We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Pet Products The 8 Best Dog Pens of 2024, Tested by Our Dogs Our winner was the Frisco Wire Dog & Small Pet Exercise Pen with Step-Through Door By Rennie Dyball Rennie Dyball Rennie Dyball is a former editor at PEOPLE. She left PEOPLE in 2017. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on November 6, 2024 02:15AM EST In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Add to Cart What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Jhett Thompson According to data from the Pew Research Center, 62 percent of Americans own a pet, and nearly all consider their pet part of the family. But with so many dog owners working a hybrid schedule, managing your pet’s comings and goings can be a challenge. A good tool to add to your dog supplies is a dog pen, and we're here to help you choose the right one. Experts Say “Any dog owner can use a pen, but it’s important to know it’s a safe holding tank for your dog to throw a toy around or take a nap while you work. It’s not a backyard, and it doesn’t replace the walk. You can use it in many stages of the dog's life and with any other dogs in the future." — Tom Davis, a dog trainer for Patrick and Brittany Mahomes, among many others Whether you’re looking for that indoor safe space or an outdoor playpen so your puppy can safely enjoy the sunshine, we tested 19 different dog pens for ease of setup, ease of use, versatility, portability. and value, including the best options for big dogs, small dogs, traveling dogs, puppies, and more. Keep reading for the best dog pens that PEOPLE Tested. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Frisco Wire Dog & Small Pet Exercise Pen at Chewy $47 Jump to Review Best Budget: Ruff 'n Ruffus Portable Foldable Pet Playpen at Amazon $39 Jump to Review Best Design: Iris 4, 6, or 8 Panel Plastic Playpen at Amazon $100 Jump to Review Best for Large Dogs: Yaheetech Dog Playpen 8 Panels at Amazon $110 Jump to Review Best Outdoor: SALE New World Pet Products Foldable Exercise Pet Playpen at Amazon $71 $58 Jump to Review Best for Travel: SALE Parkland Pet Portable Foldable Playpen at Amazon $40 $20 Jump to Review Most Convenient: SALE EliteField Two-Door Soft Playpen at Amazon $150 $100 Jump to Review Best for Puppies: Esk Collection Small Dog and Puppy Playpen at Amazon $56 Jump to Review Best Dog Crate: SALE Petmate Pet Kennel at Amazon $67 $50 Jump to Review Best Pet Camera: Furbo 360° Dog Camera at Amazon $99 Jump to Review Best Overall Frisco Wire Dog & Small Pet Exercise Pen PHOTO: Chewy $47 at Chewy Star Qualities Clip-secured structure was easy to assemble Sturdy without being clunky Versatile enough for indoor and outdoor use Red Flags Not the easiest to transport All that was required to set up this pen was to unfold it into our desired shape and clip it together with easy-to-use hooks. In just over 90 seconds, we had this pen up and running. Once secured, the Frisco pen was mostly easy to use, though the door has two latches and may take some effort to open and close which would not deter us from buying it. The metal sides make this pen versatile enough to be used indoors and outdoors; it comes with stakes to make it sturdier when used outside; and it’s a good size for many dogs. We think that the size, versatility, and ease of setup and use make this product worth the money. It was intuitive to set up and take down and is surprisingly sturdy despite its thin, wire frame. The only real downside is that this particular dog pen isn’t the most portable of those we tested. The one we tried weighed 25 pounds so we wouldn’t want to lug it around for long periods. However, carrying it from place to place is doable, and it would easily fit in most car trunks for transport. Sizes: 24 inches to 48 inches | Weight: 18-33 pounds | Material: Metal | Colors: 1 PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson Best Budget Ruff 'n Ruffus Portable Foldable Pet Playpen PHOTO: Amazon $39 at Amazon $39 at Chewy Star Qualities Easy to fold up and transport Includes a zippered door Simple setup Red Flags Only meant for puppies and small dogs This is an incredibly easy product to understand and set up right out of the box. It’s easily foldable or collapsible and comes with a roof that attaches with a zipper. The zippered doggie door is also quite easy to use. One thing we didn't love about this product is that it’s quite light — an ambitious dog could ostensibly chew through or maybe even damage the product. It's also not as versatile as some other dog pens with its single orientation. Still, for the job it’s designed to do, this is a good choice and a fair price point. Ultimately, we would recommend our budget pick to anyone with smaller dogs or puppies who needs to keep them under control in one place for short periods of time. We feel confident that the zipper entries would keep the dog inside while also being easy to open from the outside. This would be great for a work-from-home parent who needs their dog to stay put when those Zoom calls go overtime. It comes with a carrying case and a collapsible 16-ounce food bowl. Sizes: Medium, large, extra large | Weight: 2.4-4.6 pounds | Material: Polyester | Colors: 2 PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson Best Design Iris 4, 6, or 8 Panel Plastic Playpen PHOTO: Amazon $100 at Amazon $110 $11 at Walmart $110 $11 at Walmart Star Qualities Easy to adjust size Ideal for smaller dogs or those that aren’t prone to escape Red Flags Transport is challenging It took about eight minutes to set up this dog pen, thanks to the short and simple instructions. It’s highly versatile, too, with panels that can be added or removed to change the size, and the door is cute and easy to use. This pen would be useful both indoors and outdoors. The walls are really short, so it's best for smaller dogs. An adventurous or escape-prone pup might not be secure in this pen, in which case a dog GPS tracker can come in handy. If you have a dog who's content to hang out in a pen and you'd like to give them a defined space, this is a great setup. If not, you may need something with higher walls. Without a carrying case or a way to make the panels more compact, relocating this dog pen isn’t the easiest. You have to carry the panels as a stack, and they’re a bit of an awkward shape to hold, which takes a little more effort. Still, we found that this pen was worth it, thanks to the overall ease of setup and disassembly. Sizes: 4-8 panels | Weight: 21.51 pounds | Material: Plastic | Colors: 6 PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson Best for Large Dogs Yaheetech Dog Playpen 8 Panels PHOTO: Amazon $110 $100 at Amazon $10 at Walmart View on Yaheetech.shop Star Qualities Pins lock the frame into place for extra security Great for outdoor use Red Flags Higher door might be difficult for dogs with mobility issues Pack your patience when setting up this dog pen. We found solo assembly difficult and needed an extra set of hands fairly often. There was some trial and error involved as well. Once it’s all set, however, it’s a good, sturdy option for a larger dog, especially as an outdoor pen. The pins that lock and connect the frames in place also serve as stakes to embed into the ground for stability. The door to the pen is also a little higher off the ground than on other pens we tested, so we wouldn’t recommend this model for dogs with mobility issues. While it could be used indoors, this pen is a better choice for outdoor use. It’s especially sturdy, and we’d recommend leaving it in one spot due to the longer setup and breakdown times. However, it can also be stored under a bed or in the garage, either standing or on a shelf. Overall, we would recommend this pen for someone who is looking for something sturdy to use outside and doesn't need to travel with it. Sizes: Up to 8 panels | Weight: 24-43 pounds | Material: Electrophoresis steel | Colors: 1 How It's Held Up We tested this model for a few months at home to see how this pen could help our pup with separation anxiety. It almost acted like a substitute for crate training while still allowing more area to roam, as this pen offers much more space than a dog crate. We've found the bars to be basically indestructible and appreciate the height of the frames, too, as our dog would probably find a way to jump over them if they were any shorter than 40 inches. Overall, we keep coming back to this pen as one of our favorites. PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson Best Outdoor New World Pet Products Foldable Exercise Pet Playpen PHOTO: Amazon $71 $58 at Amazon Star Qualities Assembly is fast Good size for a small dog or puppy Frame is extra sturdy when set up with stakes Red Flags Difficult for one person to transport It only took us six and a half minutes to be up and running with this pen, thanks to the simple and clear instructions. It’s an ideal option for a backyard or other outdoor space, and the stakes make it sturdy in grass or on other outdoor surfaces. It’s not, however, the most versatile pen, given that it’s a lot less sturdy without the stakes. And because there is no door, you don’t have the in-and-out option of some of our other winners. With no carrying case, it’s not easily portable, so consider this a one-location model. We found it to be pretty bulky and heavy and needed some help carrying it around. All in all, this pen would be great for puppy training, new dog owners, or dog sitters. It's also fairly priced considering its size. Sizes: XS-XL | Weight: 10-29.2 pounds | Material: Alloy steel | Colors: 1 PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson Best for Travel Parkland Pet Portable Foldable Playpen PHOTO: Amazon $40 $20 at Amazon Star Qualities Easy to set up Door and roof can be zipped open and closed Frame includes a pop-up water bottle Red Flags Not super sturdy If your top priority is portability, whether for traveling or bringing your dog to work, the Parkland Pet Portable Foldable Playpen should be on your radar. The door and roof of this pen zip open and close for easy access to your pet. Traveling with it was just as easy; it’s lightweight and easy to pack into the included over-the-shoulder bag. It will fit into almost any car, and the low price point was the icing on the cake. The only downside we found is the pen’s versatility. This isn’t a primary play space for your dog since it’s on the small side and not super sturdy. It is primarily suited to travel or a beach or park day. Ultimately, we would recommend this product as well as a good harness to someone who likes bringing their small dog on outings but doesn't want to have to carry around a heavy playpen. It also came with a travel pop-up water bowl, which adds to the value of the product. It's definitely not fancy, but it's easy to set up, use, and carry around. Sizes: One size | Weight: 2.09 pounds | Material: Cloth | Colors: 1 PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson Most Convenient EliteField Two-Door Soft Playpen PHOTO: Amazon $150 $100 at Amazon View on Chewy Star Qualities Design is user-friendly Has handy storage compartments on the sides Includes carrying case and shoulder straps Red Flags Only suited for warm, fair climates (if used outdoors) This pen has not one but two doors that are easy to zip open and close, plus thoughtful touches like multiple compartments on the sides for dog treats and their favorite dog toys. It’s nice and spacious, too, for a variety of dogs. It was smooth sailing setting up the EliteField Two-Door Soft Playpen until it came time to align the zippers, which proved a bit of a headache. Folding up the pen for storage or travel was also tricky in our testing. But those small frustrations aside, we found it was easy to disassemble and reassemble the pen once you’ve gotten the hang of it. And it’s very convenient to carry with the included carrying case, complete with shoulder straps. You can use it indoors or outdoors, though it might not fare well on a rainy day. This is a good dog pen for parks, beaches, or indoor settings — anywhere with warm, fair climates. Sizes: 8 | Weight: 4.7-11.05 pounds | Material: Nylon, mesh, synthetic fabric | Colors: 8 How It's Held Up We tested this pen for about six months and never tired of its convenience and durability (seriously, it's stood up to puppy claws all this time). It remains super easy to pop open and take down, though we do struggle a bit to get it into its storage case at times. Even though this sometimes turns into a two-person job, we still appreciate the fact that it has a case at all. Its puppy-proof structure makes this netted pen well worth the splurge. PHOTO: Jhett Thompson / People PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson Best for Puppies Esk Collection Small Dog and Puppy Playpen PHOTO: Amazon $56 at Amazon Star Qualities Easy to pop open and use immediately Provides easy visibility Packable and portable Zipper and Velcro closures provide easy access points Red Flags Folding and disassembling takes more time than setting up You don’t even need directions to set up this dog pen; we found it simple and easy to pop open in just over three minutes. It is super lightweight with easy-to-use zippers and access points for small dogs to enter and exit. It comes with a large carrying case that’s slim and packable. The ability to zip up the top is a bonus for dogs who might jump or try to climb out of a pen. Folding and disassembling the pen was a bit tricky, though. We appreciated the mesh design for keeping rambunctious puppies contained while allowing for visibility and airflow. This pen is lightweight and fairly sturdy, though a larger or more rambunctious dog could potentially move it around from the inside. It’s a good value and an ideal choice for puppies or small dogs. However, it doesn’t have the versatility to grow with a pup who will ultimately be a larger dog. Sizes: One size | Weight: 6.4 pounds | Material: Oxford cloth, mesh | Colors: 4 PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson Add to Cart While you’re shopping for dog crates, consider adding the following PEOPLE-Tested pet favorites to your cart. We’ve dubbed them winners in their respective categories, so we feel confident you’ll love them. Petmate Pet Kennel $67 $50 at Amazon $55 at Wayfair $35 at Chewy Furbo 360° Dog Camera $99 $91 at Amazon View on Furbo.com Arf Pets Dog Cooling Mat $75 $50 at Amazon $42 $30 at Walmart $30 at PETCO Chew King Durable Fetch Balls $19 at Amazon $16 $15 at Walmart $16 at Tractor Supply Co. What to Know About Dog Pens Size Think about the current and future size of your dog or dogs. You’ll want to get a dog pen with enough space for your dog to move around comfortably. “This is the first thing to consider if you have a puppy that will get big quickly — most of them tend to do this,” Davis tells PEOPLE. “You should get a big enough pen for their adult-size potential.” Note that some of our winning dog pens are expandable by adding more panels to accommodate bigger dogs. Our best design pick, the Iris Panel Plastic Playpen, is an expandable option. This may be a wise choice if you and your vet are unsure of how big your dog might get. Material Dog pens come in several different materials including metal, plastic, and fabric. If you’re looking for a dog pen you can use outdoors, a metal dog pen like the Frisco Wire Dog & Small Pet Exercise Pen is a great choice. Plastic pens are convenient because they are lightweight and easy to clean. Dog pens made of fabric are extremely lightweight and portable, but may not be as long-lasting as metal and plastic models. Use There are several different uses for dog pens, which you’ll want to consider when choosing the right one for your dog. “If you’re using it for potty training, you will want a smaller space to limit accidents,” notes Davis. However, if your dog will be hanging out on a comfy dog bed in its pen while you are at work, a larger space, like the Yaheetech Dog Playpen, is preferable. If your dog has behavioral issues or exhibits signs of aggression, then pens may not be the safest option, especially when guests come around, Davis says. Price Consider how many dog pens you’ll need when budgeting for this particular item. Are you going to need something smaller and more portable as your only dog pen, or will you want to purchase an additional, more stationary dog pen for home? The dog pens we chose range from around $40 to $110, but the price will vary depending on the product's size. Plus, you may want more than one pen to give your dog a larger area. “We like to use them as a makeshift area for a dog to be in a larger room, so we will hook three together to make a large area for a dog,” says Davis. People / Jhett Thompson The 11 Best Cooling Pads for Dogs of 2024, Including Our Dogs’ Favorites Behind the Scenes To start our search, we researched the market and picked 19 of the most popular dog pens to put to the test. Setup: First, we evaluated how easy each dog pen was to set up, which we measured by having our testers set a stopwatch to time the setup process from start to finish. We then asked them to evaluate how easy or intuitive the setup would be for most people.Ease of Use: All of the features on each dog pen were carefully inspected, with special notice paid to opening and closing all the doors and entry points. Testers then collapsed or folded the pens, taking note of how easy or difficult it was to break them down and how adaptable and versatile they were when in use. We also noted the weight of each dog pen and made notes on how easy it was to carry around in terms of portability.Evaluation: We then rated each dog pen against the following attributes: ease of setup, ease of use, versatility, and portability. Then, only after completing their evaluation, the testers learned the price of each dog pen. With the price in mind, they gave each pen a score for its value. In the end, we averaged out these scores and only the products with the highest overall ratings earned a spot on this PEOPLE Tested list of the best dog pens. Frequently Asked Questions Which dog pens should be used for large dogs? For larger dogs, look for dog pens that can be secured to a wall or the ground to ensure the dog won't knock it over. You should also look for pens with high panels; the New World Dog Exercise and Play Pen is the tallest size option on our list. “Remember that if your dog gets to be 100 pounds, it won't take much to trample the pen over," Davis tells PEOPLE. "They make pens up to six feet high, so prepare appropriately.” What is a dog pen used for? “I use dog pens daily with our dogs and our clients' dogs,” says Davis. “The pen can block parts of the house or office, or it can be used to make a small area for a puppy as they are teething or potty training.” Therefore, a dog pen is the next step or an alternative to the crate for some dogs, Davis explains.“Before putting your dog in a pen, you want to ensure they have adequate exercise," he says. "It's a safe place for a dog to be, knowing that they can't get into anything that can harm them." If you travel with your dogs, you can choose a pen that folds up “and throw it in the truck or RV and have a pop-up safe area for your dog," Davis says. For a lightweight, budget-friendly dog pen that's easy to set up and take down, we like the Ruff 'N Ruffus Portable Foldable Pet Play Pen. What is the difference between dog pens and dog crates? Crates are structures that surround a dog wholly, while pens keep the dog enclosed to a certain area, but may not have a roof or floor as part of the structure. “Crates are much safer by a long shot, and they are much more secure when you leave the house," Davis says. "We have seen dogs scale a pen quickly when the owner leaves the house.”However, a dog pen has a major upside that a crate does not — ”the freedom to roam while still being secured,” Davis adds. “Our training facility has a setup with a crate inside a pen. This way, we can crate the dog and simply open the door to give them more space when appropriate.” The 16 Best Calming Dog Beds of 2024, According to Veterinarians and Dog Owners Why Trust PEOPLE? Using input from our PEOPLE Tested team, freelance journalist Rennie Dyball compared several of the most popular dog pens on the market based on factors like price, size, material, appearance, sturdiness, ease of assembly and takedown, and security. For a more in-depth insight into matching dog pens with dogs, Dyball spoke to Tom Davis, dog trainer and canine behavior expert in upstate New York. In order to keep our recommendations fresh and accurate, staff writer Alyssa Brascia updated this piece with long-term testing insights from participants who let their pups use these pens for up to six months, documenting how well (or not) they held up as time went on. Our Expert Panel Tom Davis is dog trainer and canine behavior expert in upstate New York who has worked with Patrick and Brittany Mahomes, among others. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.