The Best Pet Gates for Dogs & Cats
Pet gates are the best barrier to keep your furry buddy safe in your home. They’re designed to be sturdy and safe barricades to keep pets out of the kitchen, bathroom or other hazardous spaces.
Best Convertible Pet Gate
Richell 3-in-1 Pet Gate
Cost:
$181.05
Why we picked it:
- Converts to a room divider and pet pen
- Easy to set-up and convert without tools or installation
- Lockable door to safely walk through without moving the gate
Best Freestanding Pet Gate
Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate
Cost:
$89.27
Why we picked it:
- Includes built-in side panels to keep pets safe
- Expands up to six feet
- Compact design that’s easy for storage or traveling
Best Walk-Through Pet Gate
Primetime Petz Gate with Door
Cost:
$96.67
Why we picked it:
- Double-swinging door that opens in both directions
- Includes rubber pads to prevent scratching floors
- Made with 360-degree hinges to adjust the pet gate easily
5 Best Pet Gates of 2019
- Richell 3-in-1 Pet Gate – Best Convertible Gate
- Richell Wood Pet Gate – Best Freestanding Gate
- Primetime Petz Gate – Best Walk-Through Gate
- PAWLAND Pet Gate – Best Adjustable Gate
- Carlson Lil Tuffy Pet Gate – Best for Small Pets
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Pet Gate
- Indoor vs. outdoor – Think about whether you’ll want to position the pet gate inside or outdoors. If you’re thinking about placing it outdoors, you’ll want to look for a pet gate that’s rustproof, hardware-mounted and made with steel or weatherproof materials to last extreme temperatures and weather such as rain or humidity. Some pet gates are made with less durable manufactured wood which may not withstand outdoor conditions and should be used indoors.
- Pressure-mounted vs. hardware-mounted – Pressure-mounted pet gates push into place between doorways and walkways using force. They often include rubber wall mounts to reduce the risk of scratching walls or floors. On the other hand, hardware-mounted pet gates use the manufacturer’s mounting kit and tools to secure the gate to the wall. Hardware-mounted gates are best for stairways because they’re harder to push than a pressure-mounted gates.
- Pet gate material – When searching for a pet gate, you’ll want to make sure it’s chew-proof to prevent your pet from easily eating the gate to keep them safe and the gate durable. Start by looking for pet gates made with toxin-free finishings and sturdy solid wood or steel. Avoid manufactured wood pet gates as they’re often less durable and can be made with harmful chemicals.
- Pet gate height and width – The height and width of pet gates can vary so be sure to find one that keeps your pet safe and fits your space. Before buying a pet gate, be sure to measure the width of the area. If the gate will be used in multiple areas consider an expandable gate with extensions. Lastly, be mindful of your pet’s height and leave room for growth. You’ll want to find a gate tall enough to avoid your pet climbing over and risk falling or going into the kitchen or other rooms.
Exploring the Different Types of Pet Gates
Walk-through pet gate
Walk-through pet gates are popular because it allows you to leave the gate in one place at all times while you and your pet can use the built-in door to walk from room to room. They have an easy-to-open door and some are designed to even swing both ways to easily move between rooms. For your pet’s safety, look for one that locks to prevent your pet from easily pushing the door open. Some close and lock automatically just in case you forget.
Expandable pet gate
Popular pet gates can be extended to fit wider spaces such as doorways or the kitchen. Some can be widened by purchasing additional panels or extensions to attach to the gate, and can expand over five feet to be the best pet barrier for your space. The panels make expandable pet gates the best for traveling because they’re easy to fold or stack to store without damaging the gate.
Convertible pet gate
Convertible pet gates are pressure-mounted and made with four or more panels that are connected to convert the pet gate for other uses. Popular 3-in-1 gates can convert into a room divider or pet playpen to save pet owners money by only buying one gate for many uses. Convertible pet gates often include a lockable door to avoid pets pushing the door open, and hinges or caps to connect each panel into the pet-friendly product.
Freestanding pet gate
Freestanding pet gates are able to stand on their own without hardware but can be pressure-mounted if you’d like. They’re designed to fit between doorways and walkways easily. Most freestanding pet gates are made with folding wood panels and sturdy rubber feet on the bottom of the gate to lock the gate in place without your pet knocking it over and to protect your home’s floors. Although some freestanding gates include a door to easily walk through, most require you to move the gate or step over it.
Compare Pet Gates: Our Top 15 Picks
Best Convertible Pet Gate
1. Richell 3-in-1 Pet Gate
Cost:
$181.05
Description:
This Richell 3-in-1 pet gate comes in four panels to easily convert the gate into a room divider and pet pen. It includes a lockable gate door for you to easily pass from room to room without moving the gate. It’s made durable with sturdy panel locks and rubberwood to hold all four pet gate panels securely without your pet knocking it over.
Key Features
- Adjusts from 31.7 to 33.7 inches wide and is 31 inches tall
- Converts into a room divider and pet pen
- Includes a lockable pet door for small pets to easily pass through
- Freestanding pet gate to set-up anywhere without pressure mounting or hardware
Best Freestanding Pet Gate
2. Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate
Cost:
$89.27
Description:
This Richell pet gate is best for cats and smaller dogs. The gate’s compact design makes it easy to move to another room or travel with and includes rubber feet to prevent scratching floors. It’s low to the ground to keep pets away, but also easy to step over without moving the gate. The pet gate’s side panels also keep it in place to avoid pets knocking it over. It comes in two colors to choose the one that best fits your home’s design.
Key Features
- Adjusts from 39.8 to 71.3 inches wide and is 20 inches tall
- Made with rubberwood for durability
- Includes rubber feet to secure the gate to the floor without scratches
- Freestanding pet gate to place anywhere without pressure mounting or hardware
Best Walk-Through Pet Gate
3. Primetime Petz Gate with Door
Cost:
$96.67
Description:
The Primetime Petz pet gate is made of solid wood to match your home’s design. Each panel is made with 360-degree hinges to set-up the pet gate the way that best fits the home. The hinges also make it easy to fold and store away. The walk-through door includes a lockable latch to securely close the gate and swings both ways to conveniently pass through.
Key Features
- Adjusts up to 72 inches wide and is 30 inches tall
- Includes a lockable door to easily pass through
- Includes rubber feet to secure the gate to the floor without scratches
- Hardware-mounted pet gate
4. PAWLAND Wooden Pet Gate
Cost:
–
Description:
The PAWLAND pet gate is freestanding and doesn’t require any installation. It converts to pet fence, room divider and pen for your pet. The gate is easy to fold and expand without tools. It’s stylish and sturdy with wood and metal hinges. The pet gate comes with rubber feet to keep floors free of scratches and scuff marks.
Key Features
- Adjusts up to 80 inches wide and is 24 inches tall
- Converts into a pet fence, room divider and pet pen
- Includes rubber feet to secure the gate to the floor without scratches
- Freestanding pet gate to place anywhere without pressure mounting or hardware
5. Carlson Lil Tuffy Pet Gate
Cost:
$24.99
Description:
The Carlson pet gate is made with sturdy steel and a non-toxic finish to keep your pet safe. It includes a 9 x 9 pet door for small pets to easily pass through. The gate is easy to install with pressure mounting and doesn’t require any additional assembly or tools, and includes four rubber bumpers to secure the gate to walls without scratches.
Key Features
- Adjusts from 26 to 38 inches wide and is 18 inches tall
- Includes rubber feet to secure the gate to the floor without scratches
- Includes a lockable door for small pets to easily pass through
- Pressure-mounted pet gate
6. Arf Pets Freestanding Wood Gate
Cost:
$109.99
Description:
This Arf Pets freestanding pet gate is made of wooden panels and includes rubber feet to secure the gate to the floor without scratching. The gate’s hinged panels allow pet owners to customize the gate’s width to best fit your home. The pet gate also supports additional extensions to widen the gate, and hinges to easily fold and store away.
Key Features
- 80 inches wide and 31.5 inches tall
- Includes a lockable door to easily pass through
- Includes rubber feet to secure the gate to the floor without scratches
- Freestanding pet gate to place anywhere without pressure mounting or hardware
7. Carlson Flexi Configurable Pet Gate
Cost:
$53.89
Description:
The Carlson pet gate can be mounted to walls easily to be sturdy and secure. It’s designed with your pet in mind using sturdy and chew-proof steel. The gate includes two doors to easily pass through – one for you and one for smaller pets. It’s made of three panels that can easily be arranged to fit your home. The pet gate also supports additional extensions to widen the pet gate up to 13 feet.
Key Features
- 76 inches wide and 30 inches tall
- Made with all steel to be durable and chew-proof
- Includes a lockable pet door for small pets to easily pass through
- Hardware-mounted pet gate
8. Safety 1st Bamboo Pet Gate
Cost:
$30.99
Description:
The Safety 1st pet gate frame is made of bamboo and the panels are made of 100% recycled plastic. The gate is pressure-mounted which makes it easy to set up and move around as needed. It’s easy to clean with a damp cloth to wipe away any messes.
Key Features
- Adjusts from 28 to 42 inches wide and is 24 inches tall
- Made of bamboo and recycled plastics to be sturdy and sustainable
- Includes bumpers to secure the gate to the walls and floor without scratches
- Pressure-mounted or hardware-mounted pet gate
9. Cardinal Gates Safety Gate
Cost:
$71.21
Description:
The Cardinal pet gate is perfect for outdoors. It’s designed to be weatherproof and rustproof with stainless steel and a powder-coat finish to protect the gate from rain and extreme temperatures. The gate can also be mounted indoors at the top of stairs to protect pets. It comes in three colors to best fit your home’s design.
Key Features
- Adjusts from 27 to 42.5 inches wide and is 29.5 inches tall
- Includes a lockable, double-swinging door to easily pass through
- Made with stainless steel and a powder finish to be weatherproof and rustproof
- Hardware-mounted pet gate
10. Carlson Extra Wide Walk Through Pet Gate
Cost:
$43.99
Description:
The Carlson pet gate is made durable and chew-proof with sturdy steel. It includes four pressure mounts to secure the pet gate in place. It supports three additional extensions to widen the pet gate as needed. The gate also includes a pet gate for small pets to pass through and is easy to clean with warm water and mild soap.
Key Features
- 36.5 inches wide and 31 inches tall
- Includes four pressure mounts that secure the pet gate
- Includes a lockable pet door for small pets to easily pass through
- Pressure-mounted or hardware-mounted pet gate
11. MidWest Homes Pet Gate
Cost:
$56.99
Description:
This MidWest Homes perfect height to keep pets safe because it’s taller than most pet gates. It can be pressure mounted or hardware mounted using the included mounting cups. The gate is made of strong steel to be durable and chew-proof. The pet gate includes pressure mounts to fit securely to the wall without leaving scratches and supports two additional extensions to widen the pet gate as needed.
Key Features
- Adjusts from 29.5 to 38 inches wide and is 39 inches tall
- Includes a lockable, double-swinging door to easily pass through
- 1-year warranty
- Pressure-mounted or hardware-mounted pet gate
12. Carlson Extra Tall Pet Gate
Cost:
$54.99
Description:
The Carlson pet gate is tall and wide to fit best fit larger pets. It’s chew-proof and made free of lead and toxins to keep your dog safe. It includes a smaller door for small pets to easily pass through. The pet gate also supports additional extensions to widen the pet gate as needed. It can be pressure-mounted or hardware-mounted to keep pets safe at the top of the stairs.
Key Features
- Adjusts from 29 to 36.5 inches wide and is 36 inches tall
- Made with steel to be lead-free, non-toxic and chew-proof for your pet’s safety
- Includes a lockable pet door for small pets to easily pass through
- Pressure-mounted or hardware-mounted pet gate
13. Carlson Design Pet Gate
Cost:
$65.99
Description:
This Carlson pet gate includes two doors to easily pass through – one for you and one for your pet. It can be opened using a push-down lock and automatically closes securely. The gate includes a pressure mount kit to easily install anywhere in the home, and can also be hardware-mounted to stay in place at the top of stairs for your pet’s safety.
Key Features
- Adjusts from 30 to 37.5 inches wide and is 30 inches tall
- Made with a steel frame and New Zealand pine wood for a sturdy, decorative pet gate
- Includes a lockable pet door for small pets to easily pass through
- Pressure-mounted or hardware-mounted pet gate
14. Evenflo Pressure Mount Wood Pet Gate
Cost:
–
Description:
This Evenflo pet gate is easy to assemble with a pressure-mount to lock the gate in place without tools. The mesh gate is made with plastic, wood and a non-toxic finish. The pet gate positions and locks in place to easily fit most walkways and doorways. It’s easy to install without tools and pressure mounted with rubber bumpers to secure the gate without scratching your walls.
Key Features
- Adjusts from 31 to 50 inches wide and is 32 inches tall
- Includes rubber bumpers to secure the gate to the walls without scratches
- Made with plastic and a non-toxic finish to keep pets safe from toxins
- Pressure-mounted pet gate
15. North States Wire Mesh Pet Gate
Cost:
$29.99
Description:
This North States pet gate is made with U.S. non-toxic, sustainable wood for a safe and sturdy barrier for pets. It’s pressure-mounted and easy to securely install with rubber bumpers. The pet gate’s ‘Memory Feature’ makes it easy to reinstall the gate with the same width without readjusting.
Key Features
- Adjusts from 29.5 to 50 inches wide and is 32 inches tall
- Includes rubber bumpers to secure the gate to the walls without scratches
- Made with a U.S. sustainable wood frame with mesh panels to be durable
- Pressure-mounted pet gate
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Pet Gate FAQs
Where should I install a pet gate?
A pet gate should be installed anywhere that’s dangerous for your dog. For most pet owners, which may include the kitchen, rooms with fragile items or stairways to avoid falling. When installing the pet gate, make sure the gate is designed for the area. Most pressure-mounted pet gates are not meant to be used at the top of stairs and some gates may scratch vinyl or hardwood floors.
What size should the pet gate door be for my pet?
The size of each pet gate door will vary depending on your pet’s size. Most small pets including Yorkshire Terriers and cats often need a pet gate door that’s at least 6.5-inches wide and 9.5-inches tall. Other larger dogs such as beagles may need a pet gate opening that’s at least 8.5-inches wide and 16-inches tall. If you have a German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever, you’ll need a bigger pet door size that’s at least 11-inches wide and 19.5-inches tall. The pet door size may vary depending on your pet, so make sure to measure before you buy.
What kind of lock should I have for my pet gate?
The pet gate lock should be easy for pet owners to open, but strong enough to withstand pets pushing on the door for the lock to break. The best pet gates have a one-touch quick release handle that opens the door when the button is pressed. Others may include a latch or locks on the top and bottom of the gate to keep the gate door closed without worry. For your peace of mind, look for a pet gate lock that automatically closes and locks after each passing.
Pet Gate Safety Tips
- Walk through safely. Remember to use the pet gate door properly to reduce the risk of falling or tripping if you climb over the gate instead of using the door.
- Measure before buying. Be sure to measure the area for the pet gate before buying to ensure a safe and sturdy fit. If you’re buying a pet gate for a stairway, measure both the top and bottom of the stairway as the measurements may be different.
- Keep the pet gate door locked. Make sure the gate is securely locked after each passing to avoid your pet easily crossing the gate and reaching hazardous areas in the home such as a fireplace or kitchen.
- Mount the pet gate carefully. Refer to your manufacturer’s manual to safely install the pet gate. If it’s a hardware-mounted pet gate, use the mounting kit and tools included to securely install the gate.
- Beware of recalls. To keep your pet safe and prevent any accidents, stay up to date on the latest recalls and product safety issues.
Pet gates are the most affordable way to start pet-proofing your home for your furry buddy. There are many styles to choose from – ranging in style, type and price. Before buying a gate, remember to measure and research the pet gate’s materials to keep your pet safe. Start by checking out our recommendations, then check out a full list of Amazon’s best-selling pet gates.
