How to choose a pet gate: What you need to know

Updated 17/02/2024

If you’ve had your fair share of muddy pawprints on your new carpet or accidents when you turn your back on your young pup, then you’ve likely already considered getting a dog gate. As you’ll know, gates for pets can be used for a variety of reasons from separating troublesome trios to marking an area as off-limits, but do you know how to choose a pet gate? Today, we’re taking a look at why dog gates are useful, giving you tips on how to choose one, and showing you our top picks to make finding a pet gate simple and stress-free. So, are you ready to see what goes on behind closed doors (ahem, gates)? 

Why are pet gates useful? 

While your door might be metaphorically open, there are some situations where it pays to close the door on a dog gate. Here are some of the benefits of pet gates: 

• To keep pets separate 
• To separate pets from young children 
• So areas like the kitchen or upstairs remain clean and tidy
• To corner off areas while you’re cleaning or eating
• To mark certain areas as out of bounds 
• To keep your furry friend safe from hazards 
• For training purposes, especially when you’re housetraining young puppies
• To provide pooch pals with their own space 
• For times when you can’t watch your furry friend, especially when they’re young

Pet gates can be positioned in door frames, hallways, at the bottom of the stairs, or to section off areas of a room, allowing you to restrict access for one reason or another.  

How to choose a dog gate

So now you know the benefits of getting a dog gate, how do you know which one is right for you and your pooch pal?

Different types of pet gates

Pet gates are higher than baby gates, meaning they’re trickier to jump over. They’re also typically stronger than baby gates, which is important for keeping your furry friend safe and secure. Most pet gates are relatively easy to set up, here is an overview of the different styles:

Retractable dog gate

Unlike traditional dog gates, retractable gates can be pulled across an opening and then easily retracted when not in use. They’re typically easy to install and are known for versatility and saving space.

Freestanding dog gate

These doggy gates are incredibly easy to set up; simply place them where needed and move them around the house whenever you want. Sometimes a puppy gate like this can double as a dog playpen, but it’s important to note that this isn’t usually the sturdiest option.

Pressure-mounted gate

Stronger than freestanding gates and easy to move from room to room, pressure-mounted gates are secured in place by the pressure of the walls. They’re ideal for pet parents living in rented accommodation or not wanting to drill any holes in the wall. 

Hardware-mounted gate

Hardware-mounted gates can be permanently attached to walls and door frames using screws or another type of mounting hardware. They can be trickier to install, but they are typically more heavy-duty and offer the most stability and security, which is particularly useful if you have a large dog. 

What to consider when choosing a pet gate

Size and height

• Measure the size of the area where you want to use the pet gate to ensure the one you choose will fit.
• From tall dog gates to special dog gates for small dogs, it’s important to choose a gate that’s suitable for the size of your pup. 
• Think about how agile your furry friend is in addition to their height - they may be small, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be able to jump over the gate. 
• Check how wide apart the bars are on the gate - small dogs may be able to squeeze through the gaps, or could even get stuck.

Material

• The doggy gate you choose should be made from durable, pet-safe materials.
• Most pet gates are made from metal, plastic, and wood, and some have mesh fabric between the bars.
• If your dog likes to chew things, avoid getting a wooden dog gate. 
• If your furry friend’s super strong, a plastic gate might not be sturdy enough. 

Setting up 

• Do you need a renter-friendly gate? Remember that some pet gates require you to drill through the wall. 
• Do you want to be able to move your pet gate around? You may even want to choose one specifically designed for travel. 
• Consider whether you’ll be able to install the gate (particularly if you choose a hardware-mounted gate).

Features to look for 

• Check the locking mechanisms are sturdy enough that prying paws won’t be able to open the pet gate. Equally, you don’t want them to be so sturdy that you or your pet sitter can’t move the gate around with ease.
• Some pet gates have a little cat door to allow furry felines and other small pets to come and go.  
• You may also want to consider aesthetics - with so many pet gates on the market, it shouldn’t be hard to find one that matches your interior. 

The best dog gates 

Now let’s take a look at the best dog gates on the market today!

The best retractable dog gate: YOOFOR Retractable Gate

This is a good choice for pet parents looking for a gate that saves space. The mesh screen can be opened and closed with just one hand, and locking the gate is as simple as turning the ball cap. It’s easy to move to another location and prevents pups from being distracted by what’s going on beyond the gate (out of sight, out of mind, and all that!).  

The best freestanding dog gate: Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate 

If you’re looking for a stylish dog gate that can be moved easily from room to room, this freestanding dog gate certainly ticks the boxes. High enough to prevent little Houdini escape artists but low enough that you can step over it with ease, this hardwood pet gate can be set up and packed away in an instant, making it the ideal gate to use in practically any corner of the house.

The best pressure-mounted gate: Munchkin Stair Gate

This gate is designed to be used in doorways and stairs, with four points of pressure securing the U-shaped frame to the walls. Perfect for use in areas 30-32 inches wide, add-ons can be bought to extend it to fit spaces measuring up to 46 inches. Opening both ways with just the squeeze and lift of the handle, this stair gate takes just five minutes to install, making it almost as quick and easy to move around as a freestanding dog gate. 

The best hardware-mounted gate: Easy Mount DoorFrame Gate

There’s no need to faff around with a hardware-mounted dog gate, this durable steel frame can be installed without the need for any tools! The hinged locking mechanism allows you to come and go as you please, and the gate is suitable for anywhere from small doorways to large hallways, with an extension available if necessary.  

Meet our veterinary expert, Holly

This article has been checked by veterinarian Holly Anne Hills BVM BVS BVMedSci. After graduating from the University of Nottingham, Holly spent two years working as a farm animal vet. She then spent some time traveling and volunteering in India, working at neutering clinics and with injured street dogs. Holly now works in small animal practice, and balances this with writing, volunteering with the comms team at Vet Sustain, and she is also a marine mammal medic!

As we close the door on pet gates, why not head over to our blog to find out what other equipment you might want to invest in? We've got guides to everything from indoor dog pens and dog collar lights to must-have hiking gear for outdoor adventures.