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Pets Houses

Best Outdoor Pens for Dogs

Updated May 2025
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
FXW Rollick Dog Playpen
FXW
Rollick Dog Playpen
Safe & Easy to Assemble

This versatile dog playpen is perfect for everyday use in the yard or during travel to keep your pup safe and protected.

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Safe & Easy to Assemble
Bottom Line

This versatile dog playpen is perfect for everyday use in the yard or during travel to keep your pup safe and protected.

Pros

It takes 5 minutes or less to assemble. It is expandable, so you can add extra panels to make a larger play area. The panels' stakes are rounded to protect dogs' paws. It has an automatic gravity-actioned locking mechanism that prevents pups from getting out. Its panels are available in five sizes to accommodate all breeds.

Cons

It doesn't fold completely flat, making storage and transport more challenging.

Amazon Basics Foldable Octagonal Metal Exercise Dog Playpen
Amazon Basics
Foldable Octagonal Metal Exercise Dog Playpen
Excellent Value

This durable dog pen withstands wear and tear from the elements and provides a safe space for pups up to 20 inches tall.

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Excellent Value
Bottom Line

This durable dog pen withstands wear and tear from the elements and provides a safe space for pups up to 20 inches tall.

Pros

It is made of sturdy, rustproof wire. It takes just seconds to set up. It consists of eight connected panels that can be configured in multiple shapes, including an octagon. It folds completely flat for storage. It has ground anchors for each panel to ensure it's secure outdoors. The door has two locking side-bolt latches to keep your pup secure.

Cons

The gate is difficult to lock and unlock, particularly if you have a dog in your arms.

MidWest Homes for Pets Foldable Metal Exercise Pen
MidWest Homes for Pets
Foldable Metal Exercise Pen
Feature-Packed

Easy to assemble and great for small to medium dogs.

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Feature-Packed
Bottom Line

Easy to assemble and great for small to medium dogs.

Pros

This pen provides 16 square feet for your pet to play in. Made of durable yet lightweight metal covered in a black E-coat finish that protects it against rust. Easy access through a secure, double-latch step-through door. This pen is stable and quick to assemble as it includes eight ground anchors and corner stabilizers, and four thumb snaps. Folds flat for quick and easy storage.

Cons

Not great for other pet species.

MidWest Homes for Pets Gold Finish Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen
MidWest Homes for Pets
Gold Finish Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen
Most Stylish

Elegant finish for those who want a more decorative option.

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Most Stylish
Bottom Line

Elegant finish for those who want a more decorative option.

Pros

An attractive option for dogs and dog owners who like a bit of bling. Similar to the black metal model from the same company, this gold zinc playpen has a double-latch step-through door. It provides 16 square feet of play area for your pet. Comes with eight ground anchors for outdoor use, eight corner stabilizers, and four thumb-snaps. Easy setup with no need for tools and easy to store as well.

Cons

Issues with inconsistent color and finish.

Iris USA 8-Panel Dog Playpen
Iris USA
8-Panel Dog Playpen
Most Versatile

Offers great durability, and it's easy to assemble.

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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

Offers great durability, and it's easy to assemble.

Pros

Keeps puppy safe indoors and out. Quick assembly. Heavy-duty plastic panels snap together and are stable. Comes with nonskid rubber feet so it doesn't slip when used on smooth-surface floors. Made in the US. Best for medium-sized dogs.

Cons

Some quality control issues.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed
July 17, 2021
30
Models
considered
12
Hours
researched
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Ivonne Spionoza
Written by Ivonne Spionoza

Updated May 2025

Ready to buy now? Shop the best: 

Our Top Picks
FXW
Best of the Best
FXW
Rollick Dog Playpen
Bottom Line
This versatile dog playpen is perfect for everyday use in the yard or during travel to keep your pup safe and protected.
Shop Now
Amazon Basics
Best Bang for the Buck
Amazon Basics
Foldable Octagonal Metal Exercise Dog Playpen
Bottom Line
This durable dog pen withstands wear and tear from the elements and provides a safe space for pups up to 20 inches tall.
Shop Now
MidWest Homes for Pets
Top Pick
MidWest Homes for Pets
Foldable Metal Exercise Pen
Bottom Line
Easy to assemble and great for small to medium dogs.
Shop Now
MidWest Homes for Pets
Top Pick
MidWest Homes for Pets
Gold Finish Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen
Bottom Line
Elegant finish for those who want a more decorative option.
Shop Now
Iris USA
Top Pick
Iris USA
8-Panel Dog Playpen
Bottom Line
Offers great durability, and it's easy to assemble.
Shop Now
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