6 Best Portable Dog Fences for Keeping Canines Secure

Portable dog fences allow pets to move around without risking them wandering off into unknown territory. Whether you’re spending the day at the park, going camping, or just hanging out in the backyard, keeping your dog safe is a top priority. But sometimes, keeping them on a leash isn’t ideal, nor is it confining them to a crate. Enter portable dog fences.

Portable dog fences are typically easy to transport and quick to set up and break down. We took a closer look at some of the best options to consider.

Portable Dog Fences: Our Top Picks

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• Best Overall Portable Dog Fence: Go Pet Club Heavy Duty Exercise Pen for Dogs
• Best Tall Portable Fence: Giantex 48 inch Dog Fence with Door
• Best Small Portable Dog Fence: FXW Outdoor Dog Playpen
• Best Portable Invisible Dog Fence: PetSafe® Stay & Play Wireless Pet Fence
• Best Roll Up Portable Dog Fence: Tenax Pet Plastic Garden Fence Select
• Best Budget Portable Dog Fence: Amazon Basics Foldable Fence

6 Best Portable Dog Fences 

Best Overall Portable Dog Fence

Our Pick: Go Pet Club Heavy Duty Exercise Pen for Dogs

For almost any situation that you need to contain your dog, this portable dog fence will be ideal. The heavy duty fence is made with metal, making it strong enough to handle most dogs, but light enough to travel with. The fence folds flat when not in use, making it easy to store, too. It comes in three sizes: all have the same 16-square-foot play area, but the height ranges from 24 inches to 40 inches high. For small dogs, the shortest height is convenient and saves you money and storage space, but for larger dogs, the 40-inch sides are a must. (If your pet has a tendency to jump, try our pick for Tall Portable Dog Fence.) And to make it easy to get in and out of the enclosure, there’s a small, double-latched gate.

If you need to make the enclosure a different size, individual panels can be removed, and you can also purchase multiple sets to combine them into a larger space.

Highlights

• Available in multiple sizes
• Small gate for easy access
• Folds up when not in use
• Can be made larger or smaller by adding or removing panels

Things to Consider

• Larger dogs and those who can jump high will need a taller fence

Best Tall Portable Dog Fence

Our pick: Giantex 48 inch Dog Fence with Door

Some dogs have a tendency to jump, especially if they see a squirrel or something fun to chase. For these dogs, a taller fence is necessary to keep them safe. This fence is available in a 48-inch height, the equivalent of 4 feet. While not quite high enough to keep all dogs secured, it is one of the tallest portable dog fences available. (Remember that as fences get taller, they become less secure and more difficult to store). This portable fence is available with eight or 16 panels, and it can be configured into a variety of shapes. The coated steel wire is durable and rustproof, so it will stand up to whatever weather you face.

The gate has two latches to keep your pet secure and allows for easy in-and-out access. It also requires no tools to set up, so you can quickly assemble the fence and continue with your day.

Highlights

• One of the tallest portable fences available
• Available in multiple sizes
• Easy to set up
• Steel wire is durable and lightweight

Things to Consider

• Expensive compared to other fences
• If your dog can jump higher than 4 feet, consider another method

Best Small Portable Dog Fence

Our pick: FXW Outdoor Dog Playpen

If you need an enclosure for a small dog, finding one that is just big enough without being a hassle to transport is ideal. This portable fence is available in multiple heights (as low as 24 inches) and is super customizable when it comes to the number of panels you’ll need. If you need less space, six panels is the smallest size available, giving your pet 8.5 square feet to roam, while eight panels doubles the space. This fence also gives you the option of purchasing panels separately, so you can add on to the size as needed. While this and similar fences can be pricey, this ability to customize the dimensions you need prevents you from spending more than you need to.

This metal fence is durable and powder-coated to prevent rust and increase its longevity. The included rods keep the posts in the ground, and the gate has a “gravity-activated” locking mechanism that keeps your dog secure.

Highlights

• Multiple heights and panel number customizations
• Powder-coated metal prevents rust
• Easy to store

Things to Consider

• Some reviewers say there are sharp areas of the fence

Best Portable Invisible Dog Fence

Our pick: PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Pet Fence

Looking for the easiest fence to transport? Try an invisible dog fence. While most invisible fences require wires to be laid underground, portable wireless fences work by using a transmitter to create an invisible boundary around a certain point. This one creates a circular boundary—anywhere from 5 to 105 feet—in all directions. Your pet will be free to roam within this area before the collar warns them that they are crossing the boundary.

It takes time to train a dog to understand how a wireless pet fence works, so it’s best to use a portable version only if your dog is already accustomed to invisible fences. You’ll also need to teach your pet what the new boundaries are if you’re using this invisible fence on the go. The kit includes 50 training flags that can be placed in the ground to make your dog aware of the edge. This kit comes with the transmitter, collar, and everything else you need to set up and use the device.

Highlights

• Easy to transport and set up
• Kit comes with everything you need, including training flags to designate the boundary
• Customize the boundary from 5 to 105 feet

Things to Consider

• It should only be used with pets who already understand and are familiar with invisible pet fences
• Electricity is required to power the transmitter

Best Roll Up Portable Dog Fence

Our pick: Tenax Pet Plastic Garden Fence Select

If you’re camping, sometimes the terrain isn’t ideal for setting up a fence, whether the ground is too rocky or there are too many trees. In those cases, a roll up fence can be the ideal solution. Designed as temporary enclosures, these fences roll-up for quick storage. They can be wrapped around trees, paired with ground stakes, or attached to your RV. When you’re done, it can be reused again and again. It provides lots of coverage for the price, too—the sides are 4 feet tall, and it has 100 feet of available length. 

While convenient to use, keep in mind that the plastic material is tough but not completely chew-proof, and it’s also easier for dogs to dig underneath and possibly escape than metal fences. But despite these limitations, it’s also a much more affordable option than other fences with the same amount of coverage.

Highlights

• Very lightweight and easy to travel with
• Can be adapted for different terrains
• Size of the enclosure is easily customized

Things to Consider

• Supervise your dog while using—it’s not completely chew- or dig-proof

Best Budget Portable Dog Fence

Our pick: Amazon Basics Foldable Fence

Portable dog fences can be expensive, but they don’t have to be. This portable fence is available for as low as $40 (for a 24-inch fence height and 16-square-foot enclosure), and even larger breeds can use the 48-inch-high fence for just over $60. While it doesn’t give pets a ton of space to run around, it does allow more freedom than a leash or crate might (and you can connect fences together to create a bigger area). 

Despite being affordable, it’s still durable and has all the features of more expensive fences. It’s made of a metal wire coated with a rust-proof finish, the gate has multiple secure locks, and it’s quick to assemble and disassemble as needed. And when traveling, the fence folds flat for easy storage.

Highlights

• Very affordable portable fence
• Easy to setup and disassemble
• Rustproof, metal wire material
• Gate has double locks to keep your pet secure

Things to Consider

• Larger dogs might need more room to move than the 16-square-foot space allows

What Is a Portable Dog Fence?

A portable dog fence is a type of enclosure that is easy to travel with and lets you set up a designated perimeter for your dog to stay in. These are ideal for situations where you want to give your dog a little more freedom than a leash or crate might allow. Portable dog fences can be used to keep your dog contained in a variety of environments, such as at campgrounds, beaches, or parks. They can also be used indoors for potty training or when bringing your dog to someone else’s home. They can even be used in your own yard, if you don’t have a permanent fence installed around your property.

Most dog fences are easily transported and stored, depending on the size you purchase. Metal dog gates are some of the most popular, as they are durable and can easily be expanded into different shapes or sizes. If your pet is familiar with invisible dog fences, some models are designed to take on the go. And finally, plastic roll-up dog fences can create temporary enclosures in environments where there might not be room for a metal fence, like in forested areas or rocky terrain.

Portable Dog Fence: Buyer’s Guide

When choosing the right portable dog fence, consider how you’ll be using the fence along with the size and temperament of your dog. If you have a large dog who can jump quite high, you might want to consider an alternative to fences, such as using a tie-out and kennel to keep your pet secure. The same can be said if you have a dog who is strong enough to push over a portable, temporary fence. Stronger, taller fences are available, but remember you’ll need space to store them as well. Larger fences take up more space, even when folded, so they might not be a good fit for everyone, especially if you travel in a smaller car. 

Invisible pet fences might be a good fit if your dog is already accustomed to using one at home, and can be simple to set a perimeter around an area you don’t want your dog to stray from. You’ll need to make sure you have electricity access though, which may not be the case if you’re camping.

And finally, think of the material of the fencing, too. Metal is more ideal for dogs who might chew at the fence, but these can be heavier—and more expensive—than plastic portable fences. 

How to Use a Portable Dog Fence: Tips and Tricks

A portable fence can be an easy way to keep your dog contained in a number of situations. If you’re heading to a park or outdoor event, a small fence can give your dog space to observe his surroundings safely.

They can also be a good tool for potty training your puppy. By giving them a designated area to pee and poop, it helps them understand that this is where they can use the bathroom, and it keeps them from making messes elsewhere.

If you’re camping or traveling with an RV, consider the terrain you’ll be in. If the area is flat and clear of trees, it will be a lot easier to assemble a portable fence. If there are a lot of trees or rocks though, something like a roll-out fence that can be wrapped around trees and stakes might be easier to use.
When camping, be aware of the type of wildlife in the area and what might be a threat to your pup. Never leave your dog unattended outside—even if they are contained within a fence or crate —especially if you have a small dog that could be targeted by large birds and coyotes.