If you're tired of acting like a doorman for your pets, a smart dog door is a worthwhile investment.
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6 Best Smart Dog Doors
A more accurate term for a smart dog door is an electronic dog door. Unlike the traditional dog door seen in the video, smart dog doors are simply more high-tech and secure versions of standard pet doors. In general, electronic pet doors feature automated controls that unlock a secured flap to allow your pet to pass through. This action is usually triggered by a pet’s microchip or a special tag you put on their collar. This ensures only your pet is coming and going through the door. Many of these products also let you lock the door when you want to keep your pet inside. Before we go on, check out these other really cool pet products.
Best All-Around Smart Dog Door
SureFlap Microchip Pet Door
The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door is versatile, effective, easy to use and a steal at $150. This pet door reads your pet’s implanted microchip, allowing them to pass through while keeping other animals out. If your pet isn’t microchipped, there are also programmable collar tags available.
This pet door can be installed in a wall, window or door. You can even program the door to lock and unlock at specified times. The only downside: The opening is roughly a seven-inch square, limiting it to small dogs and cats. Learn which 11 items are the most hazardous for your pets.
Panel Size: 6.68 x 7 in. | Color: White | Material: Glass | Open/closure type: Microchip | Target: Small cats & dogs
Best for Dogs
Power Pet Large Electronic Pet Door
Whether you have a Pomeranian or a German Shepherd, the Power Pet Large Electronic Pet Door will be a welcome addition to your home. At $400, this pet door certainly isn’t a small investment, but you’ll be impressed by its durable, high-tech design. These are the best smart pet feeders.
This Power Pet product has a motor-driven vertical-sliding door that’s activated by a special collar, and it only opens if your pet walks directly at the door — not if they’re sleeping nearby or wandering around. The door has a wind- and weather-proof seal, and its opening accommodates dogs up to 100 pounds. Make sure you know how to winterize a dog door.
Panel Size: 12.25 x 16 inches | Color: White & brown | Material: Glass |Open/Closure Type: Motor; Snap | Target: Large pets up to 100 pounds
Best for Cats
PetSafe Cat Door
The PetSafe Cat Door is designed with felines in mind, giving them free range of the great outdoors. This small door reads your cat’s microchip to unlock the flap (animals without a microchip can wear special collars instead). The unit has a unique four-way lock offering locked, unlocked, enter only or exit only settings. Plus, this product costs less than $100, making it a budget-friendly option. Here are 40 amazing pet projects to show your best friend some love.
Panel Size: 5.91 x 5.51 inches | Color: White | Material: Plastic | Open/Closure Type: Microchip; Magnetic | Target: Cats
Best for Multi-Cat Homes
SureFlap DualScan Cat Flap
What if you have one cat who goes outside and another who’s indoor only? The SureFlap DualScan Cat Flap ($170), with dual-sided microchip scanning, is the perfect solution. It uses your pet’s microchip or collar tag to unlock the door. Because there’s a scanner on the inside, only approved animals can exit your home. This keeps indoor cats indoors, while their more adventurous companions can come and go as they please. Check out our best tips for pet care and pet safety at home.
Panel Size: 3.75 x 5.625 inches | Color: White | Material: Plastic | Open/Closure Type: Microchip; Lock | Target: Cats
Best Smart Dog Door for Sliding Doors
High-Tech Pet Product Automatic Patio Pet Door
If you fancy a sliding pet door, you need a model like the High-Tech Pet Product Automatic Patio Pet Door. The panel is incredibly easy to install — no tools necessary — and the door opens automatically when a pet wearing the ultrasonic “key” approaches it. The flap is available in medium and large sizes, but the system is expensive, starting at $600. Every dog owner will make some mistakes, just make sure you don’t make one of these mistakes with your dog.
Panel Size: 75 x 80.25 inches | Color: White | Material: Glass; Aluminum | Open/Closure Type: Automatic | Target: Large pets up to 100 pounds
Best Smart Dog Door for Invisible Fence Users
Doorman Electronic Pet Door
If you already have an Invisible Fence installed for your dog, you’ll want to consider the Doorman Electronic Pet Door, which comes from the same brand. The same collar receiver used with an Invisible Fence triggers the pet door. The unit can be installed on interior or exterior doors, depending where your dog needs to go. Plus: 15 clever pet products you can DIY.
Also, discover these great dog gates for keeping your four-legged friends from getting into unwanted areas.
Panel Size: Custom | Open/Closure Type: Electric collar; Automatic | Target: Dogs & cats
