Electronic and automatically opening pet doors can be a good alternative for some owners and their pets compared to regular manual push to enter/exit pet doors.
Microchips and pet sensors are the common way of operating these electronic dog doors.
Although electronic dog doors sound great in theory, and they can be good value for some owners, there is no perfect product on the market – they all have some flaws.
What we’ve done in this reviews guide on the Best Electronic Dog Doors is run through the pros & cons of these top rated automatic pet doors.
You can get a good idea of whether they may or may not be for you.
Let’s have a look …
(NOTE: this is a general information guide only, and is not professional advice, or a substitute for professional advice. A qualified vet or animal expert is the only person qualified to give you expert advice in regards to your pet/s)
Best Electronic & Automatic Dog Doors
Our top picks for the best electronic and automatic pet doors are:
- SureFlap Microchip Pet Door (on Amazon) – electronic/automatic pet door for small to medium sized pets. You can buy extra pet tags (on Amazon) for extra pets to use the system
- Wall Mount Plexidor Electronic Dog Door (on Amazon) – electronic/automatic pet door for small through to large pets
- Door Mount Plexidor Electronic Dog Door (on Amazon) – electronic/automatic pet door for small through to large pets
- High Tech Power Pet Door (on Amazon) – electronic/automatic pet door for small through to large pets
Specifically for sliding doors, an electronic dog door model is:
- High Tech Pet Sliding Glass Door Pet Door, Short Height (on Amazon)
- High Tech Pet Sliding Glass Door Pet Door, Regular Height (on Amazon)
- High Tech Pet Sliding Glass Door Pet Door, Tall Height (on Amazon)
*You can add additional pets to the doors with a High Tech Pet Micro Sonic 5 Digital Transmitter Collar (on Amazon)
Other Dog Door Options
You can check out the best dog doors across different dog door types in this guide if you find that you don’t like any of the electronic dog door options.
Best Electronic & Automatic Dog Doors: Reviews
SureFlap Microchip Pet Door
It’s a microchip activated electronic pet door for multiple pets, and specifically tiny dogs and most skinny to regular sized pets.
A small automatic dog door
Can be installed in doors, windows and walls
Designed for cats, and small dogs
A pet’s shoulders shouldn’t be bigger than 6 and a half inches and the circumference of their waistline at its widest point should be no more than 20 and a quarter inches to use this door
The size of the flap on the door is 7 inches wide x 6.7 inches high
Works with an identification microchip or RFID collar tag which your pet wears
Also works with pet microchips
Wildlife and racoons should not be able to get in through the door – the door should only react to the pet wearing the collar tag
One tag is supplied with the product
Can store up to 32 pets in it’s memory system
Has a manual lock mode
You can also set the door to lock at certain times automatically
The microchip reader is on the outside of the door, so any pet can exit, but only chipped or tagged pets can enter
Comes in 2 colors – white, and brown
Door is battery powered using 4 C cell batteries. Lasts up to 1 year. Batteries not included in the kit
Door has a low battery indicator
SureFlap Pet Door Mounting Adaptor is required for glass installations
SureFlap Pet Door Tunnel Extenders may be required for wall installations
SureFlap Pet Door Mounting Adapter might be required for metal skin doors, security doors, metal garage doors, and UPVC coated metal doors if the pet door is not functioning properly with the initial installation
Drawbacks
Only for small/toy sized pets that are skinny to regular weight
The sensor system could be accurate and function when your pet is a greater distance from the door. A pet has to get their neck/face basically right up on the door for the door to open
The door opening is probably smaller than the stated measurements – keep that in mind
The door would work better if it had sensors on both sides so you can keep certain pets in the house if you want to
The door working properly can be a concern over more than 6 months
Overall
The door is OK for the smallest dogs and some cats.
It could be more accurate and have a further range with the sensor.
It could also have double sided sensors, and the door could be built to last longer.
It will work OK for some, whilst some will have issues with it.
Who Is The SureFlap MicroChip Pet Door For?
Those with tiny/toy sized dogs
Those with cats
Those with skinny to regular sized pets
Those who want an automatic pet door
Those who want a pet door for window, door and wall installation
People with multiple pet households
Who Is The SureFlap MicroChip Pet Door NOT For?
People who want a double sided sensor electronic pet door
People who want an exterior sensor with good range to recognise the pet’s key tag or microchip
People who want a super high quality and super long lasting electronic pet door
People who have anything bigger than a tiny sized dog or cat
Wall Mount Plexidor Electronic Dog Door
An automatic/electronic dog door for dogs up to 125 pounds and all cats
The wall unit pet doors can be installed into stud, brick, block or cement walls up to 12 inches thick
The opening of the door is 12 3/4 inches wide by 20 inches high
The way this door works is that it uses RFID technology where the door sensor reads the pre-programmed code in the collar key to know when to open and close the door automatically for the pet wearing it and no one else. So, other animals and wildlife are kept outside
A composite panel slides up and down when your pet enters and exits (you can adjust how long the panel stays open for)
The panel is completely secure when closed
The collars require no batteries
The waterproof collar key weighs just 0.4 ounces, and snaps onto your pet’s collar
The range of the collar to the door is 12 to 15 Inches
The system usually comes with 2 collar keys (but confirm before you buy)
The door signal wont’ interfere with a dog fence system, or a home security system
The door is pet and child safe – won’t close on and crush a pet or child if they obstruct the door and sit in the opening
The door plugs into a standard household outlet or can be hardwired
Made in the USA
Has a 5 year limited residential warranty
Comes with an aluminium tunnel that connects the interior and exterior frame
Comes in bronze and white colors
Drawbacks
Not a cheap door
Overall
Overall a great dog door for small to large pets if you want an automatic dog door
Read the full Plexidor Electronic Dog Door Review Guide here
High Tech Power Pet Door
A fully automatic/electronic pet door that can be mounted to walls or doors
Comes in 2 sizes – medium and large
Large has a door panel opening size of 12-1/4 by 16 inches, and is for pets up to 100 lbs
Overall the large door system is 40 5/8 by 16 inches in total size
Medium is for pets up to 30 pounds (with a 8-1/4″W x 10″H opening)
It is made of a strong resin material
The door is motor driven and moves up and down vertically
The door is activated by a Micro Sonic ultrasonic collar that your pet wears
The ultrasonic collar emits a highly directional signal, which is received by the microphone
The door has a directional sensor, meaning that the door should only open when you pet directly approaches the door, not just when they are passing by
The door system has 4 way access control, meaning that you can select from In Only, Out Only, Full Access or Closed/Locked
The door system has Dual range controls that let you set independent inside and outside activation distances
The door is relatively weatherproof with a weatherproof seal
The door has an automatic deadbolt lock feature
The system operates on an AC adapter (included) that plugs into a 110 volt outlet. There’s an optional backup battery (model B12V-1.3) that snaps into the battery compartment. But, you can run the system on AC only, battery only, or AC with battery backup
The door has sets of buttons on it to allow you to control the on/off, dual range activation, and 4 way access sensors
The door can be installed on any regular exterior house door up to 1-3/4 inches thick. Any thicker than that and you should build a frame or order the additional High Tech Pet Wall Adapter Tunnel or make your own additional extra framing
When installing the door system into a wall, you either need to build your own frame or get the extra High Tech Pet wall adapter
Sliding glass panel inserts come with the sliding glass patio door model packages
In the box you get a transmitter collar, an AC adapter, a pre fabricated frame, hardware and Aluminum and Tempered Glass Frame for the sliding patio door models
Relatively easy to install
Drawbacks
Not a cheap door to purchase
Like all electronic pet doors – the sensors don’t work perfect 100% of the time – your dog may have to wait patiently sometimes while the sensor picks up the collar device
The hardware could be better quality, particularly the screws. The head may strip off for some people
Not a good door for the cold weather – the door system can malfunction in cold weather and open up via the sensors which trigger the auto open feature. That, or sometimes the door won’t shut at all.
After a few years, the door can start to lose some of it’s performance. For the price, you’d expect the door to last you 5-10 years with little maintenance.
The sensors for the door are at the bottom of the door meaning that dirt, mud, snow etc. can get on them and block them if you don’t keep them clean
For thick doors and thick walls, you may want to get a professional to help you install, or, if you want a super solid installation because the hardware and frame you get with the door aren’t weak, but they aren’t the strongest
Overall
The truth is that there is no perfect automatic electronic pet door on the market. The High Tech Power Pet Door is no exception. For some people who live in mild climates, that door works fine for a period of years. But, it is not a cold or snowy climate door. For the price, you would expect the system to have much better hardware, a more beefed up frame, and for the electronics to work more accurately and reliably. You’d just expect there to be less overall cons. An OK automatic pet door, without being great.
Read the full High Tech Power Pet Door Review Guide here
High Tech Pet Sliding Glass Door Electronic Pet Doors
Electronic pet doors for installation into a sliding glass door track
Comes with the pet door, and a sliding glass door panel insert that is adjustable with a loaded spring
The patio door slides shut against the insert and may be locked with a security locking bolt.
Come in three different heights – short, regular and tall
Short height is adjustable from 75 to 77-1/2-inches high, and is 14 inches wide
Regular height is adjustable from 78-3/4 to 81-1/4-inches high, and is 14 inches wide
Tall height is adjustable from 93-3/4 to 96-inches high, and is 14 inches wide
The panel/pet door opening is 12-1/2 by 16-inch. For cats and dogs up to 100-pounds
Fits all sliding door track widths
It is made of a strong resin material
The door is motor driven and moves up and down vertically
The door is activated by a Micro Sonic ultrasonic collar that your pet wears
The ultrasonic collar emits a highly directional signal, which is received by the microphone
The door has a directional sensor, meaning that the door should only open when you pet directly approaches the door, not just when they are passing by
The door system has 4 way access control, meaning that you can select from In Only, Out Only, Full Access or Closed/Locked
The door system has Dual range controls that let you set independent inside and outside activation distances
The door is relatively weatherproof with a weatherproof seal
The door has an automatic deadbolt lock feature
The system operates on an AC adapter (included) that plugs into a 110 volt outlet. There’s an optional backup battery (model B12V-1.3) that snaps into the battery compartment. But, you can run the system on AC only, battery only, or AC with battery backup
The door has sets of buttons on it to allow you to control the on/off, dual range activation, and 4 way access sensors
In the box you get 1 Transmitter Collar, 110 volt AC Adapter, Pre-Fabricated Outside Frame, All Required Hardware, and a Aluminum and Tempered Glass Frame
Drawbacks
Not a cheap door system
Not the strongest door – made of a cheaper type of plastic. Not great as a heavy duty or higher security dog door
The sensors on the door may not work as you want them to straight away – it may take some time to get them adjusted for your needs
In general, the collar may sometimes not be picked up by the sensors – your dog may have to circle the door 2 or three times for recognition
The weatherproofing and weatherstripping on the door could be higher quality and seal better
Overall
Overall, the concept of the door is good, but it has some design flaws that need to be improved in our opinion. For a sliding door, you might want to look at manual models instead. Check out the aluminum sliding door pet doors and vinyl sliding door pet doors in these guides
PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor Dog Door
An electronic pet door with a single UV protected flap
Comes in 2 sizes – small and large
Large has a flap opening of 11” X 16” inches
Can be door mounted of doors 1 1/2 – 2 inches thick
Can be wall mounted if you buy an additional wall mount kit
The pet door works by sensing the battery operated SmartKey worn by your pet and opening automatically for them
The SmartKey runs on 4-D Cell batteries
The pet door is able to be programmed for up to 5 pets
You can program the pet door for auto locking, selective entry, and selective exit
Interior frame with flap, exterior frame, operating guide, cutting template, key ring, 8 mounting screws and SmartKey (both located in the battery door) come with the door
Drawbacks
It uses batteries quite heavily so you are replacing them frequently
The automatic programming doesn’t always work consistently – sometimes it closes and sometimes it doesn’t.
The sensors can be inaccurate, especially over the long term
The door flap doesn’t provide a great seal
Overall
Overall, the door is lacking in quality and doesn’t work in a practical way considering the price you pay or it. It’s worth looking at either another electronic pet door, or a non electronic plastic or aluminium pet door instead. For electronic dog doors, you might look at the SureFlap Microchip or the High Tech Power pet doors instead
View the PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor Dog Door on Amazon
What Is The PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor Dog Door Designed For?
It’s designed as an automatic/electronic pet door for pets that can fit through up to a 11” X 16” inches flap opening.
It’s mainly designed for door mounting, but can be wall mounted too.
Who Might The PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor Dog Door Be For?
People looking for an electronic pet door with several noticeable flaws – both in short term and long term
Who Might The PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor Dog Door NOT Be For?
People looking for a quality pet door that functions well
Best Electronic & Automatic Dog Doors: Buyer’s Guide
What Is An Electronic/Automatic Dog Door?
An electronic dog door is a dog door that works usually with a power supply and/or batteries, and pet tags/microchips and sensors, to open and close the pet door automatically.
This is in comparison to regular pet doors that require manual pushing by your dog to get in and out the pet door.
How Do Electronic/Automatic Dog Doors Work?
Usually the doors are either plugged into a power supply, or run on batteries.
You program the door to work with the settings and modes that you prefer
There are usually sensors on one or both sides of the door
Your pet has a microchip, or wears an ID tag pet collar that is recognised by the door sensors
Depending on the model of pet door, the sensor recognises the microchip or unique pet collar and opens automatically when your pet approaches the door
The door then closes automatically too
How To Measure For An Electronic/Automatic Dog Door
Read the manufacturer’s instructions for measuring, but a general measuring guide might be:
Check the total size and cutout size of the pet door and make sure it will fit on your door or wall
Check the thickness of door and wall the pet door can be installed onto, and make sure your door or wall is the right thickness
Check the flap opening size of the pet door and make sure your pet can fit through that opening size
How To Install An Electronic/Automatic Dog Door
Read the manufacturer’s instructions for installing, but a general installing guide might be:
Decide whether you want to do a DIY install or get a professional to help install
Specifically with an electronic dog door, make sure you have the right batteries and/or a power source or power outlet near the door to plug or hardwire into (depending on how the dog door is powered.
Read the installation guide and manual
Have tools ready for installation – screwdriver, cutout tool, hardware such as screws, cutout template, weather stripping etc.
Cutout the hole in your door or wall
Install the door or wall adapter tunnel, and secure it
Install and secure the door, and secure it
Program the door
Power up the door
Make sure it’s working correctly
Seal and weather strip the door
Extras You Might Get With An Electronic/Automatic Dog Door
Extras differ depending on the pet door, but for the models above you might get:
SureFlap Microchip Pet Door
*You can buy extra pet tags (on Amazon) for extra pets to use the system
Plexidor Electronic Door
High Tech Power Pet Door
*You can add additional pets to the door with a High Tech Pet Micro Sonic 5 Digital Transmitter Collar (on Amazon)
*You can get an additional High Tech Power Pet Wall Adapter Tunnel (on Amazon) For Doors over 1 3/4 inches or for wall installations
Collar Activated Dog Doors
Some collar activated dog doors include:
- SureFlap Microchip Pet Door (on Amazon) – electronic small pet door. Flap opening of 7 inches wide x 6.7 inches high. Opens with a collar tag or existing unique identification microchip
- Wall Mount Plexidor Electronic Dog Door (on Amazon), and Door Mount Plexidor Electronic Dog Door (on Amazon) – electronic/automatic pet door with up to a 12 3/4 inches wide by 20 inches high flap opening, for pets up to around 125 lbs. Opens with Plexidor electronic collar key
- High Tech Power Pet Door (on Amazon) – electronic pet door. Has a flap opening of up to 12-1/4 by 16 inches, and is for pets up to 100 lbs. Opens with MS5 ultrasonic collar
The way the above collar activated dog door might work is:
– Sureflap Microchip Door
Opens when a pet approaches the sensors in the door by sensing your pet’s existing microchip or RFID collar tag (one tag supplied with the product). The RFID collar tag (on Amazon) simply attaches to your pet’s existing collar
Can store up to 32 pets in its memory
Battery powered using 4 C cell batteries which last up to a year with normal use – you have to buy the batteries separately
– Plexidor Electronic Dog Door
Opens when your pet wearing a waterproof collar key comes within distance of the door’s sensors
Sensor settings are adjustable in terms of range, when the door opens and closes etc.
Door doesn’t use batteries – you plug it into an existing power source or hardwire it
Collar key doesn’t use batteries either
Collar key is the Plexidor Electronic Collar Key (on Amazon)
– High Tech Power Pet Door
Opens when you pet wearing an ultrasonic collar comes within distance of the door’s sensors
Sensor settings are adjustable
4-way access control lets you select from In Only, Out Only, Full Access or Closed & Locked
Your dog wears a Micro Sonic 5 Collar (on Amazon), with batteries that last about 3 months
Dog Doors With Sensors
Dog doors with sensors can be good as they remove the need for a dog to manually push a flap to get in and out of the door.
However, there is no perfectly functioning automatic dog door on the market – all of them may have slightly inconsistent sensors, or other minor issues.
So, think carefully about whether you think an automatic or manual dog door will be better for you and your pet/s.
Dog doors currently with sensors include:
- SureFlap Microchip Pet Door (on Amazon)
- Wall Mount Plexidor Electronic Dog Door (on Amazon), and Door Mount Plexidor Electronic Dog Door (on Amazon)
- High Tech Power Pet Door (on Amazon)
The way they work might be:
Sureflap Microchip Door
Senses a pet’s microchip or RFID collar tag to open the door flap automatically
Can store up to 32 pet’s in the memory of the pet door system
Plexidor Electronic Dog Door
Has a sensor system that reads the pre-programmed code in the Plexidor electronic collar key to automatically open and close for your pet
Is adjustable in terms of how long the door can remain open
High Tech Power Pet Door
Has a directional sensing system that opens the door only when your pet is on a direct approach, not when he/she is just wandering by or sleeping next to the door
Has 4-way access control that lets you select from In Only, Out Only, Full Access or Closed & Locked
Microchip Activated Dog Doors
With some automatic and electronic dog doors, instead of collars, the door can activate with your dog’s existing microchip.
Some people have a preference for this because it means you don’t have to worry about dog door collar tags and batteries.
Any dog with a microchip can use them.
Should You Get A Microchip Activated Dog Door?
The concept is good – the door senses your dog’s microchip and opens.
The issue with microchip activated doors though is that any pet with a microchip can open the door.
Also, there is no perfect automatic/electronic dog door on the market. They all have more issues than most of the regular manually push operated dog doors.
So, maybe you get a microchip activated pet door, but there are more reliable dog doors out there.
Dog Doors That Work With A Timer
Automatic dog doors are usually activated to open by a microchip, collar tag or specialised collar.
Different automatic dog doors usually have their own adjustable settings in terms of how the sensors work, and how the door opens and closes.
Some auto dog doors come with a timer feature or mode that allows you to control how long the dog door stays open, whilst others allow you to pick times of the day that the door stays locked shut.
Dog doors with a timer include:
- SureFlap Microchip Pet Door (on Amazon) – electronic small pet door. Flap opening of 7 inches wide x 6.7 inches high
- Wall Mount Plexidor Electronic Dog Door (on Amazon), and Door Mount Plexidor Electronic Dog Door (on Amazon) – electronic/automatic pet door with up to a 12 3/4 inches wide by 20 inches high flap opening, for pets up to around 125 lbs
The way these dog doors might work include:
Sureflap Microchip Door
- Reads your pet’s microchip, or a collar ID tag
- Has Curfew mode – set the door to lock and unlock at specified times. It can be set to lock at the same time each day if you wish
Plexidor Electronic Dog Door
- has a sensor system that reads the pre-programmed code in the Plexidor electronic collar key to automatically open and close for your pet
- Is adjustable in terms of how long the door can remain open – set the amount of time the door stays open
Other Dog Doors
You can check out the best dog doors across different dog door types in this guide.
We also include information such as how to pick the right size dog door, and how to install a dog door.
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