Fortunately, there are a lot of dog door options on the market these days that will give your pet “freedom of travel” while helping to keep them safe.
Here are 5 of them:
Best Type of Pet Door for Your Furry Family Member
1. Electronic dog doors
An electronic dog door works by opening when the microchip in your pet’s collar activates it.
Features:
- ⬥ Sensors built within the door that read the chip in your pet’s collar when he comes near the door. It opens and then closes and locks entirely to prevent unwanted animals (strays or wild creatures) from entering your home.
- ⬥ Batteries that can last as long as a year when used normally
- ⬥ Most electronic doors can save data for dozens of pets
- ⬥ Aluminum door frame to prevent rusting
- ⬥ Two latches that can be set to open and close simultaneously (preventing unwanted “house guests” from following your pet inside)
- ⬥ Fast locking flap to minimize drafts
Pros:
- ⬥ You can set the time of exit and entry for each animal independently
- ⬥ It’s possible to allow your pet to exit and enter through the door multiple times each day
- ⬥ You can set the times of the day that the door will be able to be opened
- ⬥ Easy installation – can be installed just like other pet doors
Cons:
- ⬥ Can be pricey – more expensive than a manual pet door
- ⬥ If the flap doesn’t have powerful magnets you can still have a draft
- ⬥ Unlike other pet doors, batteries are required for the door sensors to work
2. Door mounted pet door
One of the more popular options, a door-mounted pet door is less expensive than electronic dog doors and easy to install.
Features:
- ⬥ Available in different sizes
- ⬥ Can choose between a single, double or in some cases triple flaps to reduce heat loss
Pros:
- ⬥ Easy installation (if you’re handy with tools)
- ⬥ Inexpensive compared to other options
- ⬥ Easy to train your dog on its use
Cons:
- ⬥ Magnets can stop working, allowing heat loss
- ⬥ No control of your dog’s movements, unless you lock it from the inside
- ⬥ Limited options for installation
- ⬥ Opens your home to the outdoor elements when the magnets fail
- ⬥ Very young children can easily crawl through the flap(s)
3. Patio panels
If the idea of cutting a hole in your door leaves you cold, a patio panel could be the perfect dog door for you.
A patio panel requires little modification to your existing home. It’s essentially a small door with a built-in dog door.
You open your sliding glass door and set the patio panel inside the door frame. It can be installed in sliding glass doors that have either recessed or exposed door frames.
Most patio panels come with weatherstripping so you can keep the warm air where it belongs while giving your pet the freedom to come and go as needed.
Features:
- ⬥ It’s available in several different colors
- ⬥ It blends well with your existing patio door
Pros:
- ⬥ Portable – easily removed when needed
- ⬥ Weatherproof flap keeps rain from coming inside
- ⬥ Easy to install – comes with hardware and detailed instructions for either recessed or exposed doors
- ⬥ Affordable
- ⬥ Lockable
Cons:
- ⬥ Only works on sliding glass doors
- ⬥ Doesn’t work with standard or french doors
- ⬥ Low entry through the dog door could potentially allow rainwater into the home
4. Wall mount pet doors
This type of pet door is installed directly in the wall rather than a door.
Features:
- ⬥ Aluminum edges around the door to prevent rusting (not all brands have this)
- ⬥ Magnet at the bottom of the flap to pull it closed when your dog goes through
- ⬥ Trimmed and will fit the hole if you cut it the right size
- ⬥ Can be used with either manual or electronic doors
Pros:
- ⬥ Install wherever you wish (e.g. to the laundry room, attached garage or the back yard)
- ⬥ Can drill the hole higher and install steps to help keep out the elements
- ⬥ Easy to install once the hole has been cut out
- ⬥ Come in a huge variety of sizes
Cons:
- ⬥ Not a DIY project unless you’re a skilled handyman
- ⬥ Could be costly to cover up the hole later if you want to sell your home
- ⬥ Limits the size animal you can have once the pet you now have has passed on
- ⬥ f you installed it higher than a few inches it could prove difficult for your dog as he ages
5. Dog guillotine doors
This type of dog door is for pets who stay in a kennel or dog run. Its purpose is to contain your pet within their enclosure.
Features:
- ⬥ Available in both large and small sizes
- ⬥ Heavy-duty construction
- ⬥ Uses a pulley system to operate a lock
Pros:
- ⬥ Made of durable materials so it’s long-lasting
- ⬥ Often comes with extended guarantees
- ⬥ Can be installed either as a door or wall mounted pet door
- ⬥ Fairly inexpensive
Cons:
- ⬥ Difficult to install
- ⬥ Noisy when locking
