Choosing a Pet Gate

If you want to keep your pets out of certain rooms or prevent them from escaping the yard, a good pet gate is an effective solution.

Gates can soothe anxious pets by creating a cozy, manageable area where they feel safe and secure. For vulnerable puppies and kittens, a gate restricts access to hazards like stairs and swimming pools.

Here are things to look for in a pet gate:

• Size. The gate needs to fit the threshold or opening it will go across. Many gates adjust to narrower or wider-than-standard spaces.
• Safety. Look for double-locks, small spaces between bars and non-toxic materials and finishes.
• Types. Walk-through (doors to pass through so you don’t have to climb over), retractable, folding, free-standing or pressure-mounted (spring-loaded).
• Durability. Wood is elegant and plastic lightweight. But if your pet likes to chew, metal is the sturdier non-edible choice.
• Portability. Ideal for moving the gate from room to room or from indoors to the backyard.
• Ease of installation. If you don’t want to put holes in the walls or wood trim, or you need a temporary solution, a free-standing gate is a good choice.
• Cost. Pet gate prices range between $20 to $200, depending on the quality and features.

The following is our list of the top pet gates on the market.

Curb your dog’s enthusiasm with the Unipaws Six-Panel Dog Playpen Gate. This versatile folding gate with six articulating panels has sturdy hinges, making it easy to configure in multiple ways. Transform the wood and chew-resistant steel wire gate into a hexagonal or rectangular shaped playpen in seconds. Plus, it comes fully assembled and ready to use.