A pet gate and method of operating thereof. The gate including a frame including first and second vertical side members; a door pivotally mounted to the second vertical side member. The door includes a pole extending between upper and a lower door crossbars, wherein the door pivots between an open position and a closed position. A foot actuator is mounted to the door and is vertically slidable between a raised position and a lowered position. A first channel in the foot actuator aligns with the pole and receives a drive that passes through the pole. The drive is raise-able by the foot actuator. A retractable bar is slidably provided in the upper door crossbar. The drive engages the retractable bar when the drive is raised. An upper retracting pin extends from the retractable bar and is receivable in a upper catch provided in the first vertical member.