Dog Stair Gates

Frequently asked questions

• Can I use a freestanding dog gate at the top of the stairs?

  No. A freestanding dog gate is held in place by its support feet and folding panels, not by fixings, so a dog can push it along the floor. At the top of the stairs, that could cause a fall. Every dog stair gate in this range is freestanding, so use it across the bottom of the stairs, a doorway or a hallway.

• What height dog stair gate do I need?

  Tall enough that your dog can’t jump or lean over it. The PawHut freestanding gates include 69cm high models for small dogs, and the vidaXL galvanised steel panels come in 60cm, 80cm and 100cm heights. For medium dogs, the PawHut 2-in-1 gate stands 90cm high. If your dog is a jumper, pick the next height up.

• How wide does a dog stair gate need to be?

  Measure the widest point the gate has to cover, as the hallway at the foot of the stairs is often wider than the stairs themselves. Folding dog gates can be angled at the hinges to close off L-shaped or open-plan spaces. The range runs from 2-panel steel gates up to the vidaXL 9-panel gate, which is 450cm long.

• Do dog stair gates need screwing to the wall?

  Not these ones. Every dog stair gate in our range is freestanding, standing on support feet or folding panels, so there’s no drilling into walls, banisters or skirting boards. That suits renters and period homes. Because nothing is fixed, check the gate is in place each day, especially with a strong or determined dog.

• Is a wooden or metal dog gate better?

  Both have their strengths. Wooden dog gates in pine, fir, poplar or MDF blend in with doors and skirting, and come in white, grey and black. Galvanised steel gates, like the vidaXL black panel gates, are harder for dogs to chew and wipe clean easily. For a puppy that chews everything, steel is the safer bet.

• Can I get a dog stair gate with a door?

  Yes. The PawHut 5-panel pet gates come in black and white with a walk-through door, so you don’t have to step over the gate. The PawHut 2-in-1 gate has 6 panels, stands 90cm high and has an auto lock door. vidaXL also makes a 9-panel, 450cm wooden dog gate with a door for wider spaces.

• Will a dog stair gate keep a cat in?

  Not reliably. Most dog stair gates in our range are built for small or medium dogs, at heights from 60cm to 90cm, and many cats can jump that easily. A gate will still stop a dog getting to the cat’s food or litter tray upstairs. For more gate options, browse our full pet gates range.

• Can I buy dog stair gates from Bossy Cat?

  Yes. Our Dog Stair Gates range includes PawHut freestanding wooden gates, vidaXL galvanised steel panel gates, gates with walk-through doors and 9-panel folding gates up to 450cm. Delivery is free on all orders to UK mainland addresses and arrives in 3-5 working days, with no hidden fees. If you change your mind, you can return your order, but the return postage is paid by you.