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Electronic dog doors are one of those investments that can make a huge difference between our own convenience and our beloved pet’s comfort.
Imagine no longer having to worry about stray animals going in and out of our property and our pooch only getting out when we permit them to. These are some reasons why an electronic dog door can be our next best investment.
But with all the electronic dog doors available in the market, how can we possibly choose?
Instead of letting our budget alone decide, we can check the following list and see which one best fits our requirements.
Best Electronic Dog Doors
- Best Overall: PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor
- Runner-Up: High Tech PetPower Electronic Pet Door
- Best Microchip Electronic Dog Door: SureFlap Microchip Pet Door
- Best Value: Solo Automatic Pet Door
- Best for Larger Dogs: Power Pet Electronic Pet Door
- Most Energy-Efficient Electronic Pet Door: Perfect Pet All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Door
- Best Budget: Plastic Pet Door with Telescoping Frame
Best Overall: PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor
Key Features:
- 3 programmable modes
- Additional smart keys sold separately
- Up to 5 pets can access the door
- Weatherproof
- Installation kit available
- Works on 4 D batteries
- Comes in 2 sizes
The PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor can accommodate up to five pets, giving them access using smart keys. This weatherproof electronic dog door is perfect for multi pet households.
It comes in 2 sizes, ensuring dogs big or small will fit and can gain access according to our preference.
This smart dog door has 3 programmable modes.
This gives us the option to lock the door, keep it unlocked, or automatically give access to our pooch. It works with 4 D batteries and can be installed in or outside.
Runner-Up: High Tech PetPower Electronic Pet Door
Key Features:
- 4-way access control
- Activated by MS-4 ultrasonic collar
- With airtight seal
- automatic deadbolt locking
- 12-1/4 inch x 16-inch
- Comes in 2 sizes
The High Tech PetPower Electronic Pet Door is not our ordinary dog door.
Unlike the regular flap systems that most electronic dog doors have, this sports a sliding-pet door that automatically opens and closes. This is meant for wall installation.
What we like about this electronic dog door is the greater control it has to offer. It has 4 modes – in & out, in only, out only, and closed & locked.
These modes along with the sensing system and deadbolt system make it a more secure way of granting our pooch access to areas around the house.
Best Microchip Electronic Dog Door: SureFlap Microchip Pet Door
Key Features:
- Works on 4 AA non-rechargeable alkaline batteries
- Uses existing microchip
- Can accommodate up to 32 pets
- 4 3/4” x 5 5/8”
It is easy to see why many pet parents to multiple pets prefer the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door. It can accommodate up to 32 dogs, making it the go-to choice if we have many pets coming in and out of the door.
It also uses our pet’s existing microchip, giving us peace of mind that only our pets will get to access the pet door.
The pet door works using 4 AA non-rechargeable alkaline batteries.
Depending on use, the battery life can last for up to 12 months. That is one year tops worth of peace of mind and investment.
Best Value: Solo Automatic Pet Door
Key Features:
- Magnetic entry system
- One free magnetic transmitter
- Easy installation
- 24″ x 12″
- Comes in 10 sizes
The Solo Automatic Pet Door is one of the go-to choices of pet parents not wanting to deal with replacing batteries. It works using a magnetic entry system.
It comes with one magnetic transmitter, which means we need to buy more if we have multiple pets using the pet door.
This model comes in 10 different sizes, which means it can accommodate most pets no matter their size.
The door itself is fairly easy to install. We can install this into a door or wall and it really works by serving its purpose.
Best for Larger Dogs: Power Pet Electronic Pet Door
Key Features:
- Motor-driven
- Ultrasonic collar provided
- Bulletproof, super-strength resin door panel
- 30.6 x 14.6 x 5.7 inches
If we are after one of the most durable electronic pet doors there is, then check out the Power Pet Electronic Pet Door. It is driven by a motor activated by one ultrasonic collar included in the package.
Its stylish door is made of durable, bulletproof resin. We don’t have to worry about quality and durability with this electronic pet door.
The pet door is very easy to install. It comes with an airtight seal, ensuring the door is protected against all weather.
We no longer have to worry about uninvited guests coming to our home through our fur baby’s pet door.
Most Energy-Efficient Electronic Pet Door: Perfect Pet All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Door
Key Features:
- Made from structural foam molded plastic
- Double Vinyl Flap design
- With a lockout panel
- Adjustable frame
- Wall Kit is sold separately
- Comes in 4 sizes
Are we after an energy-efficient electronic pet door? Then, the Perfect Pet All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Door is the answer to our prayers.
This is made from structural foam molded plastic which makes it extremely energy-efficient.
It has an innovative double vinyl flap design, creating an air pocket for better energy efficiency.
If we want our pooch to stay inside, we can activate the lockout panel. It is easy to install on walls or doors.
Best Budget: Plastic Pet Door with Telescoping Frame
Key Features:
- Impact-resistant frame
- Flexible vinyl flap
- Can accommodate pets up to 90 pounds
- Floating bottom threshold
- With Lock-out slide
- Comes in 5 sizes
The last but definitely not the least in our list is the Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Plastic Pet Door with Telescoping Frame.
It has many amazing features many pet parents want in an electronic pet door, including a flexible vinyl flap, impact-resistant frame, and lock-out slide. It also works with most doors, making it an ideal choice for pet parents with hollow doors.
This electronic pet door ensures our pet won’t get locked up outside. Its impact-resistant frame is perfect for hyper dogs.
The floating bottom threshold, on the other hand, ensures the electronic door stays sealed every single time.
Electronic Dog Doors vs Manual Dog Doors
Pet parents usually go for manual doors to allow pets easy access into their homes.
The problem is, even uninvited guests like other dogs and animals can easily get in with manual pet doors. There is no way to manage what animals make use of the pet door unless the culprit won’t fit inside the pet door.
Manual pet doors work well for potty training. These are also the cheaper version, which is why resort to manual dog doors. But if we want better security, then investing in an electronic dog door makes sense.
Electronic doors add an extra measure of safety for us and our pets. Only our beloved pets will get through the door, boosting our pet’s safety and our home’s security.
These usually have lock features, giving owners the freedom to manipulate the pet door as they please.
Aside from these benefits, other perks of investing in an electronic pet door include the following.
- Allowing our pets more opportunities to exercise and enjoy the great outdoors
- Reduce their tendency to get bored
- Give pets optimum comfort when they have to go instead of waiting for owners before relieving themselves
- Saves our door from all the scratching
- Improved convenience on our part
How Do Electronic Dog Doors Work?
Where to Install an Electronic Dog Door
Electronic dog doors can be installed in walls or doors. By installing one in one of our doors, we don’t need to worry about hitting an electrical wiring common inside walls.
The installation is usually easier on doors. Electronic dog door installation in walls is ideal if we have no door facing our backyard.
Mounting Types
Electronic pet doors have different mounting types. The usual is the following:
- Door mounting
- Wall mounting
- Window mounting
- Patio door mounting
Sensor Types
Electronic dog doors often work with different types of sensors. The following are usual sensor types found in many electronic dog doors.
- Microchips
- Magnetic collars
- RFID or radio frequency identification device
Things to Consider When Buying Electronic Dog Doors
Size
Size is one factor that can determine if an electronic door suits our pooch.
He must be able to squeeze his body through the dog door comfortably. For pups, we must consider a bigger size since he is likely to grow more in the upcoming months or years.
Since dogs have no standard size, the same goes for electronic dog doors. This is why measuring our pooch matters. Make sure to check the dimensions of the door before choosing to make sure he fits right into it.
Ease of Installation
Not everyone has the time, skills, and tools needed to install a tricky electronic pet door.
If we are after an easy to install pet door, then it would be best to stick to one we can install on doors. These are usually easier to install than wall-mounted doors.
Material
We want the dog door to be durable enough to last long but comfortable enough for our pooch when he tries to pass. It helps if we can find one that is both long-lasting and offers aesthetic value as well.
Directional Sensing System
It is best to choose an electronic dog door that can easily detect if our pet is going near the door. This way, only our pooch gets to unlock the door.
This also helps protect our house from welcoming stray animals that happen to be passing near the electronic pet door.
Access Control
Such a feature enables owners to control when pets can access the door and when they are not allowed to go outside. This makes it easier to keep dogs inside the safety of the house or enable them to play outdoors as necessary.
Energy Efficiency
Our home’s HVAC system works harder every time the door opens. Even if dog doors are smaller than normal doors, our energy bills can still be affected. The more energy-efficient our electronic door is, the better.
Conclusion
Electronic dog doors are a great investment for any pet owner. The convenience, comfort, peace of mind, and other perks make it a worthy purchase. Before making the decision, it pays to read this guide to make it easier in making the right choice.
