Dog doors are the best thing ever for when you want to let your furry friends explore the outdoors without making life harder at home. They make the most sense when you have an energetic pup that loves to play outside or a senior dog that needs easy access to the yard.
From accommodating your dog’s breed type to ensuring energy efficiency, there’s a lot more to selecting a dog door than meets the eye. For instance, the best dog doors for cold weather are designed to keep drafts out while still allowing seamless entry and exit for your pet. As for those who want to upgrade their sliding glass doors, a waterproof dog door for sliding glass doors that looks sleek and modern will be very useful.
In this article, we’ll explore the top-rated options to help you find the perfect dog door for your home. Whether you’re dealing with harsh winters, worried about security, or need something durable for a larger breed, we’ve got you covered.
Where Is the Best Place To Install a Dog Door?
Choosing the right location for a dog door is essential for your pet’s convenience and your home’s functionality. Here are some key considerations:
Assess Your Dog’s Routine
Think about where your dog spends the most time and which areas of the house lead to their outdoor play space. A dog door close to their favorite hangout spot will make it easy for them to come and go.
Accessible Yet Secure
Install the door in a location that is safe and secure, such as a back or side door, rather than the front entryway. This minimizes potential security risks.
Climate Considerations
If you live in a region with extreme weather, consider placing the dog door on a wall or door that isn’t directly exposed to harsh winds or sunlight to help with energy efficiency.
Sliding Glass or Standard Door Options
For homes with sliding glass doors, a weatherproof insert can seamlessly integrate a dog door without major modifications. Otherwise, a standard door or even a garage door can work well.
Indoor Pet Zones
If your home has multiple levels, think about where your dog spends the most time indoors. Ground floor installations are generally the most practical.
Avoid High-Traffic Areas
To prevent tripping hazards or disruptions, avoid placing the dog door in areas with heavy foot traffic, like near a dining room or living area.
How Much Does It Cost to Put In a Doggy Door?
The cost of installing a doggy door can vary widely, depending on the type of door and whether you opt for professional installation. Basic models for standard doors can cost between $30 and $100, while more advanced options, like weatherproof or electronic dog doors, range from $150 to $500. If you need a custom fit for sliding glass doors or walls, expect to pay more for both the product and installation. It’s always best to get quotes from local installers to get an accurate estimate for your specific project.
Professional installation typically adds $75 to $300, depending on the complexity of the job and local labor rates. DIY installation can save money, but ensure you have the tools and skills to avoid costly mistakes.
The Best Dog Doors to Buy in 2025
This section will guide you through the top-rated dog doors on the market, considering factors like size, material, features, and budget. You’ll find the best options for all sizes, from little guys to big dogs, and everything from basic doors to fancy smart ones.
BEST OVERALL
Freedom Pet Pass Ranger Insulated Dog Door
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Insulating cellular PVC frame
Made with durable components
Weatherproof
Available in various sizes
Easy installation
But…
Premium price point
The Freedom Pet Pass dog door is a top choice for pet owners seeking a high-quality, durable, and energy-efficient solution. The Ranger pet door is expertly crafted with a heavy-duty aluminum frame and a 2-in-1 DoubleMag flap system that minimizes drafts, lowers energy bills, and keeps out unwanted elements. Because it is insulated, it helps keep your home at a comfortable temperature, which makes it a great choice for places that become very cold in the winter.
Ranger pet door reviews consistently praise its robust construction, easy installation, and reliable performance. It comes in different sizes to fit dogs of all kinds, so your furry friend can get through safely and comfortably.
Best for Extreme Climates
PetSafe Extreme Weather Aluminum Dog Door
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Excellent weatherproofing
Energy efficient
Sturdy aluminum frame
Secure design
Multipet friendly
Fits into wood, PVC, and metal doors with DIY installation
But…
Only fits doors 1 1/2″ to 2″ thick
Designed for homes in extreme climates, the PetSafe extreme weather aluminum dog door combines energy efficiency with durability. Its 3-flap design keeps the weather out and your home comfy all year round — this also helps save on energy bills. And with its tough metal frame and reinforced corners, it’s built to handle even the busiest homes with multiple pets and the most energetic dogs.
As one of the best dog door for door installations, it ensures convenience without compromising on quality. This doggie door also has a handy slide-in panel for extra security, so you can rest easy knowing unwanted critters won’t be able to get in. With easy DIY installation, it fits wood, metal, and PVC doors seamlessly.
BEST FOR WALLS
Baboni 3-Flap Pet Door
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Triple-flap design
Effective weatherproofing
Fits walls 4 ¾ to 7 ¼ inches thick
Includes a slide-in metal panel for security
Easy installation
Made with steel and aerospace-grade aluminum alloy
But…
Flap opening may not be suitable for larger dog breeds
Give your pet the freedom to come and go with the Baboni 3-Flap Pet Door, designed for walls 4 ¾ to 7 ¼ inches thick. Its triple-flap system provides superior weatherproofing and energy efficiency, while the flap opening (10 ¼ x 16 ¼ inches) suits pets up to 100 pounds. With a straightforward installation process, it’s one of the best dog doors for walls.
Built from steel and aerospace-grade aluminum alloy with advanced laser welding, this durable pet door is made to last. A slide-in metal panel adds security, while a dust strip keeps debris and small animals out. This dog door is a win-win: it looks great and gives your pet access to their play area as they please, all while keeping your home more comfortable.
BEST ENERGY EFFICIENT
Ideal Pet Products Air Seal Pet Door with Telescoping Frame
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Dual-pane LEXAN panels for excellent insulation
No harm to pets’ ears, paws, and tails
Energy efficient
All necessary components for installation
Secure locking system
Transparent panels
But…
Only comes in white color
Now you can give your pet easy access to the outdoors while keeping your home insulated, thanks to the Ideal Pet Products Air Seal Pet Door with Telescoping Frame. One of the best dog doors for cold weather, it features dual-pane LEXAN hard panels separated by an air gap, ensuring top-notch thermal protection and wind resistance. The 10 ¼ x 15 ¾-inch flap size is great for dogs up to 90 pounds, giving your furry friend a safe and comfortable way to get in and out.
This door is built to last and is super easy to use, and it even has a spring-loaded locking slide for extra security and peace of mind. Compatible with doors 1 ¼ to 1 ¾ inches thick, this pet door is easy to install and comes with everything you need for a seamless setup.
Best Collar-Activated
PetSafe Smart Dog Door
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Automatic operation
Can be programmed to recognize up to five pets
Battery operated
Customize entry/exit permissions
Ease of use
But…
Batteries will need replacement
The PetSafe Smart Dog Door introduces a new level of convenience to pet parenting. This door uses a collar sensor to grant your pet selective access, automatically locking after each use to ensure safety and peace of mind. If you live somewhere with wildlife movement or are concerned about security, this is the perfect solution.
The door can set up to five Electronic Pet Door Keys, which is great for families with more than one pet because it lets all of your pets go where they want without your help. Battery-operated with 4 D-cell batteries, it functions even during power outages, ensuring uninterrupted access and reliability when your pet needs it most.
Best Budget-friendly
Trixie Pet Products 2-Way Locking Dog Door
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Suitable for medium to extra-large dogs
2-way locking system
Transparent flap
Silent operation
Comes with a removable, lockable panel
Cost-effective
But…
Lacks advanced features like energy-efficient insulation or auto-lock
This two-way locking dog door from Trixie Pet Products is designed for medium to extra-large dogs up to 95 pounds. The transparent, flexible flap allows your pet to see through easily while quietly closing to avoid disturbing your household. There is also a removable, lockable panel, which is great for keeping out stray animals and protecting your home from harsh weather.
Installing this dog door is straightforward, with a cutting template, detailed instructions, and all hardware included. Its durable plastic frame and sturdy metal base ensure long-lasting performance, while the tunnel element accommodates doors 0.5 to 1.25 inches thick.
Best All-weather
Ideal Pet Products The All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Door
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Built to handle both hot and cold climates
Double vinyl flap design creates an air pocket
Made from energy-efficient structural foam molded plastic
Available in different sizes
Optional wall kit is available separately
Straightforward installation
But…
Color limitation: only available in white
The Ideal Pet Products All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Door is designed to keep your home comfortable year-round. This extreme weather dog door for walls (you can buy the optional wall kit separately), as well as doors, is built to withstand both scorching heat and freezing winters, thanks to its innovative double vinyl flap design. The air pocket between the flaps provides maximum insulation for a comfortable home.
Constructed from energy-efficient structural foam molded plastic, this durable door is built to withstand various weather conditions. The adjustable frame means this door will fit most standard doors (from ¾-inch to 1 ¾-inch thick) and makes installation quick and easy.
Best Easy Installation
PET MOMENT Pet Flap Door
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Designed for a simple, four-step installation
Two-way locking system
Made from weather-resistant plastic
Tunnel extension option
Available in three sizes
Fits different door types
But…
Not insulated for extreme weather
Installing a pet door has never been easier — this Pet Moment pet flap door can be set up in just four simple steps. With a provided cutting template and installation guide, all you need to do is mark, cut, drill, and secure. Whether you’re adding it to a wooden, metal, or PVC door, the process is hassle-free, perfect for DIYers. Plus, the optional tunnel extension allows for easy fitting on thicker doors.
This pet door lets your furry friend choose when to come and go while keeping your home secure, and the two-way locking system lets you control access. Available in three sizes, its weather-resistant plastic makes sure you’ll get use out of it for a long time.
Best for Screen Doors
PETLESO Dog Door for Screen Door
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Specifically designed for screen doors, windows, and mesh areas
Automatic closing flap
Lockable for security
Made from sturdy ABS plastic
Easy installation
Compact and space-saving
But…
Can only be used for mesh doors
Transform your screen door into a gateway for your furry companions with the Petleso dog door. This handy little door lets your small and medium dogs go outside without you having to lift a finger. It’s made just for screen doors, so you don’t have to worry about complicated installations or changes.
The built-in magnetic closure ensures the flap snaps shut after each use, while the two sliding locks provide extra security. Crafted from durable ABS plastic and featuring a charming paw design, this door is both functional and cute. Installation is straightforward, with included screws and a handy manual.
BEST ALUMINIUM
Petoasis Heavy Duty Aluminum Dog Door
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Superior durability
Weatherproof design
Enhanced security
Rust resistance
Removable insulation
Flap replacement service
But…
More expensive than plastic doggy doors
Built to last a long time, this heavy-duty dog door from Petoasis is made entirely from aluminum, making it a sturdier alternative to plastic doors. Its frame won’t rust, so it will last for years without breaking or warping. You can keep cold drafts, rain, and even bugs out of your home with the three-layer magnetic flap design.
It keeps your house at the right temperature, thanks to an extra insulation layer, so you won’t feel any drafts. And for those times you need a little extra security? Just lock it from either side. Petoasis even offers a flap replacement service to reduce long-term maintenance costs.
How We Chose the Best Dog Doors
At DogTime, our experts curated this list of the best dog doors by assessing factors such as safety and insulation features, durable materials, sturdy construction, ease of installation, and overall price. They further consulted with industry professionals to gain more insight into the top-selling products and read “dog car seat” Amazon user reviews to bring our readers the clearest view. When you choose one of our recommended products, you can rest assured that you’re making an informed purchase from the best brands available on the market.
FAQ
What is the disadvantage of a doggie door?
One possible problem with a dog door is that it could let animals you don’t want in, like skunks or rats. It can also let in drafts, dirt, or pests, which could affect your home’s energy efficiency and cleanliness, especially in extreme weather conditions.
What is the proper name for a doggy door?
While “doggy door” is commonly used, “pet door” or “pet flap” is a more inclusive term as it encompasses all types of pets, not just dogs.
Are doggy doors still a thing?
Yes, doggy doors are still popular today. Pet doors give your furry friends the freedom to go outside whenever they want, and newer designs are even better — more secure and energy-efficient! Lots of pet owners still use them for the convenience and freedom they provide.
Why won’t my dog use the doggy door?
Your dog may not use the doggy door due to fear, confusion, or discomfort. It could be hesitant about the flap’s noise, size, or movement. Try training with positive reinforcement or adjusting the door’s size and design for easier use.
Should I leave my doggie door open at night?
It’s generally not recommended to leave the doggie door open at night for security reasons. Unwanted animals or intruders could enter. If you want to provide nighttime access, consider using a doggy door with a secure, lockable feature.
Is it safe to have a doggie door?
Dog doors generally offer a safe and convenient way for your pet to come and go. It is important to choose a high-quality door with good security, though, and to take steps to keep stray animals from getting into your home.
Why are pet doors so expensive?
Pet doors can vary in price depending on several factors. High-quality materials like sturdy metals and energy-efficient insulation can make a door more expensive. Features like multiple flaps for better weatherproofing or electronic controls also add to the cost. Don’t forget about installation! Cutting into walls and ensuring a proper fit can sometimes require professional help, which adds to the overall price.
Is it better to put a dog door in the wall or the door?
Choosing between a wall or door installation depends on your home’s layout and needs. A wall installation gives you more options, especially for bigger pets. A door installation, on the other hand, is simpler and cheaper. Consider space, security, and weather protection.
Do dog doors leak?
Some dog doors, especially older models or those with poor seals, can leak air and moisture. To keep your home warm and draft-free, look for doors with weatherstripping, insulated panels, and multiple flaps.
