Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Best Indoor Dog & Puppy Playpens in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Misty Layne Profile Picture

By Misty Layne

an-adorable-dog-in-a-play-pen

Playpens are an easy and convenient way to keep your dog secured in one area. Whether you’re dealing with a litter of puppies or a single dog, a playpen can be a lifesaver. That’s why it’s so important to choose the best playpen to meet your needs. Product reviews are one of the best ways to know you’re buying the right product for your needs when purchasing online. We’ve put together reviews of the 10 best playpens for dogs to make it easier for you to get the right one delivered right to your front door.

Divider 2

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Precision Pet Products Soft-Sided Dog & Cat Playpen Precision Pet Products Soft-Sided Dog & Cat Playpen
  • Can be used indoors and outdoors
  • Water-resistant
  • Has water dispenser holder and opening
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Ruff ‘N Ruffus Portable Foldable Cat & Dog Playpen Ruff ‘N Ruffus Portable Foldable Cat & Dog Playpen
  • Affordable
  • Easy to move around
  • Roomy, good for larger puppies
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Carlson Pet Products Convertible Wire Dog Pet Yard Carlson Pet Products Convertible Wire Dog Pet Yard
  • Is a pen and a gate, so you can give your dog as much space as they need
  • Double locks, so dogs can’t open the gate
  • Made from durable steel
  • Best for Puppies
    Regalo Pet Products My Play Portable Soft-sided Dog & Cat Playpen Regalo Pet Products My Play Portable Soft-sided Dog & Cat Playpen
  • Quick to set up or put away
  • Nylon bottom for easy cleaning
  • Designed to be durable
  • Frisco 4-Panel Dog Exercise Playpen with Door Frisco 4-Panel Dog Exercise Playpen with Door
  • Non-skid feet
  • Heavy-duty plastic
  • Easy to put together
  • The 10 Best Indoor Playpens for Dogs and Puppies

    1. Precision Pet Products Soft-Sided Dog & Cat Playpen – Best Overall

    Precision Pet Products Soft-Sided Dog & Cat Playpen

    Check Price on Chewy
    Size: 46 x 46 x 28 in
    Pre-assembled: Yes
    Price: $$

    If you’re seeking the best overall indoor playpen for your dog or puppy, you’ll want to consider the Precision Pet Products Soft-Sided Dog Playpen. The playpen comes fully assembled and folds up for easier storage, so you can toss it in a closet when it’s not in use. It’s made for indoor and outdoor use, so it comes with ground stakes and is water-resistant. The protected seams and reinforced corners on the playpen ensure your pup’s safety. Best of all, this playpen comes equipped with a water dispenser holder and opening, so your pup doesn’t spill water inside the playpen but still stays hydrated!

    However, you might need to seek instructions on properly folding this playpen up, as a couple of people found it incredibly difficult to figure it out. There was also a complaint or two of zippers breaking off.

    Pros
    • Can be used indoors and outdoors
    • Water-resistant
    • Has water dispenser holder and opening
    Cons
    • Might be challenging to fold properly without instructions
    • Chance of zippers breaking off

     2. Ruff ‘N Ruffus Portable Foldable Cat & Dog Playpen, Carrying Case, & Travel Bowl – Best Value

    Ruff n Ruffus

    Size: 36 x 36 x 23 in
    Pre-assembled: Yes
    Price: $$

    Looking for the best playpen for the money? Look no further than the Ruff ’N Ruffus Portable Foldable Dog Playpen! This portable playpen comes with a carrying case for easier transport, as well as a travel bowl so your pup can stay fed and hydrated. Though it’s transportable, it makes for an excellent indoor playpen as it’s small enough to fit into a corner of a room but still roomy enough for your favorite canine. It’s designed with durable, water-resistant materials and features a removable top. Plus, it comes in purple or aqua!

    There were very few negative reviews for this product. One person said their dog managed to make the playpen collapse on themselves, so be careful setting it up. Another stated there is Velcro inside the playpen that their dog chewed on, so watch for that.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Easy to move around
    • Roomy, good for larger puppies
    Cons
    • Need to be careful when setting up so the playpen doesn’t end up collapsing
    • Watch for Velcro on the inside if your pup is a chewer

    3. Carlson Pet Products Convertible Wire Dog Pet Yard – Premium Choice

    Carlson Pet Products Convertible Wire Dog Pet Yard

    Size: 72 x 72 x 28 in
    b No
    Price: $$$

    When you want to get your dog the best, look at the premium Carlson Pet Products Convertible Wire Dog Pet Yard. While it does require assembly, unlike others on this list, it doubles as both a pen and a gate, so you can vary the size of the space your pup gets to play in. It’s only 28 inches tall, so it will work best with smaller dogs. This playpen contains a lever handle that double locks, so even the most intelligent of canines should be unable to get out, and because this is made of steel, it’s extremely durable.

    One downside of this playpen is that you’ll need to set a heavy object outside to keep your pet from moving it around, as it doesn’t attach to the wall. Another is the fact it has plastic hinges, which might not be great for dogs who love to chew.

    Pros
    • Is a pen and a gate, so you can give your dog as much space as they need
    • Double locks, so dogs can’t open the gate
    • Made from durable steel
    Cons
    • Probably won’t work for large dogs that could jump over
    • Needs reinforcement so it can’t be nudged around
    • Has hinges made of plastic that can be chewed

    4. Regalo Pet Products My Play Portable Soft-sided Dog & Cat Playpen – Best for Puppies

    Regalo Pet Products My Play Portable Soft-sided Dog & Cat Playpen

    Size: 48 x 2 x 26 in
    Pre-assembled: No
    Price: $$

    If you have puppies in the home, this Regalo Pet Products My Play Portable Soft-sided Playpen is just what you need. Not only is it fast and easy to set up or fold to put away, but the bottom of it is made from nylon, so it’s a breeze to clean. It’s also designed to be extra durable with reinforced stitching, which should help when it comes to your little one’s antics. Plus, you can get it with 6 or 8 panels, so you have options when it comes to size!

    A couple of people stated that their puppies’ nails got caught in the netting, though, and at least one pup got their teeth stuck in the netting, so you might want to keep an eye on your dog until you see how they do with that.

    Pros
    • Quick to set up or put away
    • Nylon bottom for easy cleaning
    • Designed to be durable
    Cons
    • A few puppies got their nails and teeth stuck in the netting

    5. Frisco 4-Panel Dog Exercise Playpen with Door

    Frisco 4-Panel Dog Exercise Playpen with Door

    Size: 35 x 35.13 x 23.75 in
    Pre-assembled: No
    Price: $$

    Here’s another playpen that works best with smaller pups. The Frisco 4-Panel Dog Playpen gives your dog 8 square feet of space to move around and play in and has non-skid feet, so it stays in place even if roughhousing is going on. Though made from plastic, it is heavy-duty, so it should hold up if your pup is big on chewing things. And though the gate requires assembly, it’s made with an interlocking design, so putting it together is pretty simple.

    A few dogs figured out how to climb out of this playpen, so that may be a concern if your pup is capable of climbing. There were also a couple of complaints about the door sticking and being difficult to open.

    Pros
    • Non-skid feet
    • Heavy-duty plastic
    • Easy to put together
    Cons
    • Not for larger pups
    • Some dogs were able to climb out
    • Door might stick

    6. Pet Gear Travel Lite Soft-Sided Dog Pen with Removable Top

    pet-gear-travel-lite-soft-sided-dog-pen-with-removable-top

    Size: 29L” x 29W” x 17H”; 36L” x 36W” x 21H”; 46L” x 46W” x 28H”
    Pre-assembled: Yes
    Price: $$

    The Pet Gear Travel Lite Soft-Sided Dog Pen with Removable Top is available in three sizes. It comes pre-assembled and is easy to pop up and fold down for storage. It’s well ventilated and features a removable top that can provide protection from the sun for your dog. The floor is water-resistant, making for easy cleanup, and it includes a door with a lockable zipper and a storage pocket for accessories. Since this is made of soft nylon, this playpen is not a good option for large breed dogs and dogs or puppies that may chew. Some people report the zippers to be somewhat finicky on this particular playpen.

    Pros
    • Three sizes available
    • Easy to set up and fold down for storage
    • Removable top can provide sun protection
    • Water-resistant floor
    • Includes a door and accessories pocket
    Cons
    • Not a good option for large dogs or puppies that may chew
    • Zippers may be finicky

    7. MidWest Wire Dog Pen with Step-Thru Door

    midwest-wire-dog-pen-with-step-thru-door

    Size: 62L” x 62W” x 24H”; 62L” x 62W” x 30H”; 62L” x 62W” x 36H”; 62L” x 62W” x 42H”; 62L” x 62W” x 48H”
    Pre-assembled: Yes
    Price: $$

    The MidWest Wire Dog Pen with Step-Thru Door is available in five heights and comes pre-assembled. It includes a step-through door, four swivel snap locks, and corner stabilizers. It folds flat when not in use for easy storage and when set up, it encloses 16 square feet of space. It’s made of powder-coated metal, making it durable in the elements. A wire mesh top or sun protection top can be purchased separately. This pen does not have feet, so it may slip and scratch hard floors. If jumped on, it may fall over, so this is not a good option for large, active dogs or multiple puppies.

    Pros
    • Five height options
    • Step-through door with double latches
    • Includes swivel locks and corner stabilizers
    • Folds flat when not in use
    • Powder-coated metal
    Cons
    • Top must be purchased separately
    • May slip and scratch hardwood floors
    • Not secure enough to be jumped on

    8. IRIS 8-Panel Plastic Exercise Playpen

    iris-8-panel-plastic-exercise-playpen

    Size: 63L” x 63W” x 34H”
    Pre-assembled: No
    Price: $$$

    The IRIS 8-Panel Plastic Exercise Playpen is available in three colors and is made from sturdy plastic. It gives your dog over 21 square feet of playing space. Once assembled, it’s easy to set up and clean, making it a good option for puppies, but it does require assembly upon arrival. Non-skid rubber feet will prevent the pen from sliding and scratching your floors. The hinged door has two steel latches for security, and the door itself is made to be at dog level for dogs of almost any size. This playpen sells for a premium price and is lightweight enough for large dogs to push it around.

    Pros
    • Three color options
    • Made from sturdy plastic
    • Easy to set up once assembled
    • Non-skid rubber feet keep it from sliding and scratching floors
    • Hinged door with double steel latches
    Cons
    • Requires assembly
    • Premium price
    • Lightweight enough for large dogs to push around

    9. Regalo 4-in-1 Play Yard Configurable Gate

    regalo-4-in-1-play-yard-configurable-gate

    Size: 24L” x 28W” per panel
    Pre-assembled: No
    Price: $$$

    The Regalo 4-in-1 Play Yard Configurable Gate includes eight panels assembled in multiple ways. It also includes wall-mounting hardware, which adds up to 2 inches at each wall. This can be used as an enclosed playpen or a dog gate to keep your dog securely in one area. It has a walk-through design with a convenient double lock lever handle to get in and out. It’s made of durable coated metal but is not recommended for dogs prone to jumping or climbing. Setup may be complicated, and some people frequently report needing to re-tighten the latches.

    Pros
    • Panels can be assembled multiple ways
    • Includes wall-mounting hardware
    • Walk-through design with double lock lever handle
    • Durable coated metal
    Cons
    • Requires assembly
    • Not a good option for escapee dogs
    • May require regular tightening and maintenance

    10. IRIS Open Wire Dog Pen

    iris-open-wire-dog-pen

    Size: 38L” x 26W” x 28H”; 47L” x 31W” x 28H”
    Pre-assembled: Yes
    Price: $$$$

    The IRIS Open Wire Dog Pen is available in two sizes and features an attractive wood look plastic with the durability of steel wire. It’s made with extra small to medium-sized dogs in mind, so it’s not a good option for large and extra-large breed dogs. It has a molded bottom tray to protect your floors, and it uses a sliding gate with a lockable latch to keep your dog secure. This playpen sells for a premium price, and it is not a good pick for dogs that are big chewers as the plastic latch can be chewed through, allowing your dog to escape.

    Pros
    • Two sizes available
    • Wood-look plastic with durable steel wire
    • Molded bottom tray protects floors
    • Lockable latch
    Cons
    • Not a good option for large and extra-large dogs
    • Premium price
    • Plastic latch can be chewed open

    Divider 5

    Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Dog Playpen

    So, what should you be looking for in a dog and puppy playpen?

    Size

    One of the most important considerations should be the size of the playpen. While smaller canines should fit in just about any size playpen, larger breeds won’t fit in playpens designed for small dogs. So, consider the size of your pup when purchasing a playpen for them.

    Pet’s Age

    Your dog’s age should also be a consideration in the kind of playpen you get. Puppies are more likely to be rougher with a playpen than an older dog, so you’ll want one made with more durable material. And senior dogs may need a softer playpen if they’re dealing with achy joints or arthritis.

    puppy pug in playpen chewing toy crate
    Image Credit: Candice Pun, Shutterstock

    Safety

    Safety is key when choosing a playpen. You don’t want to put a canine that loves to chew things in a soft playpen with netting because they’ll easily chew through it and might get their nails or teeth stuck. You also don’t want a playpen to have small parts that can be eaten, as that poses a choking hazard. You do want a playpen that can hold your dog; if it’s too short and they try to climb out and get stuck, they could get injured, and if they make it outside the playpen, they could get into anything and everything (especially if you aren’t home).

    Reviews

    Checking out reviews from other pet parents is one of the best ways to ensure a product does what it says and will meet your needs.

    hepper-dog-paw-divider2

    Conclusion

    Now that you’ve read these reviews of ten of the best dog playpens on the market, you know that the best overall playpen is Precision Pet Products Soft-Sided Dog Playpen because it’s water-resistant, portable, and has a way to keep your pup hydrated without them spilling water everywhere. For the best playpen for the money, check out the Ruff ’N Ruffus Portable Foldable Dog Playpen!, as it’s affordable and roomy. Finally, if you want a premium option for your pup, consider the Carlson Pet Products Convertible Wire Dog Pet Yard, as it gives your pet tons of space and is incredibly durable.


    Featured Image Credit: Candice Pun, Shutterstock

    Related Articles

    Further Reading

    Vet Articles

    Latest Vet Answers

    The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database