Pet enclosures and playpens give your dog, cat or small animal a safe contained space — inside the house, in the yard, or while travelling. Our range covers indoor metal pens, fabric foldable enclosures, modular outdoor runs, cat-specific catios, puppy training pens, and combination pen-and-crate setups. Over 80 enclosure options in stock across our Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane warehouses, from $80 small fabric pens to $400 large modular outdoor runs. Most orders dispatch within 1–2 business days.
When does my pet need a playpen?
Three situations make a playpen essential. First, puppy training — a pen contains the puppy while you sleep or work, prevents furniture chewing, and accelerates house training by limiting the area to keep clean. Second, multi-pet households with a new animal — the pen lets pets see and smell each other without direct contact during the introduction weeks. Third, outdoor time for indoor pets — cats and rabbits get fresh air and grass without the risk of escape, cars or predators. A pen also doubles as a recovery space for pets after surgery, when restricted movement is needed.
What types of pet enclosures and playpens are available?
| Type |
Best for |
Setup time |
Price guide |
| Indoor metal pen |
Puppy training, indoor cats |
5–10 min |
$80–$250 |
| Fabric foldable enclosure |
Travel, occasional outdoor |
2–5 min |
$60–$180 |
| Modular outdoor run |
Permanent yard setup |
30–60 min |
$150–$400 |
| Catio (cat enclosure) |
Cats with outdoor access |
60–120 min |
$200–$600 |
| Puppy training pen |
House training |
5–10 min |
$80–$200 |
| Whelping or birthing pen |
Mother and litter |
10–20 min |
$150–$350 |
What size enclosure does my pet need?
For dogs, the rule is the pet should be able to stand fully, turn around, and lie down stretched — with space for a water bowl, a bed, and (for puppies) a separated toilet area. Most adult dogs need at least 2 square metres of pen space; large breeds need 3+ square metres. For cats, 2 square metres minimum, with a cat tree or perch inside to use the vertical space. For rabbits and guinea pigs, 3–4 square metres per animal because they're more active when out of their hutch. Foldable enclosures should also be tall enough that the pet can't jump out — small breeds need 80cm walls, medium dogs 100cm, large dogs 120cm+.
Quick buyer's checklist
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Pet size: Standing room plus turning circle plus stretching length
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Wall height: Higher than the pet can jump from a standing start
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Material: Metal for chewers; fabric for travel and gentle pets
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Top cover: Essential for cats and rabbits; useful for jumpers
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Foldability: Pens that fold flat are easier to store off-season
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Connection points: Modular pens connect to crates or other pens
Fabric or metal enclosure — which lasts longer?
Metal lasts longer in every situation. Fabric foldable pens are cheaper, lighter, and pack flat — ideal for occasional travel or quick indoor setup. The downside is they're easily destroyed by any pet that chews, scratches at corners, or pushes hard against the walls. Most fabric pens last 6–18 months of regular dog use. Metal pens last 5–7 years and handle teething puppies, scratching cats, and active rabbits without damage. Cost difference is roughly 30–50% — a $100 fabric pen versus a $150 metal pen of similar size. For permanent indoor use or daily yard time, metal pays for itself within a year.
How much do pet enclosures and playpens cost in Australia?
Pet enclosures and playpens at Simple Deals start from $60 for compact fabric pens. Most quality indoor metal pens and modular outdoor runs sit between $100 and $300, with larger catios and outdoor enclosures running higher. All pens dispatch within 1–2 business days from our Australian warehouses.
What most pet stores won't admit
Almost every pet enclosure sold online in Australia is imported from China — including ours. The real difference is not where the pen is made, it's what happens after it lands in Australia. Marketplaces dropship straight from overseas containers, which is why "fast delivery" stretches into six weeks. We import in bulk, hold stock across our Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane warehouses, and ship from there.
The other thing nobody mentions: most outdoor pens are not actually escape-proof for determined diggers. A pen sitting on grass with no base lets a digging dog escape underneath in 5–10 minutes. Outdoor pens for diggers need a sewn-in mesh floor, ground stakes around the perimeter, or a pen placed on a hard surface (paving, concrete, decking). If your pet is a digger, mention it on the product page before checking out — we can confirm whether a specific pen has a floor option.
Frequently asked questions
What if my enclosure arrives damaged?
Contact us within 7 days with photos. We will arrange a replacement or refund under the 12-month warranty. Transit damage is uncommon with flat-pack pens.
How long does assembly take?
Fabric pens: 2–5 minutes (no tools). Metal indoor pens: 5–10 minutes (panels connect by hand). Modular outdoor runs: 30–60 minutes for one person, often requires basic tools.
How long does delivery take?
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane: 3–5 business days. Perth and Adelaide: 5–8 days. Regional and remote areas: 7–14 days.
Can I pay with Afterpay, Zip or PayPal?
Yes, all three. A $200 pen works out to four payments of $50 with Afterpay, four payments of $50 with PayPal Pay in 4, or roughly $17 a month with Zip over 12 months. Klarna is also available.
What's the warranty?
12 months on manufacturing defects, plus 15-day returns on unassembled pens in original packaging.
Complete the pet containment setup
An enclosure handles the contained space, and a few pieces round out a managed pet environment. Most owners add three at the same time: a crate for night-time rest, a comfortable bed inside the pen, and a outdoor kennel for yard sleep.
Why us
Simple Deals — family-run since 2018. Australian warehouse stock. Support on 1300 456 786. Afterpay, Zip, Klarna and PayPal. 12-month warranty, 15-day returns. 4.66★ from 5,363 verified reviews.
