Portable Dog Fences: Reviewed

A portable dog fence or temporary dog fence is a handy item for many dog owners. Also known as a pet gate, pet pen, or dog playpen, it allows you to set up a safe, enclosed space for your dog. You can use it to meet a need for a temporary dog fence or portable dog fence, or use it daily to give your dog some playtime. Folding dog fences are great for camping trips while some portable dog fences are suitable for indoor use.

When looking to recommend the best portable dog fences for purchase, we sought out those that had sturdy, durable construction, yet were safe for your dogs. We preferred pens that are rust-proof and weather-resistant to allow your dogs some free time outside. We wanted to make sure that there was no possibility of a pup’s head getting stuck between panels. We also sought fences that could be arranged in various shapes including square, octagon, rectangle, or made into dividers. And aesthetics also come into play, as you don’t want an indoor playpen to be an eye-sore in your home. If you need a temporary dog fence our review will help you choose the right one.

The Best Portable Dog Fences: Ranked

#1 Best Overall: Giantex Dog Playpen

Ideal for outdoor use, the Giantex Dog Playpen is our overall choice as the best portable dog fence.

This well-built fence has many standout features. This heavy-duty fence system is sturdy and flexible as it has 16 panels — including a door — that you can arrange in any shape you choose. If you want to expand the playpen then you can simply purchase more panels. Each panel is 48 inches high which is suitable for keeping most dogs enclosed. It is made from a durable, rust-resistant metal and has rounded edges which are a safety feature to prevent your beloved pet from hurting themselves.

This playpen is easy to set up and requires no tools to do so. It is great for at campsites, but will also work indoors too.

Although this product has a lot going for it, some customers have complained that the door panel is too narrow.

Pros and Cons of the Giantex Dog Playpen

Best Overall

Giantex Dog Playpen

• Each panel is 48 inches high.
• Comes with door panel.
• Durable, rust-resistant metal.
• Easy, no-tools assembly.
• Rounded edges are safe for pets.

Check Amazon

2. Best for Large Dogs: FXW Dog Playpen

If you have a large dog then we recommend the PXW Dog Playpen.

This portable dog fence has 24 panels to create 182 square feet of space which is ample room for your beloved pet to run around. This portable fence also stands three feet tall which is high enough to prevent most dogs from jumping out, although particularly agile and athletic dogs are still able to. It also comes with a latched gate panel.

This portable dog fence folds flat for easy storage and travel yet is also quick and easy to assemble with no tools required. It has a sturdy steel construction which makes it tough and durable. The metal is also powder-coated to make it resistant to rust. However, it is not suitable for indoor use as the panels have stakes which are designed to be driven into the ground.

Pros and Cons of the FXW Dog Playpen

Best for Large Dogs

FXW Dog Playpen

• Powder-coated metal resists rust and wear.
• Sturdy steel construction.
• Comes with a latched gate.
• Fast, no-tools assembly.
• Stands 3 feet tall.
• Suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Check Amazon

3. Best for Small Dogs: Zampa Folding Playpen

The Zampa Folding Playpen is ideal for small dogs, toy breeds, and even cats.

This folding playpen is an excellent alternative to a puppy crate and it’s softer and cozier than a traditional crate. It’s also easy to take on the road because it folds into a carrying case. It is made from soft fabric which is comfortable for pets while the mesh panels offer ventilation for your pet. It even has exterior side pockets which are a really useful feature.

This sturdy, water-resistant playpen is easy to unfold in seconds and requires no assembly as it simply pops up. It comes in sizes from extra small to large. However, customers found that the sizes do run small so it’s best to size up.

Pros and Cons of the Zampa Folding Playpen

Best for Small Dogs

Zampa Folding Playpen

• Soft fabric construction is comfortable for pets.
• Comes with exterior side pockets.
• Mesh panels offer ventilation and allow your pet to see the world.
• No assembly needed.
• Folds into its own carrying case.

Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Wireless System: PetSafe Wireless Containment System

If you want a portable system that’s also wireless then the PetSafe Wireless Containment System fits the bill.

The pet containment system uses your electric system, but it can also run on a wireless connection. This electric pet fence uses an invisible fenced area. Your dog wears a special, battery-operated collar that corrects your dog when he crosses the invisible boundary. There are five different correction levels so you can choose the one that suits your pet the best. The PetSafe system has a “free return home” feature that won’t correct a dog who’s coming home after getting away. The wireless coverage extends to ¾ of an acre, while the electric coverage reaches a massive 25 acres. As it is a portable system it is also suitable for use when travelling or camping.

This system comes with a fully adjustable waterproof dog collar, but you can add an unlimited number of collars if you have more pets. The collar battery lasts for approximately two months and features a low battery indicator. This system can be set up in just a few hours and it even comes with a professional two-week training guide.

Unfortunately, some customers have found that the batteries on the collars wear out much quicker than the expected two months and they are expensive to replace.

Pros and Cons of the PetSafe Wireless Containment System

Best Wireless System

PetSafe Wireless Containment System

• Comes with professional, two-week training guide.
• Works in any yard.
• Add an unlimited number of collars.
• Includes adjustable, waterproof dog collar.
• Sets up in a few hours.
• Portable for camping or traveling.

Check Chewy Check Amazon

5. Best Budget Option: XXFBag Portable Puppy Playpen

If you’re looking for a portable fence on a budget then we recommend the XXFBag Portable Puppy Playpen.

If you want a starter kit or a temporary solution that’s easy to carry then this playpen is a good choice. It features eight easy to put together panels which require no tools and are fully adjustable into what ever shape or size you require. However, if you want to expand it then you can simply purchase more panels. The panels are made from small mesh which is suitable for keeping even small pets contained. However, the best feature of this portable fence is that it folds up easily for storage or travel.

As each panel is two feet high this does mean that it is unsuitable for larger dogs who can simply jump over. Also, although it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, some customers reported that it rusted easily while outdoors.

Pros and Cons of the XXFBag Portable Puppy Playpen

Best Budget Option

XXFBag Portable Puppy Playpen

• Suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
• Tight mesh keeps even small pets safely contained.
• Easy to expand with extra panels.
• Fast, no-tools assembly.
• Folds for storage or travel.

Check Amazon

6. Best Enclosed Dog Fence: TRIXIE Natura Enclosed Outdoor Run

If you have a pet that escapes then the TRIXIE Natura Enclosed Outdoor Run is the solution for you as it is completely enclosed.

This portable run is our top choice for pets that escape because of the sturdy metal roof which prevents pets from jumping out. Therefore it’s a great choice for smaller dogs, chickens, and other ‘jailbreak’ inspired animals. While it is a moderately sized pen, it is not large enough for a full sized dog and would only be suitable for smaller breeds.

This pen is lightweight so it is easy to move around. It also has multiple entry points which make feeding or cleaning easier. It has two large gates on the top, one on the end, and one on either side. It is easy to assemble and also folds flat for easy storage.

Pros and Cons of the TRIXIE Natura Enclosed Outdoor Run

Best Enclosed Dog Fence

TRIXIE Natura Enclosed Outdoor Run

• Made from durable galvanized metal to ensure years of use
• Enclosed run to protect and corral your small friends
• Multiple entry points to make feeding, cleaning, and gathering easy; 2 large gates on the top, 1 large gate on the end, and 2 smaller gates on each side
• Compatible with TRIXIE Small Animal Hutches, Models 62390 and 62391
• Lightweight for easy relocating; easy assembly, no tools required

Check Chewy Check Amazon

Our Criteria: What to Look For in a Portable Dog Fence

There are many types of fences available. The features you need will depend on what you’re using it for.

Outdoor portable dog fence: Are you looking for a backyard dog fence? Look for steel construction and weather-resistant materials. This type of portable dog fence creates a temporary play area where your dog can run, relieve themselves or play. If the fence is for large dogs, be sure it’s too tall for your dog to jump over.

Indoor portable dog fence: If your portable dog fence is staying indoors, you can choose one with lightweight materials. You can use this for crate training or to keep your dog out of a specific area. Most dogs quickly learn that a pet gate means they can’t go into a certain room.

Dog fence for camping: If you like to camp or travel in a recreational vehicle (RV), a folding, portable pet gate is a must-have item. Look for folding dog fences that are easy to pack up.

For large dogs: Large dogs need exercise, and a fenced area keeps them safe from running away and from encounters with other animals. Be sure the fence is large enough to provide your dog with room to run.

For small dogs: A portable fence is an ideal puppy training tool. It helps train your young puppy to stay in your yard, and it helps you train them to relieve themselves when they’re outdoors.

For renters: If you can’t or don’t want to build a fence in your backyard, a temporary dog fence is an ideal solution.

Electric dog fence: If you want an invisible fence, a wireless pet containment system is an excellent choice.

Up Next…

• Our picks for the Best Leather Dog Collars — If you are going for the classic leather collar for your cool canine, we’ve got a list of the best-made, most attractive ones for you to choose from.
• Discover The Best Outdoor Dog Beds: Reviewed — Outdoor dog beds should offer comfort, while also standing up against the elements. Discover our recommendations in this review.
• The Best Automatic Dog Feeders: Ranked — Do you want your dog’s meals planned, with less hassle involved? Then try one of our picks for the best automatic dog feeders.