The Best Dog Doors
The beauty of a dog door is simple: it allows your pup access to the outdoors without you having to manually let your dog in and out. Don't get us wrong — one of the best parts of sharing a life with a dog is romping about outside together. However, on days where you're pressed for time or your dog just wants to laze outside in the sunshine, it can be a wonderful thing to have a dog door. We rounded up a few of our favorite dog doors to help make your search easier, so read on to find your favorite.
What to Look For
While you search for the right dog door for your home, we suggest asking yourself three important questions: Will this dog door provide your dog the level of freedom and access that you’re hoping for? Is it well-suited to the climate and weather conditions of the area you live in? And crucially, will it be easy to install in your home? With those questions guiding us, we rounded up a few of our favorite dog doors. We loved PetSafe’s side-entry door because it’s simple, energy-efficient, and compatible with a wide variety of materials. But it isn’t as sturdy as BarksBar’s door, which features a two-way self-locking side panel that allows you to restrict its use when you want to. To learn more about these and our other top picks, simply read on.
PetSafe Wall Entry Pet Door
PetSafe’s wall-entry pet door has a variety of benefits that makes this the top choice for a dog door. First, wall entry pet doors have the bonus of working with a wall situation, which is fantastic when the entry or side door is not ideal for the installation of a dog door. Second, the design of this product keeps energy efficiency in mind, a common worry among those in the dog door market. And with controlled access, you’ll be able to fully control your pet’s access to both the indoors and outdoors.
Pros:
- This wall entry pet door can be installed into wood and most types of siding, including stucco and brick walls.
- If your walls are too thick to be compatible with this door, extension kits are available (though they’re sold separately).
Cons:
- The vinyl flap is not a hinge-style door, meaning it must bend to open and close. In colder temperatures, this can become stiff.
PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Patio Pet Door
Let it slide
This aluminum pet door is made specifically with a patio door in mind, and because there is no cutting required, this is the ideal pet door for renters or for those who live in apartment situations.
Extremely durable, this energy-efficient, adjustable frame panel sliding glass pet door is incredibly convenient for those that have the correct doorway. You’ll need sliding tracks as seen with most patio doors, and beyond some measuring and quick installation, you’ll have a door that allows your dog to move in and out freely. Made from weather-resistant aluminum and tempered glass that’s shatter-resistant, the magnetic closure helps provide your pet with independence while keeping weather and bugs outside where they belong.
Pros:
- If you decide to remove the door someday, it’s easy to do so.
- It comes in a variety of colors and sizes, so it shouldn’t be hard to find a pick that fits your home and looks good, too.
Cons:
- This might have been our favorite if it wasn’t for one major drawback: it only fits track patio doors.
BarksBar Original Dog Door
Got it on lock
This sturdy, well-made dog door by BarksBar is an ideal dog door for those who want a more traditional-style pet door but with some essential upgrades. The magnetic closure of the heavy-duty vinyl flap means that the door will not warp due to temperatures or use, while the self-locking slide panel means easy access but with the ability to restrict use when necessary.
The telescoping frame makes for an easy installation process, and due to its durability, it’ll last through multiple pets, high usage, weather, and other extremes. As a bonus, this dog door has been tested and proven to be bite- and chew-proof.
Pros:
- The installation instructions are well-written and clear, which simplifies an otherwise tricky setup process.
- When it works properly, the magnetic closures help keep the flap in place. This means air-conditioned and heated homes will waste less energy.
Cons:
- The flap does not always catch on the magnetic closure properly.
PetSafe Plastic Pet Door
PetSafe’s plastic pet door is a great option for households that have either one pet or only plan on using the pet door occasionally. This fully customizable frame has a snap-on panel that can completely restrict the use of the door when not in use. The vinyl flap is flexible, allowing for safe and comfortable entry and exit for your pet.
Pros:
- The vinyl flap door is flexible enough to provide easy access to your dog, yet it keeps bugs at bay effectively.
- The cost value here is pretty impressive when you compare it to other picks on the market.
Cons:
- Though the instructions are well-written and the installation process is straightforward, this pick does require cutting your door to accommodate it.
Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Pet Door
A penny saved
Ideal Pet Products has created a fantastic dog door that is budget-friendly. The door is offered in various sizes and features an impact-resistant frame. Not to mention, the flap is perfectly sealed thanks to the floating bottom threshold, thermoplastic telescoping frame, and flexible vinyl construction.
Installation is easy with this pick, and it comes equipped with a tamper-proof mounting system. If you’re looking for an economical yet smart pet door, this is a great option.
Pros:
- The installation process with this one is a cinch compared to many other picks. This is especially useful if you’re not super handy.
- The magnet that keeps the seal shut is reliable enough to secure the flap during heavy winds. This can’t be said for all dog doors.
Cons:
- Very tiny dogs may have a bit of trouble pushing the flap open with enough force to open it.
Our Tips and Tricks
Some folks hesitate to purchase a dog door because they worry that it will enable wild animals to enter the home. While yes, dog doors do carry the unfortunate risk of allowing wild animals indoors, this rarely happens. Wild animals tend to prefer to stay in the wild, and that’s especially true if they smell the scent of humans and dogs at the threshold of the dog door. Plus, most dog doors have a locking system that allows you to limit access. Thus, when the door is not in use (such as overnight), you can lock it, effectively keeping unwanted critters out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dog doors burglar-proof?
If you have an alarm system installed in your house, a dog door will not lessen the security of your home. Furthermore, having a dog means that would-be break-ins are much less likely to occur. The sound of a barking dog is a fantastic deterrent to any burglars.
About the Author
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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.