Best Dog Pet Doors Reviewed

Top 5 Best Dog Pet Doors

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PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Patio Panel Sliding Glass Pet DoorPetSafe Freedom Aluminum Patio Panel Sliding Glass Pet Door
High Tech Pet Power Pet Electronic Pet Door

High Tech Pet Power Pet Electronic Pet Door

Ideal Pet Products Ruff-Weather Pet Door with Telescoping FrameIdeal Pet Products Ruff-Weather Pet Door with Telescoping Frame
Perfect Pet, The All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog DoorPerfect Pet, The All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Door
Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Pet DoorEndura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Pet Door

Dog doors are defined as either permanent or removable structures that allow household dogs to exit and enter the home voluntarily. No matter how tamed our furry canines friends are, they still have an innate need to spend some of their time outside. Installing the best dog doors gives our dogs the ultimate freedom to act out their natural inclinations.

The famous English scientist, Sir Isaac Newton, is credited as the original inventor of pet doors. His written records referred to his creation as a ‘’cat flap’’ because the pet door he constructed was designed for his cat. The pet door’s concept has gone far since its early days, Today’s market offers a plethora of dog door choices. Although conceptually similar, all dog doors are designed for specific and different purposes. 

best dog doors

What to look for 

Before installing the best dog doors, there are several factors worth consideration:

  • Where to install the door – there are the best dog doors specially designed for sliding glass doors, storm doors, screen doors and even for walls.
  • What size to choose – to calculate the size of the door measure your dog’s width and height and then add 1-2 inches to each measurement.
  • Energy efficiency – although it may seem as a bigger investment at first, it ultimately pays off to purchase an energy efficient dog door.
  • Durability – the durability of the door depends on its material and the dog’s willingness to destroy the door. High-quality dog doors are usually made of scratch-proof and chew-proof materials.
  • Who will install the door – some doors are easy to install especially if you are handy. Other doors need to be installed by professional contractors.

What is your budget – the market offers a plethora of dog door choices. Which best dog doors you will choose depends on how much you want to spend. The prices vary greatly – from $30 to more than $600.

Benefits of using a dog door

The benefits of using a dog door include:

  • They are practical and convenient, especially if you work for long hours or need to go on a short trip
  • They prevent boredom and boredom related vices such as chewing, running around the house, excessive barking and destructiveness
  • They minimize the possibility of your dog peeing and pooping inside the house (if properly crate trained)
  • They are perfect escape passages in cases of emergencies (for example – fires).

Disadvantages of using a dog door

The disadvantages of using a dog door include:

  • They permanently alter the overall appearance of the house
  • They impose certain safety concerns (such as wild animals entering your home)
  • They are suitable only for well-behaved dogs.

Review of  The 5 Best Dog Doors 

To help you navigate through the minefield of choices, we have reviewed 5 dog doors.

1. PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Patio Panel Sliding Glass Pet Door  – Editor’s Choice Sliding Glass Dog Door

The PetSafe Freedom Aluminium Patio Panel Sliding Glass Pet Door is a weather proof door made of durable aluminum that includes weather stripping and slide-in closing panel for maximum weather resistance.

The door is a combination of heavy-duty, sturdy aluminum frame and tempered glass inside construction. The flap is tinted and made of flexible vinyl. The flap is light-weight and suitable for smaller dogs without too much strength. Additionally, the door features a lock that mounts to your sliding glass door, thus securing maximum security and safety.

The door is extremely easy to install and suitable for rentals, because you can move it with you, wherever you go which makes it one of the reasons we recommend it as one of the top rated best dog doors on this list.

PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Patio Panel Sliding Glass Pet Door Review Best Dog Doors

All you need to do is slide the panel into one end of your sliding door track and then secure it to the frame and add the weather stripping without cutting anything.

The PetSafe Freedom Aluminium Patio Panel Sliding Glass Pet Door can be selected based on three different parameters – the height of your sliding glass door, the height and width of your pet and your color preference. Depending on the height of your sliding glass door there are two panel sizes and depending on your dog’s measurements there are four sizes – small, medium, large and tall large. As for the color preference, the door comes in three different colors – white, satin and bronze.

The door comes with a one year warranty period.

Pros

  • Easy to install and re-install
  • Weather resistant
  • Features lock mounting for home security
  • Available in a variety of sizes
  • Available in different colors
  • Budget friendly choice
  • 1 year warranty.

Cons

  • The flap does not line up perfectly
  • The provided weather strip is not very durable
  • Confusing instruction manual.

2. High Tech Pet Power Pet Electronic Pet Door

The High Tech Pet Power Pet Electronic Pet Door is especially engineered for ultimate performance, futuristic design, extreme reliability and undeniable value. It is an electronic, motor driven and vertically-sliding door, specifically activated by a MS-4 ultrasonic collar. The ultrasonic collar is waterproof and included in the package. The collar activated motion prevents unwanted guests from entering the house.

Other electronic doors unlock the panel but still require your dog to push the panel open. This door works completely automatically. The directional sensing system enables the door to open only when the dog is approaching the door directly, not when he is just running or wandering by or sleeping in front of the door.

High Tech Pet Power Pet Electronic Pet Door Review

What is more, the 4-way access control allows you to select from 4 options – in only, out only, full access and closed & locked.

The High Tech Pet Power Pet Electronic Pet Door features an automatic dead-bolt locking system that offers maximum safety and security to your home. The translucent door panel is made of military-grade, bulletproof, super-strong resin. It is resistant to breaking, cracking, discolorations and extreme temperatures. The airtight seal makes this door both wind and weather-resistant.

The High Tech Pet Power Pet Electronic Pet Door is available in two sizes – medium and large. The dog door comes with a one year warranty period.

Pros

  • Motor driven and fully automatic dog door
  • Ultrasonic collar activation
  • 4-way access control
  • Sturdy and resistant translucent panel
  • Windproof and waterproof design
  • 1 year warranty.

Cons

  • Quite expensive
  • Flimsy plastic frame
  • The collar only works on special batteries
  • The special batteries do not last long
  • Available in only one color and two sizes
  • Hard and noisy movements.  

3. Ideal Pet Products Ruff-Weather Pet Door with Telescoping Frame 

The Ruff-Weather Pet Door with Telescoping Frame is a durable and sturdy, energy efficient and all-weather dog door, featuring an inner telescoping frame. The frame is made of foam molded plastic and the insulated flaps are made of clear, non-toxic vinyl. The plastic frame can endure the toughest daily use. The heavy-duty insulation is provided by the 3-inch air pocket created by the double vinyl flaps. The insulation keeps draught out and maximizes the energy efficiency in your home.

The Ruff-Weather Pet Door with Telescoping Frame features a rigid lock out panel slides that shut on the inside, thus effectively locking the door. The magnetic flap closures provide a strong seal when the door is not in use. 

Ideal Pet Products Ruff-Weather Pet Door with Telescoping Frame Review

The Ruff-Weather Pet Door with Telescoping Frame is available in four different sizes – small (flap dimensions 5 x 9 1/4 inches, best suited for dogs weighing 2-12 Ibs), medium (flap dimensions 7 1/4 x 13 inches, best suited for dogs weighing 13-35 Ibs), extra large (flap dimensions 9.75 x 17 inches, best suited for dogs weighing 36-90 Ibs) and super large (flap dimensions 15 x 23.5 inches, best suited for dogs weighing 91-120 Ibs). Unfortunately the door comes in only one color – cream. The door is easy to install, especially if you follow the instructions manual. The frame can be mounted directly through any interior or exterior door.

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Energy efficient design
  • Available in four different sizes
  • Comes with easy to read instructions manual
  • Budget friendly model.

Cons

  • The warranty does not apply if the product is purchased through Amazon Warehouse Deals
  • Available in only one standard color

4. Perfect Pet, The All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Door

The All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Door is a high-quality door made of molded plastic contraction. The molded plastic makes the overall installation strong and sturdy. The plastic is low in density and light-weighted, but sturdy. Because of its lightness, the door can be easily used even by the smallest dogs. The double vinyl flaps add to the sturdiness of the door and create an air pocket ideal for excellent insulation. The 3-inch wide air pocket makes this door energy efficient. Additionally, the wall tunnel kit has a 9-inch air pocket that adds to the efficiency. The double magnetic flaps fall into place easily, without making loud noises.

Perfect Pet, The All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Door Review

The All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Door is available in four different sizes – small (flap dimensions 5 x 9 1/4 inches, best suited for dogs weighing 2-12 Ibs), medium (flap dimensions 7 1/4 x 13 inches, best suited for dogs weighing 13-35 Ibs), extra large (flap dimensions 9.75 x 17 inches, best suited for dogs weighing 36-90 Ibs) and super large (flap dimensions 15 x 23.5 inches, best suited for dogs weighing 91-120 Ibs). The door comes with a one year warranty period.

Pros

  • Made of high-quality materials
  • Innovative design with double vinyl flaps
  • Easy installation
  • Durability
  • Waterproof and insulation
  • Soft closing with minimal noise
  • Available in four different sizes
  • 1 year warranty.

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Relatively heavy flaps
  • Not operable from outside.

5. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Pet Door

The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Pet Door is a specifically engineered dog door for walls. It is designed to be the best, all-weather dog door, available on the market. The excellent design offers safety and flexibility. The door is durable, well-insulated and environmentally friendly. 

The frame is made of heavy-duty, extruded aluminum and the flaps are polyolefin based. The door is available in two versions – a single and a double flap model. The double flap model enables outstanding energy efficiency and maximum weather resistance. The double flap version is best suited for harsh climates. The flaps utilize a three sided magnetic seal. The aluminum tunnel can be adjusted to fit walls up to 8 inches thick. 

Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Pet Door Review

The door features a sturdy security locking system that offers closing off access when the door is not in use.

The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Pet Door is available in four different sizes – small (6’’ x 10’’), medium (8’’ x 14’’), large (10’’ x 18’’) and extra large (12’’ x 22’’).  

The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Pet Door is considered to be the most reliable pet door on the market and it is 100% made in the USA. As a proof of its durability and reliability the manufacturer offers a 10 year warranty on the frame and 15 year warranty on the flap.   

Pros

  • Durability
  • Insulation
  • Environmentally friendly model
  • Security locking system
  • Available in four different sizes
  • 100% designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Up to 10 year warranty.

Cons

  • Extremely expensive

Conclusion

With such a vast range of dog doors available on the market, making the right choice can be quite challenging. To simplify the process, it is recommended to conduct a little research and read some professional and consumer reviews before making the final purchase. Get yourself familiar with the basic types of dog doors and evaluate which suit your needs best. If unclear about the choices you can always consult with the salesperson at your local pet store or even discuss your options with your trusted veterinarian. Both the salesperson and the veterinarian are more qualified and can offer better advice and insights. After that, you will be prepared to make a well-researched and evidence-based decision. However, keep in mind that the most important features worth evaluating are you personal preferences and your dog’s needs. It is important to understand that there is no one-type-fits-all model when it comes to dog doors. Ultimately, it all comes down to what you and your dog want and need. In this list of the best dog doors we highly recommend the PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Patio Panel Sliding Glass Pet Door.

Once you have the best dog doors installed, do not assume your dog will instantly know how to use it. Be patient, use positive reinforcement and slowly teach your dog how to use its new door.

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