Updated: January 15, 2023
Does your dog like to run around the house and find things to chew? Do you have children and it is best to keep them separated from your dog? If so, a retractable dog gate may be what you need.
Finding the best retractable dog gate may be hard to do, as there is not a large selection to choose from, and most are made of similar styles and materials.
Table of Contents:
| What Is A Retractable Dog Gate? | |
| Can You Use A Baby Gate For A Dog? | |
| Why Should I Choose A Retractable Gate? | |
| What Are The Disadvantages Of A Retractable Gate? | |
| Best Retractable Dog Gates For Your Pet |
What Is A Retractable Dog Gate?
A retractable dog gate is a gate that is made of mesh or plastic and rolls up when not in use. To use the gate, simply pull it from one end to the locking mechanism on the other.
Can You Use A Baby Gate For A Dog?
Yes! Most baby gates are advertised by their manufacturer to be used for both babies and for dogs, including retractable gates.
Why Should I Choose A Retractable Gate?
There are many advantages to using a retractable gate. These include:
- If the retractable dog gate is made of mesh, it makes it easy for you to see your dog through it , so you are able to keep an eye on them. This also makes it easy for your dog to see out of it. They won’t feel trapped or isolated when the gate is in use.
- Most retractable dog gates are made with an anti rust material, so you can use it both indoors and outdoors.
- Retractable dog gates have a lock at one end to keep the gate taut and in place. This provides extra security if you have children in addition to your dog.
- Due to the design of the retractable gates, you are able to open and close it using one hand.
- Most gates are easy to install in a short amount of time.
- Many retractable dog gates open to 70 inches or more, providing you with coverage for a large area.
- Some manufacturers provide extra mounting materials with your retractable gate so you can install and move your gate to different areas of your home.
- One of the biggest advantages of a retractable dog gate is that they roll up when not in use. This means no noticeable gate for you to stumble over when the gate is not needed; it is almost as if it is not even there.
What Are The Disadvantages Of A Retractable Gate?
As nice as a retractable gate is, it is not a good choice of gate for everyone or for every type of dog.
- Most retractable dog gates are made of mesh material. This means it is soft and can be manipulated by your dog. There are quite a few instances where dogs have been able to crawl underneath the gate.
- Again, due to its mesh material, some dogs have chewed through the retractable gates.
- Retractable dog gates are good to use as a barrier to keep your dog out of certain areas. Due to its fabric construction, however, if you have a determined dog, this is not a strong barrier that would keep them out. Caution should be used if placing your gate at the top of a staircase for this reason.
- These gates are required to be mounted to a wall or doorway, therefore, holes must be made in order to install them.
- Since it is made of mesh, it may roll back into place crooked, causing wrinkles in the material.
Best Retractable Dog Gates For Your Pet
The following are some of the best retractable dog gates I could find. They all come with their own pros and cons and it is up to you to determine which one would best fit your needs.
Best Overall Retractable Dog Gate
Retractable Baby Gate (Upgraded) by Double Elite
- This comes in two colors, black and grey.
- Opens to 71 inches and is 31 inches high.
- Can be used for dogs up to 40 pounds.
- Comes with two sets of screws so you can install your gate in a second area and use the gate in 2 separate areas of your home.
Pros/Cons:
- Most reviewers state that this gate was easy to install, but a few had difficulty with it.
Check Price At: Amazon
Runner-Up Best Overall Retractable Dog Gate
KISKIZ Baby Gate Extra Wide 59 inch Space Saving Retractable Mesh Gate
- This is 59 inches wide and 34 inches tall.
- Comes with 2 sets of hardware to install your gate in more than one location.
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Pros/Cons:
- For most people this retractable gate was easy to install, most in less than 30 minutes. However, there were a few people that had some difficulty, stating the hardware included was too wide to fit their doorway.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Retractable Dog Gate Under $100 USD
Retractable Baby Gate by erwoosc
- Gate is 34 inches tall and 59 inches wide.
- Comes with 2 sets of mounting supplies so you are able to install and move your gate in 2 different areas of your home.
- Can be used both indoors or outdoors.
Pros/Cons:
- Reviewers liked how easy this gate was to install and kept their dogs where they wanted them to be.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Retractable Dog Gate Under $60 USD
EasyBaby Products Extra Wide Indoor Outdoor Retractable Baby Gate
- Comes in 3 colors: black, white, and grey.
- Measures 33 inches tall and extends to 71 inches wide.
- Comes with extra mounting brackets to install it in more than one area of your home.
Pros/Cons:
- Once installed, reviewers felt it suited their needs as a dog barrier to certain areas of their home.
- Difficult Installation. Reviewers stated that the holes in the template were “off”, causing them to have difficulty lining the brackets up correctly. Others mentioned the screws provided did not do a good job and broke upon installation. Most recommend getting your own screws and then you will be all set.
- 2 Hands are needed to get the gate open and closed.
Check Price At: Amazon
Retractable Baby Gate by WOMHOM
- Measures 35 inches high and 60 inches wide.
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- Comes with 2 sets of hardware to install it in more than one area of your home.
Pros/Cons:
- Easy to install.
- Good at keeping dogs out of particular areas of the home.
Check Price At: Amazon
Best Retractable Dog Gate Splurge
Retract-A-Gate 52” By Smart Retract
- Comes in 2 sizes: 52 inches and 72 inches and is 34 inches tall.
- Made of mesh material.
- Mesh material is designed to be scratch resistant and is of a non-toxic material.
- Available in 3 colors: white, black and cafe.
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- Has a childproof lock.
- Can be used to block off staircases, but the manufacturer warns that if you are using this gate at the top of the stairs, it needs to be mounted a few inches behind the top step. If it is mounted at the top step, a gap can form at the bottom, which your dog may be able to get through.
- Wall spacers, a stair banister adapter kit, and a dry wall anchor kit can be purchased separately.
- Made in the USA.
Pros/Cons:
- Not good for heavy chewers.
- Small dogs may be able to crawl underneath.
Check Price At: Amazon, Smart Retract
A retractable dog gate could be a great addition to your home. It can provide you with a barrier that becomes virtually invisible when it is not in use.
These gates are great if you have a dog that is not very rambunctious or likes to chew through things.
Retractable dog gates are a good option if you want to keep a dog out of a specific area. They are also advantageous if you want to be able to keep an eye on your dog while your gate is in use.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.