Features

IRIS is a well-established U.S. brand that dominates the pet supplies vertical with a wide variety of affordable and effective products. This pet playpen is our top pick of all those we tested, but why is that?

The key selling point here is the ease of assembly and disassembly. Whether you require a travel pet containment solution or you want a permanent setup at home, the last thing you need is a system that requires time and effort to install and break down. The collapsible nature of this fence means you can store it in limited spaces, perfect if your home is already overflowing with pet supplies.

Another major plus point here is the stable base. If you have a medium or large breed prone to toppling over fences and playpens, this might be just what you’ve been looking for. The base comes with non-slip rubber underneath, so your wooden flooring won’t get scratched.

If you have a smaller breed at home, you can opt for a lower 4-panel fence. This version comes with 8 panels.

What we don’t like as much about this fence is the way it can bend out of shape quite easily. If you’re investing in a fence for use on the campsite, this might not be an issue. Those who want a permanent enclosure for their furballs may consider exploring some of the many other fences we review below.

Overall, this is one of the most effective portable fences for owners of medium and large dogs who need somewhere to stretch their legs without being able to escape.

2. MidWest Foldable Dog Exercise Pen

Features

MidWest Homes for Pets Stores is packed with a huge range of cost-effective pet products. How does this portable dog fence stand and fall?

This is one of the more spacious playpens we tested. That said, it is also one of the lowest fences at just 24 inches. Owners of larger dogs that tend to pull escape acts should consider one of the several taller options available from MidWest.

While you could use this fence indoors, it is likely too bulky for most homes. The rugged and weatherproofed build should withstand all winds and weathers, so you’ll get plenty of outdoor action from this setup.

Like all the best portable dog fences, you won’t need any tools or DIY skills to assemble this temporary fence. You’ll be up and running right out the box and equipped with a multipurpose pet containment system for much less than you might imagine. Anchors, corner stabilizers, and tacks are all thrown in so you won’t need to worry about any hardware either.

As an added bonus, you’ll benefit from a limited one-year warranty, so what are you waiting for?

3. Yaheetech Dog Playpen

Features

Yaheetech might not be the first name that springs to mind when you’re on the pet gear trail, but this neat pet playpen is well worth a place on your shortlist.

There are many different sizes and configurations to choose from here, providing something for all pet parents. This version of the fence stands 32 inches high and comes with 8 panels.

The fence is easy to put together. You should have this thing assembled in minutes with no need for any tools or expertise. Instructions are clear. If you need to take the fence down at any stage, you can fold it flat for ease of storage.

While this fence is pretty effective and commendably stable, the price you pay for that is an iron fence that’s quite a lot heavier and bulkier than the opposition. An inbuilt benefit of the iron construction is that dogs who chew heavily will have no luck here.

The bars are spaced 1.5 inches apart, which should keep your pup from working his way out of the playpen.

Unlike some of the flimsier fences we tested, you shouldn’t encounter any issues with your furry friends toppling this thing. Is it the right containment system for your mutt, though?

4. Amazon Basics Foldable Pet Exercise Pen

Features

The world’s leading online retailer has an impressive range of affordable pet gear marketed under the Amazon Basics brand. How does this portable fence shape up, then?

Flexibility is uppermost here with this fence working equally well indoors or outside in the yard. If you choose to set the fence up outside, it is weatherproofed and the metal construction shouldn’t suffer from rusting, something we can’t say for all the fences we tested.

This is the smallest of the six sizes available, making a smart match for toy breeds, teacup breeds, and small breeds. Upsize if you have a larger furball at home. You can pick up the fence with or without a door. This model does not include the door.

Like most of the strongest offerings in this market segment, you can collapse this fence flat to promote easy storage.

Due to the bulk of this fence, we recommend it for permanent installation at home rather than for use when camping or traveling.

Our major gripe with this fence is that it doesn’t feel as strong and stable as some of the competing containment systems we used. That said, if you have a placid small dog, this may not be a problem for you. Overall, this is an affordable option that would work well in the yard.

5. FXW Dog Playpen

Features

FXW is a newcomer to the pet vertical, and this dog playpen is one of the best models we tested. Why is that?

After unboxing this system, you should easily snap it together in minutes, and you won’t need any tools to get the job done. The rod-connected build allows you to create a temporary playpen in no more than five minutes. You can disassemble the fence just as easily, storing it flat and fuss-free.

The attractive design means that this fence wouldn’t look out of place if you need to use it with your dog indoors. For those who require outdoor dog fencing, this model is weatherproofed and capable of withstanding the elements.

You could also press this fence into commission if you require a temporary playpen for Spot in the RV or on the campsite.

A gravity action door lock should minimize the likelihood of your hounds pulling a Houdini act, giving you peace of mind and your dogs the chance to stretch their legs while staying safe and secure.

Although this fence has many benefits, the latch feels awkward to use and reasonably brittle. Setting this aside, you’re getting one of the most flexible, affordable, and effective portable dog fences.

If you are in any way unhappy with this pet containment system, the manufacturer offers a no-quibbles refund or replacement guarantee, so what have you got to lose?

6. North States Petyard Passage

Features

North States serves up an impressive portable dog fence that’s also priced keenly, so will this system keep your furball contained?

Regrettably, you may find that your doggo steps over this 26-inch fence without too much trouble, so think closely about escape tendencies and temperament before investing in this setup. This renders the lockable door welcome but not as secure as it would be if Rover couldn’t hop over the fence.

The design of this fence is subtle and works well inside the home. Although the fence looks like wood at a glance – it’s finished in a rich mahogany brown – the plastic build is weather-resistant and should return plenty of faithful service.

If you choose to set this fence up inside, you’ll appreciate the rubberized anti-slip pads underneath. These will prevent your hard flooring from getting scratched or damaged.

You’ll have no issues breaking the crate down flat if you want to stash it away at any stage.

7. New World Pet Products Exercise Playpen

Features

New World Pet Products has a deep bench of excellent pet gear that’s priced attractively without compromising build quality or performance.

Of the six different sizes available, this is the medium fence. At 30 inches high, you should find that most medium breeds stay safely contained. Dogs with serious escape tendencies might make their way out. Consider consulting a dog trainer if you are unable to train your dog against these behaviors.

The playpen is intended for use outdoors, and the rugged build can cope with hostile weather conditions without rusting or letting you down.

Although the lifespan and build quality are commendable, this fence is not the most stable of those we tested. If you have a larger medium breed with high energy levels, he may end up toppling this fence over, so buyer beware.

With the fence comes a dedicated puppy playpen, ideal if you’re planning to add to your fur family this year.

You could also use this portable fence as a makeshift exercise area for any other animals in your menagerie.

For tool-free assembly and the ability to contain your smaller dog out in the yard, consider this portable dog fence from New World Pet Products.

8. Zampa Dog Playpen

Features

Zampa offers an outstanding pet travel solution that works as a portable playpen and fence for smaller breeds. How does it shape up, then?

Firstly, although this model is labeled large and stands 30 inches high, we recommend avoiding this playpen if you have larger or energetic dogs at home. for owners of placid small breeds, read on.

The main use case for this playpen is travel. Whether you’re in the park, on the campsite, or out in the RV, you can quickly and easily create a makeshift playpen for your smaller dog. You will get all hardware you need thrown in, and you won’t need a toolkit or any special skills to get this thing set up.

You may decide to install this portable fence inside your home. Do not try to use the playpen outdoors as the canvas construction is not weatherproofed and the frame is likely to rust.

Attention to detail is impressive for a cheap portable dog fence. The corners and seams of the fence are covered to prevent your dog from harming himself.

Owners of dogs that chew aggressively should avoid this playpen due to the canvas build.

While we can’t knock much about this dog fence, we can’t say the same for the customer service offered by this brand, so you will hopefully not run into any problems like we did!

9. Pet Trex Dog Playpen

Features

Pet Trex is one of the most reputable brands in the dog supply space and is one of the best portable dog fences we tested.

The first thing we loved is how easy it is to set this system up. Put the 8 panels together with no tools required, then disassemble the unit with equal ease for storage.

The robust metal construction is suitable for outdoor use. This model is not associated with rusting like some of the models above to which we draw your attention.

While the metal should dissuade dogs that chew, we felt that this fence seems less stable than many competing models. If you have a dog that gets overexcited, he may topple this containment system.

The door at the front makes life easy for Spot when he’s getting in and out of this thing. Once he is inside, take advantage of the lockable door to keep him in there.

With ground anchors and stabilizers bundled, you have everything you need to erect a makeshift canine barrier quickly and easily.

Aside from the stability concerns, this is a great all-rounder that works best as a permanent installation in the back yard. If you need a more portable solution for travel purposes, explore some of the more compact models we tested.

10. BestPet Dog Playpen

Features

BestPet produces some great pet equipment that offers a cost-effective solution for pet parents not prepared to compromise on quality.

This is a substantial metal playpen that works especially well outdoors. The rust-resistant and weatherproof build won’t leave you with any lifespan worries, and you shouldn’t find that your dog knocks this thing over.

If you opt for this iteration of the portable dog fence, you will get 16 panels and a containment system that stands 32 inches high, ideal for containing most medium and large breeds. There are even bigger options up for grabs if you have a hulking giant breed at home.

Like all the most effective fences for this purpose, you’ll find this model is super-simple to install and break down. Due to the size, it is bulkier and will require more room for storage, though.

The main complaint we have is that the door on this system is too small. You may find this makes it challenging for your larger dog to get in and out without scraping himself. Setting this issue aside, you get a flexible temporary dog fence that’s well worth a place on your shortlist.

11. ZENY Dog Playpen

Features

As we near the end of today’s guide to choosing the best portable dog fences, a versatile and expandable offering from ZENY.

While this emerging brand may not be the default choice for pet parents, you might be pleasantly surprised if you take a chance on an unknown.

The first thing we appreciate here is the expandable nature of the fence. If you have several pets at home or you need a containment system for different purposes – both at home and on the campsite, for example – you’ll enjoy the freedom this model affords.

You won’t need to reach for your toolkit when you want to install the fence. When you’ve finished up, you can just as easily disassemble the fence for convenient storage.

At just 24 inches high, this is not the most secure of the portable dog fences we review today, making a better supervised playpen than somewhere to leave Fido unattended.

If your main intended use case is travel pet containment, we strongly recommend the ZENY playpen. If you want a more permanent home installation, we feel that you have stronger options above and below.

12. BestPet Dog Playpen

Features

Next in line is another entry from the BestPet stable.

This version of the fence stands 40 inches high, making it one of the beefier containment systems we review today. If you have a larger dog that you need to keep secure, read on.

The fence is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Due to the metal construction, we feel it makes more sense outside. If you need an indoor containment system, there are many more attractive options at your disposal.

For those looking to set up an exercise area in the yard for their furballs, this model is one of the most effective solutions we tested. Weatherproofed and rust-resistant, the fence is strong, stable, and built to last.

We cannot extend the same compliments to this brand’s quality control. Out package arrived with missing components, so we recommend carefully checking your delivery.

Lightweight and collapsible to promote seamless storage, does this make the right portable dog fence for your furry friend?

13. Paws & Pals Dog Playpen

Features

This temporary pet playpen from Paws & Pals is a classic wire pen, but how does it deliver in terms of performance?

We’ll lead off with the major drawback here – the rust issue. While this fence is designed for use outdoors, the metal build is susceptible to rusting, making it tough to recommend this model when much of the opposition does not suffer from this issue. If you live somewhere with very little rain or you plan to use this playpen indoors, this may be a non-issue for you.

You will appreciate the stress-free installation with no tools or DIY skills needed. You can just as quickly break the fence down if you need to store it.

This is the smallest of the two fences offered by Paws & Pals. It stands 24 inches high, so makes a smoother fit for small and placid breeds.

The 8-panel setup comes with a door integrated, simplifying access for your furry friend.

Only you can decide whether the rust issue is a dealbreaker. If not, this is a strong and stable playpen perfect for small dogs that chew aggressively and need containing, whether inside or outdoors.

14. Giantex Dog Playpen

Features

The penultimate portable dog fence we tested is one designed with the requirements of much larger dogs in mind. If that sounds like a good fit for you and your hound, read on.

The first thing to point out is that this is not the most durable or long-lasting option you have. If this doesn’t concern you, what you get for your money?

Well, the main selling point is the spacious environment this containment system provides. Standing 40 inches high and consisting of 16 panels, your larger breed will have space to stretch his legs while still staying securely contained.

Like all the most effective portable dog fences, this model couldn’t be much easier to assemble and disassemble, ideal for all those with no tools and no DIY skills.

Foldable, extendable, and one of the most versatile portable dog fences we tested, does this make the right choice for your bigger breed?

15. Ruff ‘n Ruffus Foldable Pet Playpen

Features

As we round out today’s showcase of portable dog fences, we have time for this playpen from Ruff ‘n Ruckus.

Bargain hunters should act quickly as this model is currently discounted. Despite the keen price point, this playpen is well-built and very versatile.

If you are a pet parent who frequently travels, you can pop your pup inside this thing when you’re heading out in the RV or the car. There is a carry case included to make your life even easier. You will also benefit from a bowl, giving you one less thing to buy when you’re shopping for pet supplies.

This model comes with a removable zippered top, allowing you to use this system indoors or outdoors.

Unfortunately, this is another brand with a weak quality control department, so check the contents of your delivery closely to monitor for missing parts or breakages.

The main benefit of this portable dog fence alternative is to give very small dogs somewhere secure and contained. If this sounds like just what you need, you can buy with complete confidence.