Puppies are adorable. And I’m 100% sure that none of you would disagree. But are they trustable? Heck no! The moment you avert your eyes, they would spark on a journey to damage your home and maybe hurt themselves while they’re at it.
That’s when a dog pen would come in handy. It provides a safe area for your dog to play, eat, chill, and sleep. And if you pick one with a floor, cleaning accidents would be a lot easier.
In this article, we’ll review the best indoor dog playpens with floors. I’ll also mention some of my top tips that should help you choose.
Note: If you click some of the links in this article we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Table of Contents
The 8 Best Indoor Dog Playpens with Floors
In each of the following reviews, I’ll analyze things like the material, washability, portability, etc. Since nothing is perfect, I’ll also state the cons that might ruin your dog’s day.
Ruff ‘n Ruffus Portable Foldable Pet Playpen – Best Overall
For my first recommendation, I couldn’t find a pen better than Ruff ‘n Ruffus. First things first, its largest size measures 36 inches in diameter and 23 inches in height. Not the biggest out there, but certainly the most suitable for average-sized breeds.
To make it sturdier, Ruff ‘n Ruffus reinforced the seams and corners with double layers of nylon. This means that you can use it anywhere without worrying about the annoying rips and tears.
To keep your dog aerated, you can detach the top cover. If your dog is acting up, you can easily zip it back to prevent him from climbing out of the pen.
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If you’re looking to save some bucks, this pen should be the best option. Besides being affordable, Ruff ‘n Ruffus ships it with a free carrying case and a collapsible bowl. These two extras are must-haves if you’re planning to camp with your dog.
The only thing I don’t like is the bottom design. Some brands use a zippered sheet to facilitate cleaning. Ruff ‘n Ruffus, on the other hand, made it permanently attached.
Pros
- Sturdy construction with reinforced seams
- Detachable top cover
- Comes with a carrying case and collapsible bowl
Cons
- Non-detachable bottom sheet
A4Pet Portable Foldable Pet Playpen – Best with Full-Sized Mesh
Design-wise, the A4Pet pen is quite different from the norm. All-around, this pen features full-sized windows. There are no pockets in the lower section as seen in the other models.
I don’t know about you, but I definitely like this design. I think it helps my dog relax better as he can see the surroundings without having to stand up. And expectedly, increasing the mesh size skyrockets the breathability and aeration.
However, this might not be suitable for relentlessly chewing dogs. Don’t get my wrong, though. The mesh windows themselves are strong enough to withstand occasional biting. But limiting their size would make them less likely to tear down.
Despite their design creativity, A4Pet doesn’t provide color or size variation. This pen comes only in dark grey with 21 inches in height and 46 inches in width and length.
Also, an Amazon customer was pretty disappointed with the bottom seal. She said accidents could easily leak through the zippers onto the floor. To be fair, a single review isn’t enough to deem this pen faulty. Maybe this customer was unlucky enough to receive a defective product.
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Then again, it’ll be a good idea to line it with napkins, at least until you try for yourself.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Sturdy zippers
- Full-sized mesh windows
- Removable top and bottom for easier cleaning
Cons
- It doesn’t have enough pockets
- Accidents might leak through the bottom zippers
Furhaven Pet Indoor/Outdoor Mesh Playpen – Best for Outdoors
Who said pens are strictly for indoor use? Purchasing a suitable one can allow your dog to enjoy the next camping trip with you! If this is something that you want, you should find the Furhaven pen definitely useful.
First and foremost, the flexible construction of this pen permits for surprisingly compact folding. And don’t worry, it doesn’t have any special parts that would make folding it a nuisance.
After folding the panels into a flat sheet, all you have to do is to twist them into 2 circles. Then, gently push these circles into each other. If done right, the pen should look like a circle slightly bigger than a splayed hand.
To make it easier to carry around, this pen comes with a carrying case that perfectly matches the folded size. As an additional perk, Furhaven ships 3 stakes to fix the pen onto the ground when assembled above the grass.
I only wish Furhaven had gone the extra mile by adding a couple of pockets. Right now, its six sides are reserved for the door and meshes. Although this enhances aeration, it would’ve been useful to have at least one pocket to store toys.
Pros
- Spacious capacity
- It folds into a small circle
- It comes with a carrying case and 3 outdoor stakes
Cons
- It doesn’t have external pockets
- Might not be sturdy enough for feisty dogs
Zampa Portable Foldable Pet Playpen – Best for Large Puppies
Dogs can’t relax without their toys, can they? But it won’t be appropriate to cram an already-small pen with such toys. In that case, you ought to go bigger on the pen size.
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For this matter, I couldn’t find anything better than Zampa. Their large pen measures 30 inches in height and 61 inches in width and length This way, it can spaciously fit a sleeping bed, blanket, bowl, litter box, and, surely, toys.
Frankly, I was worried about the pen firmness the minute I saw its huge size. But I was instantly relieved when I learned that it has 8 panels. If you’re unfamiliar, most of the other panels have only 6, which makes it impossible to increase the capacity.
To make things even better, Zampa reinforced all the seams and corners with extra-sturdy material. Not only does this mean longer durability, but it’s also a lot safer for your precious friend. That said, the Zampa pen should be the definite choice if you have a peppy puppy!
Externally, this pen is equipped with mesh and velcro pockets to store the small belongings of your dog.
Just like Furhaven, Zampa provides an extra advantage by shipping a carrying case and 4 stakes for outdoor use.
Pros
- Extra spacious capacity
- Equipped with convenient pockets
- Comes with a carrying case and outdoor stakes
- Reinforced seams and corners
- You can choose from a wide color variety
Cons
- A bit expensive
What to Consider Before Buying an Indoor Dog Pen with Floor
To be honest, you can’t go wrong with dog pens. Almost all pens can be good enough to keep your dog safe within.
However, if you’re looking to step up the game, there are some tips that could help you make a more suitable purchase.
First Things First, Do You Need a Dog Pen?
The first thing that might pop into your mind is, why do you need a pen? Why can’t you suffice with a crate? Well, we can confidently agree that pens and crates have 2 different uses. For the best results, I recommend having both. (1)
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But don’t take my word for it. Here are some of the situations that show the sheer importance of pens.
A Pen Can Eliminate the Need of Puppy-Proofing
If you have recently got a puppy, he probably has started biting on everything that gets in his way. I know how frustrating this can get, but it certainly would feel like nothing when your little puppy grows big and strong.
However, puppies can also be curious about dangerous items. Biting wires, for instance, can cause burns and permanent scars. Ideally, you should puppy-proof your house with plastic wire sleeves.
Unfortunately, wires aren’t the only problem. You’ll have to thoroughly analyze your house in search of possible risks. Since this takes time, a portable pan can be used as a temporary solution.
A Pen Is Crucial for Hours of Confinement
If your dog hasn’t been house-trained yet, he can’t be left to freely roam around the house. However, if you’re leaving for an 8-hour workday, you can’t confine him in a crate.
As you already know, dogs crave physical activity. (2) In fact, giving them a brief walk right before you leave can decrease the likelihood of developing separation anxiety.
Likewise, leaving your dog in a big area to go about playing with his favorite toys can help him relax.
The Wider, the Better
Each canine companion has his own set of unique traits. If you have spent enough time with your dog, you should know the nuances that make him happier.
Since pens are bigger than crates, you can provide whatever makes him happy. You can put a bed, blanket, food, water, toys, and pretty much everything else.
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Soft-Sided vs. Metal Dog Pens
In this article, I focused on soft-sided pens that have floors. However, if you briefly google it, you should find completely different pens made of metal. What should you choose? This depends on your needs.
Soft-Sided Pens Are Quicker to Assemble
To be fair, metal pens aren’t complicated, but they take time to assemble. They come as panels pre-connected by hinges and folded over each other. To start, you have to hold them into the shape you want and attach the free ends together with metal clips.
Then, to make sure it holds its shape, you must secure each corner with special pieces of plastic. Afterward, you might want to add some stakes to prevent the dog from dragging the pen around.
On the other hand, soft pens are much simpler. More times than not, they’re equipped with metal frames that pop into position by a light touch. And that’s it! That’s all you have to do.
Soft-Sided Pens Are Easier to Clean
If you plan on keeping your dog indoors, soft pens should be your best bet. Since they have their own floors, it’ll be much easier to clean accidents without leaving a trace on your actual floor.
Metal pens, oppositely, require towels to be placed underneath. But as your dog moves, the towels might curl and crease. If you have a puppy, this would make it harder for him to go about his day.
Metal Pens Are Much Sturdier
The convenience of soft pens would be totally useless if your dog is strong enough to take it down. No matter how strong the fabric is, adult dogs will be able to defy it. That said, I won’t recommend soft pens unless with puppies and well-trained adults.
Metal Pens Can Be a Lot Bigger
Expectedly, metal pens can be fabricated to cover areas much bigger than soft pens.
For instance, Zampa Soft Playpen, the largest on my list, can only cover a diameter of 61 inches. The BestPet Metal Playpen doubles this area by a whooping diameter of 126 inches.
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Therefore, metal pens would be better for large, adult dogs.
Consider the Size
Obviously, you don’t want to purchase a pen that feels as tight as crates.
Some brands explicitly provide suitable dog sizes for their products, but others don’t. In that case, you’ll have to figure it out on your own.
To do this, draw an imaginary area on the floor and place your dog inside it together with his belongings. Ideally, your dog should be able to walk, stand, lie down, and use his stuff without any interference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you leave a dog in a playpen?
Ideally, you shouldn’t keep your puppy isolated for more than 2 consecutive hours. Adult dogs can be left a bit longer in case you have to leave for work.
Either way, keep an eye on your dog. If you notice negative behaviors, stop using the pen, and consult your vet.
Should you cover a dog crate with a blanket?
It depends. Dogs suffering from claustrophobia would be highly irritated by this behavior. If your dog likes it, there would be no harm.
The Verdict
To conclude this roundup, I can say that Ruff ‘n Ruffus has the best indoor dog pen with a floor. Its sturdy construction and reinforced seams should guarantee long durability.
If you want something more colorful, consider the Etna Puppy Playpen. It features an absolutely cute design with a fence and clouds.
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If you’re interested in saving some bucks, the AmazonBasics Soft Playpen should suit you. With the oxford canvas construction, it should last for a long time.
Remember, it’s crucial to double-check your dog’s size before you order. Lastly, I wish you the best time with your little friend.
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.