Dog gates are the best way to secure your space so that your pets and family can be comfortable and safe in the environment. They can be installed in doorways, kitchens, under stairs, and any enclosed space where you don't want your dog to access. Also referred to as an indoor fence or railing, dog gates come in various types and installation methods, so it's important to do some research before you decide to purchase.
We've compiled 10 best-selling dog gates from a range of manufacturers, thoroughly examined them based on four points, and ranked them from best to worst.
At mybest, we think the best dog gate is one that securely restricts a dog's movement area and can be used without causing stress to the owner or pet. We will explain what qualities you should look for in a dog that best fits your needs so you can use it as a reference when purchasing.
Sheri Rydyznski is a professional pet care service provider who operates Fetch.Sit.Stay. Cincinnati. LLC. When she’s not busy providing care for clients, she is an avid audiophile, curious traveler, entertaining raconteur and content creator for @fetch_sit_stay. She lives in the Greater Cincinnati, OH area with her husband and spirited tortie, Mischief.
Since joining mybest, Nanako Sekiguchi has mainly overseen pet-related content. She has experience testing and comparing more than 350 pet products, from cat litter to pet strollers. Utilizing her own experience of living with dogs and cats, she strives to create content from both the perspectives of pets and their owners so that they can select products for a more comfortable and enjoyable life.
Dog gates that ranked high in this category allow the owner to pass smoothly through the gate when needed.
In our tests, the products that ranked highly in escape prevention did not fall or break even when pressure was put on by a dog.
In our tests, the dog gates that excelled in the jump protection category successfully prevented dogs from jumping over or through the product.
The dog gates that excel in the ease of installation category can be installed with minimal effort or hassle.
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.
Table of Contents
The main benefit of a dog gate is that it can prevent dogs from entering dangerous areas and keep them safe from accidents when unattended.
For instance, it’s often necessary to prevent a dog from entering the kitchen and eating potentially hazardous food that can result in vomiting or even poisoning when ingested. There’s also a risk that they could get hurt by fallen kitchen utensils. The ability to freely climb up and down stairs can also lead to falls, fractures, and injuries.
Furthermore, there are considerations such as the dog jumping outside the moment you open the door to receive a parcel or running away in panic due to loud noises like fireworks or thunder. Unforeseen issues can also arise in rooms with babies or valuable possessions.
To prevent such problems, it's advisable to set up gates in rooms you don't want them in or other dangerous areas to restrict your dog's movement.
Before purchasing, it's essential to check if you can attach the gate in your desired location. Measure the size of the intended installation space and compare it to the shape and size of the gate to ensure it can be installed.
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best Dog Gates.
There are mainly two types of gates for dogs: wall-mounted and freestanding. The wall-mounted type is recommended for any breed of dog as it is more secure and is less likely to fall even if the dog pushes it. Furthermore, these are either screwed into the walls or fixed in place using tension rods. The kind that uses screws are usually more secure. However, that doesn't mean the type that uses tension rods lacks fixing power. Those who have small dogs or who don't want to drill holes in their walls might consider choosing the pressure (tension) rod type.
The free-standing dog gate is advantageous due to its flexibility in placement; no wall installation is required, making setup a breeze. However, it falls short in stability and sturdiness compared to wall-mounted types.
Since it's lightweight and not fixed, there's a concern that it might topple over if a dog bumps into or jumps on it, making it unsuitable for medium to large-sized dogs. However, the risk of it toppling over is not that high for small dogs.
Therefore, if you have a small dog and you want to keep them out of the way occasionally when you have guests, this could be a sufficient option for you.
When using it for senior dogs, a high gate is not necessarily required. However, it is recommended to use something that can be firmly fixed and is stable to prevent the gate from falling unexpectedly.
Dog gates are often installed in areas frequently used throughout the day, such as entrances, kitchens, and under the stairs. A gate that is easy to pass through and doesn't interfere with daily life is desirable.
When you install a gate for dogs, it naturally makes it difficult for people to pass through. Therefore, we recommend ones with doors and lower steps, or those with ramps. Those without doors must be stepped over each time you pass, which poses a risk of tripping and falling, and is especially dangerous for the elderly and children.
Some even have a feature that allows the gate to stay open, which is useful when you are able to keep your pet in a cage, keep the gate in place, but still have an unobstructed passage to walk through as needed.
Finding a gate of the right size that fits your beloved dog is also an important factor. For small to medium-sized dogs, you can prevent them from jumping over if the gate is around 36 inches, which is about twice their body height.
On the other hand, for large dogs with high physical ability, it is safer to choose a height of 40 inches or more, and you will need to take note of how high your dog can actually jump. Many large dogs, such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers, tend to have a relatively calm disposition and may not be prone to jumping, but you know your dog better than anyone, so be sure to factor in their normal tendencies.
Working dog breeds such as Border Collies and German Shepherds, often used for herding livestock and hunting, tend to be born with high agility and jumping ability. It is recommended that active breeds and energetic or naughty dogs use a type of dog gate that can be fixed to high and durable walls.
Products | Image | mybest Score | Click to purchase | Key features | Main Score | Details | ||||||||||||||||
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Ease of Passage | Escape Prevention | Jump Protection | Ease of Set Up | Width | Depth | Height | Minimum Installation Width | Maximum Installation Width | Weight | Gate Type | Installation Method | Material | Auto Close Function | Hold-Open Feature | Double Lock Function | Double Opening Compatible | ||||||
1 | Mid-West Metal Products Steel Pet Gate | ![]() | 4.50 | mybest's Top Choice: Perfect Choice for Pets and Owners Alike | 4.44 | 4.67 | 4.50 | 4.22 | 29.5 in. | 1 in. | 39.125 in. | 29.5 in. | 38 in. | 196.8 oz. | Door Style | Wall-Mounted Type (Pressure Fit) | Steel | |||||
2 | North States Industries MyPet Extra-Wide Windsor Arch Petgate|4944 | ![]() | 4.43 | Highly Stable and User-Friendly | 4.44 | 4.84 | 4.00 | 3.92 | 38.3 in. | 1 in. | 30 in. | 38.3 in. | 72 in. | 16 oz. | Door Style | Wall-Mounted Type (Screw Fit) | Metal | |||||
3 | Cumbor Auto-Close Safety Gate|S7V1 | ![]() | 4.42 | Has an Inconvenient Step, but Does the Job | 4.44 | 4.67 | 4.00 | 4.22 | 29.7 in. | 1.28 in. | 30.5 in. | 29.7 in. | 46 in. | 224.32 oz. | Door Style | Wall-Mounted Type (Pressure Fit) | Metal | |||||
3 | Evenflo Company BARN DOOR WALK-THRU BABY GATE | ![]() | 4.42 | Keeps Your Dog Out of Trouble While Being Accessible for You | 4.44 | 4.67 | 4.00 | 4.22 | 29 in. | 1 in. | 30 in. | 29 in. | 43 in. | 304 oz. | Door Style | Wall-Mounted Type (Pressure Fit) | Metal, Wood | |||||
5 | Carlson Pet Products Extra Tall Walk-Thru Pet Gate with Small Pet Door|0941 PP DS | ![]() | 4.39 | Perfect Height With Accessibility for Humans | 4.38 | 4.67 | 4.50 | 3.59 | 29 in. | 2 in. | 36 in. | 29 in. | 36.5 in. | 176 oz. | Door Style | Wall-Mounted Type (Pressure Fit), Wall-Mounted Type (Screw Fit) | Steel | |||||
6 | BalanceFrom BalanceFrom Safety Gate|BFSG-291338 | ![]() | 4.37 | Easy to Assemble, but a Little Low | 4.44 | 4.50 | 4.00 | 4.22 | 29.1 in. | 1 in. | 30 in. | 29.1 in. | 33.8 in. | 48 oz. | Door Style | Wall-Mounted Type (Pressure Fit) | Alloy Steel | |||||
7 | North States Industries MyPet Extra Tall & Wide Wire Mesh Wood Petgate|4617A | ![]() | 4.24 | Prevents Jumping, but a Little Hard to Open | 4.25 | 4.00 | 4.50 | 4.75 | 28.75 in. | 2.88 in. | 37.75 in. | 29.5 in. | 48 in. | 117.28 oz. | Fence Style | Wall-Mounted Type (Pressure Fit) | Wood | |||||
8 | Cumbor Retractable Safety Gate | ![]() | 4.13 | Easy to Pass Through, but Installation Is a Hassle | 4.44 | 4.43 | 4.00 | 3.00 | 55 in. | 0.01 in. | 33 in. | 0 in. | 55 in. | 63 oz. | Roll-Up Style | Wall-Mounted Type (Screw Fit) | PVC, Plastic, Carbon Steel | |||||
9 | Carlson Pet Products Plastic Expandable Pet Gate|2323 DS | ![]() | 3.51 | Stays Secure Despite Not Being User-Friendly | 3.00 | 4.29 | 3.80 | 4.07 | 28-42 in. | 1 in. | 23 in. | 28 in. | 42 in. | 80 oz. | Fence Style | Wall-Mounted Type (Pressure Fit) | Frame: Plastic, Bumpers: Rubber | |||||
10 | spirichhome SPIRICH HOME Steel Wire Pet Gate|SS19-SPT-104E | ![]() | 3.23 | Easy-To-Install Door; Worries of Easily Shifting and Falling | 3.00 | 3.13 | 4.00 | 4.50 | 80 in. | 0.75 in. | 31 in. | 20 in. | 74 in. | 368 oz. | Fence Style | Freestanding Type | Metal, Wood |
Height | 39.125 in. |
---|
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Steel Pet Gate by Mid-West Metal Products has a door that allows people to pass through and can be easily unlocked with one hand. Additionally, it has a stay-open feature, so you can leave it open when it is okay.
Standing at 39 inches tall, it's quite high, so there's less worry about small and medium-sized dogs jumping over it. If you're using the gate for a large dog, it would be prudent to limit the run-up space to prevent the dog from jumping over. Also, it has an auto-close feature that naturally closes the gate when you let go of the door, which reduces the risk of forgetting to close it.
The installation method is tension-mounted, and the mounting area on the wall for the fixture is wide enough to ensure it is secure for a variety of dogs. Small and medium-sized dogs are unlikely to knock it down or break it easily.
This gate is our top choice since it thoroughly prevents dogs from jumping over and remains convenient even when installed in frequently used paths.
Maximum Installation Width | 38 in. |
---|---|
Weight | 196.8 oz. |
Gate Type | Door Style |
Installation Method | Wall-Mounted Type (Pressure Fit) |
Material | Steel |
Hold-Open Feature | |
Double Opening Compatible |
Height | 30 in. |
---|
What we loved
What we didn't love
The MyPet Extra-Wide Windsor Arch Petgate features a door for easy access and a lock that can be released with one hand for smooth passage. It also has an open function that allows you to leave the gate open when you don't need it. However, there is a step at the base, so be careful not to trip.
The height is 30 inches, which could allow small to medium-sized dogs to easily jump over. For dogs with a strong jump, it may be necessary to train them beforehand.
The gate is installed using a tension method, and the wall mounting surface of the fixtures is sufficiently wide, which adds to the stability. The force of a small to medium-sized dog is unlikely to knock it over or break it easily.
Maximum Installation Width | 72 in. |
---|---|
Weight | 16 oz. |
Gate Type | Door Style |
Installation Method | Wall-Mounted Type (Screw Fit) |
Material | Metal |
Hold-Open Feature | |
Double Opening Compatible |
Height | 30.5 in. |
---|
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Auto-Close Safety Gate S7V1 by Cumboron can open in both directions, and the opening and closing operations can be easily handled with one hand, allowing for effortless passage. It's possible to smoothly enter and exit even if you're carrying a dog in one hand. Additionally, it features an auto-close function that automatically closes when you let go of the door after passing through, a nice feature that eliminates the risk of forgetting to close it.
Also, no assembly is required, as it can be easily installed by pressing against a wall or pillar. A special tool for tightening the bolt is also included, which allows it to be firmly secured. This model is secure enough to keep small and medium-sized dogs from shifting or breaking it.
However, with a height of 30.5 inches, it's slightly low. There is a risk that a dog with high jumping ability might leap over it, so it should only be used after appropriate training.
Maximum Installation Width | 46 in. |
---|---|
Weight | 224.32 oz. |
Gate Type | Door Style |
Installation Method | Wall-Mounted Type (Pressure Fit) |
Material | Metal |
Hold-Open Feature | |
Double Opening Compatible |
Height | 30 in. |
---|
What we loved
What we didn't love
Moreover, it's equipped with a door and a lock that can be unlocked with one hand, allowing for smooth passage. It also has an open feature, which allows you to leave the gate open when not needed. There's a step at the foot of the gate, so be careful not to trip over it.
Maximum Installation Width | 43 in. |
---|---|
Weight | 304 oz. |
Gate Type | Door Style |
Installation Method | Wall-Mounted Type (Pressure Fit) |
Material | Metal, Wood |
Hold-Open Feature | |
Double Opening Compatible |
Height | 36 in. |
---|
What we loved
What we didn't love
Carlson Pet Products, a company that handles a wide range of pet supplies, offers an Extra Tall Walk-Thru Pet Gate with Small Pet Door.
The gate is very tall at 36 inches, so it's less likely that small to medium-sized dogs will be able to jump over it. Additionally, the gate comes with an auto-close feature that automatically shuts the door, reducing the risk of accidentally leaving it open. The gate has a lock that is easy to unlock with one hand, allowing for smooth passage.
The installation surface area is sufficient, and the tension can be tightened with bolts, so even small to medium-sized dogs are unlikely to shift or destroy it. However, a drawback is that assembly is required before installation, so the gate cannot be used immediately after purchase.
Maximum Installation Width | 36.5 in. |
---|---|
Weight | 176 oz. |
Gate Type | Door Style |
Installation Method | Wall-Mounted Type (Pressure Fit), Wall-Mounted Type (Screw Fit) |
Material | Steel |
Hold-Open Feature | |
Double Opening Compatible |
Height | 30 in. |
---|
What we loved
What we didn't love
BalanceFrom's Safety Gate can be opened from both front and back, and the lock can easily be disengaged with one hand. This is especially convenient when carrying bags or holding a dog, making entering and exiting effortless. However, there's a step at the bottom, so caution is needed to avoid tripping.
No assembly is required, just prop it against a wall for easy installation. The included tool smoothly tightens the bolts. There's ample installation surface area, allowing a tight fit and reducing the likelihood of small to medium-sized dogs shifting or damaging it. Additionally, it features a double lock function, minimizing worry about the lock being disengaged, along with an auto-close function that shuts the gate when you let go.
However, with a height of 30 inches, it is somewhat low. There's a risk of a high-jumping dog going over, so it's necessary to train your dog to use it properly.
Maximum Installation Width | 33.8 in. |
---|---|
Weight | 48 oz. |
Gate Type | Door Style |
Installation Method | Wall-Mounted Type (Pressure Fit) |
Material | Alloy Steel |
Hold-Open Feature | |
Double Opening Compatible |
Height | 37.75 in. |
---|
What we loved
What we didn't love
North States Industries manufactures and sells MyPet Extra Tall & Wide Wire Mesh Wood Petgate 4617A, a product for small children and pets.
This model requires no assembly, just take it out of the box and press it against the wall for easy installation. This is the ideal product for those who want to start using it immediately after purchase. With a height of 37 inches, there is little worry about small and medium-sized dogs jumping over it.
However, because the mounting area on the wall is small and it cannot be secured with screws, there is concern about medium and large dogs jumping or leaning against it. There is also no auto-close function, so be sure to remember to close it. In addition, the gate does not have a door and is the type where you have to remove the hook and slide it to pass through, which was a bit of a hassle.
Maximum Installation Width | 48 in. |
---|---|
Weight | 117.28 oz. |
Gate Type | Fence Style |
Installation Method | Wall-Mounted Type (Pressure Fit) |
Material | Wood |
Hold-Open Feature | |
Double Opening Compatible |
Height | 33 in. |
---|
What we loved
What we didn't love
Cumbor's Retractable Safety Gate is a slide-style gate that can be unlocked with one hand, so you can pass smoothly even while carrying items. Additionally, there's no level difference, so you don't have to worry about getting caught, which is a nice feature. It is recommended for households with elderly people or small children. The height of 33 inches may be a little low for medium-sized dogs or small dogs with strong legs. Since it's fixed to the wall, there's less concern about it falling or breaking.
However, during installation positioning the gate correctly on the wall can be difficult, and it was cumbersome for our testers to screw it into four places. Furthermore, a screwdriver is needed for installation, but it is not included, so please be aware that you’ll need to have some tools already in hand.
Maximum Installation Width | 55 in. |
---|---|
Weight | 63 oz. |
Gate Type | Roll-Up Style |
Installation Method | Wall-Mounted Type (Screw Fit) |
Material | PVC, Plastic, Carbon Steel |
Hold-Open Feature | |
Double Opening Compatible |
Height | 23 in. |
---|
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Plastic Expandable Pet Gate 2323 DS is a product by Carlson Pet Products, a company based in Minnesota that offers a wide range of pet supplies.
This gate can be firmly attached to the wall with screws, and because it has a wide enough installation area, it is less likely to be shifted or destroyed by small or medium-sized dogs. However, the height is quite low at 23 inches, which can be a drawback. As it seems easy for a small dog to jump over, it's safest to use it after training your pet.
However, when testing the ease of passage, it was difficult for our testers to go through it each time as they had to raise their legs high to avoid tripping over it. Also, although no assembly is required, the necessary tools for attaching it to the wall were not included, so we had to prepare them ourselves. This product may not be suitable for people who want to start using it immediately after purchase.
Maximum Installation Width | 42 in. |
---|---|
Weight | 80 oz. |
Gate Type | Fence Style |
Installation Method | Wall-Mounted Type (Pressure Fit) |
Material | Frame: Plastic, Bumpers: Rubber |
Hold-Open Feature | |
Double Opening Compatible |
Height | 31 in. |
---|
What we loved
What we didn't love
The SPIRICH HOME Steel Wire Pet Gate is from spirichhome, an e-commerce site focusing on home interiors.
It has a height of 32 inches, which is unfortunately low enough for small to medium-sized dogs to easily jump over. Additionally, because it's a freestanding type, there's a concern that pets might knock it over or slip through it. If you have a medium to large-sized dog with a lot of strength, it's recommended to place weights on the leg part for reinforcement.
Also, the need to step over the gate each time you wish to pass through is bothersome. it may not be suitable to install it in areas where there is high traffic.
Maximum Installation Width | 74 in. |
---|---|
Weight | 368 oz. |
Gate Type | Fence Style |
Installation Method | Freestanding Type |
Material | Metal, Wood |
Hold-Open Feature | |
Double Opening Compatible |
mybest defines the best dog gate as one that properly restricts the dog's range of activity, providing a stress-free experience for both the owner and the pet.
To find the best product, we collected ten popular dog gates that were either top sellers or new releases from each manufacturer and used four specific criteria to evaluate and rank them:
Products we tested
Dog gates that ranked high in this category allow the owner to pass smoothly through the gate when needed.
The tester checked each product and scored them based on the following points, quantifying the recommendation level for each product.
What is the method for coming in and going out?
The tester checked each product and scored them based on the points below, converting the recommended level of each product into a score.
Is there a way to securely fix it so that it won't shift even if a dog pushes against it?
We interviewed Sheri Rydyznski, a pet sitter, about the height that is difficult for dogs to jump over. Based on her insights, testers checked each product and scored them according to each point, thus scoring the level of recommendation for each product.
Does the gate have a height that the dog cannot jump over?
The tester has checked each product and scored them based on the points below, then quantified the recommendation level for each product.
Does it require assembly?
No. 1: Mid-West Metal Products|Steel Pet Gate
No. 2: North States Industries|MyPet Extra-Wide Windsor Arch Petgate|4944
No. 3: Cumbor|Auto-Close Safety Gate|S7V1
No. 3: Evenflo Company|BARN DOOR WALK-THRU BABY GATE
No. 5: Carlson Pet Products|Extra Tall Walk-Thru Pet Gate with Small Pet Door|0941 PP DS
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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