The Best Retractable Dog Gate: Reviewed and Ranked

Whether you’ve just brought home a new puppy from a local pound or you’re looking to improve the safety of your house and make it more dog-friendly, retractable dog gates are a great option.

There’s no denying that all good dog parents want their furry friends to be as happy and healthy as possible. With a dog gate, you’ll be able to prevent them from going out onto a dangerous deck, keep them in or out of a specific room, and protect them from a steep flight of stairs.  A retractable dog gate will give you peace of mind, knowing that your pup is safe and staying out of mischief.

Believe it or not, there are several options available when it comes to retractable gates for dogs. Everything from where in your home you’d like to install it to what type of dog breed you have to what material you choose can make a big difference. Some gates can be used indoors and outdoors, made with weather resistant materials.

Below you’ll find the four best retractable dog gates available today. There is something for everyone ,and we’ve even included a handy buyer’s guide! Let’s get started with the best of the best! 

A-Z-Animals Top Picks For Retractable Dog Gates

#1 Best Overall Retractable Dog Gate: Gaterol Active Lite Retractable Safety Gate

The Gaterol Active Lite Retractable Safety Gate, our overall best pick, takes the crown when it comes to keeping pups safe.

This retractable gate can be used in any area of your home and hallways, stairways, and specific rooms can all be blocked off from dogs by using this gate. 

It’s important to note that this is an indoor-only gate due to the materials it’s made with. There are five different color options available, making it easy to find something to fit with any room’s decor. The company, Gaterol, also sells these in packs of two at a slightly lower price if you need more protection. 

This adjustable dog gate stands at three feet tall and can be stretched up to 55 inches in width. This is a great option for people who have larger dogs or bigger entryways to rooms. You’ll also be able to easily operate it with just one hand.

One the best features of this gate is that it has a warning alert sound that goes off if the gate is opened unintentionally. This is a great bonus if safety is your main concern. If you’re a new parent or have pets that don’t get along with each other, consider this retractable dog gate! 

Pros and Cons of the Gaterol Active Lite Retractable Safety Gate

Overall Best

Gaterol Active Lite White - Retractable Safety Gate

• Indoor-only gate
• Warning alert sound that goes off if the gate is opened unintentionally
• Five different color options are available
• Fully adjustable

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2. Best Mesh: PRObebi Retractable Dog Gate

Our selection as the best mesh option is the PRObebi Retractable Dog Gate.

Mesh retractable dog gates are popular for a number of reasons and this one by PRObebi can be used for both children and pets. A big selling factor for this option is that it extends up to 72 inches wide and is nearly three feet tall. 

The mesh design prevents your dog (or baby) from getting injured if they accidentally run into the gate. There is also a double-locking mechanism built in to ensure an extra layer of safety. 

This retractable gate can be used indoors or outdoors and in just about any space in your home. It’s easy to set up and move to another location as it comes with two sets of installation hardware. 

Unfortunately, some customers found that this gate was not durable enough for their larger dogs who simply pushed through it.

Pros and Cons of the PRObebi Retractable Dog Gate

Best Mesh Gate

Retractable Baby Gate

• Can be used for both children and pets
• Extends up to 72 inches wide and is nearly three feet tall
• Can be used indoors or outdoors
• Mesh design prevents your dog from getting injured

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3. Best for Outdoors: Perma Indoor & Outdoor Retractable Dog Gate

Having a dog gate that can be used outdoors is always a plus, and in this case we recommend the Perma Indoor & Outdoor Retractable Dog Gate.

Let’s say you have a beautiful deck on your house that you love to relax on but you don’t want your pet spending any time up there. Whether it’s the height of the deck or the fear of them ruining the gorgeous wood, a retractable dog gate can keep your dog where you want them. 

You can put this gate at the top or bottom of the deck stairs or at the entrance of a sliding glass door. It extends up to 71 inches wide and is available in 33, 39, and 41 inches tall. There are three color options to choose from that can seamlessly blend in with your deck. 

It’s incredibly easy to install and operate. Pets that are between 10 and 50 pounds will be safe by using this gate. If you have a larger dog, we suggest going with the 41-inch-tall option.

However, some customers have reported that it is difficult to use at times as it locks every time you pause as you are opening it — so for ease of use it should be opened fully in one movement.

Pros and Cons of the Perma Indoor & Outdoor Retractable Dog Gate

Best Outdoor

Perma Child Safety Indoor/Outdoor Retractable Baby Gate

•  Can put this gate at the top or bottom of the deck stairs
• Extends up to 71 inches wide and is available in 33, 39, and 41 inches tall
• Incredibly easy to install and operate
• Retractable design

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4. Best for Stairs: BETERTEK Retractable Gate for Dogs

Last but not certainly not least, the BETERTEK Retractable Gate for Dogs is our top pick for gates for your stairs.

This gate extends up to 54 inches wide to conveniently cover most doorways and stairwells. This is also a mesh option that is durable, yet scratch-resistant. We know how much dogs love to paw and scratch at this, so this feature is a must! You won’t have to worry about your dog tearing through the fabric and escaping as it was made with durability in mind. 

You’ll find two sets of mounting hardware that allow you to have two designated spots for the gate. One day you might want to block your furry friend from coming up the stairs, while another day you may not want them traveling downstairs. Like other options listed above, this gate can also be operated with just one hand! 

Unfortunately, it is not suitabke for smaller dogs as they can simply crawl underneath it.

Pros and Cons of the BETERTEK Retractable Gate for Dogs

Best for Stairs

Retractable Baby Gate 54”

• Extends up to 54 inches wide to conveniently cover most doorways and stairwells
• Durable, yet scratch-resistant
• Include two sets of mounting hardware
• Can be operated with just one hand

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What to Look For in a Retractable Dog Gate

There are a handful of things you’ll want to be aware of when it comes to choosing the best retractable dog gate for you. For starters, consider what you’ll be using it for. Do you need it for the stairs? Will it have to be used outside? These are things to keep in mind. 

Also, consider the size you need when it comes to width and height coverage. Measure the areas you plan to use the gate most. If you dog is very tall, you will need a tall gate they can’t jump over. You may also want to be aware of the material of the gate, depending on your needs. 

The Different Types of Retractable Dog Gate: Pros and Cons Compared

There aren’t different types of retractable dog gates per se and most of them are made with similar materials. We still want to give you a general overview of the pros and cons of buying one of the products listed above, or any retractable gate for that matter. 

Retractable Dog Gates

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