Buying guide
New Dog in a Small Apartment Kit
Updated How we research
The starter checklist for bringing a dog home to a compact space. The page is split into four sections (Set up a right-sized den; Solve indoor bathroom breaks; Create a calm sleep spot; Block off unsafe areas), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 16 picks. Our scores range from 7.2 to 8.6 out of 10, across $, $$, $$$, See on Amazon price bands.
- Best overall:Bedsure Calming Dog Bed Donut Washable Faux Fur 30 inch. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.6/10.
- Also great value:Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Medium, Tan. Value score of 9/10, overall 7.2/10.
- Solid build:Feandrea 48" Dog Crate Furniture, Heavy-Duty Dog Kennel Side End Table. Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 8.4/10.
- Feature-rich:Fldofaves Adjustable Dog Gate 13-22 Inch Height, 18-43 Inch Width Extension No Drill Pet Gate for Doorways, Stairs, Puppies Heavy Duty Metal Safety Gate. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.3/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Set up a right-sized den
- Feandrea 48" Dog Crate Furniture, Heavy-Duty Dog Kennel Side End TableOur score8.4/10
- HOOBRO Dog Crate Furniture Wooden Dog House End Table w/ Drawer, Small DogOur score7.6/10
- Casual Home Wooden Indoor Kennel Dog Crate End Table, Medium Pets, WhiteOur score7.3/10
- Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Medium, TanOur score7.2/10
Solve indoor bathroom breaks
- Dog Grass Pad with Tray 40''x27.5'' XL Reusable 3-Layer Artificial Turf PottyOur score8.2/10
- Artificial Grass Puppy Pad with Tray 16x20 in Reusable Indoor/Outdoor Potty MatOur score7.6/10
- Grass Pad for Dogs 39.3 x 31.5 in Fast-Drain Artificial Grass Potty TrainingOur score7.4/10
- Porch Potty Artificial Grass Replacement, Dog Grass Pee Pad w/ Drainage 4ft x 2ftOur score7.2/10
Create a calm sleep spot
- Bedsure Calming Dog Bed Donut Washable Faux Fur 30 inchOur score8.6/10
- JOLLYVOGUE Calming Anti-Anxiety Fluffy Donut Dog Bed Extra Large 45 inchOur score8.0/10
- JOLLYVOGUE Calming Anti-Anxiety Fluffy Donut Dog & Cat Bed 23 inchOur score7.6/10
- WESTERN HOME WH Calming Round Anti-Anxiety Donut Cuddler Dog & Cat BedOur score7.3/10
Block off unsafe areas
- Fldofaves Adjustable Dog Gate 13-22 Inch Height, 18-43 Inch Width Extension No Drill Pet Gate for Doorways, Stairs, Puppies Heavy Duty Metal Safety GateOur score8.3/10
- PETMAKER Pet Gate 4-Panel Indoor Foldable Dog Fence for Stairs, Hallways, or Doorways 72x24-Inch Wood Freestanding (Black)Our score7.8/10
- PETMAKER Pet Gate 3-Panel Indoor Foldable Dog Fence for Stairs, Hallways, or Doorways 54x24-Inch Retractable Wood Freestanding (Gray)Our score7.6/10
- PETMAKER Pet Gate 3-Panel Indoor Foldable Dog Fence for Stairs or Doorways 54x24-Inch Retractable Wood Freestanding (Mahogany)Our score7.6/10
All 16 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1Bedsure's 30 inch faux fur calming donut dog bed with a washable design for small and medium dogs that like to curl up.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Raised donut rim gives dogs a pillow to rest their head on
- + Washable construction makes regular fur and dirt cleanup easier
- + 30 inch size suits small to medium dogs who sleep curled up
- - Long faux fur can mat over time if it is not dried properly
- - Round shape does not suit dogs who sleep fully stretched out
#2Feandrea's 48 inch dog crate furniture doubles as a side table, with a particleboard body, 0.4 inch steel tubes and two doors. The listing gives a 44 x 26.5 x 26.5 inch interior for dogs up to 110 lb.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Front door plus a side door that can be installed on the left or the right to suit the room layout
- + 0.4 inch thick steel tubes and an enclosed base that the listing says keeps paws from getting trapped
- + Tabletop turns the crate into a usable side table, which helps justify the floor space in an apartment
- - A 48 inch crate needs a long clear wall, which is a real commitment in a small apartment
- - No drawers or built-in storage, unlike some furniture-style crates of this size
#3Fldofaves' heavy duty metal no drill dog gate, adjustable from 13-22 Inch high and 18-43 Inch wide for doorways and stairs.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Adjustable height from 13 to 22 inches suits puppies and small dogs
- + No drill design fits doorways without damaging rental walls
- + Width extension from 18 to 43 inches covers many openings
- - Low maximum height is not enough for medium or large dogs
- - Pressure fit can slip on uneven or glossy door frames
#4An XL 40''x27.5'' reusable dog grass pad with a tray and 3-layer artificial turf system for indoor or balcony potty use.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + XL 40 by 27.5 inch surface gives medium dogs room to turn and squat
- + 3-layer design separates turf, grid and tray to keep paws drier
- + Reusable turf avoids buying disposable pads every week
- - Large tray takes a real chunk of floor or balcony space
- - Turf needs regular rinsing or it will start to smell
#5JOLLYVOGUE's extra large 45 inch calming donut dog bed, a big fluffy anti-anxiety bed for large breeds.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + 45 inch diameter gives large dogs room to curl up fully
- + Deep donut rim lets big dogs lean and nest for comfort
- + Same fluffy style as smaller JOLLYVOGUE beds, scaled for big breeds
- - Extra large bed is heavy and awkward to fit in a home washer
- - Takes a big footprint in a small living room or bedroom
#6PETMAKER's black 4-panel foldable freestanding wood pet fence, 72x24-Inch, for wider hallways and open plan spaces.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 72 inch span covers wide openings that 3-panel gates cannot
- + 4 panels can bend into a zig-zag to stand more steadily
- + Black finish looks modern against pale apartment walls
- - 24 inch height is only a deterrent for small, calm dogs
- - Wider gate takes more storage space when folded
#7HOOBRO's wooden dog house end table with a drawer, a crate furniture piece built for small dogs in compact apartments.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Doubles as a nightstand or side table in a small bedroom
- + Drawer adds storage for pet supplies right beside the crate
- + Small dog sizing keeps the footprint modest
- - Only suits small dogs, so it will not grow with a large puppy
- - Wood-look panels can scratch if a dog paws at the door
#8A 16x20 in reusable artificial grass puppy pad with tray for small dogs and puppies learning to use one indoor spot.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Compact 16x20 in footprint fits in a bathroom or small corner
- + Tray is included, so spills stay contained under the turf
- + Works indoors or out, so it can move to a balcony later
- - Too small for medium or large dogs once puppies grow up
- - Small tray fills quickly and needs emptying often
#9JOLLYVOGUE's 23 inch fluffy calming donut bed for cats and small dogs who want a snug, anxiety-soothing nest.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 23 inch size fits tight corners and small apartment bedrooms
- + Works for both cats and toy dogs in a mixed-pet household
- + Fluffy donut shape gives a burrowing feel that nervous pets like
- - Too small for most dogs above toy or small breed size
- - Fluffy fabric collects fur and needs frequent washing
#10PETMAKER's gray 3-panel foldable freestanding wood pet gate, 54x24-Inch, for hallways, doorways or stair openings.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Freestanding panels need no drilling, ideal for rental apartments
- + 54 inch span blocks most hallways and standard doorways
- + Folds away flat when you do not need the barrier
- - 24 inch height will not stop dogs who jump or climb
- - Freestanding gates can be pushed over by determined dogs
#11PETMAKER's mahogany 3-panel foldable wood pet gate, 54x24-Inch and freestanding, for stairs or doorways in warm-toned rooms.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Mahogany finish matches traditional or warm wood furniture
- + Freestanding setup moves between rooms in seconds
- + Same no-drill 54 inch design as the gray PETMAKER model
- - Low panels will not hold back larger or athletic dogs
- - Needs a flat floor to stay stable without tipping
#12A 39.3 x 31.5 in fast-drain artificial grass potty pad for training dogs to go indoors or on a balcony.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Fast-drain turf lets urine pass through instead of pooling on top
- + 39.3 x 31.5 in size is wide enough for larger dogs
- + Grass texture helps dogs connect the spot with outdoor potty habits
- - Check if a catch tray is included, since loose turf alone won't contain drips
- - Turf alone must be lifted out and rinsed often
#13Casual Home's white wooden indoor kennel that works as an end table, sized for medium pets in living rooms.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + White finish blends with bright, airy apartment interiors
- + Wooden kennel top gives a usable surface for lamps or books
- + Casual Home is a furniture brand, so styling looks intentional
- - White paint shows scuffs and paw marks more quickly
- - No drawers or extra storage compared with some rivals
#14WESTERN HOME's round calming donut cuddler bed for dogs and cats, a soft anti-anxiety nest for pets who curl up.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Cuddler shape surrounds pets for a secure, den-like feeling
- + Suits both cats and dogs, so it is flexible if pets change
- + Round design tucks neatly into corners of a small room
- - Check the size chart carefully before ordering for a snug fit
- - Plush filling may flatten with heavy daily use
#15Amazon Basics' medium tan portable folding soft dog crate with double doors for travel and light use in small homes.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + Folds flat for storage under a bed or in a closet
- + Double doors give flexible access in tight apartment layouts
- + Soft build is light enough to carry to cars and visits
- - Soft fabric is not suited to dogs who chew or scratch to escape
- - Medium size limits it to smaller dogs, so check crate length
#16Porch Potty's 4ft x 2ft artificial grass replacement pad with drainage, made to refresh a Porch Potty balcony system.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Sized as a direct replacement for Porch Potty base units
- + Built-in drainage keeps urine moving away from the grass surface
- + Swapping turf restores a fresh surface without buying a new base
- - Replacement grass only, so it needs the matching base system
- - Not the right buy for owners without an existing Porch Potty
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Apartment Pet Picks curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.