Best Dog Doors [Top Choices]

Top Rated Best Dog Doors:

Here are the top picks for Best Dog Doors in several categories.

Best Dog Door for Sliding Glass

PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Patio Panel Sliding Glass Pet Door for Dogs and Cats – Adjustable Frame

Overview:

This is a sliding glass door insert with a built-in pet door which allows your pet freedom to access the outdoors without you needing to open the door for them. It fits into standard sliding door frames with the option for permanent or temporary installation. Heavy-duty aluminum construction and a tinted vinyl flap prevent sun damage and drafts.

This PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Patio Panel Sliding Glass Pet Door for Dogs and Cats has an adjustable frame, so it can be modified to fit a variety of door heights. Make sure you measure carefully – you’ll need to measure your dog or cat to get the correct pet door size, and your sliding door frame to get the correct panel height. The product includes a pin lock for securing the door, a locking cover for when it’s not in use, and weatherstripping to help with insulation on hot and cold days.

Since many users were dissatisfied with the level of insulation provided with this pet door panel, it’s probably best for homes located where the weather is not too hot or too cold. More energy efficient patio panel pet doors are available, and those are recommended if this is a concern. Regardless of which patio sliding glass pet door panel you choose, you can maximize energy efficiency by purchasing extra weather-proofing materials at a hardware store and using those to seal any gaps during the installation process.

Note that, as with any Sliding Glass Pet Door Panel, you’ll be reducing the amount of space you have to go in and out of your sliding door once this product is in place. For the smaller sizes the panel will be narrow, but larger sizes are correspondingly wider so you might want to look at other options if the household members and guests also access this door frequently.

Pet owners who purchased this door are overall pleased with the appearance, value for the price, and ease of installation. Because of the variety of color options, it’s easy to find one that matches your sliding doors.

Pros:

Temporary installation makes it suitable for renters
Three colors and five pet door size options available
Easy to install and remove
Lock included
Affordable
Easy for small and large pets to use
1-year limited warranty
US-based customer service team available by phone or email

Cons:
Not well insulated
Door flap can blow open in strong winds
Larger sizes don’t allow much room for humans to use the sliding doors
Not sturdy enough to prevent break-ins
Doesn’t fit correctly in all sliding doors

Best Wall-Mounted Dog Door

PetSafe Wall Entry Pet Door for Dogs and Cats with Telescoping Tunnel – Small, Medium or Large – White – Made in the USA

 

Overview:

The PetSafe Wall Entry Pet Door for Dogs and Cats with Telescoping Tunnel is a pet door that is meant for installation in interior or exterior walls, since it comes with a telescoping tunnel and wall installation kit. It is for installation in walls 4 3/4 inches to 7 1/4 inches thick, but if your walls are thicker you can purchase an extension kit.

The double-flap design makes this pet door more energy efficient than single-flap doors, and the frame is made of PVC to resist damage from UV exposure. However, there is always a loss of energy efficiency when cutting a hole in your house to install any kind of pet door. Therefore we recommend using additional insulation around the tunnel when installing, and use caulking around both the interior and exterior of the door.

Pet owners who have purchased this item mentioned that it was smaller than they expected based on the description. Make sure to check the sizing chart and measure your pet before purchasing. This pet door comes in just three sizes – small, medium, and large – so homes with very large dogs may not be able to use this particular pet door.

This item comes with a slide-in closing panel that can be used on the interior or exterior of your home. You can use this to control your pet’s access to use the door and to increase energy efficiency. Note that this panel is not for security purposes, and that children can fit through some pet doors.

The PetSafe Wall Entry Pet Door for Dogs and Cats with Telescoping Tunnel comes in as an affordable option with a good balance of convenience, quality, and energy efficiency. This is not a luxury item with all the best features, but most pet owners who have bought and used this door are satisfied with it.

Pros:

Affordable

Easy to install for those with some DIY experience and the right tools

Energy efficient with correct installation

Replacement parts available

Includes slide-in panel

Made in the USA

1-year limited warranty
US-based customer service team available by phone or email

Cons:

Door flaps can blow open in strong winds
Flaps sometimes fail to close properly
Can be challenging to train pets to use double-flap door
PVC frame material is not as strong metal frames
Not durable

Best Sliding Glass Dog Door for Easy Installation

Ideal Pet Products 80″ Fast Fit Aluminum Pet Patio Door

 

Overview:

The Ideal Pet Products 80″ Fast Fit Aluminum Pet Patio Door is easy to install so you can quickly provide your pets with their own door to get in and out freely. This pet door panel is specifically made for aluminum patio sliders with height between 77 5/8″ and 80 5/8″ only, so be careful that you purchase the panel that meets the specifications of your particular home. Since this panel doesn’t require permanent installation, it’s a good choice for renters. You can easily uninstall and take it when you move.

The flap opening comes in five different sizes from small to super large. Check your pet’s measurements against the chart provided by Ideal Pet Products to be sure you get the correct size. Also note that there are some differences in features depending on which size you purchase; for example, the cat flap is made from unbreakable Lexan plastic, while other sizes have flexible vinyl flaps. You can buy replacement door flaps if needed.

Many users of this product reported that this pet patio door did not fit precisely in the frame for their patio doors, so there were some gaps around the outside. Gaps can be filled with weatherstripping purchased at a hardware store to improve energy efficiency. This door does not have features meant to increase energy efficiency such as double-pane glass or double flaps, so if insulation is a concern this may not be the ideal pet door panel for you.

If you’re concerned about your ability to install a pet door successfully, the Ideal Pet Products Fast Fit Aluminum Pet Patio Door might be the best dog door for you. It comes recommended for easy installation from the majority of users, who said it can be added to their sliding door frame in just a few minutes.

Pros:

Temporary installation makes it suitable for renters
Two colors and six size options available
Aluminum frame construction
Easy to install and remove
Affordable
1-year warranty
US-based customer service team available by phone or email

Cons:

Not energy efficient

Best Sliding Glass Dog Door for Easy Transport

Ideal Pet Products Aluminum Modular Pet Patio Door, adjustable height 77-5/8″ – 80 3/8″

Overview:

This patio door panel with built-in pet door is different from other models in that it has two smaller glass panes instead of one large one. That means that it ships in a smaller, more manageable package. Like other Ideal Pet Products Pet Patio Doors, this panel installs easily with minimal tools necessary in most cases. This panel doesn’t require permanent installation, so it’s a good choice for renters. You can easily uninstall and take it on vacation or when moving to a new home.

It fits patio doors with height between 77 5/8″ and 80 3/8″ only; measure carefully before purchasing. Also double-check your dog’s size with Ideal Pet Products’ size chart as some users have found the pet door smaller than they were expecting once it arrived.

Confusingly, the sizes are listed differently between Ideal Pet Products’ website and some other retailers; for example, a “super large” size for up to 120 pounds is available in some places while other size charts only go up to “extra large” for up to 90 pounds. Since the dimensions of the pet door are listed, it would be better to go by the pet’s measurements instead of their weight.

Ideal Pet Products Aluminum Modular Pet Patio Door comes with a plastic animal lock-out slide for all sizes except the cat flap door panels. Cat flap panels have a locking mechanism.

People who purchased this door in the past had a couple of complaints about the included screws. First, the screws are shipped already screwed into the modular pieces, so you’ll need to unscrew them and assemble the panel, then screw them back together. This should be simple, but the screws were overtightened and several customers stripped the screw heads when trying to get them loose. Also, the screws have round heads instead of flat heads, which means they prevented this panel from sitting flush against the door frame as intended.

Pros:

Temporary installation makes it suitable for renters
Two colors and six size options available
Modular model can be easily transported
Aluminum frame construction
Easy to install and remove
Affordable
1-year warranty
US-based customer service team available by phone or email

Cons:

Not energy efficient
Installation problems caused by screws

Best Budget Dual-Flap Dog Door –

PetSafe Wall Entry Aluminium Pet Door

 

Overview:

The PetSafe Wall Entry Aluminum Pet Door is a double-flap pet door designed to be installed in interior or exterior walls, and includes a telescoping tunnel and wall installation kit. It can be used in walls 4 3/4 inches to 7 1/4 inches thick, but if your walls are thicker you can purchase an extension kit that can extend it to 12 inches.

Be aware that this is marketed as an aluminum pet door, but only the portion that attaches to the door flap is aluminum. The telescoping tunnel and the frame pieces are actually made of flexible plastic that some customers said was not strong or durable. It could be damaged by rough wear and bigger dogs. While installing this product, many customers made enhancements to reinforce the strength of the tunnel installation and to increase weather-proofing.

In terms of color, this product does not have color options and comes in brown and white only. To better match your home decor, you may choose to paint the PetSafe Wall Entry Aluminum Pet Door prior to installation.

As with any wall entry dog door, this product requires tools and knowledge to be able to cut a hole in your wall. Step-by-step instructions are provided and you’ll receive a template to help with cutting the hole correctly. PetSafe recommends building a frame to sit inside your wall which would increase the strength of this tunnel. If you don’t have the correct experience or equipment for this kind of project, it’s recommended to hire a professional to do the installation for you.

For times when you want to seal off the door, it comes with a slide-in closing panel which can be used on the interior or exterior. You can control your pet’s access, protect against animal pests, and reduce drafts by using this panel. Note that, because of the double flaps on this model, your pet might not be able to see that the panel is in place if it’s behind the farther flap. Try installing the flap where your pet can easily see it, or invest in a second panel so you can use them on both the inside and outside walls.

PetSafe Wall Entry Aluminum Pet Door is a good option for a wall installation, at a reasonable price point. It has high quality dual flaps that do a good job of keeping weather out, and with some minimal modifications during the installation process should provide a long-lasting solution for allowing your pet freedom to access the outdoors.

Pros:

Affordable

Easy to install for those with some DIY experience and the right tools

Energy efficient with correct installation

Replacement parts available

Locks easily with included slide-in closing panel

Made in the USA

1-year limited warranty
US-based customer service team available by phone or email

Cons:

No color options
Can be used by other animals when unlocked
Flaps sometimes fail to close properly
Can be challenging to train pets to use double-flap door
Tunnel material is thin and not durable

Best Electronic Dog Door

PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor – Collar Activated Dog and Cat Door – Small to Large Pets

Overview:

This PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor – Collar Activated Dog and Cat Door unlocks when your pet approaches with the included waterproof SmartKey on their collar. Unlike some other electronic dog doors that open and close automatically, this one does require your pet to push open the plexiglass door. Since the SmartKey is programmed to unlock for your pet only, it will prevent unwanted animals from accessing the door.

This is one of the more affordable electronic doors on the market, and comes in two sizes: small or large. It’s programmable for up to five SmartKeys, so it’s great for homes with multiple pets. If you have some pets that shouldn’t be able to access the door, they’ll be prevented from doing so if they don’t have a SmartKey on their collar. This product ships with one SmartKey and you can buy additional from PetSafe.

The door unit operates using standard D-cell batteries, which means you can locate it anywhere without worrying about a power source. You might consider investing in rechargeable batteries since the cost to replace them could add up over time.

Be aware that metal can interfere with the signal on this product so it’s better to install it away from large metal appliances. One issue reported by customers is this door unlocking when the SmartKey is far away, or alternately that it is slow to register that the pet is in range of the door.

Finally, the accompanying SmartKey is a main cause of complaint with this door. They are considered too large for smaller pets to wear comfortably, and are not durable enough to last long-term. Pet owners also disliked that the SmartKey uses a proprietary battery and replacements can only be purchased from PetSafe. The proprietary batteries cost more than a similar non-branded battery.

Pros:

Affordable compared to other electronic dog doors

Includes one waterproof SmartKey

Attractive design

Programmable to lock when not being used

Ready for door installation; wall installation with conversion kit

Can be used with up to five pets

Battery operated with standard D-cell batteries

Easy installation

1-year limited warranty
US-based customer service team available by phone or email

Cons:

Noisy when unlocking

Only two size options

Short battery life

SmartKeys are too bulky and large for small pets

SmartKeys are easily broken and batteries fall out

SmartKey batteries are proprietary

Plastic hinges are not durable and doors break off

Not well insulated

Best Energy Efficient Dog Door

PetSafe Extreme Weather Door

Overview:

As its name implies, the PetSafe Extreme Weather Door is designed to address the problems of drafty, inefficient dog doors. It’s PetSafe’s most energy efficient pet door, and has several features to help keep your home protected against the elements year-round. This particular model is meant for door installation only and would not be thick enough to install in a wall.

The main reason this door is more energy efficient than others is the unique 3-flap system. The center flap is insulated and all three flaps are held in place by magnets. It may be difficult to get some pets to use this door at first, since it requires a fair amount of force to get through all three flaps.

You’ll receive a Snap-on Closing Panel with your purchase. This panel can be used on the interior or exterior frame of the door to prevent your pet from using it, or to provide additional insulation against inclement weather. For more protection you can purchase a second panel and use them both together.

Stronger dogs have been reported to be able to push open the Snap-on Closing Panel. Compared to other models where the closing panel slides into a frame, it seems that the snap-on closure is less secure.

Be aware that this door is more difficult to install than some other dog doors, because it comes with nylon screws instead of metal ones. The nylon screws have the advantage of being easily cut to size, but during installation they are easily bent or stripped as compared with metal. Users had concerns about the longevity of the door and the overall quality of the product. You can minimize installation problems by having at least two people on the project, and by watching videos beforehand to see how others installed this pet door.

This door is competitively priced compared with other energy efficient dog doors, but more expensive on average than single-flap models.

Pros

Up to 3.5 times more energy efficient than single flap dog doors

Well-insulated

Protects your home against drafts and extreme weather

Replacement parts available

Three sizes available to accommodate pets up to 100 pounds

Durable

Limited lifetime warranty
US-based customer service team available by phone or email

Cons

Difficult installation

No color options

Too heavy for small or weak pets

Assembly pieces poor quality/fragile

Best Indoor Gate with Pet Door

Carlson Extra Wide Walk-Thru Pet Gate

Overview:

This pet gate is designed for homes with multiple pets, since it has an 8” x 8” door built in to allow small pets to pass through while larger animals are kept out. It would be useful to separate pets who need to eat in different rooms, or to keep a dog out while allowing a cat free access.

The gate is constructed of an all-metal frame which has two installation options – wall-mount or pressure-mount. It is expandable from 29” – 36.5” with included 4” extension (additional extensions available). It assembles easily and can be installed in any doorway, stairwell, or other interior locations meeting the size specifications.

The gate has an easy-open latch and can be opened in both directions, making it convenient for both owners and pets. This means you don’t have to step over the gate. It’s lightweight and portable, so you can easily take it when traveling or pack it away when guests visit.

Be aware that the small pet door in this gate is meant to keep out large pets only. This is not a baby gate. Users report that babies and determined medium-sized dogs have been able to make their way through the small pet door. Make sure this product is the right fit for everyone in your home before purchasing. The pet gate is intended for indoor use.

Pros:

Gate easily opens for humans to walk through

Extra-wide with extending options for larger doors

Affordable

Simple installation

Cons:

Not sturdy enough for some strong pets

Quality/construction issues

Gate opening is narrow

Pet door is big enough for babies and medium-sized dogs to go through

Conclusion:

Taking into consideration the various features that are available in pet doors, you can choose the best dog door to suit your needs. Whether it’s easy installation, energy efficiency, security, or affordability that’s your main concern, there will be a dog door that’s suited to your needs.

Buying Guide for Pet Doors

Considerations:

If you’re thinking of buying the best dog door for your home, you’ll need to take into account several different factors. First off, you should think about what kind of installation would suit you best. There are dog doors that install into walls and doors, but there are also dog doors that are set into a sliding glass panel. If you’re not able to cut a hole in your wall or door, you’ll probably want to consider that option.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a factor for most, unless you live somewhere that never gets very hot, cold, windy, or rainy. You’ll want to make sure your pet door is installed somewhere that limits its exposure to elements, and also look for insulating features like double- or triple-flap designs, weatherproof construction materials, and strong closures. If you’re planning to close the pet door at times to keep out weather, check to see what kinds of additional closure panels or locking mechanisms are available.

Durability

Material strength and durability are vital to your long-term satisfaction with a pet door. If the door flaps have to be replaced often, or if your pet succeeds in damaging the dog door, you’ll probably find repairs to be annoying and expensive. Investing in a better-quality dog door upfront can save you this hassle down the road. Make sure you check the cost and availability of replacement parts before you make a purchase. Even top-quality pet doors will show wear over time.

Installation

Consider the installation needed for any dog door you’re considering. Most models come with step-by-step installation instructions and templates for cutting a hole in your home, but it may not be wise to attempt the installation yourself if you don’t have experience with home projects. There’s always the possibility that you’ll run into unexpected problems, so plan ahead as much as possible or consider using a professional to install it for you.

Permanence

If you might not be using the door in the same place long-term, you should think about investing in a dog door that will be easy to remove or transport. For example, if you’re planning a move soon, prospective buyers might be less excited about having a hole in their wall than you are. Alternately, if you regularly visit a vacation home, maybe you want a dog door that can be used in both locations. In that case, you could consider a panel with a pet door built in that can be temporarily installed.

Security

You don’t want to invite intruders by allowing them easy access into your home. Most models of dog door come with at least one method of securing the door, and some have multiple security features. The most common means of security is a panel that covers the door when it’s not in use. Other doors feature a lock built into the door unit itself.

For more advanced security features, look at pet doors with electronic operation via an RFID chip that interacts with a transmitter on your pet’s collar. If you already have a home security system installed in your home, make sure the dog door will not trigger the system. Some pet doors also come equipped with an alarm that will let you know if someone tries to force it open. Security features can increase the cost of a dog door, but can give you and your family much-needed peace of mind.

Basic Dog Door Styles

What kinds of dog doors are available?

Any dog door has two main parts: the moving flap or door, and the frame that holds it in place. Within those two parts, there are so many options that it can be overwhelming to try to choose which one would be best for your pet and your home.

Flap Door

A flap-style door is the most common option, and it’s what comes to mind for most people when they think of a dog door. Flap doors hang down from a rod or hinges, and swing in or out when the pet pushes through the flap. Flaps can be made of flexible vinyl or hard acrylic materials. Some flaps have magnets inside to help them return to the right position in their frame. Basic flap door styles will have just a single flap, but double- and triple-flap versions are also available for increased energy efficiency.

Saloon-style Door

This type of door is less common than the flap-style door, but it does have some advantages. Saloon-style dog doors have two panels that are pushed open from the middle and have their hinges on the side instead of the top of the frame. This type of door suits pets who dislike flap-style doors. It seems some pets prefer not to have the door touching their backs as they walk through. Saloon-style doors are also quieter when closing, so it’s worth looking at this type if that’s a concern for you.

Electronic Pet Door

Keeping out other animals while still letting your pet go in and out freely is a challenge with most traditional pet doors. To solve this issue, several pet door manufacturers have come up with various electronic pet doors that can be programmed to open for your pet only. Some of these can even interact with your pet’s pre-existing microchip, which means there’s no need to buy extra devices to control the pet door.

Electronic pet doors also have a couple of options for what the signal does. Some doors will just unlock, and then your pet pushes the door open like a traditional flap-style door. However, there are also high-end models available that will open and close automatically like a garage door. If you like to have the best technology or you have a pet that is especially sensitive, an automatic-opening pet door might be the best choice.

Who should buy an electronic pet door?

People who live in areas with a lot of wildlife or stray cats and dogs would probably appreciate this product, as well as people who have babies or small children who might try to access the pet door. Finally, it’s suitable for pets that dislike opening doors on their own.

Pet Gates with Built-in Pet Doors

Unlike a traditional pet door, this type is built into a gate that’s meant to be used to restrict access between rooms indoors. For example, if you want to keep your large dog out of your bedroom but allow your cat and small dog in, this kind of pet gate deserves a look. They can be installed between any two walls that meet the required width range. This is a bit of a niche product, but for multi-pet families that need to separate pets or feeding areas, it could be a lifesaver.

Wall Installation Pet Door

When looking at allowing your pet access to the outdoors, you may prefer to install a pet door in the wall instead of a door. This is a matter of personal preference, and both options have pros and cons. In general, wall installation will take a bit more effort than door installation since you have to cut through both the interior and exterior walls. Wall installation kits come with some sort of tunnel, so make sure you get one that’s long enough to match the thickness of your wall. You should also be sure to build in enough insulation to keep drafts from getting in around the pet door. Depending on the grade of your house, you might also need to build stairs or a ramp outside for your pet to use the door comfortably.

Door Installation Pet Door

Putting a pet door into your house door is relatively easier than a wall installation. You’ll likely need to remove the door and then rehang it after you’ve installed the pet door, so make sure to do it on a day when you don’t mind the weather coming in for a couple of hours. A door installation will typically be more weathertight than a wall installation, but it’s still recommended to caulk around any gaps and to purchase a pet door that’s suitable for your weather conditions.

Dog doors for screen doors are also available, and are easy to install even if you don’t have specialized tools or DIY skills. These are usually lightweight plastic doors and are less expensive than pet doors for door or wall installation.

Pet Doors in Panels

Finally, you can purchase a panel that has a pet door built into it. The panel will have a window in the top and a pet door at the bottom, and are made to fit in existing sliding door frames. The advantage of a sliding door panel pet door is that it is very easy to install and doesn’t require making any changes to your home. They come in a variety of sizes and heights so you should be able to find the one that suits your sliding door and your pet’s size. Although they’re more expensive than some other models, they have undeniable benefits for people who don’t want to go through the installation process.

Dog Door Safety

We all worry about keeping our homes safe, so it’s natural to have safety concerns when adding a dog door to your home. Unauthorized use of the dog door could be by humans who are trying to break into your home, but could also be animals like raccoons, possums, or even your neighbor’s pets. Depending on your particular situation, here are some considerations and possible solutions.

If break-ins are your concern, you have a few options. First, choose a dog door that is as small as possible to accommodate your largest pet. If the dog door you purchase is small enough, there’s virtually no possibility that a would-be burglar can use it to access your home. Make sure you install your small dog door far away from locks on doors and windows, since someone could potentially reach in through the door and let themselves in.

A large pet obviously also means a large pet door, but that can provide an opening big enough for a human to use as well. You can minimize the danger of a person using your dog door to break in by installing the pet door somewhere that’s not easily visible from the street. Some people disguise pet doors installed in walls by having them open into a dog house that’s set next to the wall. A person would need to look inside the dog house to know there was a pet door installed there.

Otherwise, a pet door that opens into a secured backyard minimizes the number of passers-by who can see that it’s there. Regardless of where you decide to install your dog door, it’s a good idea to walk by your home and check the visibility of that location from the sidewalk and street.

Patio panel pet doors are convenient in that they don’t require complicated installation or cutting holes in your door and wall, but the downside is that the panels themselves are as tall as a sliding glass door. If an intruder were able to remove the panel itself, they’d easily be able to gain entry to a home. Using a sliding glass panel pet door also means that you can no longer use the standard locks on your patio doors. There are products made to manually secure the sliding door, but they may not be as sturdy as the original locks.

Patio panel pet doors also usually come with a lock for the pet door flaps or a security panel that slides over the pet door to secure it. They can be made from plastic or metal, depending on the manufacturer. These security measures are generally sufficient to secure the door from animal intruders, but might not be enough to protect against a human. Some security panels have an installed alarm to let you know if someone tries to force the door open.

Another option for added security is an electronic dog door that will interact with a transmitter attached to your pet’s collar so that it only locks and unlocks for your pet. This type of door will stay closed and locked whenever the transmitter is not in range, which means it will not allow access to people or any animals except your own.

In addition to the security features of the dog door itself, you could consider increasing the safety of your home by using a home security system. You can install security cameras or a video doorbell in the area of your pet door so you’ll get video alerts when people come into range. A motion-activated floodlight in the area of your pet door could frighten off unfamiliar animals as well as people who come around at night.

Note that some electronic dog doors are known to interfere with home security systems, so be sure to account for that when doing your installation. Make sure your pet’s activity in and out of the house won’t cause false alarms.

Finally, if you have babies or children, you should pay careful attention to their access to pet doors. Plenty of dog doors are large enough for a child to fit through, so they might be able to sneak through when you’re not looking. This would especially be a concern if your home has a swimming pool.

Now that we’ve reviewed some of the considerations for purchasing a dog door and some of the best dog doors available today, it’s  your turn to make the best choise for your Pup..