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8 Best Dog Playpens

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If you have pets at home, you’ve probably wished for a safe space to tuck them in when you go about your everyday work, because it’s practically impossible to keep an eye on them around the clock. A dog playpen can help you with this, and your search for the best playpen ends here, as we’ve carefully put together this list of the ten best playpens on the market. Read on and see if there’s a product in here that can help you out.

Comparison Table

[amazon box=”B06XTG94TH, B007PJWIOU, B00D5P8450, B0052HH5UE, B000H8YTJI, B01M4O1A6A, B003XU3XE4, B003SOVCPW” template=”table”]

Dog Playpen FAQ

Before we look at the ten playpens chosen, let’s look at the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this product. 

1. What Is a Dog Playpen?

2. What Is a Playpen Used For?

3. How to Choose the Right Dog Playpen?

4. Where Can You Buy Playpens?

How We Reviewed

two dogs inside a portable exercise pen

Image Source: CC BY-SA 4.0, Ellen Finch, via Wikimedia Commons

To help you find the best playpen for your pet, we searched various online and offline marketplaces and evaluated the many options on the basis of parameters like the quality of materials used, the degree of sturdiness, the ease of use, the process involved in setting up the playpen and in taking it down, the space offered, the presence of any additional handy features, and the value offered for money. We then chose the top ten playpens from a variety of choices, and proceeded to review them on the basis of factors like their main features, their advantages and disadvantages, the price range they fall in, and the availability of a warranty.

Overall Price Range of Dog Playpens

The price of dog playpens varies from as low as $40 to as high as $80 or more. The higher end models are typically made of more durable materials, and offer various features like easy visibility, a more generous space, sturdier composition, pockets for storing knickknacks, and even a door to allow for easy access.

What We Reviewed

  • Tespo Dog Playpen
  • Richell Convertible High Pet Playpen
  • IRIS Exercise Panel Pet Playpen
  • Pet Trex 8 Panel Pen Exercise Playpen
  • MidWest Exercise Pen
  • EliteField 2-Door Soft Pet Playpen
  • BestPet Heavy Duty Pet Playpen
  • Richell 3-in-1 Convertible Elite Pet Gate

Tespo Dog Playpen

[amazon box=”B06XTG94TH”]

Features

With a maximum space of up to 20 square feet, this dog playpen is also ideal for a variety of smaller animals like hedgehogs, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits. It includes 12 transparent panels and anti-slip pieces that keep the connectors from slipping on the floor. Cable ties help you create features like foldable fences or doors. The panels can be realigned to suit the space in which you install the playpen.

Pros

  • The walls are thin enough to be manipulated to suit the curves or corners of the space the playpen is installed in
  • The use of lightweight materials makes the playpen easy to move around in case you need to
  • See-through panels allow you to easily check on your pets and keep an eye on them

Cons

  • A bit on the flimsy side even when installed correctly
  • It can be tough to set it up and take it down, so it’s not ideal for users who don’t intend to set it up permanently

Warranty

It’s advisable to contact the manufacturer for details about the availability of a warranty on this playpen.

Richell Convertible High Pet Playpen

[amazon box=”B007PJWIOU”]

Features

This is a 3-in-1 dog playpen that can be converted into various other designs, such as a room divider or a freestanding gate for your pets. It comes in two models, one of which has 4 panels and the other, 6 panels. The playpen sports specially designed caps that lock the panels in place and allow them to be turned at 90, 120, and 180 degrees. It’s ideal for small dogs that weigh up to 88 pounds.

Pros

  • Lockable doors provide greater security for your pets
  • Solid and sturdy construction makes this playpen more durable and long-lasting
  • The panels are customizable and can be rearranged to form playpens in various shapes

Cons

  • Pricier when compared with other options
  • Gap between the bars is too narrow, so you cannot get a very clear view of your pet

Warranty

It’s advisable to contact the manufacturer for details about the availability of a warranty on this playpen.

IRIS Exercise Panel Pet Playpen

[amazon box=”B00D5P8450″]

Features

Made from commercial-grade plastic, this dog playpen features 8 interlocking panels that come together to form a large closed space where your pets can have fun in a safe manner. In one of the panels, there is a small hinged door that’s equipped with double steel latches for added security. Additionally, the playpen is available in around 8 different colors.

Pros

  • Non-skid rubber feet keep the playpen from moving around a lot or toppling over
  • Playpen is easy to clean and easy to fold up when not in use
  • Setting up the playpen is a breeze

Cons

  • Tends to be slightly flimsy when it’s not placed against a wall
  • Can get pricey if you decide to purchase the add-on panels

Warranty

It’s advisable to contact the manufacturer for details about the availability of a warranty on this playpen.

Pet Trex 8 Panel Pen Exercise Playpen

[amazon box=”B0052HH5UE”]

Features

With 8 panels that measure 24 inches high and wide, this dog playpen can be set up to form a rectangle, an octagon, or a square. The door is secured by a double latch, and the playpen includes corner stabilizers and ground anchors. The bars sport a satin black electro-coat finish that offers long-lasting protection.

Pros

  • Easy to assemble and set up, and also easy to take down
  • Among the more affordable playpens in the market
  • Size is perfect for small and medium-sized puppies

Cons

  • The playpen may move if your pet leans against one of the walls
  • Doesn’t include any rubber feet at the bottom, so it may not be ideal to place it on wooden or concrete floors

Warranty

Pet Trex offers a one-year limited warranty on this playpen.

MidWest Exercise Pen

[amazon box=”B000H8YTJI”]

Features

Made from durable metal wires that come with an electro-coat finish, this dog playpen is durable and long-lasting. Included in the pack are clips to secure the two end panels after you’ve set up the playpen. The area within can go up to 16 square feet, giving your pet ample space to play and exercise. The playpen also comes with ground anchors for outdoor use.

Pros

  • Fully collapsible playpen is easy to fold, store, and transport
  • The shape can be customized and adapted to suit the size and shape of the room you set it up in
  • Easy to set up and take down

Cons

  • The clamps that connect adjacent panels have sharp edges that could cause injury
  • Except one model, the other playpens don’t have any doors

Warranty

MidWest offers a one-year warranty on this playpen.

EliteField 2-Door Soft Pet Playpen

[amazon box=”B01M4O1A6A”]

Features

Available in around nine colors, this dog playpen features two doors that come with lockable zippers for added pet safety. It also includes a pocket for the water bottle and comes with a floor mat and a top cover that are both washable and can be zipped on or off according to your needs. Mesh inserts ensure that your pet is well-ventilated even with the top on.

Pros

  • Lightweight playpen that is easy to set up
  • There’s plenty of room inside the boundary once the playpen is set up
  • Includes a few pockets on the inside, so you can store things there

Cons

  • Not ideal for pets who tend to chew on things
  • Difficult to fold it back, so it’s best for people who intend to keep it set up for a considerable period

Warranty

EliteField offers a two-year warranty on this playpen.

BestPet Heavy Duty Pet Playpen

[amazon box=”B003XU3XE4″]

Features

This playpen allows for various shape configurations like an octagon, a rectangle, or a square. Made from heavy-duty, rust-resistant metal that is sturdy and durable, this playpen can be used indoors as well as outdoors. It requires no tools to set up or take down, and can be taken along when you travel or go camping.

Pros

  • Tall and strong design that offers quite a bit of safety for small pets
  • Setting up the playpen is easy and hassle-free
  • The panels are quite durable and are of great quality

Cons

  • The pins at the hinges tend to bend easily
  • Panels don’t connect well when placed on surfaces that are not entirely flat

Warranty

BestPet offers a limited warranty on defective products. The period is not specified in the listing, so it’s advisable to contact the manufacturer directly.

Richell 3-in-1 Convertible Elite Pet Gate

[amazon box=”B003SOVCPW”]

Features

Equipped with exclusively designed caps that allow the panels to be turned at 90, 120, and 180 degree angles, this dog playpen can be used as a room divider, a freestanding gate, or a square-shaped enclosure. The panels are each bordered by hardwood and the playpen is available in three heights: low, medium, and tall. It also has rubber feet that protect floors.

Pros

  • Flexible design is helpful for people who live in smaller spaces
  • When set up correctly, the playpen is extremely stable in whichever design you configure it
  • Compact when taken down and folded back, so you can store it anywhere or take it along with you when you travel

Cons

  • More expensive than most other playpens on the market
  • Includes only 4 panels (optional panels can be purchased at an additional cost, which takes the price up further)

Warranty

Richell offers a standard 90-day warranty on this playpen.

The Verdict

The VerdictRichell’s 3-in-1 elite convertible playpen is undoubtedly the best one on the list of products we’ve chosen. It's esthetically pleasing, adaptable, and sturdy. It also comes in varying heights and two elegant colors. The only downside is that it’s a bit pricier than the others. If you have a strict budget and you’re looking for a more affordable dog playpen, you could also consider the soft playpen from EliteField. It’s equipped with several handy features like inside pockets, mesh inserts for ventilation, and a foldable design that is easy to transport. 

Featured Image Source: CC BY 2.0, James Brooks, via Flickr

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