The best indoor dog gates of 2024

As much as we love our dogs following us around everywhere we go, sometimes it’s nice to have a little space (to any dogs reading this, we’re sorry, but it’s true). Indoor dog gates offer owners a chance to section off an area of the home for their best friends while still being able to monitor them. It not only keeps them off our tail, so to speak, but keeps them out of harm’s way and distances them from potential triggers like visitors or other pets.

With so many dog gates on the market, choosing the right one for your home (and pup) can be tricky. Here’s a roundup of our favorites, taking into account durability, installation, and the types of environments they’re best suited for. Tap the links to learn more:

What we love: If your biggest concern about getting an indoor dog gate is “where am I supposed to put this thing when I’m not using it,” this retractable safety gate from EasyBaby may be for you. With a mesh lining that simply folds into itself, it’s a great option for those low on storage space. It comes with all the hardware necessary and a template for easy (and quick) installation. We also love that EasyBaby gate won’t scratch up your walls from having to continually put it up and take it down every time it’s in use, unlike other wall-mounted gates.

What customers say: Most of the 8,200+ reviews on Amazon say that this mesh gate is a great option for babies and pets. Customers loved the easy-to-install instructions that come with the purchase, though some did note that it took a while to get used to the lock/unlock feature when opening and closing the gate.

Size: 33” tall, up to 55” wide.

Pros:

• Retractable mesh saves storage space
• Easy to install
• Doesn’t scratch up walls

Cons:

• The lock and unlock feature can be finicky
• Only suited for small or medium dogs
• Some reported included drywall anchors weren’t sturdy enough

What we love: Worried about your husky or mastiff plowing through your feeble dog gate? Worry not with the Cumbor Walk Thru Dog Gate, which can fend off up to 150 pounds of force. It features an auto-closing door that’s great for passing through with your hands full and two extension pieces to ensure it’ll fit in nearly any space. The narrow slats will ensure smaller dogs can’t wriggle through the gaps. The pressure mounts are easy to use and keep the gate tightly in place. Your large canine companion has met their match!

What customers say: With a 4.6-star rating out of 5,600+ Amazon reviews, it’s safe to say this gate is a popular choice for dog owners. Customers love the auto-close feature on the gate door and that it stays open if pushed to a full 90 degrees. However, some mentioned that installing could be challenging. But, once installed, the pressure mounts seem to stay sturdy through months of use. Some customers recommended purchasing pressure mount cups to use with the gate to prevent it from scratching up your walls.

Size: 30.5” tall, 29.5” to 46” wide.

Pros:

• Highly durable for large dogs trying to get through
• Door automatically closes behind you
• Sturdy pressure mounts

Cons:

• Some found it difficult to install
• Pressure mounts can scratch walls
• Some noted it’s a tripping hazard

What we love: If you’re more interested in using a gate as needed, this freestanding pet gate from Richell is a great alternative to the more permanent fixtures on this list. It’s made from high-quality hardwood and has rubber feet to prevent floor scratches. We love that it’s self-supporting and has easy assembly instructions to make set-up a breeze. That said, the gate is only 20” tall. And while that makes it easy to step over, it’s not ideal for stopping large dogs or high-jumpers.

What customers say: Over 5,300 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on Amazon prove this to be a great option for dog owners. Customers love the look and quality of this gate, and the majority say that assembly was easier than expected. Some noted that, while great for small or elderly dogs who won’t try to escape, the 20” height makes it a less-than-ideal choice for larger or more athletic dogs who could hop on over it.

Size: Small: 20” tall, 26” to 40” wide. Large: 20” tall, 40” to 71” wide.

Pros:

• Folds up easily
• Self-supporting
• Rubber footing prevents floor scratches

Cons:

• Only 20 inches tall
• Won’t stop large or athletic dogs
• Can be tricky to adjust length

What we love: Do you look at tools and immediately start to panic? Then look instead at this easy-to-install, versatile dog gate from Carlson Pet Products. Setup is simple, and it’s an excellent choice if you want to use your gate in multiple spots in your house. The rubber bumpers prevent the gate from damaging your walls as you move it from room to room. It also has a small pet door for an equally small pet (think cat or ferret) to trot through without taking the gate down.

What customers say: Customers love how easy it is to install this pet gate and comment on how sturdy the product is. It was also noted that the gate is the perfect height to step over while deterring dogs from jumping. Some mentioned that while the pet door is good for allowing smaller pets like cats to pass through while dogs are sanctioned off, smaller dogs also seem to find their way through the tiny door, so they needed to keep it locked or had to figure out a way to make it smaller.

Size: Medium: 24” tall, 26” to 38” wide. Small: 10” tall, 7” wide.

Pros:

• Simple to install
• Can move from room to room with ease
• Tiny pet door for other pets

Cons:

• Small dogs may be able to squeeze through pet door
• Tightening bar is a little finicky
• Foot may get caught stepping over it

What we love: You don’t have to compromise your home’s feng shui when shopping for dog gates. This walk-through gate from Carlson Pet Products is as practical as stylish. We also love that the pressure mount system keeps it sturdy for dogs of all sizes. It comes with wall cups and rubber bumpers, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your walls when assembling or taking it down. This is an excellent option for someone willing to pay a little more for a higher-end designer look. Plus, this Carlson gate has a 90-day warranty to ensure you absolutely love it!

What customers say: This gate has almost 2,000 reviews and a 4.4-star Amazon rating, with “sturdiness” and “easy to install” being among the top-rated features. Customers noted that the gate will auto-close behind you, which is great when you have your hands full. Some reviewers complained that the latch takes a little getting used to, but they did enjoy the small animal gate, which allows tinier pets to go to and from as they please.

Size: Regular: 30” tall, 30.5” to 33.5” wide. Small: 10” tall, 7” wide.

Pros:

• Sleek designer-friendly look
• Pressure mounts keep it sturdy
• Automatically closes behind you

Cons:

• Latch can be finicky
• Small door has trouble staying open
• Some reported scratches and damage to woodwork upon purchase

What we love: There’s easy assembly, and then there’s no assembly. So long as you’re not worried about your furry friend plowing through this untethered freestanding gate from PAWLAND, it’s a great option for the “set it and forget” crowd. The gate features an accordion-folding design and fits up to 60” (3 panels) or 80” (4 panels) openings. The beautiful wood finish makes it attractive in any home, and the zero assembly makes it great for travel.

What customers say: With a 4.5-star rating and 1,400+ Amazon reviews, customers are fans of this freestanding gate. Reviewers love no assembly and the aesthetic of the wood finish. Some noted that it could be a little unstable if stretched too far, and some dogs figured out how to push the side open enough to squeeze through, so it may be better suited for smaller or less motivated dogs to try and escape.

Size: 3-panel: 36” tall, 60” wide. 4-panel: 36” tall, 80” wide.

Pros:

• Zero assembly required
• Fits wide spaces
• Great for travel

Cons:

• Unstable when stretched out
• Not fit for escape artists
• Can scratch walls

What we love: This extra tall dog gate from Carlson expands to 58”, allowing you to section off wider spaces for your fur baby.  It includes an easy-to-open latch and locking mechanism, plus a small pet door to let your small animals come and go as they please while still containing your dogs. Once the brackets are mounted on the wall, simply slide the gate into place, and you’re good to go. You can also purchase an extension to add another 24” to this gate if you have an even wider space you want to block off.

What customers say: Customers love the durability of this wall-mounted gate. While some prefer the mobility of the pressure mounts found on other gates, these wall anchors give extra security for those with bigger dogs. Some reviews mentioned dogs fitting through the small animal door, so keep this in mind for small or medium-sized pups.

Size: Regular: 38” tall, 51” to 58” wide. Small: 10” tall, 7” wide.

Pros:

• Covers wider spaces than most gates
• Mounts keep it sturdy
• Extra tall to prevent jumping

Cons:

• Mounts make it less versatile
• Some small dogs can squeeze through pet door
• Assembly can be tricky and take a while

Unsure if you even need a dog gate? You might not! It all depends on your pup and your home environment. Does your canine pal like to scavenge for dropped food in the kitchen or get into your cat’s food and litter? Do you worry your puppy is chewing up your furniture while you’re at your desk working or taking a shower? Maybe you don’t want to trip over your dog as they follow you like a shadow.

Dog gates will keep your best friend contained in a safe, comfortable, and appropriate area. Many pups actually feel more comfortable having a designated space in the home that is ‘theirs.’ Think of it like a bedroom for your pup!

👉 Want your pup to get some extra outdoor time? Take a look at our vet-recommended doggie doors.

When shopping for the best dog gate for your home and pup, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

• Material and quality. Pet gates are made of wood, metal, plastic, or sometimes a combination. The material you choose may depend on your dog’s temperament or strength. For example, while wood accents have a higher-end look, they may encourage chewing.
• Security and durability. When purchasing an indoor gate, consider your dog’s size. Larger dogs or dogs with some spring in their step will need sturdier gates, while smaller dogs usually get by with something shorter and less durable. Height is also a consideration for breeds that can jump high like greyhounds or border collies.
• Placement. You also need to consider where you want to use your dog gate. Some gates can fit a variety of open spaces, while others only block off narrow halls or doorways. It’s important to measure the area you need to section off first — don’t just guess!

👉 It’s not recommended to use pet safety gates at the top of stairs or on banisters for pet and child safety reasons.

Not all dog gates are the same. There are varying styles that come in different sizes and textures, each tailored for different owner needs:

• Freestanding dog gates. These gates don’t need to be attached to a wall or door frame, making them easy to move around. They can be adjusted to fit openings throughout your house and are good for traveling or leaving your dog with a sitter. These can sometimes be used to create a playpen area for your pet as well.
• Adjustable tension gates. Also called pressure-mounted gates, these are another popular option as a temporary barrier. They are fairly easy to install but can be more tedious than a freestanding gate if you move it from spot to spot in your house. These gates use a scratch-resistant pressure system against the wall or door frame for support rather than needing to be drilled in, so there’s less damage left behind when taken down.
• Wall-mounted gates. Perhaps the most tedious to install are wall-mounted dog gates. These are ideal for owners with a set area to keep their dog away from, like a kitchen or dining room. Because you’re drilling the plates into your wall, these tend to be very sturdy and accommodate dogs of all sizes.
• Walk-through dog gates. Perfect for when you don’t want to detach and reassemble a gate repeatedly, walk-through pet gates can be freestanding or mounted with a latched walk-thru gate. These allow household members to pass through the gate hands-free while keeping your pup confined. Some even come with small pet doors that you can leave open for smaller animals to come and go.
• Retractable dog gates. A retractable baby gate can double as a dog gate (or vice versa) and is an excellent option for those who want something that can disappear when not in use. These gates need to be permanently mounted to the wall for support, so they’re best to use when you don’t need to use a gate in multiple areas and plan to use it regularly.

While your dog may initially be annoyed at a gate keeping them from getting into mischief, they’ll ultimately benefit from these safe spaces where they can stay put and relax. Luckily, a wide variety of options are on the market to accommodate your unique home and pup!