Puppies. They’re full of bounce. Keeping them safe and out of trouble, especially when you’re busy, it’s a real challenge. Some pet parents use crates. But not everyone likes a pup in such a small spot.
That’s where a puppy pen comes in handy. Think of it like a crate, only much bigger. It gives your little dog plenty of room to play and move around. All while staying safely contained.
This guide looks at some of the best puppy pens in the UK. We’ll also share what you should look for when choosing one for your furry friend.
What to Look for in Puppy Pens
Before you pick a puppy pen, ask yourself a few key questions. This helps you find the right fit for your home and your dog.
- How big is your puppy now, and how big will they get?
- Will the pen live inside, outside, or both?
- Is this pen truly safe for my puppy?
- What little things does your puppy need inside the pen?
- What shape, size, and material works best for your space?
- What’s your budget for a new pen?
These simple questions will guide you to a good playpen for your canine buddy.
Puppy Pen Reviews
Here are some of the best-rated puppy pens you can find in the UK today.
1. AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Pet Dog Fence Pen
This portable playpen gives your puppy lots of space. Its walls are very strong. The AmazonBasics dog pen is fast and easy to put together. It has eight metal panels already connected with tough hinges.
You can set it up in many shapes: a rectangle, a square, or even a hexagon. For outside use, it comes with U-shaped metal stakes. Its black finish resists rust, so it handles outdoor weather well. You can even connect two sets to make a super big play area. When you’re done, the pen folds flat for simple storage and moving. It has a door. This makes it a solid, budget-friendly pick for your puppy.
Key Features
- Dimensions: 121.92 x 121.92 x 76.2 cm
- Weight: 8.64 kg
- Portable play and exercise pen, 30 inches tall
- Works for both inside and outside
- Eight connected panels
- Made from strong iron metal
- Includes eight ground anchors for outdoor use
2. AVC Designs Pet Dog Pen Puppy Foldable Playpen
The AVC Foldable playpen is another good, simple pick for puppies and older dogs. This pen is friendly on your wallet. It has eight panels. Each panel can link up to make different shapes. If you buy more than one, you can join them for a much larger space.
One of the eight panels features a hinged door. It has a secure latch. This means you can get your puppy out without lifting the whole pen. Just remember to train your pet before using it. This pen comes in five heights. They range from 61 cm up to 122 cm.
Key Specs
- Panel dimensions: 61 x 61 cm
- Weight: 9 kg
- Smallest height is 61cm, with sizes up to 122cm
- Folds up for easy moving and storage
- Good for both inside and outside use
- Eight sturdy panels
3. CellDeal Folding Fabric Pet Play Pen
The CellDeal Folding Fabric Pet Play Pen is a sturdy, fairly priced choice from CellDeal. It’s good for both puppies and older dogs. It comes with four metal hooks. These hooks keep the pen steady on the ground. This pen folds up easily for travel. It also comes with a free carry bag to keep it safe.
Whether you want your dog inside or outside enjoying the sunshine, this pen works for both. It has a strong frame with eight panels. This gives pets plenty of space to play and exercise. This pen is a nice change from hard cages. It has soft walls that fit flexible spots. Plus, a bottom to catch any mess.
Key Specs
- Durable, light, and easy to move
- Made from strong 600D polyester with PVC coating
- Sturdy frame with eight panels
- Removable mesh top with zipper
- Two doors that roll up and zip
- Mesh windows give good airflow and a way to interact
4. BIGWING Style Pet Play Pen
If you want your puppy to be super comfy, the BIGWING Style Pet Play Pen is a solid choice. This portable pen works well both inside and outside. Even though it’s light, it’s strong enough for all your pet’s playful leaps. It sets up in just seconds. No tricky building needed. Plus, it folds flat when you’re not using it.
The BIGWING pen has an 8-panel design. It features strong corners and well-protected seams. You can easily take off the zippered top for indoor use. It also has a reinforced floor mat. This provides extra safety and helps keep things clean.
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 91 x 91 x 58 cm
- Weight: 0.9 kg
- Top and base can be removed
- Comes with a zippered carry bag
- Lightweight, strong, and foldable
- 8-panel design with protected seams
5. FEANDREA 8-Panel Pet Playpen
The FEANDREA playpen is a good quality choice with a clean look. Its iron tubes are thicker than most, making it extra durable. Rounded corners and edges keep both you and your pet safe from bumps and scrapes. It has L-shaped door bolts. These stop the door from opening, even if your pet rattles it.
One end of each iron rod has a plastic coating. This stops rust and protects your floors. It also keeps noise down when you move the pen around.
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 240 x 80 x 60 cm
- Weight: 17.2 kg
- Made of iron for lasting strength
- Silicone caps guard floors from scratches
- Non-slip and sturdy
- Smooth, with no sharp edges
- Works both inside and outside
6. COZY PET Puppy Playpen for Dogs and Puppies
The COZY PET playpen is just right for your pet. It gives a safe spot whether you use it inside or out. This pen can grow with your puppy into its adult years. It’s made from tough steel wire. It has a black powder coating. The L-shaped safety latches add more protection, too.
When your puppy isn’t using it, you can easily fold it flat for easy storage. This pen is super flexible. It has seven size and shape options. This means it fits dogs of any size.
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 61.5 cm
- Weight: 5.78 kg
- Simple to use and put away
- Adjustable to grow with your puppy
- Good for young pets
- Great for daily indoor or outdoor use
- Frame made of heavy-duty steel for sturdiness
Benefits of Puppy Pens
A puppy playpen helps both your puppy and you in a few ways.
- It keeps your pet safe when you’re not there.
- The pen can help strengthen your bond with the pup.
- Playpens are easy to put away and move around.
- Your dog gets to play safely, away from risky spots.
- They are simple to set up and keep clean.
- A puppy pen helps your pet feel less alone.
- They’re good when you have visitors who aren’t used to dogs.
Buying Guide for Puppy Pens
Not every pen you see will work for your dog. We’ve shown some good choices here. But you still need a few tips to pick the best one. This way, you’ll find the very best pen for your puppy’s needs and your home.
Indoor or Outdoor Use
Puppy playpens are made for different uses. Some are only good inside. Others are for outside only. You need to decide where you’ll use it most often. For example, wood pens aren’t great outside. They can break down from sun or heavy rain.
To make things easier, pick a pen that works for both indoors and outdoors. These flexible pens usually come from strong materials. Think metal or tough plastic.
Size of Your Puppy
Your puppy’s size really matters when you choose a pen. For bigger dog breeds, pick a larger pen. Make sure it’s built strong. Smaller breeds can use smaller pens. These might be from lighter materials, like plastic wire.
But remember, your puppy won’t stay tiny forever. Some pens can adjust. They grow with your dog. This means you won’t have to buy a new size every year.
Space
Many people pick a puppy pen over a traditional crate. Why? More room. Now, think about how much extra space you really need. If you have a few puppies, you might want to get two pens. Some models even connect. This makes one giant play area.
Safety
When you shop for a pen, keeping your puppy safe is the most important thing. A puppy playpen should be strong enough. It needs to handle any shaking. If you use it outside, it should attach firmly to the ground. It’s best if the pen includes ground anchors. Also, if it’s made of mesh or fabric, it needs good airflow.
When you buy the pen, check that the sides are tall enough. You don’t want your dog trying to climb or jump over. Some puppies are big jumpers. If they try to get out, they could tip the pen over. And if they do get out, well, the pen didn’t do its job, did it?