Best smart pet doors reviews

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4.6/5 - (134 votes)

Are you tired of having to open the door for your pet when he/she want to get in the house or go outside? Or, do you want to avoid screening whether the pet that gets into your house is allowed or not? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you will need to get the best automatic pet door.

So what is an electronic pet door or what we might refer to as a smart pet door? This is a door that is designed for use by pets, mainly dogs and cats. The door features a sensor that acts to detect a certain signal emitted by vet-implanted chip or a Smart key on your dog’s collar so that it can open as the pet approaches.

As such, it is a perfect choice when you want to benefit from convenience, safety, security, and when you want to implement technology in your home. Having that in mind, you will want to get the best automatic dog door. So, what are some of the best recommendations? We have reviewed that in this article, the reason I urge you to read on.

However, let’s begin by having a look at some of the factors to consider for you to choose the best product on the market.

How to choose the best Smart Pet Door

1. Type of the sensor

Electronic pet doors adopt a variety of sensors including Radiofrequency chips, ultrasonic waves, RFID signals, magnetic signals, and microchips. Therefore, you will be required to select your preferred sensor type. To help you select the ideal type of sensor, let’s go through these types:

  ➦ Magnetic

A magnetic pet door adopts the principle of magnetism. Here, you will need to fit your pet with a magnetic collar key which works on the force of a magnet to open the door. The key can act to pull the lever within the door or create a magnetic field that the door will detect for it to open. This means that you will be required to choose between the two key types.

When you do not want to replace batteries or use a power source, it is better if you consider the key that acts to pull the lever since it does not need a source of power.

  ➦ Radiofrequency chip

Same as the magnetic door type, this pet door requires you to fit your pet with a key that emits radio frequency signals. As soon as the sensor on the door detects these signals, it opens and closes when the signals are out of range.

  ➦ RFID signals

A doggie door that uses these signals is the most appropriate choice when you need a pet door that will allow only authorized dogs in. The reason is that it works with key tags that contain electronically stored information. As a result, the door can only activate after the information matches to the one on the door’s RFID reader.

  ➦ Microchip

You should get microchip type when you have a pooch that has a vet-implanted microchip. This means that you do not have to get a collar for the dog, and better yet, you will not need batteries. All that is needed is for the chip to communicate with the door for it to open.

  ➦ Ultrasonic waves

Finally, you will be required to consider dog doors that use the ultrasonic wave technology. These doors need you to fit your dog with a key that produces a high-frequency sound. After the sensor of the door senses the sound waves, it activates to allow your pooch to gain access.

2. The size of the dog

The size of the dog is one of the most crucial factors to pay attention to when you want to get the best smart dog door. After all, what will be the use of a doggie door that your pet will not fit through? For sure, you will render it useless. Therefore, ensure that you only get a door that features a big flap based on the size of the dog.

A quick tip to ensure that you get nothing but the most suitable size is measuring your dog’s width and height on the shoulder level. After that, add at least 2″ to each of the measurements, since it is better to get a bigger door than a small one.

3. Frame type

Which is the best frame for an electronic dog door? Note that pet doors mainly feature metal and plastic frames. To answer this question, you will need to determine the behavior of your dog. If it is the aggressive/ the destructive type, then you should opt for a metal frame. On the other hand, you can get a plastic frame if you have a careful/undestructive type of dog.

4. Energy efficiency

It is no doubt that when you create a hole in your house, you interfere with energy efficiency. After all, such a hole can allow cold air in or warm air in, which means that your heating and cooling appliances will work more to let you stay in a comfortable room. As a result, it is essential that you opt for an energy-efficient pet door, especially when you live in hot or cold climates. That way, you can be sure to eliminate high costs due to a less energy-efficient home.

5. Programmability

Is it possible for you to program the Smart Pet Door? This is one of the issues that you will want to give a thought to before spending any amount. Note that there are pet doors that let you select how the door activates, the time the door can remain open after the dog exists, the distance your pet should be away from the door for it to activate, among others.

Therefore, I would recommend that you get a dog door with this feature since this gives you a lot of reliability especially when you want to use the pet door with a variety of pets.

Top 10 best Electronic Pet Doors

1. Petsafe electronic smart door

Automatic Dog and Cat Door, Collar Activated with SmartKey

Allow your dog to come in and go out of the house as he pleases with Petsafe electronic smart door. It is a battery-operated door that works with a battery-operated waterproof SmartKey. Thereby, the door’s flap opens after it reads the unique signal of the SmartKey worn on your pet’s collar, and locks back when it no longer senses the SmartKey. Because of this, you can be sure to reduce the risk of unwanted pets and animals.

Another pretty feature of Petsafe electronic smart door is that it allows for multiple pets to come in and go out. The reason is that it can be programmed for up to 5 SmartKeys to allow up to five pets to use it. You can get the door for use in exterior or interior doors, thanks to the included interior frame with flap and the exterior frame. On top of that, you can install it on a wall after purchasing the wall install kit.

You can expect the door to come with an operating guide, eight mounting screws, and a cutting template which makes it easy to use and install. The door is battery operated where it requires 4 D-cell batteries. However, note that these are not included in the package. The door measures 8.6 x 3.2 x 27.1 inches where it fits doors that are 1 1/2 -2″ thick or 7 1/4″.

2. SureFlap Microchip Pet Door

Unique identification microchip or RFID collar tag included door

Second on the list is SureFlap Microchip Pet Door. It is a battery powered pet door that requires 4 C batteries which can last for up to one year with normal use. In addition to that, the door identifies your pet using a unique identification microchip or an RFID collar tag. Therefore, you can be sure to only allow your pets in and the intruders outside.

It’s a perfet dog door for small dogs. You can get the electronic dog door for use by several pets, thanks to its memory that can store up to 32 pets. More to that, you can get it for use with large cats and small dogs. However, always ensure that these pets’ shoulders are not wider than 6-1/2″ and that the circumference of the waistline is not more than 20-1/4″.

You can install SureFlap Microchip Pet Door on doors, walls, and windows, where you may need a SureFlap pet door tunnel extender for some installations. Also, you can fix it on glasses using a SureFlap Pet Door mounting adapter. The pet door measures 11.1 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches. It requires a hole that measures 8.15″ x 9.21″ during installation.

With it, you do not have to worry about having the battery run low due to the indicator light that will flash to notify you of a low battery. On top of that, you do not have to worry that raccoons will gain access since the door is tested in a zoo environment to ensure that they cannot gain access.

3. High Tech Pet Electronic Pet Door

High Tech Pet Power Pet Electronic Pet Door

Do you want to be somehow unique by getting an electronic pet that doesn’t require your pet to push it so that it opens? If yes is your answer, I recommend High Tech Pet Electronic Pet Door. It is a motor driven door that is activated by a tiny ultrasonic collar. Therefore, this means that you are required to dress your pet with a Humane Contain RX-10 multi-function collar so that the door detects the unique signal on the collar for it to automatically open. As a result, this is one of the best electronic dog doors when you need one that will only allow access to your pets.

What’s more is that the door is designed to enhance performance, reliability, and value. One of the features to support this is that it operates on an AC adapter, whereas it includes a battery compartment and an optional battery. Because of this, you can be sure to be in complete control of the operating source of power, where you can get the battery to ensure that the door is functioning in the case of a power outage.

The door adopts a directional sensing system so that it can open when the pet is on a direct approach. As such, you do not have to worry when the pet is wandering by the door or sleeping close to it. Whats more is that it features dual range controls. These allow you to set independent inside and outside activation distances so that the door can open when the pet is in that range.

High Tech Pet Electronic Pet Door also adopts a 4-way access control. Because of these, you can choose from full access, out only, in only or closed & locked so that you can decide what your pet will do with the door. You can get this door when you need a durable SmartPet door, thanks to the super-strength bulletproof resin. On to that, you can get it when you need a pet door that is suitable for use in windy areas since it creates a wind and weatherproof airtight seal.

The door can be mounted in hermetically sealed grooves since it moves up and down when opening or closing. With it, you can be sure of a secure pet door due to the included automatic deadbolt. The door is suitable for use with pets up to 100 pounds since its panel measures 12-1/4″ by 16″.

4. Solo Pet Doors Automatic pet Door

Solo Pet Door Automatic Electronic Dog and Cat Door

You no longer have to be a doorman for your pet, the reason I recommend that you get Solo Pet Door Automatic Electronic Dog and Cat Door. It is the answer to anyone who needs the best electronic pet door for use with cats and dogs since it is made in the USA by a certified manufacturer. On top of that, the door is available in ten different sizes. This means that you can be sure to get the appropriate size for a puppy, kitten, cat, or the largest dog.

You can get Solo Pet Door Automatic Electronic Dog and Cat Door when you need a SmartPet door for installing on the wall or house door since it is available as a wall-install pet door and a door-install pet door. With it, you can rest assured to have a door that is safe for use by pets since the door closes gently using gravity. Better yet, the door remains securely locked while in a closed position to assure you of security.

You can expect the door to come with a free pet tag sensor. This should be tagged on the dog’s collar to allow access to your pets alone. As such, you do not have to worry about intruder pets as soon as you get this item.

5. SureFlap DualScan Microchip Door

SureFlap DualScan Microchip Cat Door

The fifth item is another SureFlap product; SureFlap DualScan Microchip Cat Door. This serves as an answer to a person who needs the best electronic pet door that will work with the existing microchip of your cat since it is compatible with all microchips. Besides that, the door can work with a SureFlap RFID collar tag. As such, it is also a perfect choice in case you have a cat that is not microchipped.

Another highlight of the SureFlap DualScan microchip cat door is the double antenna. This reads the cat’s microchip when it goes in and out of the house so that the door can allow specific pets inside leaving the intruders outside. Besides that, the door features a safety learn mode. Because of this, you can be sure that your cat will use the door to come back into the house in case he/she escapes through an open window.

The cat door is battery-operated where it requires 4AA batteries that can last for a year with normal use. With it, you can be sure of having a door that will enhance continuous use due to the indicator light that flashes in the case of a low battery so that you can charge it on time. The pet door stores up to 32 cats meaning that it is an ideal choice for a home that a lot of pets. It is compatible with 9, 10, and 15-digit microchips but not those starting with 000, 010, and 020.

Because of the included SureFlap cat door mounting adaptor, you can be sure to install the door on glasses. Besides that, you can install it on walls, but you might be required to get SureFlap cat door tunnel extenders for these installations. The door includes a 4-way manual lock that allows you to lock it in any combination. More to that is a central magnet that prevents the door from, flapping in the wind. The flap measures 142mm x 120mm making it ideal for use by cats.

6. E-Cat Electromagnetic Pet Door

Ideal Pet Products E-Cat Electromagnetic Pet Door

Are you looking for a smart dog door ideal for use with cats and puppies up to 25lbs? If so, get Ideal Pet Products E-Cat Electromagnetic Pet Door. It is suitable for interior and exterior use since it features a weatherproof design. On top of that, the door includes a transparent and unbreakable Lexan flap that not only makes it stylish but durable too.

With it, you can define how the cat will use the door since the flap adopts a 4-way operation. The flap opens at 7″ x 9″ making it suitable for use with small pets. With this door, you can be sure to allow your pets in and the intruders outside since it adopts a selective entry mode.

7. Perfect Pet Energy Efficient Dog Door

Perfect Pet The All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Door

Looking for an energy efficient pet door? If that is the case, then opt for Perfect Pet The All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Door. As the name suggests, this is a door that will lead to long-term energy savings for people who live in places with endless summers or winters. The reason is the energy-efficient structural foam molded plastic construction and the nylon material that acts as a draft restrictor.

Besides that, the door features an innovative double vinyl flap design that creates an energy-efficient air pocket meant to enhance maximum insulation. You can get this pet door when you need a door for use by small and large dogs since it is available in a variety of sizes. Also, the door features an adjustable frame that telescopes from 3/4″ to 1-3/4″ to let you customize it based on your needs. This dog door features a flap that measures 9-3/4″ x 17″.

8. PetSafe Energy Efficient Pet Door

PetSafe Extreme Weather Energy Efficient Pet Door

Manufactured by an industry-leading US manufacturer, this is one of the best electronic dog doors when you want to get a quality app controlled pet door. The door features a durable plastic frame meant to guarantee a long-lasting pet door. Better yet is a three-flap system rated at an R-value of 4.78, and a center insulated flap that maintains warm and cool air inside your home.

This makes it suitable when you want to save energy when living in hot and cold climates, where you can be sure to have a pet door that is 3.5 times more energy efficient than the traditional pet doors. You can get PetSafe Extreme Weather Energy Efficient Pet Door when you need a door that is easy to install. The reason is the included instructions, installation hardware and the cutting template.

Besides that, you can get it when you want a pet door that will match your decor since it features a paintable plastic frame that lets you paint it so that it can match your door’s color. The door includes a snap-on closing panel so that you can use it when you want to keep your pet from using it.

On top of that, you can get a second closing panel for use on the outside when you need an additional layer of weather protection. The pet door features a flap that opens at 10-1/2″w X 15-1/2″h making it suitable for use by pets up to 100lbs. However, you can get this product in a smaller or bigger size based on the size and weight of the dog.

9. PetSafe Sliding Glass Pet Door

PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Patio Panel Sliding Glass Pet Door

On the ninth position is PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Patio Panel Sliding Glass Pet Door which is an ideal choice when you need a high-quality pet door that is reasonably priced. It is available in two-panel sizes, and four pet door sizes, to allow you to select that which meets your needs. As a result, you can select a pet door that measures 76-13/16″ – 81″ or 91-7/16″ – 96″.

On the other hand, you can choose one that is suitable for use with large, large-tall, small, or medium sized dogs. The pet door is available in satin, white, and bronze colors to let you select that which matches to your decor. Once you get it, installation should not be an issue since you are required to slide the panel into the sliding of the door track, secure it to the frame and fix a weather stripping.

The door includes a durable aluminum frame that consists of a slide-in closing panel and a weather stripping to assure you of getting a weather-resistant pet door. You can get it for use in apartment or condos and with pets up to 40lbs.

10. PetSafe Wall Entry Pet Door

Wall Entry Aluminum Pet Door with Telescoping Tunnel

Whether you are in need of an electronic pet door that will add to weather resistance or keep strays out, you can be sure that PetSafe Wall Entry Aluminum Pet Door will do that. It features a slide-in closing panel so that you can prevent your dog from using the pet door to help keep intruders outside. In addition to that, it features a double flap design for insulation so that you can be sure to have an energy efficient pet door.

You can get this product when you need a durable pet door, thanks to the durable plastic telescoping tunnel and the durable aluminum frame. In addition to that, you can get it when you need a pet door that will fit in walls of different thickness since the telescoping tunnel allows you to adjust it. The door can be installed in a variety of wall materials including various types of siding, bricks, and stucco.

With it, installation should not be a problem since it comes with a cutting template and detailed instructions for easy installation on the exterior walls and the interior walls. The door features a door opening that measures 10-1/8″ to 15-3/8″ making it suitable for large dogs that weigh up to 100lbs.

FAQs

Final Verdict

That said, I believe that our Smart Pet Door review has helped you determine the best electronic pet door to purchase. I urge you to get one of the reviewed products since these products are built to enhance convenience for you and your dog, safety, and the best value. Before selecting the dog door to purchase, pay attention to the buyer’s guide since you do not want to get a product that will end up being useless in the long term.

To sum up, I hope that you have enjoyed reading through and that you now have a clear idea of the best Smart Pet doors and what it takes to select the most appropriate. In case you have something to add, please do so in the comments section. Also, do not forget to share your thoughts in the same section and share the article if you feel that it will be of benefit to others.

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