Keeping Your Small Dog Safe and Happy: Top Playpens for Small Dogs

Are you looking for the best playpens for small dogs to keep your little pup safe? As a small dog owner, it’s natural to worry about the safety of your furry friend in their new home. While crating can provide security, it can also limit their freedom of movement and playtime, which can be discouraging for any active pup. But worry not, a quality playpen designed specifically for small dogs can be the solution.

A playpen allows your small dog to play with their toys and move around freely, even when you’re out running errands or doing chores around the house. It provides a safe and secure space for your pet without the feeling of being caged or restricted.

Remember, it’s essential to choose a playpen that meets the specific needs of your small dog. A playpen that’s too small or doesn’t provide enough room for your pet to move around comfortably defeats the purpose of having one. So, be sure to pick one that’s appropriately sized and comfortable for your furry friend.

playpens for small dogs

Benefits of Dog Playpens for Small Dogs

Here are some of the benefits of using playpens for small dogs:

  • Provides enough space for your dog to move around and play, which is essential for their physical and mental health
  • Allows your pet to exercise, develop their muscles and joints, and stay active
  • Encourages independence and self-confidence in your dog, as they explore and play without constant supervision.
  • Creates secure space for dog to play & relax without full access to home.
  • Helps keep your dog away from areas or rooms where they might get into mischief

Types of Playpens for Small Dogs

There are two types of playpens for small dogs: indoor and outdoor. Indoor playpens for large dogs are perfect for keeping your dog contained and away from certain areas of your home, while outdoor playpens allow your pet to enjoy the fresh air while remaining safe and secure.

Things to Consider When Buying Dog Playpens for Small Dogs

When choosing playpens for small dogs, there are several factors to consider, such as:

  • Dog size: Ensure ample space in the playpen for your dog to move and play comfortably.
  • Location: Consider whether you’ll be using the playpen indoors or outdoors, and whether you need additional features like waterproofing
  • Stability and durability: Choose a sturdy playpen that can withstand your dog’s chewing and won’t tip over.
  • Material: Pick a material that suits your needs and budget, such as metal, wood, plastic, or mesh
  • Portability: If you need to move the playpen around, look for one that’s easy to collapse and adjust
  • Flexibility: Consider an adjustable playpen that can accommodate multiple pets or fit into a specific space
  • Entry: Most playpens for small dogs do not have doors since small dogs can easily be lifted into the pen.

Playpens for small dogs are an excellent investment for your pet’s safety, health, and happiness. By providing a secure and contained space, you can allow your furry friend to move around, play, and exercise freely while keeping them secure and content.

When searching for the perfect playpen for your furry friend, it can be overwhelming to navigate the variety of options available. The safety and happiness of your pet are essential, so it’s important to consider the durability and stability of any potential playpen. Luckily, we’ve put together reviews for some of the best playpens for small dogs on the market today. Here are our top 5 picks: 

1) Iris Plastic Pet Playpen

The Iris Plastic Pet Playpen is a great choice for small – to medium-sized dog breeds, especially if you have limited space in your home. This pet playpen is compact, lightweight, and a fantastic alternative to traditional wire playpens. It’s made of heavy-duty plastic and features double steel door latches, making it a sturdy option for your furry friend.

You can select from different color options to match your home decor. This playpen is ideal for puppies who tend to chew on things they shouldn’t, keeping them safe and secure. Assembly is quick and easy, and the playpen can be used both indoors and outdoors. It even includes a sturdy dog door to allow easy access for your pup. Additionally, you can purchase add-on panels to increase the size of the playpen.

Pros

  • Versatile: Playpen can be used as dog play yard, gate or small fence. It’s a great option for pet owners who need flexibility in their pet containment options.
  • Portable: The Iris playpen is lightweight and easy to move around, making it a great option for pet owners who like to take their furry friends with them on trips.
  • Durable: Made of heavy-duty molded plastic, this playpen is built to last. It’s also designed with non-skid rubber feet to protect floors from scratches.
  • Expandable: If you need more play space for your pet, you can easily add on additional panels to create a larger playpen. This makes it a great investment for pet owners who anticipate their pet’s play needs evolving over time.
  • Spacious: With a total enclosure area of 21 sq. ft, this playpen provides plenty of room for your pet to run around and play. The door openings are also large enough to allow easy access for both you and your pet.

Cons

  • It does not provide you with height choices to choose from.
  • The playpen may be too short for climbers/jumpers.

2) Frisco Deco Horizontal Lines 3-Panel Dog Gate

Looking for a pet gate that not only keeps your pup contained but also looks great in your home? Check out the Frisco Deco Horizontal Lines 3-Panel Pet Gate! It’s 24 inches tall, making it perfect for extra-small, small, and medium-sized breeds. The gate features a folding, freestanding design that works as a gate or room divider, giving your pet their own safe space wherever you need it.

One of the best things about this gate is that it’s really easy to use. There’s no assembly required and no tools needed. Simply unfold the three panels and turn the support feet, and you’re good to go! The two swiveling, sturdy support feet add extra stability when needed, ensuring that your pet won’t accidentally knock it over.

The Frisco Deco Horizontal Lines 3-Panel Pet Gate isn’t just functional, it’s also stylish. The gate features a deco-style design with horizontal line cutouts that add a touch of elegance to any room. It comes in two color options – clean white or rich espresso – so you can choose the one that matches your home decor.

Pros

  • Stylish Design: This pet gate features a stylish deco-style design with horizontal line cutouts that add a touch of elegance to any room. It’s a great option for pet owners who want a functional pet gate that also looks great in their home.
  • Easy to Use: There’s no assembly required and no tools needed to use this pet gate. Simply unfold the three panels and turn the support feet, and you’re good to go! This makes it very convenient for pet owners who want a hassle-free solution.
  • Portable: The folding, freestanding design of this pet gate makes it easy to move around. You can use it as a gate or room divider wherever your pet needs their own safe space.
  • Sturdy: The two swiveling, sturdy support feet add extra stability to this pet gate when needed. This ensures that your pet won’t accidentally knock it over, providing peace of mind for pet owners.
  • Versatile: This pet gate is 24 inches tall, making it perfect for extra-small, small, and medium-sized breeds. It’s a great option for pet owners who want a pet gate that can be used in a variety of settings, from doorways to hallways to open spaces.

3) Zampa Foldable Portable Dog Playpen

Zampa Foldable Portable Pet Playpen is a portable playpen that is easy to set up. It easily folds down and comes with a handy carrying case for easy transportation and storage. The playpen is durable and comes with an attached floor mat. It includes reinforced corners and seams to keep your dog safe and secure.

The portable pet playpen is water-resistant for the outdoors. It measures 24 inches high and 45 inches in diameter. The playpen is ideal for small and medium dog breeds but may not be ideal for larger breeds or older puppies once they grow bigger. It does not require any assembly. The pen has a zippered dog door that ensures easy entry and exit for your pet. It comes with a 1-year money-back guarantee.

Pros

  • Safe and Durable: Water-resistant, high-quality materials with reinforced corners and protected seams for pet safety.
  • Spacious and Convenient: Plenty of space for pets to play with a 45″ diameter and 24″ height. Plus, the exterior side pockets and bottle holder make it easy to keep your personal items close by.
  • Easy to Use: Setting up this playpen is a breeze – it pops up in seconds with no assembly required! And when you’re not using it, the playpen folds flat, making it easy to store and transport. Plus, the included carrying case makes it easy to take with you on the go.
  • Mesh Top: The included mesh top can be zipped on when needed, providing added security and protection for your pet.
  • Great Customer Service: Zampa is dedicated to providing top-notch customer service. In addition to the playpen, you’ll receive 4 metal spikes for outdoor safety, and the customer service team is committed to making things right. Plus, they even provide a video tutorial to help you get started with your new playpen!

Cons

  • It is not ideal for large dog breeds.
  • The playpen is not as sturdy as metal playpens.

4) Parkland Foldable Dog Playpen

If you’re in the market for a lightweight, easy-to-set-up playpen for your furry friend, look no further than the Parkland Foldable Playpen. This thing is a breeze to assemble – no tools required – and it gives your pet plenty of room for all their favorite things, from blankets to toys to food and water.

One of the best things about this playpen is how easy it is to clean and maintain. And if you’re planning a camping trip with your pet, it’s a great choice. It’s super affordable, too, so you won’t have to break the bank to keep your pet safe and happy on the go.

The playpen features a zipper on the top and a door on the front, making it easy for your pet to get in and out whenever they please. And once you’ve unzipped the door, you can roll it up to keep it out of the way – no more tripping over the door when you’re playing with your pet!

At just 1.94 pounds, this playpen is lightweight and easy to take with you wherever you go. Whether you’re hanging out indoors, enjoying the great outdoors, or hitting the road for a long trip, the Parkland Foldable Playpen is a great choice for pet owners who want convenience and ease of use.

Pros

  • Hassle-Free Assembly: You won’t need any fancy tools or complicated instructions to set up this playpen – just unfold it and you’re good to go! It’s the perfect solution for pet owners who want a hassle-free play area for their furry friend.
  • Lightweight and Portable: This playpen is incredibly lightweight, making it a great choice for pet owners who want a portable playpen they can take anywhere. Whether you’re going on a road trip or just need a place to keep your pet while you’re out and about, this playpen is a fantastic option.
  • Easy to Clean: Cleaning up after your pet is a breeze with this playpen – simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and you’re done! Plus, it’s made with durable materials that are designed to last, so you won’t have to worry about wear and tear.
  • Budget-Friendly: If you’re looking for a quality playpen that won’t break the bank, this is it. It’s an affordable option that still delivers all the features you need to keep your pet safe and happy.
  • Convenient Design: The top zipper and front door on this playpen make it incredibly easy for your pet to get in and out. And once you’ve opened the door, you can roll it up and keep it out of the way – no more tripping over it when you’re playing with your pet! Overall, this playpen is designed with convenience in mind, so you can focus on spending quality time with your furry friend.

Cons

  • The playpen is not water-resistant.

5) Precision Soft Side Dog Playpen Indoor

Looking for a strong and sturdy indoor playpen for your small or medium dog? Check out the Precision Soft Side Play Pen! It’s easy to set up and put away for storage or transport and even comes with a carrying case to make things even easier.

The bottom panel is also a breeze to remove and wash, so your pet can always have a clean and cozy play area. And if you need to set it up outside for a bit, no worries – its water-resistant materials help protect it from the elements.

Overall, the Precision Soft Side Play Pen is a great investment for pet owners who want a durable and reliable playpen that’s simple to use. It gives your pup plenty of space to stretch their legs and play indoors.

Pros

  • Durable and Reliable: You can count on the Precision Soft Side Play Pen to keep your pet safely contained while they play and exercise. It’s made to be sturdy and strong, so you can trust it to last.
  • Easy to Use: Setting up and taking down this playpen is a breeze – it’s designed to be simple and user-friendly. And when you’re ready to pack it up, it folds up easily for storage or transport. Plus, the included carrying case is a nice touch!
  • Spacious and Comfy: Your furry friend will have plenty of room to stretch out and play in this playpen. It’s designed to provide a comfortable and spacious play area, both indoors and outdoors.
  • Easy to Clean: The removable bottom panel is a real game-changer when it comes to keeping the playpen clean. You can simply take it out and wash it whenever you need to, ensuring your pet always has a hygienic play area.
  • Water-Resistant: You don’t have to worry about spills or accidents damaging this playpen – it’s made from water-resistant materials to help protect it from the elements. This makes it a great option for indoor and outdoor use.

Cons

  • This may not be the best choice for large dogs…. it’s a good this blog is about small dogs!

LINDSIE PRO TIP: Put a large, washable potty pad under your pup’s playpen if you keep it inside. This will help the cleanup process tremendously! I keep 4-5 of these potty pads on rotation all the time in my house.

When it comes to finding the perfect playpen for your small furry friend, safety and comfort should always come first. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve reviewed some of the best playpens designed to give your pup a secure and spacious place to play and relax, both indoors and outdoors. We hope our article has helped you in your search for the ideal playpen. If you’ve used any of the playpens we’ve recommended, we’d love to hear about your experience!

~Lindsie

Lindsie Parks B.S., CRDNS

Lindsie is the founder of Healthy Happy Dogs and holds a bachelor's degree in biology. With over 16 years of experience as a veterinary technician and holding various leadership positions, she now manages a veterinary practice in Colorado. Lindsie's passion for animal welfare led her to work at an Oklahoma animal shelter for six years, where she helped improve the health of tens of thousands of animals and even formed a pet rescue group. Currently, she is completing certification as a master herbalist and has expanded her knowledge in pet nutrition, whole-food-based healing, and holistic veterinary medicine, including becoming a certified canine raw dog food nutrition specialist.

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