Stop Being Your Pup’s Gate Keeper With The Best Dog Doors

Most dog parents care about making their dog a happy family member, and there are a number of helpful hacks that can be done to achieve that. From comfy dog beds and durable dog tasty treats  – nothing is too much for your best buddy. When it comes to your pet’s freedom of movement and avoiding indoor potty accidents, dog doors are one of the easiest ways to go about it.

Dog doors allow you to go about your daily business or even to rest comfortably, knowing that your puppy can simply go outside whenever nature calls, as well as come back in without the need for your interference and constant gatekeeping. Likewise, when your pooch wants to go outside and play while you’re busy, they can do so on their own. If you’re looking for the best dog doors available on Amazon, take a look at this list of our favorite picks.

Best Dog Doors to Consider

Before you decide which dog door is the best option for your home, there are several factors to think about.

Firstly, decide where you want to install the dog door. Front or back entrance? Door or wall installation? Depending on that decision, you’ll be able to choose between several dog door types.

The traditional option is a flag pet door which features a hanging flap to cover the opening. It’s easy for your dog to use these, and they can be mounted on both internal and external entrances. Other options include plastic and metal doors, usually an opening with a separate cover. These doors allow you to create an opening when you want to, but you can also keep it completely shut when needed.

The most common version is a door-mounted pet door, designed to be positioned in the lower portion of a standard metal or wooden door. A wall-mounted dog door is another option, intended for installation inside a hole cut into an exterior wall of your house. Normally, these are thicker and deeper than door-mounted models, but they can also be more difficult to install.

Next, you can opt for sliding dog doors, which fit into the gap created by partially opened sliding glass doors, which are normally quite easy to install but can also be pricier. It’s worth noting that this type of pet door makes the glass sliding door inoperable for people.

There’s also an electronic option to consider. Some electronic dog doors open and close automatically, others restrict access via programming options, and some get triggered by ships that can be installed in your pet’s collar.

Size is an important factor as well. Don’t forget to measure your doggy’s height and width and add a minimum of two inches to those measurements to ensure that your pet can actually walk through the dog door without getting stuck or injured.

Climate can play a role in your decision, too. If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions where even your pup needs a good dog jacket, it’s likely that you need to keep an eye on large heating or cooling bills. In such cases, it does pay off to invest in a more energy-efficient dog door. Many versions feature double flaps that reduce airflow when your pooch comes in and out of the house. Plus, the flaps can help block drafts and snow from getting in. If you opt for thicker flaps with magnetic seals, the moving panel will lock better against the door when it’s not being used.

PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Dog Door

As a great all-rounder, we recommend these aluminum dog doors that can be mounted in wood, PVC, and metal doors. This version is designed for medium-sized dogs, but there are other sizes available catering to small, large, and extra-large pets. The aluminum frame is very durable, so you shouldn’t have any issues with daily doggy-style wear and tear, and the pricing is great for the quality.

The door features a tinted single-flap design with self-closing magnets, ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. The flap is lightweight enough even for smaller dogs to push through. When you want to restrict your pet’s access to the outdoors or keep other animals from coming in, you can simply use the slide-in closing panel.

Plus, the installation process won’t cause you too much fuss, as the cutting template, instructions, and installation hardware are all included in the package. You’ll be able to stop worrying about schedules and nature calls while your four-legged friends come and go on their own time.

Pros:

• Durable and sturdy aluminum frame
• Tinted flap design with self-closing magnets
• Slide-in panel for access restriction
• Lightweight flap is not too heavy for smaller dog breeds
• Suitable for wood, PVC, and metal doors
• Easy to install with detailed instructions
• Good value for money

Cons:

• Single-flap isn’t the best option for those who live in cold or windy weather conditions
• The bolts in the package are plastic rather than metal

Baboni Pet Door for Wall

If you don’t have the option of installing dog doors into your entrance or side door, this wall-mounted version is a great alternative. You can choose between four different sizes, from small to extra large, depending on your pup’s size. Although installation can be more complicated, there’s a cut-out template and step-by-step instructions included in the package. If you’re still unsure, you can always hire a contractor to do it for you.

The door frame is designed with a metal laser welding process and high-quality steel aluminum alloy oxidation for optimal durability, security, and thermal insulation. It features a double-flap that takes care of weatherproofing and energy efficiency, as well as protection against extreme weather conditions. The slide-in closing panel offers additional insulation and security, allowing you to restrict your doggo’s ventures to the great outdoors or to block other curious visitors from peeking in.

Pros:

• Great alternative when entrance door installation is not an option
• Double-flap design provides better insulation
• Slide-in panel for access control
• Cut-out templates and instructions included for easy installation
• Available in four different sizes
• Durable steel aluminum frame

Cons:

• It’s pricey
• Installation requires considerable skill

PetSafe Extreme Weather Dog Door

For those who live in harsh climates, insulation is of utmost importance. This dog door is one of the best-insulated versions on the market, featuring a three-flap system and providing up to three times better insulation than single-flap designs. The flaps are adjustable and flexible, with a magnetic seal to keep the weather and annoying draft outside where they belong.

The metal frame is durable with reinforced aluminum corners and can handle even households with multiple pets. There’s a sturdy slide-in closing panel that helps control your dog’s access and keeps stray animals outside. Installation is not too complex and works in most exterior doors, including panel, wood, PVC, and metal doors. Four size options are there, so you can pick the one that suits your doggy best.

Pros:

• Durable metal frame
• Three-flap energy-efficient design for optimal insulation
• Magnetic latch keeps the flap from swinging
• Available in small and large sizes
• Slide-in closing panel keeps stray animals away
• Suitable for panel, wood, PVC, and metal doors
• 1-year warranty

Cons:

• The screws that run through the bars and flaps could be tougher
• The flaps could be improved with a heavier-weighted magnet at the bottom
• It’s expensive

Ideal Pet Products Aluminum Modular Dog Patio Door

These dog doors are an excellent choice for owners who want to give their pets a chance to go in and out of a sliding patio door. Installation is easier than with classic versions, as you simply need to place the panel in the track of your sliding door using the included hardware to secure the door in place. You can choose between white and silver colors to suit your home’s decor. The height is adjustable for standard aluminum sliding patio door sizes.

The door is made from sturdy aluminum with clear tempered safety glass and a single-flap design. It features a rust and corrosion-resistant finish for enhanced durability. There’s also an animal lock-out slider that allows you to lock the pet door if you wish. Even though this product is expensive, you’ll get a durable, safe, and energy-efficient dog door.

Pros:

• Designed for your sliding patio door
• Adjustable height for standard patio door sizes
• Sturdy aluminum frame with clear tempered safety glass
• Lock-out slider for access control
• Installation video and user manual provided
• Very easy to install

Cons:

• Makes the existing sliding door somewhat less operable
• Insulation is not sufficient for colder climates

SureFlap – Sure Petcare Microchip Pet Flap Door

If you want a completely hassle-free dog door solution, consider investing in this SureFlap Microchip Pet Door. It uses your pet’s implanted microchip to open the door and eliminates the possibility of any other unwanted animal visitors sneaking through. It’s a great choice for owners of multiple pets or those who don’t have time to monitor their pet’s location. In case your doggo doesn’t have an implanted microchip, you can also purchase programmable collar tags for authorization, but they’re not included in this package.

The device uses four AA non-rechargeable alkaline batteries, which can last up to 12 months, depending on use. There’s a flashing red light that indicates when the batteries are low and will soon need replacement.

Unfortunately, this door is only available in small size, making it unusable for medium-sized and large dogs. However, it can be installed in doors, windows, and walls, and if you have a small puppy or a cat, it’s an excellent choice that solves all your outdoor potty access and security issues.

Pros:

• Selective entry reads your dog’s ID microchip
• Great for keeping other animals out
• Easy to install and program
• Works with 9 (Avid Secure), 10 (FDXA), and 15 (FDXB) digit microchip numbers
• Can be installed in doors, windows, or walls – accessories are available from SureFlap
• Battery powered with low battery indicator light
• 3-year warranty

Cons:

• Batteries and programmable collar tags are not included in the package
• Only suitable for small dogs and cats (under 50 pounds)
• It’s quite expensive

Frequently Asked Questions

Can other animals or burglars get through the dog doors?

If you choose to install electronic dog doors, then only your pet can come inside. With other versions, it’s still possible for other pets, animals, and insects to get through. Most dogs are quite territorial and won’t let other animals come in easily, but the possibility still exists.

When it comes to human intruders, small and medium-sized dog door is too small for people to get through, but if you have a large dog door, that may be enough space for a burglar to crawl in. However, most thieves will be worried about the size of the dog they might run into if they try to enter. Again, electronic doors are the safest option in this case, as they will only unlock for your own pet.

How can I train my pup to use the dog door?

Most dogs are smart enough to learn how to use the door very quickly, and it’s often a fairly intuitive activity. You can help them learn by propping the door open and using some mini dog treats to lure your pooch through, and simply repeat the process until your doggo becomes familiar and comfortable with it. After that, you do the same, but leave the door closed this time around.

Do dog doors leak water into the house?

Not all dog doors are made equal, and many of them will leak some amount of water into your home because they do not seal completely airtight. Even if they seal fairly well, when they get exposed to the wet weather elements, you may notice flaws in the “weather-tight barriers”. If you live in extreme weather conditions and are worried about insulation and water leaks, opt for the most energy-efficient dog doors you can find.

Why Trust Us

Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.