1. PetSafe Electronic Dog Door
Key Features
Activated by a waterproof SmartKey worn on your dog’s collar
Available in two opening sizes: Small: (W) 5.5 x (H) 7.875”; Large: (W) 11 x (H) 16”
Can be used for up to five pets with additional SmartKeys
Easy to install in doors; can also be installed in walls using the additional Wall Conversion Kit
The PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor is one of the most popular and affordable automatic dog doors available today. The easy-to-install SmartDoor responds to a battery-operated SmartKey, which is attached to your dog’s collar. Using radio-frequency technology, the door reads the signal and unlocks, allowing your dog to push through the flap and enter, before locking again once it is no longer in range (up to 3 feet). This greatly reduces the chances of other pets, stray animals and wildlife from entering your home without an invite.
One SmartKey is included with each door, but more are available to purchase separately and the door will work with up to a maximum of five keys, making it a great choice for homes with more than one pet. There are three programmable access options – locked, unlocked and automatic-locking – meaning that as well as SmartKey-triggered entry, you can choose to leave the door fully open, or permanently locked when not in use.
The Petsafe Electronic Dog Door is available in two sizes, small and large, and is battery operated by four D Cell batteries (not included). The SmartDoor is designed for doors of 1½ to 2 inches thick, but can also be installed in walls of 4¾ to 7¼ inches thick, using the additional SmartDoor Wall Conversion Kit.
2. High Tech Pet Electronic Dog Door
Key Features
Motor-powered vertically sliding door
Made from super-strong, bulletproof resin
Four-way access control
High-tech, ultrasonic directional sensing system
The Pet Power High Tech Electronic Pet Door is a motor driven, vertically sliding pet door, activated by a waterproof, ultrasonic collar attached to your dog. Unlike radio or magnetic pet doors, the patented ultrasonic entry system features directional technology, meaning it will only open when it senses your dog is facing the door, and not when Fido is simply strolling past.
This high tech pet door also features a four-way access control, allowing you to set it so that your dog can pass through inward only, outward only, both directions or not at all (locked). The vertically sliding mechanism is easier for your dog to master, as they don’t have to learn to push open a flap – the door simply powers open on their approach, and drops closed using gravity once they have entered. Made from a super-strong, bulletproof resin and with an airtight seal, this highly insulating electronic pet door is wind and weatherproof, whilst an automatic deadbolt locking system adds an extra level of security.
Available in two sizes, medium or large, the Pet Power High Tech Electronic Pet Door can be installed in a door or wall, using the additional Wall Adapter Tunnel. This smart dog door is mains-powered as standard, but can also be used in conjunction with a rechargeable battery for backup or as an alternative power source (batteries purchased separately).
3. Solo Pet Doors Electronic Dog Door
Key Features
Automatic pet door, powered by magnets
Closes softly using gravity, so entirely safe for your dog
Door and wall installation options available
Available in 10 sizes – one for every dog!
The motorised Solo Pet Door works with magnetic technology, opening in response to a magnet attached to your dog’s collar. This means that the collar tag is fully waterproof and reliable, with no batteries required (great if your furry friend enjoys swimming!) The door of the Solo Pet Door opens vertically and uses gravity to softly close, making it completely safe for your dog. When in the closed position, this smart pet door is locked with a steel locking pin, for added security.
With an impressive 10 different size options, the Solo Pet Door allows you to choose one that is a perfect fit for your furry friend. It’s a great option if you have a gentle giant and need an extra large electronic dog door, or if your dog is medium-sized and you don’t want to have to cut an unnecessarily large hole in your door, because there were only two size options and the smaller one was a fraction too small!
Each size of this high tech pet door is available in a door or wall installation option at no extra cost, so there’s a perfect solo pet door for you, whatever your situation.
4. SureFlap MicroChip Dog Door
Key Features
Microchip dog door, works with either a RFID collar tag or your dog’s existing microchip
Compatible with all microchip formats
Enough memory for up to 32 pets
Can be installed in doors, walls and windows (additional adaptors required for walls and glass)
As the name suggests, the SureFlap MicroChip Pet Door can be programmed to work with your dog’s existing microchip (modern technology, eh?) The door is compatible with all microchip formats, and can remember an impressive 32 different chips, making it perfect for large families – or if you’re thinking of starting a home zoo. If you don’t want to use it with your dog’s microchip, the door also works with an RFID collar tag (one included).
Unlike other smart pet doors, the SureFlap Pet Door only restricts access in one direction – it is designed to stop unwanted animals gaining entry to your home, but is permanently open in the other direction, so your pets will always be able to exit. The SureFlap MicroChip Pet Door is only available in one size (the flap measures (W) 7 x (H) 6.69”) and is suitable for cats and small dogs.
This microchip dog door is powered using four C cell batteries (not included), which last for up to a year without needing to be changed. As standard, the pet door can be fitted in an interior or exterior door, but additional adaptors are available to allow you to install it in a wall or glass if required.
5. PlexiDor Performance Pet Doors Electronic Dog Door
Key Features
Vertically-opening, electronic dog door for walls
Safe for children and pets – door won’t close if obstructed
Lightweight, waterproof collar key snaps onto your dog’s collar
Ability to control how long the door stays open for
The PlexiDor Electronic Pet Door is the priciest smart pet door on our list, but it is a worthwhile investment. Using state-of-the-art RFID technology, the door’s sensor picks up the signal from a super-light (0.4oz) key that snaps onto your dog’s collar, and opens only when it detects your dog approaching. Three waterproof collar keys are included (two short range and one long range) and you can purchase additional ones if needed. The door panel opens by sliding vertically upwards, and acts as a security door when not in use.
The amount of time the Plexidor Electronic Pet Door stays open for is customisable – ideal if you’re still concerned about unwanted animals getting too close and following your dog into your home. The door won’t then close unless unobstructed, making it completely safe for pets and small children (not that we’re suggesting this for children, of course…) For added convenience, and unlike some other smart pet doors, this one won’t interfere with your underground fence or home security system.
This PDE Electronic Pet Door is available in a large size, which is suitable for dogs weighing up to 125lbs, and all cats. The unit plugs into a standard household outlet, or can be hardwired, and there are no batteries required for the collar key either, so no on-going costs. This version of the door is wall mountable in walls of up to 12 inches thick.
Best Electronic Dog Door Buying Guide & FAQ
Features to Consider When Buying an Electronic Dog Door
With so many great electronic dog doors on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Here are some of the most common features to consider before purchasing a smart dog door:
- How is it activated?
Electronic pet doors can be activated by either an external tag attached to your dog’s collar, or by their existing microchip. You might prefer a microchip activated pet door if your dog doesn’t wear a collar all the time, whilst a collar tag is a great option for larger dogs, as microchip activated pet doors tend to only be available in smaller sizes. Collar tags can be powered by ultrasonic, RFID, radio-frequency or magnetic technology, with advantages and disadvantages to all – for example, magnets are reliable and easy to replace, but can be susceptible to interference from nearby moving metal parts, such as a washing machine. Do your research and read customer reviews to help you decide which type is most suitable for you.
Check out our guides on Dog Collars and Leather Dog Collars for more info.
- What material can it be installed in?
A high tech pet door can be installed in a door, wall or window. Different variations are available depending on where you want to install it, or you may need to buy an additional adaptor kit for walls or glass – make sure you’re clear on this before purchasing.
- How is it powered?
Electronic dog doors can be mains or battery powered - do your research to find out which would be the most energy-efficient and cost-effective for you. You should also consider how the collar tag is powered. If it uses batteries, investigate how long they are likely to last, and how easy is it to replace them. Will this be a one-off investment, or are you committing to a regular cost?
- What size?
It is important to choose the correct size of automatic pet door for your dog. Go too large, and you’ve got an unnecessarily big hole in your door; too small, and well, you might come home to find Fido stuck and feeling pretty sorry for himself. There are many different sizes of electronic dog doors available, so it shouldn’t be a problem to find a perfect fit. See our Dog Door Size Chart below for more information on how to measure your dog for a smart pet door.
- How many pets?
Another important consideration, especially if you have more than one dog or are thinking about expanding your furry family in the future, is how many chips the smart pet door can be programmed to remember. If you know you will need more tags than are included with the door, make 100% sure they are available before purchasing.
- Functionality
Each electronic dog door has its own functionality, so think about how you need yours to work before investing. Does Fido have a curfew? If so, you might want a door with a timer function. Are you worried about your loveable fool’s ability to master a push-open door? A vertical opening mechanism may be best. Do you want the door to open only when your dog is approaching with intent, not just sauntering by on yet another sniffing mission? Consider a door with directional technology, such as the Pet Power High Tech Electronic Pet Door.
- Cost
Of course, cost is an important factor to consider when making any purchase, and in the case of electronic dog doors, there can be a huge price difference between different brands and styles. Consider whether you would prefer to start off with a more affordable model to test if your dog gets on with it, or whether you would be happy to invest a little more for a higher quality smart pet door.
Why Should You Buy an Electronic Dog Door
There are many reasons why you should consider buying an electronic dog door - they can be an incredibly useful addition to your home, improving both your life and the life of your furry friend. Here are some of the best reasons to choose an automatic dog door:
- Good for your dog
Installing an electronic dog door in your external door means that your dog has constant access to the outside world. This can help your furry friend feel less agitated when you’re not home, and provides stimulation to combat boredom and furniture-chewing urges. Many dogs also struggle to get enough physical exercise, and this is an easy way to increase their time spent on-the-go. Even a lazy dog will sometimes just want to see what’s changed in the backyard in the last two hours (nothing), and an electronic dog door can offer them this small pleasure. Please note that if you are allowing your dog access to the garden when you’re not home, you must ensure it is well-fenced and secure, with no potential hazards such as wild animals or swimming pools.
Check out our detailed reviews of Electric Dog Fences and Dog Playpens.
- Convenient for you
An automatic pet door means your dog can be allowed to pass freely between your home and garden, without your assistance. Whilst this should never be used as an excuse for regularly leaving your dog alone for long periods of time, it can be very useful for when you are out or at work, assuring you peace of mind and lessening guilt at being a bad doggy parent if you are delayed home. It can also be helpful for when you are home, but don’t want to leave the door open, or are unable to get up frequently due to illness or mobility issues (or, maybe you just really need that Sunday morning lie-in!)
- No more accidents
Being able to go to the toilet whenever they need to not only affords your dog comfort, but can be vital for toilet training puppies, if your dog is ill, or if they are advancing in years and their bladder function isn’t what it used to be. It’s no fun coming home from work at the end of a long day to a tail-between-their-legs doggy and a puddle (or worse!) on the floor, needing to be cleared up. Guess that glass of wine will have to wait then… With an electronic dog door leading to the garden, your dog will be able to go to the toilet outside whenever nature calls – meaning a happy doggy, and an even happier doggy parent.
- Control multiple pets’ movements
This sounds a bit sinister, but all it means is that most electronic pet doors can be programmed to work with more than one chip, so they can be used for multiple animals. This feature also means that you can choose to give some of your pets an access key, but not others, which can be useful if, for example, your dogs are allowed to go in and out during the day, but your cats are not so lucky.
- No unwanted house guests
The particular benefit of an electronic dog door is that it responds to a tag attached to your dog’s collar or their microchip, so it will only open for them. This makes it much less likely that unwanted stray animals or wildlife will gain entry to your home, compared to a manual pet door – although bear in mind that it is still possible if they were tailgating your dog.
- Extra security
In comparison to a manual door, electronic dog doors are more secure, as they automatically lock after your dog has passed through and the chip is no longer in range. You can also fix this type of smart pet door locked permanently when not in use. In this state, the door is fully sealed and insulated, minimising any drafts. Many automatic dog doors also come with additional security features, such being made from bulletproof material. Sadly, intruders are still always a possibility, but they are much less likely with this type of high tech pet door.
- A doggy fire escape
It’s not a nice thought, but if the worst should happen and your house caught fire whilst you weren’t home, your dog would be able to use their electronic dog door to escape into the safety of the garden.
Dog Door Size Chart
In order to ensure you are buying the correct size of automatic dog door for your dog (and that you don’t end up with an unnecessarily big hole in your door!) you should always consult the size chart provided by the manufacturer for your chosen door. Use a tape measure to take the required measurements from your dog (when they’re feeling compliant!) and remember to account for the fact that if your dog is young, they may still be growing. If you have more than one dog, always take the measurements from the largest one.
As an example, the measurements you need to determine the size you require for the PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor are your dog’s weight, and two specific width and height measurements. For the width, measure whichever is wider out of your dog’s hips and chest, then add 2 inches; for the height, measure from your dog’s shoulders to whichever is lower out of the bottom of their chest or belly, and add 2 inches.
This is the size chart you would then follow for our top pick, the PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor:
| Dog’s weight: | Dog’s height: | Dog’s width: | SmartDoor size: |
| 1 – 15lbs | Up to 7 1/2” | Up to 5 1/8” | Small |
| Under 100lbs | Up to 15 3/8“ | Up to 10 1/8” | Large |
Bear in mind that these measurements relate to the size of the flap your dog will be fitting through, not the size of the overall unit.
Our Top Pick
The PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor is our top pick for an electronic dog door that is functional, convenient and affordable. It uses radio-frequency technology to sense a SmartKey attached to your dog’s collar and opens only for your beloved pup – giving them their very own key to your home! The PetSafe SmartDoor will work with up to five SmartKeys, and is available in two sizes, so it’s perfect for furry families in all shapes and forms.
