Best Pet Gates 2025 — Keep Your Pets Safe & Where They Belong
📅 July 2025 · Estimated read: 4 minutes
Pet gates are essential for keeping your pets safe — blocking stairs, confining them to pet-friendly areas, and preventing access to rooms with hazards. Our Border Collie is crate trained, but we use a gate to keep her out of the kitchen during cooking and to block the stairs when we have guests.
Regalo Easy Step Extra Wide Walk-Thru Gate
The best-selling pet gate on Amazon — and for good reason. The walk-through design has a convenient pet door so you don't have to step over the gate. Fits openings 28-48 inches wide. Pressure-mounted for easy installation (no drilling). The metal construction is sturdy and the dual-lock mechanism is secure. One-handed operation makes it easy to open while carrying things.
Carlson Extra Tall Walk-Thru Pet Gate
39 inches tall — extra height to contain jumpers and climbers. Hardware-mounted (screws into wall) which is more secure than pressure mounts. The walk-through design has a one-hand release. Perfect for top of stairs where extra security is needed. The tall design also works great for keeping larger dogs in designated areas.
North States Supergate Concepts Freestanding Gate
No installation required — this freestanding gate expands to fit openings up to 60 inches wide. The unique folding design makes it portable and easy to store. Great for travel, camping, or creating temporary boundaries. The pressure plates on the base keep it stable. Perfect for renters who can't drill into walls.
🚧 Pet Gate Buying Guide
- Location matters: Stair gates need hardware mounting for safety. Doorway gates can use pressure mounts.
- Height: Taller gates (36-42 inches) for jumpers. Standard gates (28-32 inches) for most pets.
- Pet door: Walk-through gates with a pet door are convenient if you'll pass through often.
- Width: Measure your doorway before buying. Extra-wide options exist for large openings.
- Material: Metal is more durable than plastic, especially for dogs who might push against the gate.
✅ Bottom Line
The Regalo Easy Step is the best all-around pet gate. For stairs, use the Carlson hardware-mounted gate. For travel or temporary use, the North States freestanding gate is perfect.