Portable and Practical: Soft-Sided Playpens for Dogs on the Go

Looking for soft-sided playpens for dogs? As a responsible pet owner, keeping your dog safe is a top priority, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Crating can restrict their movement and playtime, but a soft-sided playpen offers a secure and spacious environment for your active pup. It allows your pet to play, rest, and explore without any danger of getting hurt or creating a mess. With a soft-sided playpen, you can have peace of mind knowing that your beloved dog is happy and secure, even when you’re not around.

soft sided playpens

Benefits of Soft-Sided Playpens for Dogs

  • Soft-sided and portable: These playpens are lightweight and easy to set up and take down, making them perfect for travel and outdoor activities.
  • Secure and contained: Soft-sided playpens offer a safe and secure space for your furry friend to play and relax without the risk of running off or getting into trouble.
  • Easy to clean: Made of durable and easy-to-clean materials, maintaining hygiene is a breeze.
  • Encourages independence: Providing your dog with their own play area can encourage self-confidence and independence.
  • Flexible and versatile: Available in different sizes and shapes, soft-sided playpens are suitable for any living space and can be used both indoors and outdoors, providing more opportunities for playtime and exercise.
Portable playpen for small dogs with removable top

Things to Consider When Buying a Soft-Sided Playpen For Dogs

Looking for the best foldable soft-sided playpen for your furry friend? Here are some essential factors to keep in mind:

Size: Ensure that the playpen is spacious enough for your dog to move and play in and is tall enough to prevent them from jumping out.

Location: Consider where you plan on using the playpen. If it’s for outdoor use, look for waterproofing, and if it’s for indoor use, choose a color that complements your decor.

  • Stability and Durability: For larger dogs, make sure the playpen is stable and durable enough to withstand potential knocking over. Playpens with stabilizing stakes are a great option.
  • Material: Consider the pros and cons of different materials to find the best option for your needs. For example, metal playpens are durable but could scratch floors.
  • Portability: If you plan on moving the playpen frequently, look for a lightweight option that’s easy to collapse and transport.
  • Flexibility: Consider if you need a playpen that can adjust to accommodate multiple pets or a specific shape to fit your space.
  • Entry: Playpens with doors can be helpful for larger dogs or to prevent jumping.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can find the perfect soft-sided foldable playpen for your furry friend that provides a safe and comfortable space for them to play and relax.

Lightweight dog playpen with water-resistant base

Top 5 Best Soft-Sided Playpens for Dogs

As a pet owner, you want to ensure your furry friend has a safe and comfortable playpen that encourages play and relaxation. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 5 best soft-sided playpens for dogs. Our reviews consider important factors such as safety, durability, and stability, as well as features like size and portability. You can trust our recommendations to help you make an informed decision and provide your pup with the best possible playpen.

1. Parkland Soft-Sided 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 lightweight and portable for pet owners on-the-go. Ideal for travel or temporary containment, this playpen is an excellent option for pet owners.
  • Easy to Clean: Easy cleaning: wipe with a damp cloth – done! Durable materials ensure longevity, no need 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: Easy pet access with top zipper and front door in this playpen. Roll up the door once open to keep it out of the way during playtime.

Cons

  • The playpen is not water-resistant.

2. 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

  • It is not ideal for large dog breeds.

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 prioritizes top-notch customer service by not only providing a playpen and 4 metal spikes for outdoor safety but also committing their customer service team to make things right. Additionally, they offer a helpful video tutorial to assist you in getting started with your new playpen.

Cons

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

4. TASDISE Portable Pet Playpen, Foldable Dog Playpen

Looking for a safe and comfortable playpen for your small pet? The TASDISE Portable Pet Playpen is a great alternative to traditional kennels. It’s lightweight, easy to assemble, and comes with a convenient carry case for on-the-go use. The playpen is made with durable, waterproof material and features reinforced corners and protected seams for added safety. With a roomy 8-panel design, two roll-up doors, and 360-degree open mesh, your pet will have plenty of space to play and relax. It’s perfect for rabbits, dogs, cats, and other small animals, and can be used indoors or outdoors. Maintenance is easy with hand washing in cold water and air-drying.

Pros

  • Spacious and Comfortable: Your pet needs space to move and play, and this playpen provides just that. With ample room, your furry friend can play, relax, and move around comfortably.
  • Durable and Safe: Made with high-quality, waterproof materials, this playpen is built to last. Its reinforced seams and corners ensure your pet’s safety during playtime.
  • Portable and Convenient: Take the playpen with you wherever you go! Its lightweight design and convenient carry-case make it easy to transport and store. Use it for outdoor activities, trips, or in any room of your house.
  • Easy Access: Your pet can easily come and go with the two roll-up doors that fasten out of the way. The 360-degree open-mesh design also provides a clear view of the surroundings.
  • Multi-Purpose: This playpen is perfect for rabbits, cats, dogs, and other small animals. Its versatility means you can use it both indoors and outdoors, providing your pet with a safe and comfortable space to play, nap, hide, or isolate.

5. Regalo Deluxe My Play Portable Soft-sided Dog & Cat Playpen, 6-Panel

Are you in search of a high-quality and portable play yard for your beloved furry companion? Look no further than the Regalo Deluxe My Play Portable Dog Play Yard, available in 6-panel and 8-panel options. Not only can it be effortlessly set up and folded down, but it’s also built with a sturdy metal frame and reinforced stitching to withstand dogs of all sizes. The nylon bottom is a breeze to clean, while the mesh sides offer ventilation and an unobstructed view for your pup. Whether at home or on-the-go, this play yard will provide a safe and comfortable space for your furry friend.

Pros:

  • Customizable size: Choose between a 6-panel or an 8-panel play yard to fit your specific needs and preferences.
  • Quick and easy setup: Sets up and folds down quickly and efficiently, saving you time and hassle when you need to move it.
  • Easy to clean: The nylon bottom is designed to be easy to clean, making the cleanup process a breeze.
  • Durable and long-lasting: The reinforced stitching on the edges adds durability to the design, ensuring that it will last for a long time.
  • Suitable for all sizes: The sturdy metal frame is built to accommodate pups of all sizes, providing a safe and secure play area for your furry friend.

As a pet parent, you want to ensure the safety and comfort of your furry friend while they play in their soft-sided playpen. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve taken the time to research and test the top-rated foldable playpens for dogs to help you make an informed decision.

Our team has made sure that each playpen provides a secure and comfortable space for your pup to play and rest. We hope that our recommendations have helped you find the perfect playpen. If you choose one of our recommended playpens, we would love to hear about your experience. Our goal is to keep your furry best friend happy and safe while you’re away.

Lindsie’s Pro-Tip: Make cleaning up after your pup’s playtime easier by placing a washable potty pad underneath the playpen if it’s kept indoors. This will absorb any accidents and prevent damage to your floors. Keep multiple pads on hand for easy swapping and washing. I personally keep 4-5 on rotation at all times in my house.

~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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