Our Dog Flap Roundup – All You Need to Know
If you’re a dog owner – we’ve all been there. You’ve been at work all day, 8 hours on your feet or sat behind a desk, your patience has been stretched and you just can’t wait to get home and relax.
You walk in through the door and your pet pooch is sat, looking at you with guilty eyes.
As you approach the kitchen, it suddenly becomes clear why your dog has guilty eyes – your kitchen floor has been used as toilet!
Automatic Dog Flap and Dog Doors
Well with automatic dog door – this can all be alleviated! Your pooch will have the ability to come and go as they please, safely and securely!
We have reviewed the very best dog flap and dog door available today – bringing you the best in tech (some of these wonderful pet door have wireless keys that are attached to a dogs collar to enable automatic opening and closing), suitable for all breeds and sizes.
Electronic Dog Flap
As you’ve probably already guessed, there are also some great electronic automatic dog doors, it needs to be. In our roundup below, we cover an array of dog doors, large size, small size for small dogs and everything in between.
We’ve also taken into consideration the following:
- Whether or not the door is weather resistant
- Is it easy installation?
- Is it an electronic pet door?
Take the guess work out of choosing your dog door and read our full guide below.
Our top 8 Best Dogdoors – Ranked and Reviewed
Last update on 2024-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to choose the best dog flap for you. Naturally, your choice will depend upon several factors – these include:
- Where are you going to install your dog flap?
- What breed and size is your dog? This will determine the size of pet door you require.
- Do you want to have it available to your dog at all times or at particular times of the day?
- What are your security requirements?
As you’d expect, there are hundreds of dog doors available. All of them designed in different ways, with different specifications.
Some dog doors are designed to be installed to your existing backdoor, other can fit into patio doors or even walls.
Keep reading below to get an in-depth review of each of the dog flaps we have outlined above. This will help you decide on what item is most suitable for you and your pet pooch(es).
#1 SureFlap Microchip Pet Door – Perfect for Small Dogs
IF YOU HAVE A SMALLER BREED OF DOG, THERE SIMPLY IS NO BETTER ELECTRONIC DOG DOOR TO CHOOSE FROM. THIS IS OUR #1 PICK IN OUR BEST DOG FLAPS ROUNDUP!
- MICROCHIP AND RFID COLLAR TAG IDENTIFICATION: Opens for your pet’s unique microchip ID or Sure Petcare RFID Collar Tag
- SELECTIVE ENTRY: Prevents intruder animals from entering your home
- CURFEW MODE: Automatically lock and unlock at a specific time, great for keeping your pet indoors for an upcoming vet visit
- GREAT FOR LARGE CATS AND SMALL DOGS: Larger than a traditional cat flap, so that larger pets are able to explore too (opening size of W:178mm x H:170mm)
- EASY TO INSTALL: Can be installed into a door, window or walls (fitting accessories sold separately)
Last update on 2024-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
With over 2,000 impartial reviews, with the vast majority being overwhelmingly positive – you simply will not find a better lockable dog flap or electronic dog door!
BUT there is a small issue and that is, if you have a larger breed dog, it’s not a suitable dog door for you.
However, if you’re the owner of a smaller breed of dog, this bit of kit is simply AMAZING AND ONE OF THE BEST AUTOMATIC DOG DOOR AVAILABLE!
If your dog is already micro-chipped – BRILLIANT! This wonderful dog flap works with your pet’s existing microchip – keeping out dogs that don’t belong to your household and allowing your dog the freedom to come and go safely and securely. of the better electronic dog flaps.
You can even program it, it has a curfew mode that will lock and unlock the door at specific times making it safe and secure.
It also looks great – you can tell that the SureFlap has been designed by experts to ensure seamless integration into your home.
PROS
- WORKS WITH ALL MICROCHIPS WORLDWIDE
- CURFEW MODE
- EXTRA LONG BATTERY LIFE
- SLEEK DESIGN
- CAN BE INSTALLED INTO DOORS, GLASS AND WALLS!
- KEEPS INTRUDER ANIMALS OUT
CONS
- ONLY SUITABLE FOR SMALLER BREEDS OF DOG
With over 2000 positive reviews, this dog flap really is an impressive piece of kit. Check out some of the reviews below:
This electronic dog door does a brilliant job. So many options available. Reliable in operation. Batteries last well beyond the suggested time. We’ve never bought better pet products. Best dog door flap ever!
After having had severe problems with a standard flap with a weak magnet from another manufacturers frame that left the flap swinging back and forth in any slight breeze, I turned to this dog door flap in desperation. It has solved all my dog problems.
What’s not to love about this electronic dog door?
#2 PetSafe Selective Entry SmartDoor
OVER 2000 REVIEWS ON AMAZON FOR THIS LARGE DOG FLAP!
- SELECTIVE ENTRY – The PetSafe SmartDoor only unlocks once a unique collar key has been detected, stopping unwanted animals and strays from getting into your home
- MULTI PET HOMES – The SmartDoor will unlock for up to 5 programmed SmartKeys, making it ideal for multi-pet homes (Not WiFi/App Enabled)
- CONVENIENT – Unlocking exclusively for your pets, the SmartDoor relieves owners of constant supervision whilst giving Pets the freedom they love ; Fits door 3.8 cm – 5 cm thick or 18.5 cm or more with additional extension tunnels
- PROGRAMMABLE MODES – Providing the ultimate in flexibility the SmartDoor be adapted to Automatic, Locked and Unlocked, giving owners full control over their Pets boundaries
- WARRANTY – The PetSafe Smart Door includes a 3 year manufacturer’s Warranty
Last update on 2024-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Much like the previous Dog flap, this is a HIGH TECH automatic flap, that is locked and only unlocks once your dogs unique collar key has been detected. Clearly one of the better dog doors available today.
This automatic dog door once again stops unwanted dogs, cats and other animals from gaining access to your home.
What sets this dog flap apart from others on this list is the fact that you can have unique keys for up-to 5 dogs or pets – making it a massive win for owners that have more than one dog or cat.
You can also turn the “automatic” bit off – if you want the door flap locked, it remains locked – want it unlocked, set it to unlocked, it’s as simple as that.
It’s a larger dog flap, supporting a multitude of dog breeds – right up-to pets that weigh 45kg!
PROS
- SUPPORTS LARGER BREEDS
- ENERGY EFFICIENT, INSULATED FLAP
- PROGRAM UP TO 5 DOGS FOR ACCESS
- WATERPROOF SMARTKEY INCLUDED
- MULTI-POINT LOCKING PANEL SYSTEM
- ELECTRONIC DOG DOOR
- HIGH TECH FOR YOUR HOUSE
CONS
- ONLY ONE BELL INCLUDED, NEED A BELL PER DOG
- A LITTLE BIT MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OTHERS
Here’s a highlight from some of the many reviews available on Amazon:
This is my 2nd one it’s a very good quality electric dog door! Quick to install, I’ve 2 30 months old Labrador’s who bound threw it at great speed, the 1st survived 26 months then it wouldn’t work, I don’t use the collar tags just leave it open. One of the best pet products we’ve ever purchased.
Really effective dog door for larger dogs. Labrador and Bernese in and out like Yo-yo’s. Wind / weather resistant too.
Access to the garden when we are out has transformed my dog from a house trashing machine into a flower eating machine… No better microchip pet door. Best dog door bar none.
#3 Dog Mate Dog Door
- Spacious Freedom, Secure Control: Perfect for dogs up to 18 inches shoulder height, like spaniels, terriers, poodles, and beagles. Cats can also enjoy hassle-free access!
- Controlled Movements, Enhanced Security: This sturdy, lockable dog door allows you to manage your dog’s movements, ensuring they get fresh air, toilet breaks, and outdoor exploration, all while maintaining security.
- Robust Security Features: The locking panel provides robust security and communicates clearly to your dog when the door is locked. Silent action and a vision panel enhance the overall experience.
- All-Weather Performance: Enjoy draught- and weather-proof protection with a fully brush-sealed flap featuring a magnetic closure, complemented by a rain-proof seal.
- Adaptable Installation: Self-lining to 50mm thickness makes it ideal for all doors and walls. For walls over 50mm, use a 2mm thick plastic sheet. Installation compatible with UPVC/metal doors, walls, and wooden doors
Last update on 2024-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is another automatic dog door that has thousands of reviews and this is actually an ‘Amazon Bestseller’.
First things first, it’s a cheap electronic dog door (at the time of writing – it’s less than £30) and is available in 2 different sizes: Medium and Small. That ultimately means it’s not suitable for larger dogs.
It’s a “no frills” automatic dog door. It’s budget friendly and has some fantastic reviews and it performs well, is water proof, silent and lightweight.
It’s not as beautiful in its design as other dog doors but that’s not always important to purchasers – we’ll let you be the judge.
PROS
- AVAILABLE IN SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZES
- LIGHTWEIGHT
- RAINPROOF
- SILENT
CONS
- NOT SUITABLE FOR LARGER BREEDS
- NOT AS AESTHETICALLY PLEASING AS OTHER FLAPS
Here’s a highlight from some of the thousands of reviews available on Amazon:
After studying reviews for dog doors I opted for this dog door in a size medium for my 25lb Tibetan Terrier. My partner fit the dog door and it took a couple of hours but apart from initially taping the frame to the dog door upside down – doh – it was quite straight forward. As pictured the screws are too long and need to be cut down to size but our TT was using the flap confidently within 24 hours and loves her freedom. We ‘lock’ the dog door at night so she cannot go out and bark and she can easily tell when it’s blocked.
I’ve had a competitor’s make of dog door fitted for year’s now but my new puppy would not use it because it had two moving parts (the semi transparent flap and a outside section which also moved) and the noise of them moving scared her. Reviewers of this dog door stated that it was quieter and only the semi transparent flap swung open.
So I decided to give this one ago and it’s great because from the moment it was fitted she used it with no encouragement from us.
It is much better quality than other types of dog flaps we have fitted, much quieter and draft proof.
Really recommend this one.
#4 PetSafe Extreme Weather Dog Door
- MAXIMUM ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Unique three-flap system is more energy efficient than traditional single-flap doors
- ADDITIONAL INSULATION: Great for hot and cold climates, the central insulated flap helps keep extreme warm and cool air outside of your home
- CONTROL YOUR PET’S ACCESS: A snap on the closing panel keeps your pet from using the door; use a second closing panel (sold separately) for an additional layer of weather protection
- DO-IT-YOURSELF INSTALLATION: Easily fits into standard-size panelled, wood, metal and PVC doors 1 5/8 in. – 2 1/4 in. thick
- QUALITY GUARANTEED: PetSafe brand has been a trusted global leader in pet behaviour, containment and lifestyle innovations for nearly 30 years; we help pets and their people to live happily together
Last update on 2024-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The first dog door on our list that is available in 3 different sizes: Small, medium and large – meaning it’s suitable for almost any size of dog! Making it one of few dog doors on this list that are suitable for all breed and size of dog.
It’s priced somewhere in between a cheap dog door and an expensive dog door, making it great value for money.
It’s a ‘3-flap’ system offering pet owners protection from the outside elements. It’s incredibly energy efficient – 3.5x higher than standard single flap dog doors.
Again, this dog door has literally hundreds of impartial reviews (making it one of the best dog doors and placing high on this list), leaving you confident should you choose to purchase.
The 3 sizes available support the following weights (make sure you choose the correct size for your mutt):
- Small: for pets up-to 7kg
- Medium: for pets up-to 18kg
- Large: for pets up-to 45kg
PROS
- BUDGET FRIENDLY
- 3 SIZES AVAILABLE
- DURABLE
- 3-FLAP SYSTEM PROTECTING AGAINST THE WEATHER
- FITS MOST DOORS
- SNAP ON CLOSING PANEL
CONS
- BOG STANDARD DESIGN
Here’s a highlight from some of the many reviews available on Amazon:
So overall, this is one of the best dog doors we’ve ever had and definitely worth the money and after some gentle, patient, treat orientated persuasion my border terrier went through it! (Took all afternoon to get her to push through it on her own but she never says no to a bit of cheese to chase after!)
Fantastic dog door. Quick enough flap to install, with a little basic DIY skill and the right tools. Great Pet door!
#5 PetSafe Sliding Glass Pet Door
- Easily assemble 2 pieces into a full-size pet door to give your pet access through your sliding glass door with no cutting or drilling; Automatically adjusts to fit in doors 194 to 205 cm tall
- The temporary installation option is ideal for apartments or rental properties; Detailed installation instructions and hardware included
- Strong, white aluminium frame with tempered glass to withstand heavy use
- Includes 2 latch kits to lock sliding glass door for security
- Weather stripping, glass sweep and slide-in closing panel included for weather resistance; closing panel also keeps pet from using door or to close off opening when not in use
Last update on 2024-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a premium dog door (all be it, not an electronic dog door) – suitable for all dog breeds and sizes due to it being available in small, medium and large (make sure you choose the correct size for your dog).
It’s biggest selling point is the fact that no cutting is required and it’s very easy to install with an adjustable height to fit any door frame. You can even take this dog door with you if you move home.
How does a sliding glass pet door work we hear you cry? It’s as simple as this:
- The pet door fits into the top and bottom tracks of your existing sliding glass door
- Your sliding dog door opens and closes as usual
- An included lock allows you to securely lock your sliding glass door
- Included weather-proofing materials provide energy efficiency
Check out the video below to see just how easy installation is:
PROS
- EASY INSTALL
- HIGH QUALITY
- SUITABLE FOR ALL DOG BREEDS
- EXTREMELY DURABLE
- TAKE IT WITH YOU IF YOU MOVE HOME
- sliding glass door
CONS
- IT'S EXPENSIVE
Here’s a highlight from some of the many reviews available on Amazon:
My dog now has their own living room at the basement. He learned how to use the sliding door immediately. Though our dog and us live in Spain, it was so much cheaper Amazon from the UK that the Spanish Amazon. The sliding door was too tall for our window but we had it cut, no problem about it. We are very happy and satisfied.
It fits into door no trouble and the dog took one look at it and started using. Had to remove the mag strip at the bottom though as too heavy for the dog.
#6 PetSafe Staywell, Aluminium Pet Door, Dog Doors
- SOLID DESIGN – constructed with a sturdy Aluminium frame and featuring a hard wearing, Flexible Flap, the Aluminium Pet Door is ideal for homes with multiple Pets and can withstand even the most energetic of pets
- EASY FITTING –The provided Cutting Template and flexible plastic screws provide a flush and precise finish through Wood, PVC, Metal and Brick
- MANUAL LOCKING – Allowing owners to control the movements of their Pets, the Aluminium Pet Door features a sliding Closing Panel, allowing you to keep Pets inside and harsh weather out
- WEATHER AND DRAFT PROTECTION – The magnetic flap closure, pile weather stripping and the slide-in closing panel reduce drafts and weather exposure.
- WARRANTY – The PetSafe Staywell Aluminium Pet Door includes a 3 year manufacturer’s warranty
Last update on 2024-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This dog door is available in 4 sizes (make sure you choose the right size for your pooch):
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Extra Large
Constructed from aluminum with a hard wearing flexible flap, making it incredibly durable, suitable for even the most enthusiastic of dogs!
The PetSafe Staywell gives your pet pooch the Freedom and independence to wander inside and outside as they please – returning to the comfort of their homes as and when they feel like it.
Because of its sturdy aluminum frame, the door is kept firmly in place.
PROS
- REINFORCED
- MAGNETIC CLOSURE
- FOR PETS UP TO 100KG!!!
- LOW NOISE
- QUICK FIT
CONS
- NOT AUTOMATIC
#7 PETCUTE Dog Door
- Size – Dog Cat Door For Window / Screen Door- External frame 16.5″ x 14.6″/ Flap Size 14.2″ x 12.2″, suitable for small medium large size pet dog cat. Please check the pet size before purchasing.
- Magnetic Flap Closures – Auto-close when the pets left, and seals to prevent mosquitoes or other insets from entering. Besides,it includes sliding lock to control your pet’s access allow your pet come in and go out at will.
- Durable – Made of strong ABS material and premium nylon net, the frame is solid and durable. Easy to fit, high temperature resistant, not easy to deform.
- Easy To Install – The Frame mounts directly through any standard screen door to provide a convenient entrance for your pet. Suitable for all doors, panels and walls: universal American and European markets Window / Screen Door. Easy to operate, secure with screws(included), and cut off the middle gauze. Just operate according to the instructions.
- Practical: Suitable for cats & small/medium/large dogs, fits all doors, windows, panels and ect.
Last update on 2024-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
PROS
- EASY TO INSTALL
- MAGNETIC FLAP CLOSURE
- DURABLE
CONS
- NOT AUTOMATIC
#8 PetSafe Aluminium Wall Entry Pet
- Gives your pet inside or outside access through any interior or exterior wall instead of a front or back door
- Telescoping tunnel for easy installation in walls with no framing materials required; Detailed installation instructions, cutting template and hardware included
- Double flap system and tunnel create air pocket to help protect your home from weather and drafts
- Slide-in closing panel included to keep pet from using the pet door, to close off opening when not in use and for weather resistance
- For installation in interior or exterior walls 4 3/4″ to 7 1/4″ thick; Installation in thicker walls up to 12″ require the Wall Entry Pet Door Extension Tunnel (sold separately)
Last update on 2024-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
As the name suggests, this is the ideal cavity wall dog flap. When you don’t want to ruin your doors this is an ideal option and it looks and functions brilliantly.
If you want to use internally it’s also possible, i.e. maybe from a utility through to the main house but don’t want a dog flap for internal door.
PROS
- Telescoping tunnel
- Double flap system
- CUTTING TEMPLATE
CONS
- NOT AUTOMATIC
Frequently Asked Questions
Are your List of Best Dog Flaps safe?
We’re in 2020 and we can tell you with confidence that dog doors are safe and secure. There’s no need to panic about thief’s, intruders or stray animals getting access to your home.
Modern day dog flaps are equipped with some great technology including locks, magnets and microchips to recognise only your pet pooch.
However, for complete transparency, there are some insurance companies that may increase their premiums with the addition of one our best dog flaps.
Can you Install Dog Flaps Onto a Glass Surface?
A surprising amount of the best dog flaps on our list have been designed specifically to be installed into glass and/or come with an installation kit. The install can be handled by even the most DIY shy dog owners!
Are They Expensive to Install?
Expensive? Not at all – they’re DIY, so the only cost is a small amount of your time! Everything you need (in our Best Dog Door roundup) is included with the door you’re ordering 🙂
