Pawscessories is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
Learn more.
Quick Access To The Best Smart Dog Door?
| Editors Pick | Brand |
| Best Overall | Power Pet Electronic Pet Door |
| Best Microchip Dog Door | Sure Petcare Microchip Dog Door |
| Best Premium | PlexiDor Electronic Dog Door |
| Best Budget | PetSafe Electronic Smart Dog Door |
As dog owners, one of the biggest challenges is knowing when your pup needs to go outside to pee and poop. Then once you know, you have to get up to let them out.
One way you can make this easier for you and your pup is to install a smart dog door!
In this blog post, I will cover the five best smart dog doors on the market right now in 2022.
We will look at their key features, pros, cons, and prices.
Plus, we will answer some frequently asked questions about automatic dog doors.
Table of Contents
What Is The Best Automatic Dog Door?
Here are my top picks for the best automatic dog doors:
- Power Pet Large Electronic Pet Door
- Sure Petcare Microchip Pet Door
- PlexiDor Electronic Dog Door
- PetSafe Electronic Smart Dog Door
- Ideal Pet Products Electronic Dog Door
1. Power Pet Electronic Pet Door
Best Overall
The Power Pet Electronic Pet Door is our best electronic dog door!
This door uses a motor to vertically slide the door up and down, so your pet can get in and out without any trouble.
It uses a collar that communicates with the smart dog door to open as your dog approaches the door – not just when they’re wandering by.
It also has a safety feature to prevent the door from closing on your dog.
You can also choose from 4 access controls – In only, out only, full access, or locked.
Plus, it has an airtight seal with weatherproofing so you can rest easy knowing your pet is safe and comfortable.
If you are looking for an automatic dog door for your sliding glass doors, a wall, or a regular door, they have it all.
Plus, it’s easier to install than you think and they give you everything you need to do it yourself!
Key Features:
- Works using a motor to vertically slide the door up and down
- Safety feature to prevent door from closing on your dog
- Comes with MS-4 ultrasonic collar that fits on your dog to open the door
- Sensor system opens the door when your pet is on a direct approach to the door (not when just wondering by)
- 4 access controls – choose from In only, out only, full access, or locked
- Airtight seal with weatherproofing
- You can Install this on walls, and doors, or you can get the sliding glass door model
- AC power adaptor (included) or battery powered (not included)
- Large dog door dimensions: 12 1/4″ x 16″ (for dogs up to 100 pound)
- Medium dog door dimensions: 8 1/4″ x 10″ (for dogs & cats up to 30 pound)
Pricing:
The large smart pet door, it’s listed on Amazon for $427.49. The Medium size is $399.99.
What I Like:
- Saftey features to prevent the door closing on dogs
- Comes with everything needed to install the door
- Very easy to install in the wall with the tunnel attachment
- Door doesn’t open just because the dog is around it
- Keeps other animals out of your home
What I Dislike:
- No built-in timer feature
- Can be noisy when dogs go in and out
- Collar isn’t waterproof unless you buy an upgraded one (~$50)
2. Sure Petcare Microchip Dog Door
Best Microchip Dog Door
Our runner-up for electronic dog doors is the Sureflap Microchip Pet Door!
Th3 sureflap pet door uses RFID to read up to 32 ID microchips, to allow pets in and out the smart pet door.
It’s also programmable, so you can set times for the smart door to lock and unlock, depending on whether you’re at home or not.
And if you have a dog that doesn’t have a microchip, they sell programmable collar tags that will work with the door.
They also include a 3-year warranty and have some of the best customer service reps to help you with any issues.
So if you are considering a smart door the sureflap smart dog door is one of the best for smaller dogs or cats.
Key Features:
- Uses RFID to read a pet’s ID microchip
- Can learn up to 32 ID’s
- Programmable collar tags are sold separately for dogs or cats without microchips
- Very easy programming with a press of a button
- Set times to lock the door and unlock the door (curfew times)
- All animals may exit but the door has restricted entry
- The Microchip Dog Door flap opening is 6 11/16”H x 7”W
- Can be installed on doors, windows, or walls
- Uses 4C batteries that last up to 12 months (not included)
- 3-year warranty
Pricing:
This is listed on Amazon for ~$200.
What I Like:
- Works great as a cat door and small dog door
- Works with microchips or collar tag option
- Batteries last 12 months
- Works for up to 32 IDs
- Customer service
- Beautiful design
What I Dislike:
- Only fits smaller dogs
- Batteries not included
- Locking mechanism is super strong (raccoons have been known to break some)
3. PlexiDor Electronic Dog Door
Best Premium
Tired of your dog scratching and whining at the door every time they want to go outside?
The PlexiDor Electronic Dog Door is the perfect solution!
This high-tech door uses RFID technology to automatically open and close for your pet, keeping other animals out.
This is done by the waterproof collar key weighs that snaps onto your pet’s collar.
It’s also adjustable to control how long the door remains open, so you can customize it to fit your needs.
The wall units can be installed into stud, brick, block, or cement walls up to 12 inches thick.
Each smart dog door includes an aluminum tunnel that connects the inside and outside frame of the door.
The tunnel is rust-resistant, has no sharp edges, and is easy to clean.
The PlexiDor Electronic Dog Door can accommodate dogs up to 125 pounds and all cats.
Key Features:
- 5-year limited warranty
- Comes with 2 waterproof collar key opens and closes the door (easily snaps on dog collar)
- Door uses hardened ABS panels to slide up and down
- Safety feature so the door will not close if obstructed
- Set custom timing for how long the door is open
- Available in white or bronze
- Manufactured in the U.S.A
Pricing:
This product is listed on their website for $2,198
What I Like:
- Fantastic customer care
- Extremely long-lasting compared to other models
- Very nice looking
What I Dislike:
- Expensive
- Installation is more difficult
- Customizing things is not very user friendly
4. PetSafe Electronic Smart Dog Door
Best Budget
One of the best electronic dog doors is the petsafe electronic smart door!
This door contains programmable entry and exit options, as well as an auto-locking feature, to keep your pet safe and secure.
Plus, it’s battery operated so no need for cords or power supply installations.
The thing I love about this smart dog door is the waterproof smart keys that easily attach to a pet’s collar.
Plus, each smart door can program up to 5 different keys! So if you have a multi-pet house hold this could be a great option.
Key Features:
- Contains programmable entry, exit, and auto-locking options
- Uses a waterproof smart key worn on your pet’s collar (can program up to 5 smart keys)
- Battery operated (4D Batteries, not included)
- Designed for installation in the interior or exterior of doors (wall installation available with wall Install Kit)
- Large door flap opening is 40.5cm H x 28cm W, small door flap opening is 7 7/8″ H x 5 1/2″ W
- Automatic mode allows only your pets wearing the smart key can pass through the smart pet door
Pricing:
This is listed on Amazon for $174.95 for the large pet door and $119.95 for the small pet door.
What I Like:
- Not noisy
- Installation is easy
- Great for multiple pets
What I Dislike:
- Can’t activate door with phone
- Dogs have to push the door open when it unlocks
- Require additional purchase for wall installation parts
5. Ideal Pet Products Electronic Dog Door
Last on our list is the Ideal Pet Products Electronic Dog Door.
This door comes with a key fob that attaches to your pet’s collar, so only they can activate the door.
It’s made with a durable plastic frame and features a transparent, unbreakable Lexan flap.
This electronic dog door is specifically designed for small dogs up to 25 lbs.
The flap size measures 7″ x 9″, so it’s perfect for most small and medium breeds.
Key Features:
- Made with a durable plastic frame
- Comes with a key fob for pet collars to allow only your pets to activate the door
- Transparent, unbreakable Lexan flap
- Ideal for small dogs up to 25 lbs
- Dog door flap size measures 7″ x 9″
Pricing:
This is listed on Amazon for $149.99.
What I Like:
- Power transformer is included
- Work for multiple pets if you buy additional key fobs
What I Dislike:
- Definitely has the least features on the list
- Little pricey for its material
What Is The Best Smart Dog Door?
The best smart dog door is the Power Pet Electronic Pet Door.
This door is activated by a sensor on your pet’s collar, and it only opens when they approach the door from the front.
It also has a safety feature so that the door will not close on your pet.
What Is A Smart Dog Door?
Smart dog doors are electronic dog doors that are activated by a sensor on your pet’s collar or by a microchip.
They are designed to only open when your pet is approaching the door, and most have safety features so the doors will not close on your pet.
These electronic dog doors allow your pet in and out of your house when they choose.
They can be installed on doors, sliding doors, walls, and even glass doors.
How To Teach A Dog To Use An Electronic Dog Door
The first step is to choose the right electronic dog door for your needs.
Once you have the door, you will need to install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Most doors come with a training guide to help you teach your pet how to use the door.
Here are a few steps you can take:
- Start by teaching your pet that they can go in and out of the house through the door.
- Reward your pet with treats or praise when they use the door correctly. You can even try throwing treats through the smart dog door to encourage them to go through.
- Be patient and keep training sessions short so that your pet does not get overwhelmed.
- Anytime they successful walk through the door reward and praise them.
Whenever they need outside to potty try to encourage them to use the smart dog doors.
Over time your dog will start to enjoy the new freedom the pet door gives them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Microchip Dog Doors Work?
Yes, microchip dog doors work by reading the microchip that is implanted in your pet.
The door will only open when your pet’s microchip is within range of the reader.
How Much Does An Electric Dog Door Cost?
Smart dog doors range in price from around $100 up to $1000.
The price will depend on the features and materials of the door.
Are Dog Doors Safe From Burglars?
Most smart dog doors have features that make them safe from burglars.
The best way to ensure your smart pet door is safe is to choose a door with a locking feature.
This will prevent someone from breaking into your home through the pet door.
However, even without a lock, the electronic door sizes are meant for dogs so most humans will not be able to fit through them.
Do Dog Doors Let Other Animals In?
No, pet doors will not let other animals in unless they have the same microchip or key fob as your pet.
Most smart dog doors come with a collar key fob that you can use to program the door to only open for your pet.
This prevents other animals from coming into your home through the door.
Other posts you might find interesting:
5 Best Treat-Dispensing Dog Camera Picks In 2022 (Top Rated)
7 Best Dog Ball Launchers In 2022 (Automatic & Manual)
7 Best Smart Dog Collars In 2022 (Location & Health Trackers)
