Best Electronic Dog Door in 2024: Reviews and Buying Guide
If you are a dog owner, you will need to purchase the best electronic dog door. These products have many advantages, the most important being the security they offer. With such kind of doors, intruding animals will not enter your home since the door will close when necessary. In the meantime, it will open when detecting the microchip or SmartKey.
You should get a product that will offer complete security to your home, especially if you live in a place that is infested with stray animals. Also, the product is meant to maintain your indoor temperature. Otherwise, your energy bill will rise significantly.
My name is Matthew Farthing, and I am a close friend of Britta’s and a dedicated owner of three huskies. I am a certified dog behavior consultant and have vast experience in the field. I am also thoroughly knowledgeable about pet health and training.
10 Best Electronic Dog Doors Reviewed
Electronic dog door manufacturers have become increasingly innovative. Today, there are products with many useful features, and the sensitivity of the sensors has also improved significantly. When choosing a door, it is necessary to look beyond the features. Make a point of looking through the dimensions and descriptions. Some of these products are meant to be used in particular places such as walls and patio barriers, and they will not fit well other surfaces.
1. PetSafe Energy-Efficient Pet Gate – Best Rated Electronic Dog Door
Petsafe is among the best manufacturers of pet gates internationally. The brand has been in existence for over 30 years, and in this period, it has created an excellent reputation. The brand collaborates with US-based experts to develop the best products.
This PetSafe electronic dog door is manufactured with a 3-flap system. It is intended to be used in hot or cold environments as it will keep your home cool. The product is manufactured using paintable plastic, so it will complement the decor of your house.
Measure the height and weight of your pet before buying the product. The reason is the gates have different dimensions. The large dog door electronic will accommodate dogs of up to 100 pounds, the medium-sized one will suit dogs that are of 15 to 40 pounds, and the smallest gate will suit pets under 15 pounds.
Your pet cannot get through this door at any time, as it can be locked with a snap-on cap. It works differently from the more common slides. Some people have mentioned that it can easily be opened from the outside, but that is up for debate. Regardless, it prevents your dogs from exiting your home at the wrong times.
Overall, I would say that this is the best electric pet door. With it, you will be able to limit your pet’s movement. You will also lower your expenditures on power significantly. The item also complements the decor of most houses. However, it may not be the best electric dog gate for windy places.
- Highly energy-efficient
- Is manufactured by a trusted company
- Comes in three different sizes
- Suits different home interior designs
- The purchase includes a DIY installation guide
- May not preserve energy in windy places
- A snap-on cap may not be very secure
2. Perfect Pet Dog Door – High Tech Electronic Dog Door for Extreme Cold or Heat
Perfect Pet specializes in the manufacture of pet gates. The brand has been running for about 40 years. Over time, it has managed to build a loyal customer base, as well as has gained an excellent reputation among dog owners.
This product is manufactured with structural foam, molded plastic, and nylon. To improve its energy efficiency, it has double vinyl flaps. This design creates energy-efficient air pockets that offer maximum insulation.
The product is designed in 4 different sizes: small, average-sized, extra-large dog doors electronic, and super large models. The maximum dog’s weight that can be accommodated by these gates is 120 pounds. You can fix this gate on your own, and the entire process may require around 30 minutes. It is possible to buy an electronic dog door wall mount separately.
In my opinion, this is the best electronic dog doors for extra large dogs. It is highly durable, and that means people who like to save every coin would appreciate it.
- Highly durable
- Withstands strong winds
- Energy-efficient design
- Setting it up is simple and fast
- Can suit very large dogs
- Some buyers may not qualify for the seller’s guarantee
3. PlexiDor Electronic Dog Door – Best Indoor Electronic Dog Barrier
PlexiDor is also very well-known among pet owners. This company was started in 1985 and has managed to survive to the present day. Its pet doors are manufactured in the USA, and to inspire trust in their customers, the brand offers a 5-year limited residential warranty.
This electronic dog door for wall comes in the sliding design and will supply your pet with the utmost security. It works more like a garage door, and I find it quite convenient. This feature also makes the product one of the best doors for use in windy areas as it can withstand the pressure of airflow. And don’t worry – there is no need to keep opening and closing the door for your dog. It will automatically open with a dog`s approach since it is fitted with state-of-the-art RFID technology.
You should note that the door will open only for your pet and will not let other animals inside the house. Some pet owners have raised concerns that other animals may follow your pet when it enters the door. Such a scenario is very unlikely since the door will close just a few seconds after your dog comes into the house.
This pet door comes in a single size and can accommodate dogs of up to 125 pounds. It makes the item one of the best electronic pet door for large dogs.
This pet door has impressed me greatly. The collar key is easy to fix and even easier to program. The only problem I have noted is that some dogs may try to go through it before the door slides open. Still, it is resistant to those bumps and will not get damaged easily. You can learn more about it on online Plexidor electronic dog door reviews.
- Secure
- Easy to program
- Only your pet can enter the house. Other animals will be kept outside
- Dogs that are used to traditional doors may try to pass through before the door opens
4. High Tech Pet Power Pet Door – Best High Tech Pet Power Electronic Dog Door
Power Pet has been a leading innovator in electronic pet products. The company has been around for over 30 years, and they have carried out extensive research into pet care in this period. They have a wide range of products, and every item solves one specific pain point.
This particular pet door is motor-driven. It is activated by an MS-4 ultrasonic dog collar, which only works when the dog is directly approaching the door. The advantage of this design is that the door will not keep opening when the dog is just wandering near the door. You can also set the door to control access. There are four available settings: in only, out only, full access, and closed/ locked. This system makes it easy to keep your pet safe and prevent strays animals from accessing your home.
The MS-4 collar is water-resistant, but you can choose to go for the MS-5 collar which is fully waterproof. The door is electronic, but you can operate it using batteries. It comes in medium and large electronic dog doors designs and can suit pets of up to 100 pounds. You should note that the door cannot close on top of your pet and will not cause any injury in such cases.
In my opinion, this dog door will be ideal for people who live in places with a lot of stray dogs. The reason is it opens only when triggered by a single collar. It will also be perfect for regions with strong winds.
- Designed to sense obstructions when closing
- Comes with a water-resistant collar
- Can be operated using electricity or batteries
- Can suit pets of up to 100 pounds
- If the collar turns accidentally, the door will not sense it
5. PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor – Best Electronic Dog Door Flap for Pest Infested Areas
PetSafe ensures that all its operations are carried out in the USA. If you need customer assistance, you will be able to communicate with a US-based agent from Monday to Saturday. The brand has been in existence for over 3 decades, and that means it has extensive experience in the field.
It is one of the best electronic dog door from PetSafe. The door is triggered to open by SmartKeys in the collar of a dog, and the advantage here is that up to five pets can use the door. But you should know that only one SmartKey is included in the original package.
The manufacturer offers clear instructions on how to install this door. Although these instructions are simple and straightforward, some inexperienced customers have had trouble installing it correctly. If you get the wrong dimensions, it will be hard to bind the door properly, which can cause trouble.
This door has four controls: programmed automatic entry and exit, fully locked, and fully unlocked. In the automatic mode, the door will open or close when triggered by the SmartKey. The fully locked and fully unlocked modes are not automatic and will keep the door in a single state.
In my opinion, this dog door is essential for people with many pets. It has proven to be very steady and will withstand strong winds. PetSafe electronic dog door reviews are highly in favor of this product.
- Made in the USA, there are US-based customer care agents
- Can accommodate multiple dogs
- Very sensitive, therefore, will always open when your dogs approach it
- Easy to install
- Four convenient settings
- Only one SmartKey is included in the original package
6. Ani Mate Cat Mate Door – Dog Mate Electronic Dog Door for Small Dogs
This pet door is meant for large cats, and it can be used for smaller dogs. Dogs that have a shoulder height of over 18 inches should not use this door as it will not suit them. It has a transparent flap which seems to be a favorite among pets. Another advantage of this pet door is that it makes from little to no noise while opening or closing. Due to this feature, the pets will not get distracted as they pass through it.
The dog door comes with tools to help you complete the electronic dog door installation without the help of professionals. Many people will be able to install it in less than 30 minutes. If your area is infested with animals, you will appreciate the locking feature of this pet door. This characteristic will ensure that your door stays locked when your pet is not using it. It is possible to find cats and dogs bumping into the locked door, so you can consider covering it with an additional item. This way, your pet will not see the door and will not try to use it to exit the house.
My verdict on this electronic indoor dog gate is that it is great for indoor locations. If you use it on the house exit, you may have to deal with a lot of heat or cold that gets through the thin plastic. I loved the transparent nature of the door and the fact that it did not make noise when my pets went through them.
- Transparent
- Does not produce noise when dogs go through it
- Can be installed quickly and easily
- Comes with the necessary installation tools
- Made of thin plastic which may let in too much cold and heat
7. Ideal Pet Products Aluminum Pet Door – The Best Large Breed Electronic Dog Door
Ideal Pet Products has been manufacturing different items for home animals since 1979 and has declared the goal to provide quality and environmental-friendly pet products. The company offers lengthy warranties on parts and workmanship, so you can be sure that it produces high-quality pet doors. The brand is also known for offering affordable products.
This particular pet door is made of long-lasting and high-quality aluminum. It comes in four different sizes: small, medium, extra-large, and super large. This extra large dog doors electronic can be used by pets of up to 120 pounds. It is advisable to go for a larger size if your pet is on the line.
This durable pet door is made with an inner telescopic frame which comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The door is designed with transparent flaps to make your dog feels more comfortable. This way, your dog will be able to see what is happening on the other side before it goes through the door. When you lock the door, you may put white covers on it. They are included in the original package. Since the covers are white, you can expect them to get dirty over time. This is why the company adds replacement covers.
In my opinion, this electronic dog door is ideal for people who value durability over all other factors. Since the product is made of aluminum, it will last for a very long time.
- Highly durable
- A limited lifetime warranty
- White covers, intended to prevent a dog from trying to use the door when it is locked
- Transparent flaps
- The aluminum used is quite thin
8. Ideal Pet Products Door – Best Electronic Dog Door for Sliding Glass Door
This pet door is designed to be installed on your sliding patio door. The door is sold in two modular parts that can only fit into aluminum patio slide doors. The insert of this dog door is made of white finish aluminum and clear tempered safety glass. The door locks with a slider, which is quite secure. You can be sure that no outside animals will be able to access the house when you lock the door.
This electronic dog door sliding door is not the easiest to install. Many people have actually made errors in the installation, so you might want to contact professionals for the appropriateness of the process. If you insist on handling the process on your own, you should take some time to watch the installation video and note the common mistakes.
I would say that this electronic dog door is ideal for people who want to make pet doors for the patio. It has some design flaws but will work well for patio doors. Make sure you order the next size since their size charts are not very accurate.
- Locks with a slider, thus being very secure
- The manufacturer provides an installation video
- Comes with weather stripping
- Can accommodate dogs of up to 120 pounds
- Not durable
- Has some design flaws
9. PetSafe Panel Pet Door – Medium Sized Electronic Dog Door
This dog door is made by PetSafe, one of the biggest manufacturers of pet products in the USA. The door is specifically meant to be used on paneled doors. It will complement the appearance of your main door and without that awkward look. The good thing with this pet door is that it can be painted to match the appearance of your panel door.
This Pet Safe electronic dog door is made with a butyl sealant that creates a watertight seal. Also, the door has a feature of keeping the dirt out. It is designed with a 2-flap system that offers excellent protection against the elements and the weather. If you want to keep your dog inside, you can use the closing panel which comes with the pet door. This panel also helps to increase weather protection.
The installation of this pet door is simple and can be handled without the help of professionals. The manufacturer includes the installation instructions and the necessary hardware in the original package. When buying this electronic indoor dog gate, you will need to check the weight and height of your dog. The door comes in two options: the 8-inch and 10-inch models. The largest dog that can use this door is 100 pounds. Beyond these dimensions, the pets will have trouble fitting in the space.
If you have any difficulty with this electronic dog door, you can contact the PetSafe customer care team. All their representatives are located in the USA. They are accessible via chat, email, and calls. Before contacting the customer service reps, you should consider going through the troubleshooting instructions in their user manual.
To my mind, this is an excellent dog door that can perfectly suit panel doors. You can even paint it to match your panel door. Since PetSafe makes it, I don’t have any doubts about the quality. But you should note that the dog door is not very wide. Many larger dogs will have trouble accessing it.
- Can complement your panel door
- Made in the USA
- Easy to install
- Comes with a comprehensive user manual
- Could be wider
10. Ownpets Pet Screen Door – The Best Extra Large Dog Doors Electronic
This is a magnetic dog door that closes automatically. The magnets in the flap closures are strong enough to prevent the wind from blowing into your house. It means you will not be dealing with elements that have been blown by the wind into the house, and the temperature in the house will not alter.
This pet door comes in two different sizes which will suit most dogs. The smaller dog door measures 8 inches by 10.2 inches, and the extra large dog doors electronic has the dimensions of 12.2 inches by 14 inches. The frame of this dog door is made of strong ABS material, which means it is highly durable. It is strong enough to withstand dog bites and scratches.
The product comes with comprehensive and straightforward installation instructions, as well as screws. You can even install it on your own. This pet door comes with a lockable bolt when you do not want your dog to go out. It also prevents outside animals from accessing your house.
In my opinion, this pet screen door has a great design and would suit the majority of screen doors. I also think it can last for many years since it is made with ABS plastic and has a mesh design. It would require a lot of strength to break the barrier.
- Long-lasting
- Attractive design
- Comes in two sizes and can suit most dogs
- The magnets of the door are quite strong
- Assembly can be challenging for the inexperienced users
Complete Guide to Buying the Best Electric Dog Door
How Do Electronic Dog Doors Work?
Unlike manual dog doors, electronic ones open and close when they detect a microchip on your dog’s electronic dog door collar. The microchip and the dog door are sold together since one cannot be used without another. Some manufacturers even sell multiple chips for a single dog door. You will have to program the dog door when you make your purchase.
With electronic dog doors, it is possible to set the door to completely lock at specific times. For example, you can set it to lock every day at night. These dog doors will usually stay open if they detect the dog’s body in the entrance area.
There are a few things you need to understand before you purchase a dog door. They will be covered in this section.
How to Select the Best Electronic Wall Dog Door
The product you select should fit your dog. If you select a short and narrow door, your pet will not be able to access it and may even get stuck on its way out. Pet door manufacturers usually create charts indicating the dimensions of their products and the corresponding weights and heights of the pets.
You should measure your dog’s height and weight carefully before you make your purchase. If the measurements are between two sizes, always go for the larger door. If you have more than one dog, you should select a product that can accommodate the largest pet.
If you live in a place with strong winds, you should be careful when selecting a dog door. Many plastic dog doors will not be able to maintain the temperature of your house under windy conditions. For such environments, it is better to search for magnetic or sliding dog doors.
As an environmentally-conscious pet owner, I would not advise anyone to go for pet doors that let in a lot of cold or heat, even if they cost next to nothing. Going for energy-efficient doors will not just help the planet – it will also lower your power bill. You can check the energy efficiency rating of the products on their descriptions or on the electronic dog door reviews.
There are many pet door brands available today, and they all come with their pros and cons. Before you make your purchase, you should check the reviews of the different brands. If a brand has a poor reputation, the chances that you will end up with a useless product are very high. The company may also have poor customer service. It is generally better to go for older reliable brands that have managed to maintain their reputations.
You should go through professional reports on the dog doors. These reports will give you better insight into the quality, durability, and usefulness of the products.
You can choose between a wall electronic indoor dog gate mount and an electronic door. An installation of a wall mount will usually require the help of a professional since it will involve a lot of drilling. Wall mounts are not typically meant for people living in rental houses. A door mount can be installed easily since you will only need to cut off part of the door.
Main Things to Pay Attention To
There are certain things you need to pay attention to when shopping for an electronic dog door. Let’s have a look at them.
You should make sure the dog door can quickly sense your dog when it approaches. Otherwise, the dog will be discouraged from using the door. It is also important to check whether the door can ignore signals that come from the side. Such doors will not slide open when the dog wanders around the house.
Many modern electronic dog doors are opened with microchips and SmartKeys. These doors will only be triggered by your dog’s collar and will not open for any other dog. If you have multiple dogs, you should make sure you get a door that can accommodate multiple SmartKeys.
The dog door flaps should be transparent since the dog usually needs to see another side of the screen. They can also be translucent.
You should also ensure that you get a dog door that locks quickly after your dog enters or exits the house. Such doors will not let in unwanted animals. This is especially important for people who live in areas that are infested by pests and stray animals.
The dog doors should also come with locks that can prevent pets from entering or exiting the house. Make sure the locks are strong enough since the weaker ones will not hold strong pets.
The Final Thought
Buying an electronic dog door is not a simple process. This is why I took the time to tell you everything you need to know about the products. I have also listed and reviewed some of the best rated electronic dog doors, and I hope you will find a suitable product from this list. It is important to check the sensitivity of the doors to the microchips since their incompatibility may cause inconveniences. Also, you should check the manufacturer`s reputation, the ease of installation, the features available, and the energy-efficiency. Based on these factors, I would select the PetSafe energy-efficient pet door as the best one on the market.
Now that you know about these products, do you have your personal opinion on the ones I have described in this review? Do you have a favorite brand? Have you ever tried any electric dog doors? If yes, what experience have you got with them? Share your thoughts and impressions in the comment section below.
