The best dog playpen doesn’t seem like an important addition to your list of canine essentials, until you discover your perfectly manicured turf grass decimated by your puppy’s claws.

On a bad day, your exquisite, expensive woodwork can be at the receiving end of your pet’s energy expending needs.

A playpen keeps them contained.  It gives them a limited but sufficient space to play around, keeping your furniture and lawn safe from potential damage.

Despite being one of the simplest pet products, playpens are available in a mind-boggling variety of designs, sizes and configurations.

Here’s some help.

Best Dog Playpens

Image	Dog Playpens	Rating
	1. MidWest Homes for Pets Foldable Metal Exercise Pen / Pet Playpen	99%
	2. IRIS Exercise Panel Pet Playpen with Door	96%
	3. ESK COLLECTION Blue 45" Pet Puppy Dog Playpen Exercise Pen Kennel	93%
	4. Pet Trex 8 Panel Pen Exercise Playpen for Dogs with High Panel and Gate	89%
	5. EliteField 2-Door Soft Pet Playpen	85%

Here are the other models we considered in our dog playpen reviews:

6. Hepeng Pet Playpen Tent Kennel

The Hepeng Pet Carrier and Kennel takes just moments to open and is constructed of durable material. This case is lightweight, waterproof and breathable. Set up is easy and takes seconds.

• Easy assembly; takes only seconds to set up.
• High-quality Oxford coated denier material that is waterproof and breathable.
• Comes with carrying case and collapsible pet bowl.

7. Paws & Pals Wire Pen Dog Fence Playpen

This playpen is available in three heights, 20″, 32″ and 40,” while all pen gates are 30 feet square feet. The Paws and Pals dog fence is very durable and is constructed from rust free material. The folding metal fence features easy set up and collapses quickly when ready to put away.

• Customize your height; pen is roomy with 30 square feet.
• Safe edges prevent your pet from being injured on a sharp corner.
• Easy set up and take down requires no tools.

8. Parkland Pet Portable Foldable Playpen

The Parkland Pet Playpen sets up in seconds and is portable. A zipper on the top provides easy access. Made of durable material, this small playpen is appropriate for indoor or outdoor use.

• Simple set up; takes only seconds to pop open and shape the playpen.
• Extremely lightweight and ideal for travel.
• Zipper on the top allows or quick and easy access.

9. PicassoTiles PET4FUN Portable Pet Puppy Dog Cat Animal Playpen Yard

Available in three sizes and five different colors, the PicassoTiles playpen is customizable to your pet and your preferences. There are four entries for easy access. A special mesh cover provides continual air flow.

• 4 zippered entries with velcro with easy access and easy closure.
• Includes steel wire mesh panels to maximize visibility and air flow.
• Includes a travel bag for extra portability.

10. IRIS Pet Playpen with Door

The IRIS four sided playpen can be customized in different colors. It is made of durable material, and provides eight feet of play space. Additional panels may be purchased to create a larger play space.

• Made of durable, recycled material, the IRIS playpen comes in multiple colors.
• The playpen measures 35.6″W x 35.6″W x 23.6″H. Each panel measures 33.6”W x 1.5”D x 23.6”H
• The IRIS playpen allows for 8 square feet of play.

11. Furhaven Pet Playpen

The Furhaven is an indoor and outdoor play pen. Made of mesh material, it provides breathability and air flow. The Furhaven Pet Playpen comes in three colors: grey, hunter green and sailor blue.

• Easy to store and easy to open; the Furhaven can be assembled in seconds.
• Easy to clean material.
• Secure and comfortable, Furhaven Pet Playpen comes in three colors.

12. EXPAWLORER Portable Puppy Playpen

The EXPAWLORER Portable Playpen is breathable and portable for your and your pet’s comfort. No assembly required, this playpen pops open in seconds and is easy to store and carry. Teh EXPAWLORER comes in two colors: pink and brown

• No assembly required and easy storage in seconds.
• Despite portability, the EXPAWLORER has roomy dimensions 16″ high, 26″ in diameter.
• The mesh material is easy to carry and lightweight; can be stored virtually anywhere.

13. Pet Trex Playpen Hogh Panels for Dogs

• Customize to two sizes for small or larger dogs, both include eight panels for roomy experience.
• Secure double latch access keeps your pet secure.
• Durable, electro-coat finish is rust-proof for indoor and outdoor use.

14. ABO Gear Dog Playpen

The ABO Gear Dog Playpen offers a spacious experience with 36″ in diameter and 23″ in height. The open mesh sides allow for maximum airflow. Appropriate for indoor or outdoor use, the ABO Gear Dog Playpen is easy to clean.

• Easy to install, eight panel design.
• Durable, waterproof material is easy to clean and wash.
• Pop up assembly installs in seconds.

15. ZENY 31” W x 24” H Foldable Metal Exercise Pen & Pet Playpen

This large, sturdy playpen features 16 panels that can house multiple pets. The durable, rust proof material allows for indoor, as well as outdoor use. The ZENY playpen is easy to assemble and requires no tools.

• The ZENY panel contains 16 rust proof panels for maximum space.
• Easy fold down design makes set up simple and tool-free and disassembly and storage very simple.
• The ZENY pet playpen features 66.52 square feet of enclosed area for pets.

16. Tespo Pet Playpen

Easy to assemble with the extra security of cable ties, the Tespo Pet Playpen offers space for your pet to explore. Anti-slip pieces prevent the locks from sliding to the floor. Provides a maximum of 20 square feet with customizable design.

• Easy to assemble with illustrated instructions and cable tie security.
• Design allows for personal customization of over 20 square feet.
• Create foldable fences and doors with included anti-slip design.

17. EliteField 2-Door Soft Pet Playpen

With eight different designs and eight sizes, the EliteField 2-Door Soft Pet Playpen is totally customizable. Two doors provide easy access, both can be locked for security. It also features a washable floor mat .

• Two doors provides easy access and locks for extra security.
• Lightweight, washable material provides easy assembly.
• Totally customizable in eight colors and eight sizes .

Eight rust proof panels connect to create 16 square feet of playspace. Customizable of five different heights, the AmazonBasics Pet Playpen can come with a door or no door. Sets up in seconds and very easy to store.

• The AmazonBasics Pet Playpen is customizable in five different heights.
• Easy set up with no tools required; collapses for easy storage.
• Includes 8 ground anchors for extra stability during outdoor use.

19. North States MyPet Indoor/Outdoor Petyard

• Lockable door made of durable plastic.
• Portable, lightweight and easy to assemble and store.
• Skid resistant pads make it safe for floors.

20. Pawdle Deluxe Premium Foldable Portable Traveling Exercise Pet Playpen

The Pawdle Deluxe Portable Playpen assembles in seconds and is extremely lightweight. Made of durable materials with reinforced stitching, the Pawdle Deluxe comes in three colors: red, blue and green. Additional storage pockets allow you to store treats, bags, etc.

• High-quality materials with reinforced stitching provides extra durability.
• Washable material is appropriate for indoor and outdoor use.
• Extra material, stakes and carrying case is included.

21. Yaheetech Heavy Duty Foldable Metal Pet Dog Playpen

With 16 panels at customizable heights, the Taheetech Playpen allows for maximum space. Extremely durable, rust proof material is easy to fold, store and set up! A door latch makes for easy entrance and exit.

• 16 panels allow for multiple configurations to fit desired space.
• Easy to assemble, no tools required. Also easy to disassemble and store.
• Constructed of premium iron powder coated panels and stakes for maximum durability.

22. BestPet Pet Playpen 8 Panel Indoor Outdoor Folding Metal Protable Puppy Exercise Pen

The BestPet playpen comes in three heights and two different styles. Constructed of heavy duty, rust-proof material, the Best Pet Playpen is durable enough to use outside. This playpen is lightweight and collapses easily for storage.

• Assemble and change the shape of the playpen without tools
• Heavy duty material is suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
• Portable, lightweight and easy to store.

23. AmazonBasics 8-Panel Plastic Pet Pen

This AmazonBasics 8 panel playpen can be customized into four different colors. Constructed of heavy duty industrial plastic, the AmazonBasics can be used indoors and outdoors. This playpen also includes a lockable gate.

• Heavy duty plastic is also lightweight and easy to store.
• The AmazonBasics has a hinged, lockable gate.
• Modular locking panels allow you to customize the shape and size.

24. HORING Dog playpens

With three sizes and 9 colors, the HORNIG Dog playpen can be customized to design preference. The easy to assemble playpen folds down to one panel for easy storage. The HORING Dog playpen is machine washable.

• Machine washable for easy cleaning.
• Assembles in seconds and stores down to a single, thin panel.
• Multiple colors allow for complete customization.

25. MAGINELS Pet Playpen

This modular system is made of either wire or transparent material. High quality steel allows for sturdy design. Multi-angle connectors make it easy to assemble.

• High-quality steel panels and resistant plastic connectors add to extra durability.
• Provides 28 square feet of space for play.
• Cable ties and anti-slip technology keeps playpen firmly connected.

26. Rackaphile Small Dog Playpen

The built-in hinged, flip down door provides easy access for your pet. This 8-panel design is idea for smaller dogs. The Rackaphile can be expanded for more space.

• Durable and sturdy, fashioned with small connectors it takes only minutes to install
• The powder-coated steel wire panels withstand years of use.
• Easy to customized into preferred shape and design.

27. Etna Pet Puppy Dog Playpen

Enclosure or small puppies; the top zipper provides easy access. The Etna Puppy Playpen is portable and lightweight. Easy to store and great for travel!

• Top zipper for easy enclosure.
• Ideal for small dogs or puppies.
• Machine washable.

28. X-ZONE PET 45″ Portable Foldable Pet Dog Cat Playpen

With three different colors, the X-ZONE PET playpen can be assembled in seconds. Locking zippers provide extra security. The top cover and bottom are easily removed for easy washing.

• Easy to assemble; opens up in seconds.
• Top and bottom panels are removable for machine washing.
• Locking zippers provide extra security.

29. Zampa Portable Foldable Pet playpen

This stylist, 8-panel portable playpen is customizable in four colors and provides a roomy interior. The playpen comes in three sizes: small, medium and large. For indoor or outdoor use, the Zampa portable playpen also comes with ground stakes for extra stability.

• Customize to three different sizes: small ,medium and large.
• Pop open and assembles in seconds.
• Mesh top provides air flow and breathability.

30. Adley Premium Pet Playpen

Extremely high-quality material provides extra durability. Lightweight and easy to store, this playpen assembles in seconds. Side pockets provide extra storage space for treats.

• High-quality, durable material that also provides air flow and breathability.
• Lightweight and easy to store. Assembles in seconds.
• Pet Playpen comes in two sizes, medium and large.

31. SKA Products Portable Puppy Pet Playpen

45″ wide and 24″ high, the SKA Portable Puppy Playpen comes in 8 different colors. Easy to assemble, the SKA Portable Playpen comes with a carrying case. Mesh windows provide visibility and air flow.

• This playpen includes a removable with water resistant floor and a zip off mesh skylight.
• Easy to assemble and collapsible for easy storage.
• With 8 different styles, the SKA Products includes a matching carrying case.

32. Petsfit Pop Up Dog Playpen

With two doors and a zip off top for easy access, the Petsfit Pop Up provides durable and spacious playtime. Small side pockets store extra goods in the Petsfit Pop Up. 8 mesh windows provide extra breathability.

• The Petsfit can be folded flat and held in a carrying case. The folded size 21″LX18W” x 2″ H.
• Easy assembly, no tools required.
• Reinforced zippers and fabric sides provide durability.

The waterproof bottom in the A4Pet Headquarters is removable and washable. Set up takes seconds; collapses in seconds for easy storage. Constructed of durable nylon, this playpen works both indoors and out.

• Easy to clean, waterproof bottom.
• No assembly required; pops up in seconds.
• Removable top and bottom for maximum airflow.

36. Jespet Pet Dog Playpens

With two doors for convenient access inside and out and mesh panels, the Jespet Pet Dog Playpen provides open ventilation. Two side storage doors provide places to store a leash and treats. Easy to assemble and disassemble, the Jespet Pet Playpen is extremely lightweight.

• The Jespet comes in two sizes and three colors.
• 8 panels constructed of mesh provide ultimate ventilation.
• Sturdy zippers, reinforced corners and washable fabric make the Jespet suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

37. MidWest Homes For Pets Puppy Playpen with Floor Grid

With a unique, two story design, the Midwest Homes for Pet playpen provides opportunities for multiple dogs, which can be expanded for more room. The playpen folds flat, which makes storage simple. Two side doors provide easy access.

• The Midwest Home comes in three sizes: small, medium and large.
• Side bolt latches provide extra security.
• Black electro-coat finish provides durability suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

38. Petego Umbra Pet Portable Dog Tent

The Petego Umbra Pet Portable dog tent is a multifunctional playspace that provides a small room and containment for your pet. This play place is easy to assemble, waterproof, and also contains a tent over the space for extra weather proofing. The Petego includes a carrying case and can be installed or stored in seconds.

• Large mesh windows provide extra ventilation; umbrella provides extra weatherproofing.
• The Petego pops open in seconds and is easy to assemble and disassemble for easy storage.
• Carrying care included for clean, comfortable storage.

Best Dog Playpen Buying Guide

Getting a dog playpen is the perfect way to give your dog some exercise without the danger of him or her running out into the street, as well as the perfect way to give them their own space indoors.

But choosing the best pet playpen can be pretty difficult.

That’s why we have created this buying guide. This guide will help you decide what kind is best for you and your dog. Let’s get started.

Things to consider

As we said earlier, the purpose of a playpen is very simple. To keep your dog or your puppy safe and secure inside the play area. However, the reasons for buying vary from one dog parent to the other. And therein lies the difference.

The intended use: What is the intended use of the playpen? Do you want a durable playpen that can be installed in the lawn giving your dog ample room to play? Then you might want to check out the hardwire metal dog exercise pen from Midwest. It gives your dog a 16-square feet play area and is best suited for outdoor use. For indoor use or for potty training, even the soft playpens from Esk and Elitefield will do fine.

The size of your pet: Always consider the size of the pet before selecting a playpen. You want the pet to have ample room for rest and play. But it is also important to select playpens that they cannot break out of. With puppies, consider the possibility that your puppy might outgrow the play pen in a few months.

Material: While metal is the most desirable playpen material for obvious reasons, it is not always a prerequisite. Plastic playpens like the IRIS Exercise Panel Pet Playpen are cheaper and are equally durable. Mesh playpens are best suited for puppies and well-behaved small breed dogs. If your dog is a certified chewer, then it might not be the best of options at hand.

Roof: Not all playpens have a roof. But not all pet parents look for playpens with a roof. For outdoor use, playpens like the Midwest foldable or the Pet Trex 8 panel roof-less ones work best. If you feel that the puppy might pole vault their way out, look for a playpen with a roof.

Price: Last but not the least, always consider the price as the least important variable. If you try to cut corners with the price, you might end up with a cheaply made gimcrack that your puppy will destroy in no time. Having said that, we have included some good quality playpen for dogs at prices that don’t break the bank. Hope that one of these works for you.

Size

The size of your playpen will depend upon several factors. One of the major ones things to consider is what breed of dog you own.

Large Breeds

Larger breeds are obviously going to be the most expensive and difficult when it comes to an exercise playpen for dogs. That’s because they need a whole lot more space than the smallest breeds. Large dog breeds like the Great Dane, Newfoundland, Neapolitan Mastiff or English Mastiff are going to need a much bigger large dog playpen with top because they can easily jump over most of the ones that are out there.

Medium Breeds

With medium breeds, such as Border Collies, German Shepherds, Labs, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters and Beagles, you can go with an average-sized outdoor playpen. Generally, playpens are designed with medium dogs in mind, although some of them actually specify what size of dog works best with that particular playpen.

Small Breeds

Small breeds are the easiest to accommodate. They don’t need nearly as much space to run around and you can get away with a fairly inexpensive outdoor playpen and still give them plenty of space and include room for them to eat. You may want to utilize a tool like dog activity monitors that will let you know whether your dog is on the move and getting enough exercise in their pen or whether you need to expand it and give them some more space. But almost any outdoor kennel out there will work for smaller breeds like the bichon frise, Chihuahua, poodle, Pomeranian, Terriers or toy dogs.

Indoors vs. Outdoor

You will have to determine whether your playpen is going to be an outdoor playpen or an inside playpen. Some playpens may even work well as both if they are easily collapsible and transportable. There are plenty of folding playpens that can be set up in literally seconds and then moved indoors or outdoors when needed.

Material

The material that you choose for your playpen for dogs is also important. There are three main materials that these dog playpens are made out of.

Metal

Metal playpens are more expensive than the other materials out there, but they are also more durable. A metal playpen is going to last you for a long time. However, you also want to make sure that you choose the right kind of metal. If you have a steel playpen that has the ability to rust, and you leave it out in the rain, then it is going to look ugly and have less security than it did before. Stainless steel that doesn’t rust may be your best option.

Plastic

Dog playpens made of plastic are a lot more lightweight than their steel counterparts. But they are the best when it comes to trying to bridge the gap between price and stability. A mesh playpen is going to blow away quickly when the wind picks up, but one made out of plastic may not. On the other hand, plastic is a lot less expensive than metal, but not nearly as sturdy.

Mesh

Finally, you can choose mesh playpens, which are made of even cheaper materials and cost less than plastic or steel, but you are pretty much restricted to using them indoors. Mesh playpens are lightweight, easy to set up and can be transported with no problem, but they have disadvantages as well; like not being able to use them outside.

Ease of Setup

Another thing that you want to consider is how easy the unit is to set up. If you are setting up the playpen permanently in your home or out in the backyard, this is not as big of a consideration. However, most people want portability and that means breaking it down and moving it somewhere else when they want to.

Expandability

If you are getting a play area for your puppy, then you may want to consider getting one that has room to grow. Being able to add panels later on as your dog grows can be extremely useful because otherwise, you will have to either stop using the playpen; or you will have to replace it with a larger one.

Expandable playpens usually are composed of universal panels that fit together in any direction. The model that you buy may have extra panels that you don’t need it first, or you may have to go to the manufacturer website and order more panels. In either case, you should be able to extend it to fit as much space you happen to have in your yard or apartment.

Conclusion

Go with our top choice. You and your dog will be satisfied.

Recommended Reading:

• Best Outdoor Dog Kennel
• Best Dog Crate
• Best Small Dog Crate
• Best Large Dog Crate
• Best Heavy Duty Dog Crate
• Best Dog Bed
• Best Automatic Dog Feeder
• Best Dog House
• Best Dog Bowl
• Best Dog Cooling Pad
• Best Dog Heating Pad
• Best Dog Gate
• Best Indestructible Dog Bed
• Best Pillow Dog Bed
• Best Portable Dog Crate

Sources:

• 3 Lost Dogs
• Dog star Daily