Dogs love going in and out of the house over and over. Letting them out at their every whim can be difficult, annoying, or just downright impossible when you are at work.
Dog doors have traditionally been one way to help alleviate this problem, and now that electronic dog doors are here, there has never been a better time to buy one for your pampered pooch.
Electronic dog doors can be confusing to purchase. To help you with it, we tested the top ten electronic dog doors currently available for purchase.
BEST CHOICE
PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor
Best Electronic Dog Door in Our Rating
- Two sizes to choose from for big and small pets
- Special protection against other people’s pets: only yours will enter the door
- Great modern design, suitable for any interior
- Product support and service from the manufacturer are guaranteed
Selecting the Best Electronic Dog Doors in November, 2024
| Product | Dimensions | Weight | Brand | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Editor’s Choice) 1. PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor  | 8.6 x 3.2 x 27.1 inches | 8.8 pounds | PetSafe | Check Price |
2. Perfect Pet All-Weather Energy | 22.2 x 14.1 x 6.1 inches | 10.4 pounds | PERFECT PET | Check Price |
| (Editor’s Choice) 3. Endura Flap Double Flap  | 28 x 17 x 7 inches | 17.9 pounds | Endura Flap | Check Price |
4. PetSafe Wall Entry Pet | 8 x 15 x 22 inches | 5.6 pounds | PetSafe | Check Price |
5. Pet Mate Cat Mate Elite Chip | 9.8 x 5.7 x 10.5 inches | 2.73 pounds | Pet Mate Limited | Check Price |
6. PetSafe Panel Pet Door | 29.4 x 25.1 x 4 inches | 13.4 pounds | PetSafe | Check Price |
7. Ideal Pet Products Designer | 5.8 x 19 x 28.1 inches | 19.2 pounds | Ideal Pet Products | Check Price |
8. PetSafe Extreme Weather Energy | 3.4 x 13.8 x 22.2 inches | 6.4 pounds | PetSafe | Check Price |
9. SureFlap Microchip Pet Door | 11.1 x 10.3 x 4.7 inches | 4.3 pounds | SureFlap | Check Price |
10. Cat Mate Large Cat Door | 9.2 x 2.2 x 10 inches | 1.2 pounds | Cat Mate | Check Price |
1. PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor: Best Electronic Door Option for Multiple Pet Homes
The PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor is a lovely option to allow pets to safely move in and out of your home at their leisure. The SmartDoor is battery operated and will require four D-Cell sized batteries.
The SmartDoor offers several programmable safety options, including selective entry, auto-locking, and exit options.
The PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor works with a SmartKey. The SmartKey is worn on your pet’s collar and signals to the door to allow your pet access to it.
- Customized access for up to five pets
- Battery operated by D-Cell batteries
- United States-based customer service
- Easy to program
- The batteries tend to be used up somewhat quickly, which can get rather expensive
2. Perfect Pet All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Door: Perfect for Homes in Cooler Climates
The Perfect Pet All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Door is a terrific option for folks living in areas with winter weather conditions during the cooler months.
The door is crafted from energy-efficient structural foam molded plastic to ensure that your pet doesn’t bring the cold weather inside with him.
The door also features a double vinyl flap design, which keeps our testing team members’ homes nice and toasty even during snow and allows the home to remain cool when Fido wants to go out during the sweltering summer days as well.
- Great for keeping warm air in and out depending upon the season
- Telescoping frame to suit a wide variety of door thicknesses
- Easy for pets to learn to use
- Durable and well-made
- A tad bit on the expensive side but well worth the price
3. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Pet Door: Best for Pet Families in Areas with Lots of Inclement Weather
The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Pet Door offers an award-winning design that keeps your home at an optimum energy level.
The door is a single flap that has been meticulously crafted to ensure that your home stays at the right temperature.
The electronic door is installed with the use of three industrial magnets designed to stay closed during inclement weather.
- Magnet locking system
- Perfect for rainy and stormy areas
- Secure locking cover
- Sturdy and durable
- Easy to install and installs flush against the wall to prevent wasting energy
- Very expensive compared to similar versions
4. PetSafe Wall Entry Pet Door with Telescoping Tunnel: Best Option for Pet Families with Thicker Walls and Doors
The PetSafe Wall Entry Pet Door with Telescoping Tunnel offers a solution for pet parents with thicker doors and walls that normally may not be as well suited to a doggy door.
This option features a telescoping tunnel created from strong and sturdy aluminum. The door is made from heavy extruded metal, lending extra support and durability.
The PetSafe Wall Entry Pet Door with Telescoping Tunnel is one of the easiest models to install, which made our testing team extremely happy.
- Doggy door that is perfect for thick doors
- Easy to install
- Magnetic closures on flap
- Sturdy and durable
- The flap door can get a bit difficult to maneuver in colder weather for smaller pets
5. Pet Mate Cat Mate Elite Chip and Disc Superselective Cat Flap: Best for Homes with Cats
The Pet Mate Cat Mate Elite Chip and Disc Superselective Cat Flap is an awesome option for homes with kitties. The door is easy to install, which is a very important consideration for our testing team members.
The door includes a liner that lines up to 4 inches, making it terrific for thinner walls or doors.
The Pet Mate Cat Mate Elite Chip and Disc Superselective Cat Flap works with an LCD display that is easy to see and read.
- Great for families with up to 3 pet cats
- Easy-to-see LCD display
- Runs on four AA batteries, which last around 9 to 12 months
- Weatherproof and draft-proof
- The door was pried open by a raccoon from the outside of one tester’s home, so be aware if you have raccoons in your area that you may need to take separate precautions
6. PetSafe Panel Pet Door: Best for Pet Families with a Panel Door
The PetSafe Panel Pet Door has been specifically designed and created to work with paneled doors. Our testing team was thrilled to find a selection that did not take away from the beauty of their panel doors.
The door gives a professional appearance in addition to working wonderfully. The PetSafe Panel Pet Door incorporates a butyl sealant which provides a watertight seal.
- Watertight seal
- Easy to install
- Looks beautiful on panel doors
- Paintable frame allows for perfect matching
- The door is not as wide as some other options so it may not fit larger pets as well
7. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Pet Door with Telescoping Frame: Best Doggy Door for Large Pets
The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Pet Door with Telescoping Frame understands that not all pets wanting to go outside are small.
The door accommodates big breeds up to around 120 pounds in weight. The doggy door is durable thanks to structural foam molded plastic.
The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Pet Door with Telescoping Frame is easily installed which is always a plus.
- Terrific pricing point
- Great for larger breed
- Easy installation
- Telescoping frame
- Durable and sturdy
- This door was one of our favorite options this week with no negatives worth mentioning
8. PetSafe Extreme Weather Energy Efficient Pet Door: Best for Energy Efficiency
The PetSafe Extreme Weather Energy Efficient Pet Door is an energy-efficient option thanks to a three-flap system.
The addition of two flaps increases energy efficiency by up to 3.5 times that of a single flap system. The center flap is insulated to work for both hotter and cooler climates.
The PetSafe Extreme Weather Energy Efficient Pet Door has controlled access through a snap-on closing flap that can be secured when it’s time for pets to stay inside.
- Snap-on closable flap for security when door does not need to be in use
- Perfect for puppies or kitties learning to use the door
- Energy efficient
- Excellent price point
- Our testing team members loved this option with no downsides to mention
9. SureFlap Microchip Pet Door: Best Electronic Door For Microchipped Pets
The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door uses an RFID system to read your pet’s implanted ID microchip. The system allows only approved microchipped pets to move both in and out of your home. This system offers a layer of security not seen in other versions allowing pet parents to feel safer.
The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door runs of four C size batteries with an estimated battery life of one year. The door accommodates smaller breeds and cats.
- Most secure option
- RFID system allows approved microchipped pets only
- Great for smaller breeds and cats
- Versatile and well-made
- Your pet or pets need to be microchipped for the door to recognize them, but you can get them chipped inexpensively at your local humane society or veterinary office
10. Cat Mate Large Cat Door in White: Best for Cats
The Cat Mate Large Cat Door in White is a wonderful option for homes with cats. The door is specifically designed to accommodate felines as well as small dog breeds such as Yorkies or Dachsunds. The max shoulder height for pets using the door is 14 inches.
The Cat Mate Large Cat Door in White features a four-way lock adding to its security. Our testing team members noted that it is easy to install. Some of our cats absolutely refused to use the door, but the cats that did use it really liked it.
- Perfect for cats or tiny pups
- Flap system with secure 4-way lock
- Easy to install
- Great for thin walls or doors
- Some cats would not even go near the door or through it
The Best Electronic Dog Door – Buyer’s Guide
Finding the perfect electronic doggy door for your pet and home can be a frustrating task. There are thousands of versions available each touting to be the best. In order to find the right electric dog door for your needs, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the product.
While researching and reviewing the top ten electronic dog doors we learned so many helpful tips and tricks. We want to hand that valuable knowledge on to you, our awesome readers, to assist you in making the best choice. Let’s get started!
Do I Really Need an Electronic Dog Door?
Dogs love to be outside. Whether it’s to exercise, use the bathroom, socialize, sunbathe, or just get some fresh air. Constantly letting your pet in and out to their satisfaction can get old and tiring rather quickly. It can also be impossible to let them out during the day while you are at work, school, or running errands.
The purchase, installation, and use of an electronic dog door will allow your furry best friend to head outside and enter the home again a breeze. An electronic version of a doggy door cuts back on some issues with the traditional nonelectronic version. This option is often programmable for several pets, can be easily monitored, and can make bathroom trips much easier during inclement weather or while you are out and about.
Key Considerations When Buying an Electronic Dog Door
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most important points to consider when shopping for a new electronic doggy door.
Size
Choosing the properly sized dog door is paramount to its success. Dogs can gain or lose weight just like a human. The door must be large enough for your dog to enter and exit while allowing for a little growing room just in case hey gain a bit of weight.
Safety Concerns
Keeping your pets, family, and home safe are your top priorities, just like us. The challenge facing a new pet door is often involved in the worry that stray pets, wild animals, or even a would-be-thief could potentially gain entry into your home through the doggy door.
Our team members have some pretty crazy stories regarding the issue. One member of our team woke up to a fox in her kitchen one wintry morning after it had managed to get in through her dog’s door. While she got the cute little critter out safely, it did tip over and go through her trash first. An electronic door can help prevent these issues over the use of a standard nonelectronic version.
Efficient
Letting cats and dogs in and out of the house at all hours can get annoying. A dog door allows pets to take a quick midnight potty break if needed. You won’t have to get up, get dressed, or even worry about your pet since the electronic door takes extra safety measures.
Energy Efficiency
In the balmy summer months, keeping your home cool and comfortable is a top concern. Similarly, in the winter you do not want to let cold or snowy air in. An electronic dog door takes extra measures to ensure the door is open only long enough for pets to move through so that your house stays at the optimal temperature.
Energy efficiency is also a key component in your monthly bills. Every time you open the door to let the dog in or out, warm or cold air infiltrates your home. This action sends your heating or cooling system into overdrive to compensate, which drives energy heating and cooling costs soaring. The installation and use of a pet door will assist you in cutting back costs and saving money.
Purchasing a new electronic dog door is a wonderful way to ensure pets are happy and get out when they need to. Doggy doors can also help you save money on both heating and cooling costs. While there are many options available, finding the best electronic dog door for you and your family’s needs is easy when you understand the basics and have a clear idea of your needs.
We hope you enjoyed reading our reviews of the top ten electronic dog door systems and that you learned something new and helpful from our shopping guide. Hearing from our loyal readers is always the highlight of our work week. Leave us a quick comment below with your favorite pet door tips and tricks!
In our climate, it seems impossible to find a great option of keeping warm. But I finally did it! Now my perfect product that I recommend to every dog owner is Perfect Pet All-Weather Energy. Just read the reviews about it and you’ll understand what I’m talking about.
The Cat Mate is great for cats and small dogs. The really good thing is that this door does not enhance the audibility from the street. the house remains quiet.
I opted for The Pet Mate Cat Mate Elite Chip and Disc Superselective Cat Flap. First of all, because it’s easy to install.
Two months ago we installed The PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor. I must say that our puppy mastered it very quickly, he really likes to go in and go out a hundred times a day)
If you follow the editors, note that fixings and key included in compartment in top of the door, rather than in the box.
We’ve chosen Endura Flap Double Flap also. There is no drafts and you cant feel a cold spot in its vicinity. So glad we spent the money….not cheap but worth every penny
I ordered a Medium of the editor’s choice. My dog is a Toy Australian Shepherd that now weights about 20 LBS. When we first installed the door we removed the side magnets and just had 1 of the bottom ones installed to make it easier for the dog to go in and out. Excellent door.
We installed The PetSafe Door for our labrador retriever. it makes life that much easier for her and us. She can access the garden whenever she needs too, and if we need to be out for a little longer than usual its easy enough for her to relieve herself.
The PetSafe Door is easy to install, i used a jigsaw to cut using the provided template and then installed. 1 hour job max. kept the door on while i did it. Had it for over a year and no issues at all
I bought PetSafe Panel Pet Door because I have got a new puppy that just couldn’t hold her bladder like my other dog. It took a few days to get them to use to it without even working with them. My dogs are both right at 50 lbs and the minimum recommended height. They can step through just fine, but usually, hop their back legs through at the same time. Installation was fairly easy, and I’m not a handy guy.
PetSafe Panel Pet door is a good solution for panel doors. The installation took about two hours from start to finish. The magnets hold the door closed in most windy conditions.
The second door from PetSafe is very cool, we are satisfied! We were afraid for the windy weather, when our baby went out for a walk, but the door does not let in either cold or wind. Recommended!
When a dog has long hair, you need to be especially careful. We didn’t grow together to find ticks on our Chow Chow, it is very fluffy. But then the dead tick itself fell out of its wool. It was lucky that the dog was not too sick.