| Smart | Automatic | Traditional | In-Wall | Screen Door | Sliding Door | Storm Door |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| High Tech Pet WiFi Enabled Power Pet | Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Pet | PetSafe Never Rust | Endura Flap | Ideal Pet Products Screen Guard | Endura Flap Thermo Panel | Larson Petview |
| View On Chewy | View On Amazon | View On Amazon | View On Amazon | View On Amazon | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Do you feel like you always have to let your dog in and out, especially when you’re in the middle of something important (baby crying, must-answer phone call, dinner on the stove) or when you’re not home? Then you need a dog door.
Why Should I Get A Dog Door?
Installing a dog door in your home can go a long way in simplifying your home life—and making your dog a happy family member.
Not only do dog doors offer increased freedom for your pet, they may also reduce destructive behaviors, including chewing, indoor potty accidents, scratching, and barking.
Our Personal Experience With Dog Doors
We used to have a Pet Safe dog door for Domino. We use the Pet Safe dog door in our garage to allow our Dalmatian, Domino. to have a sheltered area when he wishes. It allowed our dog in and out but no rain or snow ever came inside.
– Michelle Schenker, Co-Founder of Canine Journal and Dog Parent
Keep An Eye On Your Pups While Away
For added peace of mind, consider a door/window sensor on your dog door and an outdoor camera. This home security system by Frontpoint will notify you of your dog’s activity while you’re gone and give you peace of mind as you watch your dog relax and play.
Best Dog Doors (By Type)
So, what are the best dog doors on the market? Our extensive research led us to the following list of the best dog door reviews, which we’ve categorized to help you hone in on what you need in our in-depth dog door review below. We chose our top picks based on quality, durability, ease of installation, customer reviews, and more.
Best Smart: High Tech Pet WiFi Enabled Power Pet Review
View On Amazon | View On Chewy
High Tech Pet’s WiFi-enabled pet door is motorized and activated via a waterproof ultrasonic collar. The door automatically raises when your pooch approaches the sensor and closes upon entry or exit—great for extreme weather conditions or for dogs that are hesitant to push through a flap. The door is weatherproof and bulletproof and includes a steel deadbolt lock for ultimate security.
You can control this doggy door manually or via the smartphone app. High Tech Pet’s app lets you open/close the door, create schedules, and view activity history. There are four access controls: full in/out, in only, out only, or closed and locked.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Two size options | Expensive |
| App controlled | Requires dog to wear a special collar |
| Install in door or wall | |
| Airtight seal for superior insulation | |
| 4-way access control | |
| AC or battery-powered |
Pricing & Tech Specs
- $579.99
- Sizes: Medium (12″ L x 2″ W x 28.7″ H), Large (16″ L x 2″ W x 40.6″ H)
- Pet Size: Up to 100 lbs
Best Automatic: Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Pet Review
View on Amazon | View On Chewy
The Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Pet door is a no-hassle approach to pet doors. This smart pet door uses your pet’s implanted microchip to open the door and eliminates the need for collar keys. Thus, only your pets with microchips enter and exit the home while keeping out other pets, strays, and wild animals. The SureFlap is an excellent choice for households with multiple pets or owners who don’t have time to monitor their pet’s location.
If your pet hasn’t been microchipped yet, you can authorize the use of this pet door with one of these SureFlap Microchip ID Tags.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Installs into doors, walls, or glass | Selective entry only (any animal can exit) |
| Curfew mode locks and unlocks door at specific time | Need for a microchip (or a special ID tag) |
| Double flap, weather-resistant, and high energy efficiency | One size not suitable for all dogs |
| Includes 1 collar tag | |
| Stores up to 32 pet identities |
Pricing & Tech Specs
- $217.63
- Flap Opening: 7″ W x 6 11/16″ H
- Frame Dimensions: 10 5/16″ W x 11 1/16″ H
Best Traditional: PetSafe Never Rust Review
Are you looking for something a little more basic? This pet door from PetSafe is your best bet. It can be used for doors and walls and has a plastic flap tinted for privacy. The frame is durable and can be painted to match the door color. It also has a snap-on panel to close when not in use. This door comes in four sizes, and all are under $100.
PetSafe’s U.S.-based customer care experts are available on the phone Monday through Saturday to help you through any installation issues. Plus, it’s made by one of the biggest, most trusted names in the pet product industry (founded in 1991).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy, DIY installation with step-by-step manual | Some reports of lower quality and water leakage |
| Can be installed on most doors and walls, including metal doors | |
| Soft single flap for comfortable access to come and go | |
| Snap-on panel to restrict access | |
| Affordable |
Pricing & Tech Specs
- Starts at: $32.95
- Flap Opening: Varies based on size
- Frame Dimensions: Varies based on size
- Pet Size: 15-220 lbs
Best Dog Doors For Walls: Endura Flap For Walls Review
The Endura Flap wall mount pet door is the best in-wall dog door and the sturdiest, most energy-efficient wall mount we found on the market. Unlike other flaps, Endura flaps are sealed with magnets, making them more rain—and wind-resistant during extreme weather. Their flaps are made from environmentally friendly materials.
The company sells various wall-mounted pet doors, including the Endura Flap E2 for thick walls. You can also choose between single-flap or double-flap models. The only drawback to the Endura Flap is that the installation is complicated. If you’re considering this dog door, you may want to look into hiring a contractor to install it for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Small, medium, large and extra-large dog door options accommodate most dog sizes | Installation can be tricky, even for handy people |
| Highly weather and wind-resistant | Expensive |
| Fits walls up to 8″ thick | |
| Single and double flaps seal with magnets | |
| Heavy-gauge aluminum tunnel |
Pricing & Tech Specs
- Starts at: Check Amazon for availability
- Sizes: Varies based on size
- Colors: White, tan, black
Best Dog Door For Screen Doors: Ideal Pet Products Screen Guard Review
The Ideal Pet Doors Screen Guard Pet Door is ideal if you need something a bit less expensive and easy to install and don’t want to blemish your home’s walls or permanent doors. It has a removable cover so you can slide it in place when you don’t want your dog to use the door.
Installation is a breeze. You can attach the Ideal Pet Screen Guard to a door grill (sold separately) to ensure that your screen door doesn’t get damaged. An excellent choice for owners living in milder climates or a seasonal second dog door. However, if you are looking for a more energy-efficient, less drafty option, Ideal offers this replacement flap upgrade too.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Less expensive option | Not suitable for dogs over 90 pounds or larger stature dogs (be sure to measure your dog before purchasing) |
| Easy DIY installation | Not energy-efficient |
| Flexible vinyl flap with magnetic closure | |
| Sturdy construction |
Pricing & Tech Specs
- Starts at: $40.90
- Flap Size: Medium (7″ W x 11.25 ” H), Large (10.5″ W x 15″ H)
- Pet Size: Up to 90 lbs
Best Sliding Glass Dog Door: Endura Flap Thermo Panel Review
The Thermo Panel pet door is an excellent choice if you want your doggy door installed in your sliding glass door. It fits all standard-size sliding glass doors, has heavy gauge aluminum framing, and is designed to keep your home insulated in extreme weather (50 mph winds and temperatures as low as -40℉).
Although expensive, you’re getting a sturdy, durable, safe, and energy-efficient product.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fits all standard-size sliding glass doors | Expensive |
| Durable dual-pane glass for better insulation | Learning curve for smaller dogs and cats to push through the magnet-fortified flap |
| Fits all standard size sliding glass doors | |
| Sturdy locking flap cover | |
| Flap has adjustable magnet strength | |
| Moderately easy do-it-yourself installation |
Pricing & Tech Specs
- Starts at: $719.99
- Flap Size: Varies (Small-XL)
- Slider Height: 74.75″ – 96.25″
Best Storm Door: Larson Petview Review
The Larson Petview storm door is another alternative if you don’t want to permanently mar your solid doors or walls. We like the ease of installation, the sturdiness of the door and the dog door, and the fact that it has a window panel to let light through. Plus, it’s available in white or brown to suit your needs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy installation | Some reports of screen being flimsy |
| Built-in dog door | |
| WearTuff screen for tear resistance | |
| Replacement | |
| Available in white or brown |
Pricing & Tech Specs
- $527.99
- Flap size: 10″ W x 17″ H
- Door size: 32″ W x 81″ H
- Pet Size: Up to 100 lbs
What Factors Should I Consider In A Dog Door?
Several factors need to be considered when embarking on your research. The following questions can help you narrow down your choice and find the best fit among the best pet doors.
- Where to Install: Front door, back door, or side door? The back door is your best bet if it leads to a fenced-in yard.
- Type of Door: Sliding glass, screen door, storm door, etc. You also have the option of going with a dog door for walls.
- Size: You might wonder, what size dog door do I need? The general rule of thumb for measuring a doggie door is to use your dog’s adult width and height (from the top of their shoulders to the bottom of their chest or belly), then add one to two inches to each measurement.
- Energy Efficiency and Durability: It pays to invest in a more energy-efficient dog door; otherwise, your heating and cooling bills could rise if your dog door isn’t well insulated. Pay attention to the materials of your dog door, especially if you have a chewer or scratcher.
- Handyman Skill Level: Some dog doors are easier to install than others. If you’re handy, you shouldn’t have a problem. Many dog doors come with detailed instructions. But don’t discount paying a contractor to install one for you if it’s the one you want and within your budget. Be sure to keep caulk on hand if you need to secure a gap during installation.
- Budget: These days, you can find any dog door type, ranging from old-school flap doors to high-tech automatic dog doors. Prices vary widely—anywhere from $30 to $600 or more.
Things To Consider In Dog Door (Infographic)
Here’s a quick summary of what to remember when shopping for a dog door so you can keep these things in mind when considering one for your home.
No matter your dog’s door, you will want an indoor doormat inside the entrance to clean up dirty paws before they get too far.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our readers frequently ask regarding dog doors. Don’t see yours? Ask us in the comments.
Are Doggie Doors Safe?
The safety of your dog door is dependent upon the type you get. Traditional dog doors increase security risks, including animal intruders and burglary. In comparison, a smart dog door with sensor detection, remote control features, and activity notifications will offer more security.
Do Dog Doors Let Bugs In?
Just as when you open the house door for yourself, yes, there is a chance that a dog door will let bugs in your home. Choosing a quality dog door with an airtight seal will help prevent bugs or other pests from entering your home when the door isn’t in use.
More Ways To Let The Dog Out
We hope our article has helped you choose the best dog door for your home. But if you’re looking for alternative ways to keep your pup from escaping, check out our dog gate review. And if you let your dog roam free, make sure you have a fence (or wireless fence) so they don’t run away. If you are not ready yet to commit to a doggy door, you might consider installing this dog doorbell.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Sally has over 10 years of experience researching hundreds of pet products—everything from dog doors and collars to food and supplements—to determine their safety, efficacy, and nutritional value for our four-legged friends. She’s part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience in researching, testing, and writing about everything you need to know to keep your pup healthy and happy.
