe from pets, e.g. your bedroom if the dog is not allowed there, your working place, a Christmas tree, a kitchen and so on. Anything that can be damaged by your pet, especially when you’re away, should be protected, and from this article, you will know how to do it with a little effort. 

We reviewed more than 20 different dog gates to choose the most stable and convenient options. While doing this, we also considered versatility and customer feedback, so here are our top-rated gates for indoors.

Top-rated Dog Gates Comparison Table

Name
Material
Mounting
Size
Our Rating
Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru
Editor's Choice 2020 		metal pressure mount / hardware mount
  • width: 29-34 / 35-38.5''
  • height: 30''
4.9 out of 5 stars
Check price
Carlson Pet Products Lil’ Tuffy with Small Pet Door
- Best gate for small dogs 		metal pressure mount
  • width: 26-38''
  • height: 18''
4.5 out of 5 stars
Check price
Evenflo Soft and Wide Gate
- Best portable pet gate 		plastic frame & fabric pressure mount
  • width: 38-60''
  • height: 27''
4.5 out of 5 stars
Check price
Summer Infant Multi-Use Deco Extra Tall Walk-Thru Gate
- Best for the stairs 		metal pressure mount / hardware mount
  • width: 28.5-48''
  • height: 36''
4.8 out of 5 stars
Check price
Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate
- Best freestanding gate 		wood & metal wire not required
  • width: 39.8-71.3''
  • height: 20.1''
4.6 out of 5 stars
Check price
Regalo Super Wide Gate and Play Yard
- Most versatile pet gate 		steel wall mount
  • width: up to 192''
  • height: 28''
4.7 out of 5 stars
Check price

Pet Gates Individual Reviews in 2023

#1 Regalo Easy Step Walk Thru
– Our best dog gate choice

The Easy Step by Regalo is our favorite gate among many other. Technically, this is baby gate but it’s perfect for pets too. The model is 30 inch tall, that is suitable for most pups except the proficient jumpers. The gate fits the doorways that are 29-34 or 35-38.5 inches wide; the latter is due to 6-inch extension kit included to the package. Also, this pet gate comes with mounting kit and all that is needed for installation.

What we like about this product is that it has pressure mount design. It means, you won’t have to drill the walls, instead you’ll need just install the gate using 4 spindle rods and wall cups (included to the kit). No drilling tools to set up, no ugly holes in your walls, and removing is a breeze! Moreover, this gate can be installed using screws, in case you need a better security against big strong dog. It requires drilling but it’s reasonable if you have to restrain a rampant pup. The metal construction is durable enough to withstand a dog pushing it.  

The great feature of this gate is its swinging door with a latch that is easy to open and close with one hand. This latch is very convenient for humans because of freedom in operating and is impossible to open for pets because it requires the opposed thumb. Highly recommended!

Rundown

The Regalo Easy Step with Walk Thru feature provides all you need as a pet parent, safety and convenience for a reasonable price. This gate will act perfect in the doorway, hallway, and prior to stairway. The weak place is the doorways that are between 34 and 35 inches wide because they aren’t compatible with this gate.

  • Material: metal.
  • Mounting: pressure mount / hardware mount.
  • Size: 29-34 / 35-38.5” wide, 30” tall.

Our rating:
4.9 out of 5 stars (4.9 / 5)
Read Reviews on Amazon

#2 Carlson Pet Products Lil’ Tuffy with Small Pet Door
– Best gate for small dogs

Our number two choice is the Lil’ Tuffy Expandable Gate by Carlson Pet Products. This product is specified for pets not babies, unlike the previous one. What’s its main features? 

First, it is aimed for small dogs or puppies due to its size which is only 18 inches tall. It is come in handy for larger dogs as well but they have to be already trained to stay away from the boundaries designated by this gate. You can use this pet gate while training your pup, but not for restraining him. 

Second, this gate hasn’t door for humans; you will step over it easily because of its height. However, it can be difficult for older family members or disabled ones. Keep this in mind when making a choice. 

Next feature that can be useful for multi-pet household is the small pet door in this gate. It can be used by cats or smaller dogs if they are allowed, and restrain larger pups, for example. You can lock the small door if it’s not used.

This pet gate fits doorways up to 38 inches wide; it is also adjustable to any width from 26 inch to the maximum. Considering that it’s a pet product, it has non-toxic finish safe for chewers.

Rundown

Mini Tuffy pet gate is great for small dogs and puppies in training. It’s a quality product with sturdy metal construction and patented features. You can install in without tools in minutes, adjusting it to the doorway thanks to the patented Easy Fit Locking System. Not the option for large tricky dogs or family members with mobility issues.

  • Material: metal.
  • Mounting: pressure mount.
  • Size: 26-38” wide, 18” tall.

Our rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)
Read Reviews on Amazon

#3 Evenflo Soft and Wide Gate
– Best portable pet gate

The indoor gate by Evenflo is completely different from the ones above. It consists of two sturdy rods with and see-through fabric screen that marks the barrier. The rods have springs inside which allow to install them between two walls as easily as you do with shower curtain rod. Completely hassle-free installation, you just need to follow the instructions. 

The rods have rubber bumpers on the ends to protect walls; they also help to install this gate on the non-flat surface, like angles etc. 

This portable gate sets up in minutes, it is easy to store and take to trips. You can take it with you almost anywhere and do not worry about keeping your pup away from trouble. This gate is intended for wider spaces from 38 inches with ability to extend to 60 inches. 

Its downside may be the fabric screen between the rods. The material is sturdy enough to hold a baby under 24 months but the dog is another case. Your pup of any size and age most probably has claws and teeth, thus if he wants to rip through the gate, he’ll do it. Eventually, this pet/baby gate is good for trained or controlled dogs. 

Rundown

The classic pressure mounted gate for closing access to unwanted zones in the house. It has no walk through door, so you’ll need to step over the 27-inch tall thing or remove it every time. Luckily, the latter is a breeze, but still can be annoying if you had to do it often. Perfectly versatile for trips and occasional usage, though. 

  • Material: plastic frame and fabric.
  • Mounting: pressure mount.
  • Size: 38-60″ wide, 27″ tall.

Our rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)
Click to check the price

#4 Summer Infant Multi-Use Deco Extra Tall Walk-Thru Gate
– Best for top of the stairs security

This Multi-Use Deco Walk-Thru Gate is made for human babies but for fur babies, it is great as well. This product is the tallest on our list and it is one of the tallest on the market in general. It is 36 inches tall that is enough to prevent access almost for any medium dog and for many large pups too. 

The gate has convenient door in it, as in other similar products, you can open the lock with one hand. The door shuts after you automatically to let you even more convenience. It also has a hold-open door feature if you need it to be open for a while. 

The additional reason we like this gate is its extra safety. You can mount it even at the top of the stairs to protect your pets or toddlers from accessing it. In this case you’ll need to mount the gate with hardware –  then you will be sure this metal unit is strong enough to sustain the pushing. Only the sturdiest gates are recommended for the top of the stairway because if they collapse a child or a pet can get serious injuries falling down the steps, and it’s the one suitable for it. 

The Summer Infant Multi-Use Gate can be pressure-mounted too but not before stairs. Its width is adjustable and fits openings from 28.5 to 48 inches. There are four size options though, and you need to pick the size carefully before making a purchase.

Rundown

This is the safety gate for serious cases like preventing access to stairs or other danger zones. Be ready to drill your walls for secure installation, though. Additionally, it has multiple features, including extra tall size, to help protect kids or dogs from hurting themselves. The unit has nice beige coating and elegant lines to comply with traditional design. 

  • Material: metal.
  • Mounting: hardware mount / pressure mount.
  • Size: 28.5-48” wide, 36” tall.

Our rating:
4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5)
Read Reviews on Amazon

#5 Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate
– Best freestanding gate

Our next pick is the freestanding pet gate by Richell Wood. The main difference of this unit is that it’s designed to mark the areas allowed for pets, not to restrain them pushing. So, this is suitable for trained dogs only. Plus, the gate is not very tall to prevent jumping over it. 

What are the pros of this pet gate? It doesn’t require installation at all, because it designed to stand on its own. The base has rubber pegs to protect hardwood floors from scratching. 

This is quite massive unit due to its wooden frames; the weight helps it to stay in place even if the pup or baby tries to push it. On the other hand, an adult human can move it to go through without hassle. The freestanding pet gate is not connected to the walls, therefore, it’s more versatile in terms of mobility.  

What we’d like to mention about this product, is its extra width. It is adjustable and the maximum is 71,1 inches. Thanks to its construction, this gate can be used not only between walls but as a room divider in the large areas. Some customers buy several gates like this to connect them into one. They usually use it to keep pets or babies in the allowed zone of the house and restrict them from accessing the unallowed zone. 

Rundown

The Freestanding Pet Gate by Richell Wood is the quality product for marking the boundaries for your pets. However, your larger pup must be well-trained to not try to overcome such an unconvincing obstacle. Most dogs are savvy enough to understand they’re not allowed to get through the gate, so they won’t try (at least, when you’re beside them). The unit has elegant look and two color options that will complement most styles.

  • Material: wood and metal wire.
  • Mounting: not required (freestanding).
  • Size: 39.8-71.3” wide, 20.1” tall.

Our rating:
4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)
Read Reviews on Amazon

Bonus: Regalo Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard
– Most versatile pet gate

We have included this Super Wide baby gate by Regalo in this review because we really liked how it deals with problems some pet parents have. This adjustable gate is super wide, with its 8 foldable sections, it can be used almost anywhere. It has convenient walk through door with a latch, so you won’t have to jump over it or remove it from the doorway. 

This Regalo may be the thing not every pet owner needs but it comes in handy in case you need to fence a fireplace, a Christmas tree, a space around the entrance, or any other open area that you don’t want your pup to go. 

This metal gate is sturdy enough to be a traditional obstacle in the extra wide hallway or doorway; in this case you will need to mount it to the walls using the installation kit. Or this gate can be used as a playpen for puppies, with a no-fuss assembly. 

When it’s time to remove this gate (or playpen, if you use it this way), it can be folded flat for storage. So, if this product meets your needs, buy it without a doubt. It’s a top-quality multifunctional unit.  

Rundown

The extra wide safety gate by Regalo is one more product made for babies, that perfectly fits dogs and puppies. It is very convenient in use and storing, plus it offers multiple beneficial features for a large household.

  • Material: steel.
  • Mounting: wall mount.
  • Size: up to 192” wide, 28” tall.

Our rating:
4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)
Read Reviews on Amazon

Why Use a Dog Gate at Home?

  • You have places where you store potentially dangerous things (e.g. garage, basement, storeroom). Close the access to such places with strong pet gate.  
  • Those rooms where you don’t want your pup to mess with things should be closed too. For example, you will want to keep your dog away from your working papers or your bedroom, if the pup don’t allowed there, or walk-in closet, if the pup tends to chew on things. Opt for units with convenient walk-through door in this case.
  • When you’re planning a party or house works, think about how to protect your pup from lots of people (and vise versa). The gate also will help you to keep your dog away from dinner table and decorations. In case of house works, your dog won’t get trauma if you prevent him from accessing the involved area. You may use a lightweight portable gate for this purpose; most of them are easy to store folded.
  • If you have a young new puppy at home, it’s recommended to keep an eye on what he’s doing. Many pet parents prefer to get a dog playpen for a puppy. You can use a whole room as a playpen if you install the dog gate into the doorway. You can use the gate short enough to be able to step over it, till your puppy will try to jump over it.
  • Many multi-pet households may require to divide zones where every pet has its own space. You can fence the room with a cat litter box to avoid your dog from messing with it, as for instance. Also, toy breed pups can be allowed in the rooms where your larger frantic dogs are prohibited.
  • Use the pet gate for restraining tricky dogs or the ones with separation anxiety from the places they like to destroy while you’re out. If you opt for a sturdy metal unit with hardware-mount installation, it may be a solution. 
  • Some well-trained dogs need a reminder of boundaries in the house. They won’t try to push the obstacle even if they can ruin it. This is the task for freestanding gates for dogs. They are just for marking the no-go line for a well-behaved pup, not for withstanding the attacks.  
  • Finally, no matter what the reason of using pet gate is, remember, that it is much better to use a gate than to close a dog in the room with a solid door. You pup will see and hear you through the gare even being physically separated, so he won’t feel left alone and desperate. Dogs are social animals, they need to spend as much time with their humans as possible!

Final Thoughts

We all try to give our fur babies the best we can find. Their safety is one of the crucial thing to care about. Many pups, like human babies, are prone to go where they shouldn’t and do dangerous or inappropriate things. With indoor pet gates, it is easy to prevent such disasters. Choose one of the best ones from our list according to your needs and be sure that your pup is safe and sound. 

Try the Easy Step Walk Thru by Regalo if you want to limit your dog’s access through the doorway without loosing in conveniency. It is one of the sturdiest pet gates on the list along with Summer Infant Multi-Use Deco Gate which is also perfect to be installed on top of the stairs. Both gates can be wall-mounted with hardware or pressure-mounted without any tools. 

If you have several pets with different levels of access, try the Carlson Pet Products Lil’ Tuffy which is the only product designed specifically for pets. Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate and Regalo 192-Inch Super Wide Baby Gate provide versatile solutions for those who want to fence large areas in the house. You can find almost anything if you wish. Just read our detailed reviews and go on!

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