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Last updated: 2 Jul 2022
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The Best Dog Door

Best Overall
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PetSafe Staywell Convenient Original 2 Way Pet Door
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Runner Up
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Ferplast Pet Door
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Best With Lock
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Dog Mate Lockable Medium Dog Door
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Best Large Size
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Namsan Pet Screen Door Magnetic Lockable Dog Flap
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Best With Chip
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SureFlap Microchip Pet Door
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By Editor
Published 2 Jul 2022
Show contents
  • 1 PetSafe Staywell Convenient Original 2 Way Pet Door
  • 2 Ferplast Pet Door
  • 3 Dog Mate Lockable Medium Dog Door
  • 4 Namsan Pet Screen Door Magnetic Lockable Dog Flap
  • 5 SureFlap Microchip Pet Door

Your dog deserves to have freedom during the day, but keeping the front door open all the time is inconvenient. An open door can have an impact on the air conditioner you are running, for example. Still, you should consider implementing methods that still allow your dog easy access to the yard. This can also help to prevent your dog from doing its business inside your home. While there are a couple of options, most pet owners will agree that a dog door is an excellent choice. These serve as an attachment to the door that you already have at home. They come with a built-in flip that allows your dog to enter or exit your home. The functionality, size, and security that these dog doors offer will differ between the various models that are available. Careful assessment of each option is important, as this ensures you get a dog door that is suitable for your specific dog and the door you use. We will take a closer look at some of the best dog doors that are currently on the market. Additionally, you can refer to the buying guide we share for a few tips to help you choose. 

1

PetSafe Staywell Convenient Original 2 Way Pet Door

– Best Overall
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Key Features

With three different design options to choose from, you can ensure the attachment matches the design of your door. The two-way access system ensures your dog can enter and leave your home at any time. The flap also features a lock mechanism that gives you greater control. 

THE SCOOP

This door features a compact structure to ensure it does not take up too much space. There are, however, alternative options available for people who have larger dogs.

 

Pros
  • Three sizes to choose from
  • Comes in multiple designs
Cons
  • Not suitable for large breed dogs
2

Ferplast Pet Door

– Runner Up
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Key Features

These dog doors are versatile, as they are also an appropriate choice for people who have cats. Plastic materials make up the frame of the door, which adds to its overall durability. You can install this particular accessory into wooden, metal, and glass doors. It is also possible to install it into a brick wall. 

THE SCOOP

The thick structure of this option provides a more secure fit for your door. There is a significant variety of size options that you can choose from when you opt for this dog door.

Pros
  • Sturdy construction
  • Multiple models available 
Cons
  • Uses glass materials
3

Dog Mate Lockable Medium Dog Door

– Best With Lock
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Key Features

These dog doors are available in a selection of two sizes, medium and large. The brown finish on the frame provides a good fit for various types of wooden doors. When your dog uses the door, it will not produce an annoying noise. There is a vision panel included in the structure of the door. 

THE SCOOP

The lock that comes with this door ensures you have more control over your dog’s access. A weatherproof construction ensures rain will not leak through the structure of this door.

Pros
  • Weatherproof design
  • Magnetic closure
Cons
  • Only comes in a brown finish
4

Namsan Pet Screen Door Magnetic Lockable Dog Flap

– Best Large Size
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Key Features

The aluminium materials that the manufacturer uses for this dog flap offer a lightweight yet sturdy and durable construction. There are no toxic materials that the manufacturer uses to construct this particular option. The flap features a cute dog paw engraving at the front

THE SCOOP

The large opening that these flaps offer makes this an appropriate choice for large dog breeds. There is a magnet that comes with the flap to help provide better security. 

Pros
  • Decorative design
  • Large opening
Cons
  • No alternative sizes
5

SureFlap Microchip Pet Door

– Best With Chip
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Key Features

Multiple shape options allow you to easily find a pet door that is appropriate for your cat or dog. The flap on this particular door uses a glass material in its design. This helps to give you better visibility of the exterior. The door can identify a wide variety of microchips, as well as RFID tags.

THE SCOOP

A smart device that comes with a built-in microchip reader. This helps to ensure only your own pets have access to your home while blocking entry for intruder animals. 

Pros
  • Smart microchip scanner
  • Durable structure
Cons
  • Only white and black colours are available 

Buying Guide

Dog doors are convenient attachments that fit with the door you already have at home. They do come in various sizes and use different types of materials in their construction. This can make the process of picking the right dog door feel complicated, but you can ease the process by keeping a few considerations in mind. Here is a list of a few important things to look for:

  • Flap Size: There is no use in installing a dog door if your pet won’t fit through. At the same time, you should also avoid getting a door that is much larger than your door. With this in mind, the first consideration is the dog door size you need. Keep in mind that this will depend on the type of dog you own. Consider your dog's breed and size, then look for a dog door that offers a suitable opening at the flap. This way, you will ensure your dog can freely move through the door without getting trapped. 
  • Frame Design: The design of the frame that comes with the dog door is an important consideration too. You should take a look at what materials the frame uses. This can give you an idea of the durability that you can expect the door to offer. Aim to avoid a dog door with a frame that may break apart if your dog bumps against it. The frame should also offer excellent stability, as this makes the process of moving through the door easier for your dog. 
  • Aesthetics: Dog doors are available in a wide selection of designs, so this is the next thing that you should look at. To determine what type of aesthetics will provide a good fit for you, you have to look at the door you want to fit the attachment on. In particular, take the colour of the door into consideration. This will give you a useful reference to use when you consider different dog door designs. 
  • Installation: When you install a dog door, you may need to cut out a piece of your door first. Other doors already come with a built-in hole to mount these flaps. Make sure you consider the specific installation instructions of the dog doors you are looking at. This will give you a better idea of how complicated the installation process for the door is. 
  • Locking Mechanism: Most of the dog doors on the market come with some type of lock. This gives you the ability to control your dog’s access to either the inside of your home or your yard. It also adds a security element to the door when you are not home. Make sure you consider what type of lock the dog door uses. Some come with special sensors that only allow your own dog to enter through them. You can also completely lock some, which blocks all access until you decide to unlock it. 

 

FAQs

Q: What are the benefits of a dog door?

A: Freedom is the major benefit that you get when you decide to install a dog door in your home. If your dog is trained, then they know they have to go outside when they need to do their business. If your doors are closed, then they do not have the freedom to go out on their own. This is where a dog door comes into play. The door allows your dog to easily move in and out of your house. You can also lock these doors if you want to restrict your dog’s access to the backyard. This is useful at night when you do not want your dog to go outside. 

Q: How do I install a dog door?

A:  

It is important to note that these systems become part of your door, so you will likely need some power tools during the installation process. With this said, some doors already come with a fitting that allows you to fit one of these structures. In this particular scenario, you will simply push the dog door into this hole. Make sure you consider any specific instructions that the manufacturer shares with you. Follow these to ensure the dog door fits properly and will not slip out of its position as your dog moves through it. 

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By Editor
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