Do you get up from your sleep whenever your dog barks and whines at the door?
I donโt blame you if you find it annoying sometimes.
But you canโt blame your dogs โ they want to go in or out, roam around your backyard, and go potty. Opening or holding the door is the least you could do for them.
Worry no more!
An electronic dog door is perfect for your furry family members. This could save effort in letting your dog in and out. Plus, stop your dogs from barking and whining at the door.
But how do you choose the best electronic dog door? We searched the market and rounded up ten of the best portable toilets. Read through and discover
- Terrific, top-of-the-line dog doors;
- How electronic dog doors work;
- Why is it important to install dog doors, and;
- Lots moreโฆ
Electronic Dog Door: Our Top 7 List
Best Waterproof Electric Dog Door
SureFlap-Sure Petcare Microchip Pet Door
Editorโs Comments:
If it doesnโt fit your door or animal, youโd be a fool to buy anything else. SureFlap allows you to program your petโs microchip with a button. Weโve used manual pet doors and other pet doors from a large competitor. Still, this one outperforms them in terms of quality of materials and dependability โ which is important for a door to the inside of your house.
When you factor in the microchip capability, itโs the best at what it does. This is the larger โpet door,โ with four locking pins (two on each side) as opposed to just two on the smaller โcatflapโ model. It is not particularly significant, but it makes it more resistant to intruder animals.
- Material: Glass
- Size Available: One size
- Dimensions: 10.31 x 4.92 x 11.02 inches
- Weight: 3.28 lbs.
- Brand: Sure Petcare
Overall Score:
84
The Bottom Line:
With SureFlap Microchip Pet Doorโs high level of modes and custom mode customization, youโll no longer have to worry about any furry situation. SureFlap can program not just 1 but 32 pets, and the quality doesnโt feel thin or cheap.Whatโs Good
- Perfect for small dog breeds and large cats
- Battery lasts for a year
- Can be installed in windows, doors, glass, and walls
- Can program the door to lock and unlock at specified times
- Compatible with all microchips worldwide
- Accessories are available for glass and wall installations
- A three-year warranty is available
Whatโs Bad
- Battery not included
- Not for large dogs
- It doesnโt come with tunnel extenders
- Itโs not a dual-scan door
- It needs waterproof caulking on the exterior otherwise the interior wood door will rot
Summary
The SureFlap Smart Dog Door is one of the best electronic dog doors on the market โ no wonder itโs our Editorโs Choice.
Whether you just adopted a dog or have a bunch of them wagging their tails in front of you, SureFlap is your best bet!
Hereโs the thingโฆ
This beauty works well. Every time your dog enters, youโll hear the signature click of the locks popping down to open the door. This might sound weird to your dog, but they will recognize this sound and get used to it.ย
If you have a particularly skittish catโฆย
It may take some time for them to get used to the click, but itโs quite minor.ย
When it comes to programmingโฆ
Simply press the button, guide your dog by placing some treats near the door, and this will display that heโs registered. Setting up might be tricky because there are modes and functions, or it only allows certain chips to access certain ways.
For exampleโฆ
For the curfew timer, set the door to lock and unlock at any time of the day or night. If you want your dog to be allowed in at night but not go out until morning โ this will save you sweat. The pet door remains locked for intruder animals until your pet approaches and opens just for them, and lots more for you to discover.
The only issue (and this is also a tip)โฆย
Two magnets, one on each side of the bottom of the door, help gravity โsnapโ the door into the resting โdownโ position. I discovered that if you manually open the door to the horizontal position, you can use one of the pick tools (or similar) on a standard Swiss Army knife to pull out one of those two magnets โ it works!ย
If you have a small dog or cat who dislikes having to press their face against the door, I strongly advise you to do this.
Aside from thatโฆ
After two years of continuous operation, the Duracell batteries still show full on the LED. I can honestly say that this is one of the best working and designed electromechanical devices Iโve ever seen.
It should absolutely come with tunnel extenders; not having them is shameful and a huge inconvenience for pet owners once they have to order them separately โ you will need them for ALL of the installations other than glass or thin doors.
They do not manufacture a dual scan (exit and entry) pet door. The dual scan cat door, which is smaller, is required if you want to control exit and entry. Hopefully, they will change this soon.
If you need a large cat door, get this one; if you have a small cat, get the catflap instead. Whatever you choose, youโll need tunnel extenders.
Related article: Best Dog Travel Crates
Best Affordable Electronic Dog Door For All Weather
Perfect Pet All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Door
Editorโs Comments:
The Perfect Pet All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Doorโs air pocket sits between 2 soft flaps, making it a great energy-efficient insulator. The all-weather is available in small, medium, extra-large, and super large. All of these give an air pocket of up to 3-inches between the 2 flaps in a door installation. And with the available wall tunnel kit, an air pocket of up to 9-inches. This is serious energy efficiency.
- Material: Foam molded plastic, nylon
- Size Available: Small, medium, extra-large, and super large
- Dimensions: 6 x 7 x 14 x 22.25 inches
- Weight: 8 lbs.
- Brand: IDEAL PET PRODUCTS SINCE 1979
Overall Score:
84
The Bottom Line:
Whether you live and work in the great plains or the north where the temperature plummets, or in the southeast or west where summer is endless, the cost of energy has skyrocketed. So, heating or cooling the backyard with an old-fashioned pet door wonโt do anymore. In some cases, the energy waste is like opening and closing the door 4 or 5 times a day.Whatโs Good
- Easy to install
- Good construction โ keep the cold out
- Sturdy and thick flaps
- Energy-efficient structural foam molded plastic
- Adjustable frame telescopes ยพ-inch to 1 ยพ-inch thickness
- Innovative Double Vinyl
- Flap design to limit airflow and creates an energy-efficient air pocket for maximum insulation
- The replacement flaps and felt are not cheap
- Relatively low price compared to other brands
Whatโs Bad
- It doesnโt have a great seal so you will have energy expenses in summer and winter
- Wall kit is sold separately
Summary
The Perfect Pet All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Doorย is one of the best dog doors for all weather โ thatโs why it won Best Value.
If you live on a mountain where it can get really cold at night, this door will come in handy for your pet. The security panel is perfect for your toddler to prevent them from getting in/out/stuck. Itโs thin plastic with a simple snap catch.
It comes in different sizes. You can opt for the โsuper extra-largeโ for 50b to 90lb dogs. The โextra largeโ door works great for 60lbs boxers.
Howeverโฆ
It doesnโt seal great, but the two flaps do a lot to curtail airflow.
On a positive noteโฆย
The all-weather doorโs air pocket between 2 soft flaps features a great energy-efficient insulator. All sizes are designed to give an air pocket of up to 3-inches between the insulation. And with the available wall tunnel kit, an air pocket of up to 9-inches. This is serious energy efficiency โ definitely worth it!
Related article: Petmate Sky Kennel Review
Best Electronic Pet Door For Multiple Pets
PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor
Editorโs Comments:
The PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor will give freedom to your furry pet that grows big like a Rottie, Shepherd, Terrier, and more. Not only will this allow you to control your petโs access, but it also detects the SmartKey and unlocks automatically โ helping to keep the house pets in and outdoor animals out.
- Material: Wood, Metal
- Size Available: Large Door with SmartKey
- Dimensions: 8.6 x 3.25 x 27.1 inches
- Weight: 1 lb.
- Brand: PetSafe
Overall Score:
80
The Bottom Line:
When the SmartDoor is set to Automatic mode, only your pets wearing the SmartKey can pass through the SmartDoor. As your pet enters the range of the SmartDoor, the SmartDoor detects the SmartKey and unlocks automatically. The range is adjustable up to 3 feet. This lets your pet choose when itโs bathroom time or time to play, so you and your pet can live happily together.Whatโs Good
- Great for a household with multiple pets
- Easy to install and use
- Pet doesnโt have to be microchipped
- Good quality
- Sturdy
Whatโs Bad
- Batteries are not included
- Quite bulky smart key tag
- Slightly loud when it unlocks
- The door is tough to push/open for cats
- High battery usage
Summary
Let me tell you something about the PetSafe Electronic SmartDoorโฆ
Unlike our Editorโs Choice, your pet doesnโt have to be micro-chipped using this electronic smart dog door. However, it uses a key fob placed on the petโs collar, and when the door detects it โ your dog can enter or exit. Plus, it also features programmable auto-locking options.
Itโs also true thatโฆ
There arenโt many options for automatic pet doors that donโt require your pet to be microchipped. Here, you can choose between small and large electronic dog doors by PetSafe. Itโs not just easy to install but works as intended in good quality at an affordable price for your buck.
Butโฆ
This has a few cons similar to our Editorโs Choice by Sure Petcare. First, the door is tough to push open for a cat or dog. If your furry animal doesnโt like having to push so hard on the door โ then itโll be a problem. But your cat or dog can be trained and be a pro in no time.
Speaking of doorsโฆ
The magnetized door (needed to ensure the flap returns to its proper position for locking) โslamsโ closed forcefully, which has caught my catโs tail many times. Also, thereโs quite the loud click when unlocking. Fortunately, thereโs no loud click when it relocks.
This might startle your pet at first, but sooner or later, they will get used to this sound. Itโs your job to reassure your pet that it wonโt harm them.
Secondlyโฆ
The key fob is pretty large for a cat or dog to dangle around its collar. Why so?ย
Well, itโs pretty bulky, especially when your cat or dog is quite small. Itโs not probably an issue when you have large dogs but a bit too much for smaller dogs.
Lastlyโฆ
You need to purchase 4 D Cell batteries separately โ quite high battery usage, though. But it would last for two years, given that itโs unlocked during the day.
Then againโฆ
There arenโt many options unless you want to get your pet microchipped, but those doors may have similar issues, too, aside from the bulky key fob.
Despite the consโฆ
This electronic dog door from PetSafe is phenomenal. The sensor is accurate. It keeps indoor cats in, wildlife/burglars out, and dogs free โ definitely, a great bang for your buck.
Related article: How To Put A Dog Harness On Your Dog
Best Features Electronic Dog Door
High Tech Pet Power Pet Electronic Pet Door
Editorโs Comments:
Wind does not keep the High Tech Pet Power Pet Electronic Pet Door from locking. By design, โflapโ style electronic dog doors may not lock on a windy day because the wind keeps the door open. That will not happen with this door. Youโll also like the safety features. The door comes down with gravity and not power, so thereโs no need to worry about hurting your pet. Not to mention the deadbolt feature โ a deciding factor in getting this unit.
- Material: N/A
- Size Available: Large
- Dimensions: 18 x 6 x 47 inches
- Weight: 8 lbs.
- Brand: High Tech Pet
Overall Score:
79
The Bottom Line:
In contrast to a โflapโ style smart dog door, thereโs no gap between the actual door and the frame. The door is completely sealed by design, which is great in colder weather. Plus, the ability to independently adjust the indoor and outdoor sensors, or turn them off altogether, is a nice feature.Whatโs Good
- Easy to install
- Good construction
- Smooth to operate
- Itโs not too loud
- Easy to understand, set up, and adjust controls
- Relatively secure and kept raccoons out
- The range adjuster on the door for inside and out is pretty nifty
Whatโs Bad
- The collars that come with the sensors are basic and have small clips
- Itโs not able to adjust the delay before closing
- The key fop is slightly flimsy
- Batteries are relatively pricey due to needlessly proprietary design
- No low battery warning
- A bit pricey
- Sensitivity is hard to control
- The transmitter case doesnโt snap tightly enough and spontaneously falls apart (MS-4 model)
Summary
While there other pet door solutions are out there, to me, High Tech Pet Power Pet Electronic Pet Door is about as perfect as it can get, and I am EXTREMELY pleased with how well they work.
I like that the door doesnโt seem to remain open if the dog remains next to it for a while.
But, hereโs the thingโฆ
โฆthe โwhooshโ noise of the door opening & closing could spook your pet(s), but you donโt have to worry. They will soon overcome this and will be a pro of going in and out.
To train your dog or catโฆ
โฆset it first at the longest distance your pet can get used to, and slowly lower it to about 4. The door will not close if something is blocking it, and it has a place for batteries if the power goes out.
Of course, treats and verbal cues would do the trick as well. I suggest you exhibit patience when training your dog to go in and out of the door.
In terms of installationโฆ
It can be a little tricky. As the manual says, you might have to loosen the screws after installing them when the door does not close. Itโs because of the pressure of the frame against the door. I suggest you purchase the wall extender for easier installation, but framing is fine if youโre a good carpenter.
It could take 45 minutes to install the door, including taking the door off the hinges, cutting the hole, โfine-tuningโ the hole to make the frame fit, putting the door back on the hinges, and installing the pet door. If youโre an expert handyman, the installation will take less than 45 minutes.
The control unit around the dogโs collar is relatively low-quality and easily breaks when dogs roughhouse. If you encounter the key falling apart, solve it by wrapping a rubber band around the key. Electrical or duct tape works too, but make sure you donโt cover the โspeaker.โ
Aside from thatโฆ
Since the collar batteries are proprietary, you canโt get them quickly in stores.ย My advice is to get some when you buy the door. You will have to buy batteries for the key from the manufacturer. So, keep a few spare collars (and spare batteries) around. Itโs pricey, though, but not a deal-breaker.
In terms of the waterproof aspectโฆ
An issue might happen where the door would not open when/after it poured rain outside. You can dry out the sensor, and itโll be fine. And occasionally, if you place the door in the garage, it can freeze shut if temps outside get extremely low.
Overall, it comes with a high price and a low-quality key. But it doesnโt mean itโs not worth buying if you can afford it โ definitely worth your buck.
Best Electric Dog Door For Small Pets
PetSafe Electronic Smart Door
Editorโs Comments:
The PetSafe Electronic Smart Door might not apply to large dogs, but it works well for small to medium dogs โ even cats. If youโre looking for a dog door that doesnโt use a microchip, this will get the job done.
- Material: Wood, Metal
- Size Available: Small Door with SmartKey
- Dimensions: 3.26 x 9.37 x 17.79 inches
- Weight: 1 lb.
- Brand: PetSafe
Overall Score:
78
The Bottom Line:
This small door with SmartKey comes with a key fob for your petโs collar. It detects your pet to enter and exit the door. It also comes with programmable locking options for your pet to live happily and freely roam in your backyard whenever. You might encounter slight flaws, but this electronic dog door from PetSafe is phenomenal. The sensor is accurate. Not to mention it keeps indoor cats in, wildlife/burglars out, and dogs free โ definitely, a great bang for your buck.Whatโs Good
- Great for a household with multiple pets
- Easy to install
- Pet doesnโt have to be microchipped
- Good quality
- Sturdy
Whatโs Bad
- Batteries are not included
- Quite bulky smart key tag
- Slightly loud when it unlocks
- The door is tough to push/open for cats
- High battery usage
Summary
The PetSafe Electronic Smart Door is none other than the small version of our Top Pick. So, this electronic smart dog door is relatively low in price.
While all features are similar to our Top Pick. Itโs safe to say that this will be convenient for smaller dogs.
Howeverโฆ
Some dogs would have difficulty adjusting to the doorโs sound when it unlocks. So, if you donโt want to stress your furry loved ones, you might want to check out other brands.
Best Energy Efficient Electronic Dog Door
PetSafe Extreme Weather Door
Editorโs Comments:
The PetSafe Extreme Weather Door comes with an added vinyl and internal insulation flap. So, expect that the quality is superb but can be a bit pricey given that itโs a regular weather door. Other than that, it has a maximum energy efficiency thatโs 3.5 times higher than standard single-flap pet doors โ making it perfect for extreme hot and cold climates.
- Material: Nylon, plastic
- Size Available: Large
- Dimensions: 3.38 x 13.8 x 22.2 inches
- Weight: 5.69 lbs.
- Brand: PetSafe
Overall Score:
78
The Bottom Line:
While giving your dog or cat their freedom this PetSafe 3-flap electronic dog door keeps the heat and cold out of your home. Save energy while giving your pet the freedom to go in and out on their own time.Whatโs Good
- Perfect for hot and cold climates
- Energy-efficient โ 3-flap system
- Paintable plastic frame
- Easy installation
- It comes with a vinyl and insulation flap
- Magnets help the door stay close
- Allowed multiple-sized dogs to escape the house without issue
- Good weather protection when installed correctly
Whatโs Bad
- Slightly loud door flaps when pet(s) go in or out
- The magnet is not strong enough in a mild/moderate wind.
- Medium-sized dogs and a shorty (border collie mix) canโt fit through it
Summary
With the PetSafe Extreme Weather Door, youโll definitely love the added freedom for your dog, reducing our responsibility of letting your pet out multiple times a day.
Such a relief.
Unlike the previous electronic dog doorโฆ
It does a good job of stopping the wind/snow/rain from making an absolute mess. But, the magnet that holds the door isnโt strong enough in a mild/moderate wind. So, if you live in very windy places, this might be a problem.ย
On breezy days, if the dogs come insideโฆ
โฆthe wind wonโt always allow the door to shut entirely behind them or stay closed. The foam it comes with, while useful, could be thicker. Thus, if you live in subzero temperature areas, consider investing in some hefty weather seal for this.
In terms of installationโฆ
It can be a little difficult to install, but itโs good for weather protection. So, take your time and follow the directions exactly. Look for a YouTube video or research how to install it. You can also have someone you trust cut a hole in your door and come install it for you. But, be careful not to tighten screws during installation.
Most importantlyโฆ
If your dog hates pushing doors to open, let them get used to the hole before installing the flap. After installing the flap, it may take a few more training treats to get your dog used to it. However, the flaps can be a bit loud when your pet goes through it. Then again, they will get used to it and wonโt bother your pet anymore.
On the other handโฆ
If you use the plastic cover to try and block your dog from escaping or place it on the outside to block harsh weather, be sure to block the inside with a chair or some other large object. Overall, this is a great product for your great dog or cat.
Best Sliding Electronic Dog Door
Power Pet Fully Automatic Sliding e-Glass Pet Door
Editorโs Comments:
The Power Pet Fully Automatic Sliding e-Glass Pet Door combines beauty, sophistication, and energy efficiency with the best technology available today. The self-contained unit easily fits your sliding glass patio door track and adjusts to your doorโs height with a special spring-loaded top section for quick, perfect installation. It usually takes less than one hour to install.
- Material: Aluminum
- Size Available: Medium
- Dimensions: 41 x 16 x 6 inches
- Weight: 53 lbs.
- Brand: High Tech Pet
Overall Score:
77
The Bottom Line:
The sleek and elegant design is also rugged and completely wind and weather resistant. No drafts will penetrate your Power Pet door even in hurricane-force winds providing the most energy-efficient pet door.Whatโs Good
- You can plug this into a โsmart plugโ and control it whenever your dogs go outside
- Easy to install
- Warranty is available
Whatโs Bad
- Collars and batteries are not heavy-duty
- The seal for the sliding glass door and dog door was too thin
Summary
Amazingly, Power Pet Fully Automatic Sliding e-Glass Pet Door is easy to install. Your dog can go out and back in whenever she wants.
In terms of functionโฆ
You can plug this into an Alexa plug and turn it on and off whenever you want and control when your dog goes outside. It only works for their collars, keeping out critters, and they have the freedom to go in and out as they please with added security.
Howeverโฆ
It would be great if it were a tad more durable and affordable. The collar could break in a year or two, but the overall convenience of the door makes it worth dealing with them when getting the warranty and purchasing a backup collar.
The tape to seal the two sliding glass doors did not stick because it was thin. You need an extra seal for the used foam core between the two sliding glass doors. Once you do that, your dog can enjoy it.
Overallโฆ
Despite the cons, itโs definitely worth your buck for many positive reasons. This smart dog door can be a great potential door for your lovely pet.
Buying Guide To Selecting An Electronic Dog Door
Value For Money
Electronic dog doors come at a variety of price points. Some are expensive, and some are priced affordably. But it doesnโt mean that the most expensive option will always be better.
The best option for you is the one that will suit your petโs needs.
Stillโฆ
If youโre working on a budget and want an energy-efficient, electronic dog door thatโs great for all-weather, the Perfect Pet All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Door from IDEAL PET PRODUCTS SINCE 1979 is your best bet. It scores the highest in this criteria because you get a quality electronic dog door at an affordable price.
How These Electronic Dog Doors Compare In The Value For Money Category
Ease to Install
This is an important criterion when choosing an electronic dog door. You should be able to install it easily, especially when youโre not a skilled handyman or woman.
That saidโฆ
We find that our Editorโs Choice, Best Value, and Top Pick will help you in this area.ย You can install them in a breeze. Plus, with the other features they come with, theyโre worth the money youโll be spending on them.ย
How These Electronic Dog Doors Compare In The Ease to Install Category
Features
Letโs face it. We want a reliable feature for an electronic dog door, like the SureFlap-Sure Petcare Microchip Pet Door, which works well when your pet is microchipped. You can also save energy with the Perfect Pet All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Door. Plus, itโs great for all weather conditions.
Our Top Pick will get the job done using a smart key if you donโt want to microchip your lovely pet.
Well, of course, there are a lot of electronic dog doors with super features on the market. You just must find what works best for you.
How These Electronic Dog Doors Compare In The Features Category
Energy Efficiency
We find that our Best Value offers the best insulation. This electronic dog door features an innovative double vinyl flap design to limit airflow and create energy-efficient air pockets for maximum insulation. Plus, itโs relatively affordable compared to other dog doors on this list.
How These Electronic Dog Doors Compare In The Energy Efficiency Category
Durability
Durability is another important factor to consider when buying an electronic dog door. We want to buy something that will last a long time, right? Itโs wasted money if we buy dog doors that canโt even make it through one summer season.ย
So keep in mind thatโฆ
โฆnot all electronic dog doors are created equal. Some were meant to be used for microchipped pets, while others were not. Others could withstand extreme weather conditions, like hot or cold climates.
How These Electronic Dog Doors Compare In The Durability Category
Electronic Dog Door FAQs:
Why should you choose an Electronic Pet door over a Manual?
The main advantage of an electronic dog door over a manual pet door is that an electronic pet door is the best choice to control pet access while keeping intruders or stray animals compared to a manual door.
How do I know what size dog door I should get?
First, you need to measure your pet. Ensure that there is at least 1โณ of flap height and step over no more than 1/3rd is taller than your largest pet and smallest petโs height from the floor to its back, respectively. This way youโd know the best size for your dog.
How much do automatic dog doors/sliding glass doors cost?
Automatic sliding door prices range from $1,000 to $3,500, depending on the size and style. Some manufacturers sell after-market products you can attach to existing panes. This costs $200 to $1,500.
Conclusion
Soโฆ have you made your decision yet?ย
Well, if you want to hear our two cents, then we can tell you that you wonโt go wrong with choosing either our Editorโs Choice โ SureFlap-Sure Petcare Microchip Pet Door; or Top Pick โ PetSafe Electronic Smart Dog Door.
They both scored high and you wonโt need to microchip your pet with our Top Pick. Although, they donโt provide you with insulation. Still, a great bang for your buck.
Hereโs how these electric dog doors stacked up against each other in the overall scores:
On the other handโฆ
If you want a budget-friendly option that will still provide your pet with good quality and experience, then our Best Value, the Perfect Pet All-Weather Energy Efficient Electronic Door has your back. Plus, it offers excellent insulation and can stand harsh conditions.
Whichever electronic dog door you choose, we hope we can make your decision process easier.
Now that weโre done, itโs time for you to find the best electronic dog door out there for your pet and live happily.
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