8 indoor dog pens: our 2023 picks

Need a space for your furry family member to snuggle up while you are? If you’re creating wind-down habits that don’t involve cuddles (and dog hair) on your furniture, first of all, kudos to you - those puppy dog eyes are hard to resist! And second, one way to create an enticing chill spot for your pooch is to take wind-down time from the couch and into a cosy puppy pen or behind a dog gate.

Simply find a crate that works for your pup and your living space, kit it out with a plumpable dog bed and boom! You’ve got your pooch the perfect dog cave for stretching, relaxing and calming down after a hectic day of fetch. 

It can be hard to know where to start when you’re searching for the best indoor dog pen, so we’ve collected eight that we like. But first, here are a few things to look out for…

Five tips for choosing the best indoor dog pen

1. Material. If your pooch is prone to chewing through inedible objects, opt for a heavier-duty crate made from metal, not wood.
2. Size. Make sure your pup has enough room to stand up and stretch out but avoid a pen that’s too large - that could result in confusion between the crate and their favourite toilet spot.
3. Portability. If you want to move your indoor dog playpen outdoors for a safe space during bbq season, make sure it’s easier to manoeuvre.
4. Storage. The reality is, you might bring your puppy pen home only for your pooch to enjoy it for a month or two, to then sever the attachment. So, whether you’re only using it for training or your pooch has a picky taste, make sure it folds flat to save room in storage.
5. Adjustability. A dog pen that can be adjusted for size and shape is perfect for a growing pooch or if you’re prone to a furniture move-around.

Related article: How to crate train an older dog

Our top pick

So, why this one? Well in all honesty, there are heaps of great indoor dog pens on and offline. It was a bit of a task to narrow down the best indoor dog pen, but the additional (and adorable) bed helped this one to reach the top spot! 

The pen itself is relatively durable and made with galvanised metal, complete with two easy-access doors. In case you need to keep your pooch inside the crate (think post-delivery madness), not to worry - the doors are topped with heavy duty latches to keep your buddy secure.

And if you’re concerned about your pup’s comfort, no need to with this pen. Unlike lots of other indoor dog pens, it’s complete with a metal floor tray AND a plump crate bed that your pooch can curl up in - a great way to make them feel safe and secure. If your pup is prone to making stains or you’d simply like to change things up once in a while, make use of the reversible inner cushion on the snuggly additional bed.

A dog crate is always handy for helping your buddy feel secure on the way to appointments they’d probably rather avoid, i.e. the vets and maybe even the dog groomers’. So, lucky for you, this pen is complete with a moveable carrying handle which is also handy if you’d like to reposition it in your home without collapsing it. On that note - it can fold fully flat which makes transportation and storage a whole lot easier.

Size: XXL, 32.7 x 48.8 x 29.9 inches

Price: XXL, £139.99

Indoor dog pen for large dogs

In our books, this one from Pets at Home is a simple, easy pleaser - it does the job for your large pooch. Easier on the pocket than lots of other large indoor dog pens on the market, it’s easy to put together and made with safety in mind. Along with its metal wire exterior, your pooch can stay safe and secure inside the pen with the single front door that makes walking in and out simple. If your pooch is still young, it’s ideal for training as it’s wipeable and easy to clean if any accidents occur. If you go with this dog crate, just make sure you’ve got another bed spare so that your pooch can snuggle up inside.

Size: 30.5 x 28.5 x 42.4 inches

Price: £52

Indoor dog pen for small dogs

This indoor dog pen is ideal for keeping small dogs cosy at home or as a handy tool for training. While it’s perfect for indoor use, you could also place it outdoors if need be - think big bbqs and gatherings in your garden - it’s the ideal place to keep your pooch away from the hustle and bustle, helping them enjoy your company from the safety and security of their pet playpen. If you’re considering this crate for training, it comes with an easy-cleaning plastic floor in case your furry buddy has any accidents. And if you’re only using a pen on occasion, its foldable set up means it’s easy to assemble, take down and store away tidily.

Size: 36 x 24 x 24 inches

Price: £46

Portable dog pen

If you’re looking for a puppy play pen that’s more like a dog house than a crate, this is one of the best indoor dog pens we could find that’s portable and cosy for your pooch. Ideal for getting cosy in your living room, creating a safe space to chill out in the garden, or for a piece of home when away visiting family, this portable playpen is perfect for transporting. Simply fold flat and store with ease, wherever you’re off to.

Size: XL, 39 x 24 inches

Price: XL, £59.99

Indoor pen for puppies

We’re suckers for this indoor pen from Lords and Labradors! They never fall short when it comes to chic accessories that enhance your home AND make sure your pooch is 100% comfortable. Choose from a bright white or stylish grey coating on each wooden panel - the perfect alternative to a metal pen that will compliment your living room interiors. While we wouldn’t say this is a heavy duty dog crate, the only drawback to this aesthetically-pleasing indoor pen for small dogs and puppies is its weight. Sitting at a rather substantial 20kg, make sure you’re sure on where this pen should be placed in your home to avoid any awkward manoeuvring!

Size: 24 x 31 inches

Price: £129.99

Indoor dog pen with a floor

This practical outdoor and indoor dog playpen from Robert Dyas is the ideal chill space for your pooch. Simply pop a doggy cushion or bed inside and you’ve got the perfect space for your buddy to relax in a well-ventilated pen. Ideal for indoors or outdoors, this pet pen will serve you well during your dog training sessions. And you don’t have to worry about the sturdiness of this crate - the wire is made with rust-resistant galvanised metal, with each bar secured by metal joining bars. Despite its sturdy structure, this pet pen can easily be folded flat, so no worries about cluttering up your living space unnecessarily.

Size: 30 x 49 x 43 inches

Price: £54.99

Indoor dog pen with a roof

Ideal for indoors or outdoors, this dog exercise pen is complete with a partial roof that’ll keep your pooch dry and out of the sun (it’s UV resistant!). If you’re looking for a dog kennel with heaps of space for movement, this little number from Wayfair is it. And with sturdy, powder-coated steel and a lockable pet gate, your pooch’s security is one thing you won’t have to worry about. The only downside to this dog kennel is that it’s not the most fashion-forward piece we’ve ever seen. With that said though, if you value practicality over looks, this puppy pen should do the job.

Size: 17 x 87 x 17 inches

Price: £214.99

Best cheap indoor dog pen

While this isn’t strictly a dog pen, we thought it might be useful to include a dog fence that helps you to corner off areas of your house to keep your pooch safe. Sometimes, dog lovers and pet parents alike would prefer to shut off certain rooms and let their pooch run free in others, rather than training them to enjoy a dog crate.

Size: 28 x 24-41 inches

Price: £35

On the lookout for more pet accessories?

If you’ve welcomed a pooch home and gone through multiple beds, we feel your struggle. Here are the best indestructible dog beds we could find that are made to last.