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.
Top 15 Pet Gates
Our take
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.
Stand-out features include
- 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
Our take
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.
Stand-out features include
- 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
Our take
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.
Stand-out features include
- 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
Our take
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.
Stand-out features include
- 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
Our take
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.
Stand-out features include
- 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
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.
Pet Gate FAQs
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.
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.
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.
