Best Dog Proof Traps Reviewed & Rated for Quality

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Havahart
Test Winner: Havahart
Amazon Link
As we push our communities further and further out into rural areas, we inevitably encroach on the habitats of animals that were there before us. Though, in fact, many of these animals have adapted to living in cities right among humans.

So what can you do about that wild family of raccoons that throws parties in your trashcans every evening or the sweet momma possum who decided to give birth in your garage? The most humane thing you can do is catch these animals in live cages and release them back into the wild.

And while catching these animals is important, as they can often carry diseases like rabies which can be fatal, you want to ensure that you don’t end up catching a neighbor’s dog instead.

So we’ve rounded up the best dog proof traps on the market so you can get your catch and release game on.

Standout Picks

Havahart Humane Animal Trap
We jumpstart our list with the Havahart. This is a perfect catch and release companion, and works wonders in catching all sorts of animals from trapping skunks and armadillos, to the usual suspects like raccoons and possums. Made in the USA and trusted by professionals, this is a must-have for dealing with unwanted wildlife around your home.
Amazon Link
Trapro Humane Live Animal
The Trapro is another affordable and humane option for catching the hungry animals that may be terrorizing your garden. With galvanized steel construction, you can count on this product to last. And we love that it collapses easily for taking up minimal storage space.
Amazon Link
$58.99
OxGord Live Animal
The OxGord is one of the easiest methods for trapping coons with dog proof traps out there. But it does so much more than just that. You can humanely catch rabbits, moles, squirrels, and even chickens with this bad boy so it gets tons of Versatility points, and what’s even better is that it comes fully assembled.
Amazon Link
$48.98
Havahart Live Animal Two-Door
The Havahart Two-Door is very similar to the similar Havahart option above, except that this choice has, of course, two-doors. The benefits of having a two-door trap include allowing the animal to enter from either side while still relying on one trigger for capture. This increases the likelihood of a catch.
Amazon Link
Duke Traps Heavy Duty Cage
The Duke Traps Heavy Duty Cage is, in fact, that--heavy-duty. This is one of the more durable choices on our list, and reviewers rave about the pure volume of animals they are able to catch with this bad boy. It can catch a large range of animals and is super simple to release the animals once they are caught.
Amazon Link
$99.99
AMAGABELI GARDEN & HOME
The AMAGABELI is a good option for an array of different animals from squirrels to giant and very well fed raccoons. It has a single door with a sensitive trigger that is easy to set, and the trigger rod is safely positioned outside of the cage so that the caught anima cannot damage it as they try to escape.
Amazon Link
HumaneWay Humane
The HumaneWay Humane Trap is a specialized option that allows you to set it for specific weights of the animals that you are trying to catch. You can adjust the tension weight to do this which makes this a super versatile option for catching a wide array of different animals.
Amazon Link
$203.00
Redneck Convent Duke DP
The Redneck Convent Duke DP is another that is not a live animal choice. This is designed for hunting and trapping to kill the animal, as it will be nearly impossible to release any animal that is caught. It is similar to the next product on our list but can catch a wider variety of animals. It is safe to use around animals like cats and dogs.
Amazon Link
Duke DP Coon
The Duke DP Coon is not a live animal trap like the others on our list. It is designed to snare the raccoon’s arm so it cannot escape. You will have to kill the animal after it is caught if the animal hasn’t already killed itself trying to break free. We dock effectiveness points for this.
Amazon Link
F&T Dog Proof Raccoon Trapping Starter Kit Bundle
If you have a curious dog, you may find you need dog proof mouse traps all the way up to dog-proof raccoon traps. The F&T helps you to ensure that you are only catching raccoons and not your beloved pet. It comes with everything you’ll need to set it up. This is not a live animal trap.
Amazon Link

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Effectiveness

When we rate a product on its effectiveness, we see the percentage of the time that it works and whether or not the animal is harmed with the process. We value products that capture animals humanely so that they can be relocated.

Ease of Use

When considering ease of use, we look at how easy it is to set it up, how easy it is to bait it, and how easy it is to transport with the animal inside.

We liked choices that are mostly assembled and that don’t require extra tools for setting. We also like ones with large handle and door guards to protect your hands when transporting the animal.

Materials

We like products that are made from sturdy steel that is galvanized to protect it from wear and tear from the elements. This construction helps to remain sturdy and resist rust.

Versatility

We value products that can catch an array of animals for relocation, rather than specific animals. We especially like products that can be set for the desired weight of the animal you want to catch.

Value

We value products that are made from quality steel while still being inexpensive. The true factor that separates the more affordable options from the more expensive ones is the ability to adjust the tension for weight. If you don’t need this feature, go with a more affordable option.

10 Best Dog Proof Traps

1. Havahart

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Havahart Humane Animal Trap
Amazon Link

We jumpstart our list with the Havahart. This is a perfect catch and release companion, and works wonders in catching all sorts of animals from trapping skunks and armadillos, to the usual suspects like raccoons and possums. Made in the USA and trusted by professionals, this is a must-have for dealing with unwanted wildlife around your home.

Made with Galvanized Steel
The Havahart is made from a tight metal mesh that is made out of galvanized steel with several features that put it a cut above the rest. The tight metal mesh construction works to prevent sneaky critters from reaching through and stealing bait from the outside of the cage and it also works to keep the animal safely contained once they are trapped.

Cages with more space between the wiring are less effective at actual trapping and can be dangerous as they may allow a trapped animal to reach through and bite or scratch you during transport.

This product also features a large solid guard around the handle area and the door to ensure that the animal cannot reach through to your hand as you are carrying the trap to relocate it.

Because this product addresses and solves these problems, we score it incredibly well in the Effectiveness and Ease of Use categories.

We love the galvanized steel for its strength in containing the animal and because it actively guards against corrosion and rust so that you can continue to use this trap for years to come if necessary.

The wiring on this cage has also been smoothed around the edges to ensure that neither the animal nor you get scratched up on sharp wiring during the transportation process. So that’s top marks in the Materials category as well.

And to add even more to this product’s Effectiveness score, it features a sensitive door that is spring-loaded so as to achieve quick and accurate captures that are safe for the animal and for you.

Works on Array of Animals
This racks up major points in the Versatility category as this large-sized animal trap can be used as one of the best dog proof coon traps, as well as an amazing option for catching opossums, armadillos, groundhogs, stray cats, muskrats, and skunks.

We love that it is a one-stop-shop for catching critters and taking them to more suitable environments.

Cost and Value
The Havahart rings up on the lower end of our price range and we love its value because it is insanely durable and effective on a wide range of animals at a literal fraction of the cost of more premium traps.

Plus, real trappers rely on these for catch and release so you know you’ll be able to get the job done right.

Amazon Link

2. Trapro

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$58.99
Trapro Humane Live Animal
Trapo
Trapo
Amazon Link

The Trapro is another affordable and humane option for catching the hungry animals that may be terrorizing your garden. With galvanized steel construction, you can count on this product to last. And we love that it collapses easily for taking up minimal storage space.

Micro-Second Closure
The Trapro is another that is made from galvanized steel which resists corrosion so you can count on it for years to come. The steel is woven semi-tightly to ensure animals can’t squeeze through and is smoothed over to ensure that sharp edges don’t cut the caged animal and harm it.

For these reasons, we give this product a great score in the Materials department.

We also give points for Ease of Use as this product has an extra-large handle guard for even more protection during transport.

The spring-loaded door on this product literally closes within micro-seconds. This prevents accidental escapes and partial escapes (which can be dangerous to the animal). We give Effectiveness points here for that feature.

We like that this product comes in two different sizes, making it more versatile for the exact job at hand.

Space Saving Storage
This option assembles and pops down in a breeze. Simply pull up on the handle and watch the trap form before your eyes. We love that it folds down almost as easily (though not when an animal is inside) so you can really save on the storage space required when this product is not in use. More Ease of Use points here.

Cost and Value
The Trapro rings up on the lower end of our price range and we like its value because it is made from durable galvanized steel which is triggered in micro-seconds for major efficacy.

Amazon Link
$58.99

3. OxGord

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$48.98
OxGord Live Animal
OxGord
OxGord
Amazon Link

The OxGord is one of the easiest methods for trapping coons with dog proof traps out there. But it does so much more than just that. You can humanely catch rabbits, moles, squirrels, and even chickens with this bad boy so it gets tons of Versatility points, and what’s even better is that it comes fully assembled.

Comes Fully Assembled
This is an amazing option that won’t require a Ph.D. to assemble. That’s right. This product comes fully assembled, but how exactly does that work?

It comes delivered to you in a flat box. Simply slide the trap out and pull the handle up while holding the base of the cage. It will pull up and snap into place without you having to put any pieces together. It’s practically magic and takes just seconds to get up and working.

Because of this, we rank this product high in the Ease of Use category.

Smooth Wire Mesh
The OxGord is made from sturdy steel that will resist weathering and hold up for a long period of time. The mesh is not as tightly woven as the previous item on our list, but there are still ample door guards and handle guards to protect you from rogue scratches and bites.

For this, we give a generous score in the Materials category.

We also love that the wire mesh is smoothed on the inside and out to help keep the animal from being injured and to ensure you don’t et knicked on sharp metal as well.

With a light, spring-loaded door with tons of sensitivity, this product is super effective. In fact, reviewers found that they were successful in catching a range of animals in these traps, so we add to its Effectiveness and Versatility score here.

Cost and Value
The OxGord rings up on the low end of our price range and we like its value because it can catch a range of animals with no assembly required.

Amazon Link
$48.98

4. Havahart Two-Door

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Havahart Live Animal Two-Door
Havahart Live Animal Two-Door
Amazon Link

The Havahart Two-Door is very similar to the similar Havahart option above, except that this choice has, of course, two-doors. The benefits of having a two-door trap include allowing the animal to enter from either side while still relying on one trigger for capture. This increases the likelihood of a catch.

Two Doors
This doubles the chance of you catching those pesky animals and relocating them so they no longer eat all of your fresh growing veggies.

With doors on either side of the cage that are spring-loaded with one sensitive trap trigger, the animal will be able to enter the cage on either side, upping the chance of a safe catch. Because of this, we score this product high in the Effectiveness category and Versatility.

12 Gauge Wire
It is made from durable 12 gauge galvanized steel wire mesh that actively fights against rust so that you can use it for years to come. We score it highly in the Materials category for this.

The trigger is designed specifically for animals that weigh roughly the same as your average raccoon so as not to be triggered by smaller critters like squirrels that you are not intending to catch. For this reason, we give it a good Ease of Use score.

Cost and Value
The Havahart Two-Door rings up towards the bottom of our price range and we love its value because it doubles the chances of you catching the desired animal without doubling the price.

Amazon Link

5. Duke Traps

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$99.99
Duke Traps Heavy Duty Cage
Amazon Link

The Duke Traps Heavy Duty Cage is, in fact, that--heavy-duty. This is one of the more durable choices on our list, and reviewers rave about the pure volume of animals they are able to catch with this bad boy. It can catch a large range of animals and is super simple to release the animals once they are caught.

Insanely Durable
This is one of the more durable cages on our list. Some folks have caught upwards for 100 animals with this cage without seeing an ounce of wear or tear. In fact, there are reports of people catching small pigs in these, so you know they’re super sturdy. We give tons of points for Materials and Versatility here, as well as Effectiveness.

Some comment on issues with trip sensitivity here, so that’s worth mentioning.

Flip to Release
This choice solves the problem of tricky (and sometimes dangerous) releases. While you will have to push down the door on some traps in order to release the animal, with this cage you simple must roll the cage over.

When the cage is rolled over, the door releases and opens. This allows you to put more space between you and the released animal.
Though in some cases the animals themselves can flip the cage when trying to escape and release themselves.

Cost and Value
The Duke Traps rings up in the low middle of our price range and we love its value because it is easier to use and can hold up to tons and tons of uses with even heavier animals.

Amazon Link
$99.99

6. AMAGABELI

Where to buy
Amazon Link
AMAGABELI GARDEN & HOME
AMAGABELI
AMAGABELI
Amazon Link

The AMAGABELI is a good option for an array of different animals from squirrels to giant and very well fed raccoons. It has a single door with a sensitive trigger that is easy to set, and the trigger rod is safely positioned outside of the cage so that the caught anima cannot damage it as they try to escape.

Trigger Rod Outside
The AMAGABELI is made from durable galvanized steel that fights against wear and tear from the elements. We give points for Materials here, and also for the large protective hand plates to keep you safe during transport.

However, we take some points away as the wires are spaced a little far apart so raccoons can easily slip their hands inside and grab the bait without being caught.

Hook Set
This is set by hooking bait onto a hook, which, when pulled, releases the trigger and closes the cage. Some users found this to be troublesome when trying to catch smaller animals like rabbits as the mechanism, when pushed away from the opening of the cage, actually locks the door open. We take points away for Effectiveness and Ease of Use here, as well as Versatility.

Cost and Value
The AMAGABELI rings up on the low end of our price range and we like its value because it’s a great budget-friendly option that is still made out of quality galvanized steel to resist wear and tear. Plus, it comes with a 1-year warranty.

Amazon Link

7. HumaneWay

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$203.00
HumaneWay Humane
Amazon Link

The HumaneWay Humane Trap is a specialized option that allows you to set it for specific weights of the animals that you are trying to catch. You can adjust the tension weight to do this which makes this a super versatile option for catching a wide array of different animals.

Adjust Tension
The HumaneWay is one of the only on our list that actually allows you to successfully adjust the tension so that you don’t end up catching an animal you weren't intending to catch.

By adjusting the tension--essentially adjusting the height of the tripping mechanism--you can control how much weight is needed to successfully set it off. This will allow you to catch squirrels as well as foxes with the same cage. We give points for Ease of Use and Effectiveness here, as well as Versatility.

Assemble On Site
This is super easy to assemble and goes together in a matter of minutes. This makes transporting it wherever you plan on trapping is much easier as you don’t have to carry it with you fully assembled. Just assemble on site.

This product is made from treated steel that resists rusting so that you can use this product year after year. We give points for Materials here.

Cost and Value
The HumaneWay rings up at the very top of our price range and we like its value because it can be adjusted to catch the widest array of animals on our list, and because it is super durable for an extended lifetime.

Amazon Link
$203.00

8. Redneck Convent Duke DP

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Redneck Convent Duke DP
Redneck Convent Duke DP
Amazon Link

The Redneck Convent Duke DP is another that is not a live animal choice. This is designed for hunting and trapping to kill the animal, as it will be nearly impossible to release any animal that is caught. It is similar to the next product on our list but can catch a wider variety of animals. It is safe to use around animals like cats and dogs.

Catch Array of Animals
The Redneck Convent Duke DP can catch an array of animals from raccoons to foxes. You should be sure to check your state’s laws on trapping animals as this is illegal in many states.

This is not a catch and release option, and you will have to kill the animal when it is caught. We give points for versatility but take away points for Ease of Use.

Tool for Setting
This choice is hard to set without an additional tool. You will be able to purchase this tool from Redneck Convent for a small fee. Even with the tool, setting it can be a challenge so we take points away for Ease of Use here.

The is made from all steel parts so we give points for Materials.

Cost and Value
The Redneck Convent Duke DP rings up at the bottom of our price range and we like its value because it is durably made and is versatile.

Amazon Link

9. Duke DP Coon

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Duke DP Coon
Amazon Link

The Duke DP Coon is not a live animal trap like the others on our list. It is designed to snare the raccoon’s arm so it cannot escape. You will have to kill the animal after it is caught if the animal hasn’t already killed itself trying to break free. We dock effectiveness points for this.

Set with Marshmallow
The Duke DP Coon is designed specifically for raccoons so we dock points for Versatility. Your dogs will not be able to get into it, though cats may be able to. To prevent this from happening, bait with marshmallows instead of cat food as cats will not go after that bait.

It is challenging to set this without a specialized tool. We take points away for Ease of Use here.

It is durable so it gets points in the Materials category.

Secure to Sturdy Spot
This needs to be secured to a sturdy spot, whether it be a tree or staking it into the ground. Failure to properly secure the trap will result in the animal escaping with the trap. This is inhumane and will also result in you losing it.

Cost and Value
The Duke DP Coon rings up at the very bottom of our price range and we like its value because it is affordable and long-lasting.

Amazon Link

10. F&T

Where to buy
Amazon Link
F&T Dog Proof Raccoon Trapping Starter Kit Bundle
Amazon Link

If you have a curious dog, you may find you need dog proof mouse traps all the way up to dog-proof raccoon traps. The F&T helps you to ensure that you are only catching raccoons and not your beloved pet. It comes with everything you’ll need to set it up. This is not a live animal trap.

All Inclusive Kit
The F&T comes with everything you’ll need to trap a raccoon. You will get 5 leg traps, 5 hooks, 5 stakes with a cable, 1 stake for the ground and bait. You will also get an instruction DVD to tell you how best to install them. We give points for Effectiveness and Ease of Use points here, as well as Materials.

Specifically for Raccoons
This kit is specifically made for raccoons so we take points away for Versatility here. That being said, these do prove to be pretty effective, if your intent is to not release the animal.

Cost and Value
The F&T Kit rings up in the middle of our price range and we like its value because it comes with all you need.

Amazon Link

Sources

  1. Wildlife Removal Contributing Writers, Raccoon Trapping Tips & Methods, Article
  2. Quentin Coleman, HOW TO RELEASE A RACCOON, Article
  3. Milafel Dacanay, Rabies: What To Do If You're Bitten By A Raccoon, Dog, Bat Or Other Animal, Article