The Best Puppy Playpens
If you're bringing a new puppy home or expecting a litter soon, you may want to consider picking up a puppy playpen. Puppy playpens provide your little fluffball with a safe place to sleep and play when you can't supervise. They're also a must-have tool for potty training. You can even use them for your adult small-breed dog. And with all the different styles, we're sure there's one to fit your needs.
What to Look For
To ensure your puppy is secure and comfortable while spending time in their playpen, we recommend choosing one based on size, durability, and overall safety. For example, the rugged metal Amazon Basics foldable pet playpen is available in five sizes to provide the perfect play space for puppies of any breed. On the other hand, the foldable Ruff ‘n Ruffus portable pet playpen may be a better choice if you need something travel-friendly and easy to store. Both of these are fantastic for puppies of different ages and breeds. However, if you’d like to take a closer look at some more excellent options, check out the rest of our list below.
Amazon Basics Foldable Pet Playpen
Sturdy and convenient
This metal-wire puppy playpen from Amazon Basics helps you give your puppy a safe place to go when you’re busy. You can set it up in your yard whenever you want to give your furry friend some fresh air and playtime, and it includes anchors to stop it from falling over or collapsing with heavy winds or rough puppy play. It also folds flat, making it convenient to store or pack into your car for easy trips and travel.
Pros:
- Panels go together in any configuration to create playpen or fence based on your needs
- You can connect more than one set to make larger spaces
- Several height options ensure you get the right size for your puppy’s breed
- Very sturdy and secure
Cons:
- Takes a few minutes to put up and take down
Ruff ‘n Ruffus Portable Pet Playpen
The Ruff ‘n Ruffus portable pet playpen is designed like a pop-up tent and folds down in a flash for convenient travel. The reinforced and protected seams keep it in perfect shape, even as your pup runs, plays, and jumps inside. You can use it in your home, out in your yard, or on the go. In fact, due to the lightweight build and included carrying bag, it’s one of our top picks for camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures.
Pros:
- Water-resistant materials help it hold up against potty-training pups
- Pops up and folds down fast, making it easy to use throughout the day
- Can take chewing and rough play without ripping or tearing
- Airy mesh windows and zippered top keep puppy safely inside
Cons:
- Large puppies can knock it over if they climb on the sides
FXW Dog Playpen
Securely spacious
If you’re caring for a litter of puppies, the FXW dog playpen is for you. It comes in a variety of heights and sizes, allowing you to fit puppies and litters of any size, from a couple of Chihuahuas to a bunch of Great Danes. No matter which size you choose, the built-in gate and latch will keep your little fluff balls inside while providing you with easy access to get in and out for feeding, play, and cleaning.
Pros:
- Provides a convenient fenced-in area for puppy playtime
- Very sturdy and hard for puppies to knock over
- Easy to assemble
- You can use it indoors as a spacious whelping and puppy care area
Cons:
- Can get rusty over time
Mypet Petyard Passage Enclosure
Heavy-duty construction
The Mypet Petyard Passage Enclosure is a fabulously sturdy and convenient playpen you can use to keep your puppy safe as they learn and grow. It includes a door flap that you can leave unlocked to allow your pet to go in and out at their leisure. You can also add a bed, puppy pads, toys, and food to make it a cozy home in place of a crate or smaller cage. It allows you to feel guilt-free without worrying they’re bored or too confined when you aren’t around.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and take down as needed
- Won’t scratch your floors if your puppy tries to move it around
- Add more than one set to create a larger playpen for a litter of puppies or a large puppy
- Folds up for easier storage and travel
Cons:
- Little door can be too small for some bigger dogs
Furhaven Pop-Up Playpen
Affordable and portable
You can take your pup anywhere or keep them safe at home in this pop-up playpen from Furhaven. It has sturdy, foldable sides with mesh panels that give them plenty of airflow and a clear view of the world around them. You can also fold it up and tuck it into the handy little carrying case for easy travel, making it ideal for travel. Best of all, the top is covered and zips closed, which can keep predators and birds away from your tiny pup.
Pros:
- Choose from three sizes based on your puppy’s breed
- Breathable mesh and covered top keep your pup safe from overheating at the beach
- Easy to clean
- Folds down to a tiny size, allowing it to fit into luggage or backpack
Cons:
- Puppies can chew through the mesh if they’re determined
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a playpen for my puppy?
While playpens aren’t necessary, they can come in handy when you have a new puppy at home. The enclosed space is perfect for potty training and keeping your pup contained when you can’t watch them while providing enough room for them to play and eat.
How much time should my puppy spend in the playpen?
Playpens are great for containing puppies as needed. However, they aren’t meant for round-the-clock use. Whenever you’re home and able to supervise your puppy, you should let them out to explore and play.
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