A dog door is essential for your home if your pets love being outside as much as they love cuddling on the couch. Letting your pets out every time they whine by the door can get frustrating and time-consuming.
Dog doors let your dogs (and cats) come and go as they please. They may save you time and keep them from having to use their best puppy-dog eyes.
Having said that, you’ll want the best dog door for your pets and your needs. How do you pick the best option when there are so many?
We examined a variety of dog doors to determine which ones live up to their claims and are suitable for your dogs. Our list will help you make the best decision for your house and the needs of your pets.
So, what’s the best dog door out there, you ask? Check out our list to see where each dog door ranks!
Our Top Picks
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall: PetSafe Wall Entry Pet Door | This pet door comes in three sizes to fit your pup, and it can be installed on all walls, including brick, stucco, and siding. It’s a great option for independent dogs that love to come in and out. | Check Price |
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Runner Up: PetSafe Freedom Sliding Glass Door | This is a no-cut pet door that comes in five different sizes, so you’ll be able to pick the perfect size for your pets. It comes in two different colors so you can choose which one best fits the style of your house. | Check Price |
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Best Dog Door Technology: SureFlap Microchip Pet Door | If you’re looking for a pet door that has the technology to open for specific pets, this is a great door for you. It detects your pet’s microchip using RFID technology and only opens for them. | Check Price |
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Best Budget Buy: PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Dog & Cat Door | We love this pet door because it has a durable frame, it’s easy to install, and it’s super affordable. It’s a great option to give your pets freedom without breaking the bank. | Check Price |
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Easiest Installation: BarksBar Original Plastic Dog Door | If you’re looking for an easy installation process, this is the dog door for you. It comes in large and medium sizes to accommodate your pup and detailed installation instructions. | Check Price |
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Best Energy Efficient Dog Door: PetSafe Extreme Weather Pet Door | We love that this pet door is great for your dogs and cats but won’t let the heat or cold in. The thick door flap seals perfectly to make this an energy-efficient option. | Check Price |
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Most Durable: Extreme Performance Aluminum Dog Door | When you have rough and tough pets, you need a dog door to keep up with them. This pet door can handle wear and tear, and it can also handle extreme weather. | Check Price |
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Best Motorized Dog Door: High Tech Pet Electronic Dog Door | This is a great option if you are looking for an electronic dog door. This technology opens when your dog approaches, keeping unwanted strays or other animals entering your home. | Check Price |
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Best Mid-Size Dog Door: Petleso Dog Door Screen | This is a great option if you have a mid-sized dog or cat. It’s inexpensive and has the option to have a paw design on the flap, which we love. | Check Price |
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Best For Small Dogs: Ani Mate Dog Door | Your small dogs will love this dog door. It provides enough room for them to come in and out, but won’t let in unwanted strays or critters. It’s also durable and easy to install, which we love. | Check Price |
How We Narrowed Down The Best Dog Doors For Your Home
In order to bring you the best dog doors for your home, we reviewed the best options and considered various factors to offer the best ranking possible.
First, we looked at the installation process to gain a better understanding of the level of difficulty you’d be undertaking before cutting through your door. We looked at brands like PetSafe to ensure they lived up to their easy installation promise.
It’s one thing to install the dog door, but it’s another thing for your pets to use it. So, we looked at functionality (ease of use) to rank these doors for your dogs and cats.
Next, we looked at durability, which is especially important for homes with multiple pets. We looked at brands like Ideal Pet Products to see if they lived up to the high-quality “wear and tear” standards for this category.
Ensuring the safety of your pet is a priority. So, we looked at dog door safety, making sure your pets would be safe using these doors, getting in and out without getting stuck on parts.
We chose dog doors that prevented strays or unwanted animals from coming into your house.
If you’re getting a dog door, you may want to consider getting a doormat to keep your home protected from dirty paws! We tested the Best Doormats for Dogs to do just that.
Best Dog Doors Reviewed and Ranked
1. Best Overall: PetSafe Wall Entry Pet Door
Product Ratings
| Installation | 5/5 |
| Functionality | 4/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 |
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large | Closure Type: Magnets | Brand: PetSafe | Can Be Closed Off?: Yes | Animals: Dogs and Cats
What We Liked
- Reasonable price
- Good range of sizes
- Has ability to be closed off
- Easy installation
- Telescoping design
What We Didn’t Like
- Magnet stripping isn’t the strongest
- Made to go through walls instead of doors
- Not fully weatherproof
This is a great dog door for pets that love to go in and out all day. It gives your pets the freedom they want, and it’s easy for you to close off when you want to keep them inside.
Installation and Functionality
This dog door is easy to install, and your pets will love it. We chose this as our top pick because anyone can install it in their house. It doesn’t matter if your wall is brick, stucco, or siding; you’ll be able to install this dog door with no problem.
It has a telescoping design that allows it to fit perfectly once you cut the wall, and it can go through walls from 4.75 to 7.25 inches thick.
Using the guide provided, you’ll be able to place this dog door at the perfect height for your pets, so they can confidently get in and out. They’ll love that they have their own spot and their own way to get in and out of the house.
Durability and Safety
This pet door is made with a rugged plastic frame, ensuring it can withstand the toughest pets. The magnetic strips bring the flap back to its base after your pet enters or exits through the door.
The magnetic stripping can be blown loose if you’re experiencing tough wind during a storm, but putting in the sliding plastic panel will stop that from happening.
The sliding plastic panel can be installed in the door to keep unwanted strays from entering your house and keep wind and rain out during inclement weather. You’ll want to make sure you bring your pets in before putting the panel to avoid locking them out.
This seems to be a super safe product. There are clean lines and soft edges to prevent your pets from getting scratched while using this door.
It locks easily by using the sliding panel, which prevents critters from coming in at night.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY2. Runner up: PetSafe Freedom Sliding Glass Door
Product Ratings
| Installation | 4/5 |
| Functionality | 5/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 |
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, Large-Tall | Closure Type: Magnets | Brand: PetSafe | Can Be Closed Off?: Yes | Animals: Dogs and Cats
What We Liked
- Reasonable price
- Wide size range
- Has ability to be closed off
- Looks nicer than most dog doors
- Can easily be taken out
What We Didn’t Like
- Installation is time consuming
- It’s only made to go in existing sliding glass doors
- It’s not fully weatherproof
If you have existing sliding glass doors, this is your best option. It looks great with your sliding doors, and you’ll be able to remove it and take it with you if you decide to move.
Installation and Functionality
We love this dog door because it has a sleek and elegant look that you rarely see with dog doors. While installation isn’t necessarily difficult, it requires time.
You’ll need a drill, a measuring tape, and a pencil to mark your spots. The task can be done with one person but it will take time. The good news is, there’s a step-by-step video on how to install it on Amazon.
After you install it, your pets will love using it. It’s made for larger dogs, so even the small size of this dog door is plenty big. It comes in five sizes, allowing you to pick the perfect size for your pets.
Your pets will love using it because it’s height-adjustable to fit them perfectly. You’ll be able to use your sliding doors as normal and won’t have to cut a hole through your door or wall for this product.
Durability and Safety
This dog door is extremely durable. It’s made with an aluminum frame, which offers plenty of strength. The top part is made with tempered glass, which will stand rough and tough weather.
It also comes with weather stripping to properly seal off the door from wind, rain, snow, and heat.
Your pets will be safe with this dog door because it has soft edges that will prevent injury. It also comes with a sliding panel that keeps your pets safe inside when you want to keep them in and keep unwanted strays out.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY3. Best Dog Door Technology: SureFlap Microchip Pet Door
Product Ratings
| Installation | 4/5 |
| Functionality | 3/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 |
Sizes: Small| Closure Type: Magnets/ two latches | Brand: SureFlap | Can Be Closed Off?: Yes | Animals: Cats and Small Dogs
What We Liked
- Uses microchip technology
- Can set a curfew to automatically lock either in, out, or both
- Doesn’t open for animals unless they have their chip recognizes
- Easy installation
What We Didn’t Like
- Has the possibility of locking out your pets
- Doesn’t come with an additional sliding door to block it off
- Uses batteries, so you’ll have to change them out every year or so
- Only comes in one size
This is a great option if you’re looking for some smart technology for your pet door. It only opens (on either side) for animals programmed with their chip through this door. It’s quite pricey, but if you don’t want the possibility of stray animals getting into your house, this is a great option.
Installation and Functionality
This pet door is easy to install, fits in most doors, and can even be installed in a wall.
Once you have the door installed, you’ll want to register all of your pets with the door by pushing the button with the picture of the cat and a plus sign. Once you press the button, have your pet close by (one at a time) so it can register the microchip.
Your pets will feel comfortable using this door because it can be adjusted to the best height to fit them. You can set a curfew that automatically locks the door and doesn’t let your pets go outside after a certain time.
The curfew is programmable, so if your pets are outside past curfew and you have it set to enter the house, they may get locked out.
Durability and Safety
This is used for cats and small dogs, as it only comes in one size. We would have loved to see larger options because this would be a great option for families with large pets.
It’s made with durable PVC siding and has a sleek design. This pet door is safe for your animals and won’t hurt them on their way in or out.
It’s durable, and the batteries typically last around a year before you have to replace them.
With the technology of this pet door, you can program up to 32 different pets through this pet door, which means it can grow with you and your family over the years without having to worry about unwanted guests in the house.
It’s a fantastic pick if you live in a neighborhood with plenty of curious strays roaming around.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY4. Best Budget Buy: PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Dog & Cat Door
Product Ratings
| Installation | 5/5 |
| Functionality | 4/5 |
| Durability | 3/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 |
Sizes: Small, medium, large, Xlarge| Closure Type: Magnets | Brand: PetSafe | Can Be Closed Off?: Yes | Animals: Dogs and Cats
What We Liked
- Comes in 4 sizes
- Can be closed off
- Easy installation
- Made from solid aluminum
What We Didn’t Like
- Magnetic stip isn’t very strong
- Isn’t waterproof
- The flap doesn’t always close right
For a budget buy, this is a great product. This pet door comes in four different sizes, allowing you to make the perfect choice for your pets.
Installation and Functionality
The installation process for this dog door is quite easy. The instructions are easy to follow, and you can install this on wood, PVC, or metal doors.
Your pets will love using this product because they’ll feel safe going through the soft flap. You can position it at the correct height to best fit your pets and help them feel comfortable going through the door.
It comes in different sizes, allowing you to choose one that will best fit your specific pet’s needs instead of hoping they can squeeze through a tiny opening.
Durability and Safety
We found that this dog door is made with a durable aluminum frame and can withstand plenty of punishment from your pets.
It also comes with a sliding door panel that allows you to close off the door. This prevents unwanted critters from coming in and blocks your pets from going outside once you put the panel in.
The magnetic stripping isn’t the strongest on this model, and we have noticed that the flap doesn’t always close just right. Other than that, this is an exceptional budget buy.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY5. Easiest Installation: BarksBar Original Plastic Dog Door
Product Ratings
| Installation | 5/5 |
| Functionality | 3/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 |
Sizes: medium, large| Closure Type: Magnets | Brand: BarksBar | Can Be Closed Off?: Yes | Animals: Dogs and Cats
What We Liked
- Has a stylish flap
- Good for pets up to 100 pounds
- Easy installation
- Made from solid aluminum and plastic
What We Didn’t Like
- Magnetic stip isn’t very strong
- Only comes in 2 sizes
- Not all weatherproof
This dog door is a great option if you have larger pets. It’s made to withstand up to 100 pounds and has a stylish flap that you’ll love, and it won’t take a toll on your wallet.
Installation and Functionality
We love this pet door because it’s extremely easy to install. It has a template that you simply put on your door after removing it from its hinges, cutting it, and placing the pet door in the hole. It has a telescoping design that will fit a wide range of door sizes and types.
Your pets will love it because it’s the perfect size for them, and your large dogs won’t have to squeeze through a tiny door.
They’ll feel safe going in and out of this door, and they’ll be able to explore the great outdoors as they please.
Durability and Safety
This dog door is made with tough plastic and aluminum, which means it can take wear and tear. The frame is chew-proof and bite-proof, so even your most mischievous pup won’t be able to tear it up.
We love that it also comes with a self-locking sliding panel that keeps unwanted critters out and allows you to keep your pets inside when you need to.
With smooth edges, your pets won’t get tripped or cut on their way in or out.
It’s a great option if you’re looking for a medium-to-large-sized door with an easy install.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY6. Best Energy Efficient Dog Door: PetSafe Extreme Weather Pet Door
Product Ratings
| Installation | 3/5 |
| Functionality | 5/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 |
Sizes: large| Closure Type: Magnets | Brand: PetSafe | Can Be Closed Off?: Yes | Animals: Dogs
What We Liked
- Energy Efficient
- Can have two sliding panels to close off the inside and outside
- Has an insulated flap
- Made with a durable plastic frame that can be painted to match door
What We Didn’t Like
- A bit expensive
- Only comes in one size
- Thick flap which takes some pets a while to get used to
If you live in a region with unpredictable or extreme weather, this is the pet door you need. The three-flap system is an energy-efficient way to let your pets come and go as they please.
Installation and Functionality
This is a great dog door for large dogs that like to roam inside and out. It has a unique design that features three flaps; the middle flap is insulated to protect from bad weather.
Installation can be tricky, but Amazon has recently added a video showing you step-by-step instructions. This will be a huge help for your installation process.
It only comes in one size, but it’s great for large dogs. Your pup will have no problem getting through this pet door.
We did notice the insulated flap is much thicker than most pet doors, which might take your dog a few tries to get used to; once they do, they’ll love it!
Durability and Safety
Made with a tough plastic frame, this pet door is one of the most durable ones out there. You can also paint the frame to match your door, which we love.
It’s made to handle up to 100 pounds, so it can take all the wear and tear you throw at it.
You’ll have the option of putting a sliding door not only on the inside portion of this pet door but also on the outside, making this one of the safest options for keeping out unwanted critters.
This also adds to the energy efficiency and makes it the best option for keeping out all types of weather.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY7. Most Durable: Extreme Performance Aluminum Dog Door
Product Ratings
| Installation | 3/5 |
| Functionality | 4/5 |
| Durability | 5/5 |
| Safety | 5/5 |
Sizes: small, medium, large, Xlarge| Closure Type: Magnets | Brand: eXtreme | Can Be Closed Off?: Yes | Animals: Dogs and cats
What We Liked
- Energy Efficient
- Has aluminum sliding panel
- Extremely durable
- Comes in 4 sizes
What We Didn’t Like
- A bit expensive
- The flap is not very sturdy
- Not the best looking product
If you need a pet door that’s as tough as your pet, this is the one for you. It’s made to withstand wear and tear over the years, and it comes in 4 sizes, so you can find one that fits your pets perfectly.
Installation and Functionality
While this dog door does come with installation instructions, it’s not the easiest. It certainly doesn’t stop this from being a great pet door, but the installation is a bit more extensive than other models.
The functionality is great. Your pets will love using this dog door, and it’s extremely durable, making it a great option if you have tough pups.
The installation guide does a good job of guiding you to the right height to make this door easy for your pets to come in and out.
Durability and Safety
There’s more than one design option for this pet door. You can use a single flap, which is great for spring and fall, or you can opt for a dual flap, which is better during tougher weather.
Either way you choose, this dog door is extremely durable and made with rugged aluminum that can withstand chewing, kicking, and whatever else your pup may throw at it.
The frame will last for years, but we noticed that the flap will wear after repeated use. If you have animals that love coming in and out constantly, you may find yourself having to replace the flap over time.
We also love how safe this dog door is. It has a sliding panel that locks in place, which means that no pets will be able to get out, and no unwanted critters will be able to get in.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON8. Best Motorized Dog Door: High Tech Pet Electronic Dog Door
Product Ratings
| Installation | 4/5 |
| Functionality | 5/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
| Safety | 4/5 |
Sizes: medium, large| Closure Type: Electronic lift | Brand: High Tech Pet | Can Be Closed Off?: Yes | Animals: Dogs and cats
What We Liked
- Electronic door lift
- Sleek design
- Protects from strays
- Comes in 2 sizes
What We Didn’t Like
- Expensive
- Won’t open unless your pet is wearing their specific collar
- Not good for dogs or cats with wide shoulders
When you value safety and love having the hottest products on the market, this is the best dor door for you.
Installation and Functionality
This dog door uses a motorized panel to open and close when your pet approaches.
The design is high-tech, but it isn’t easy to install. Before you measure a place to install this dog door, remember the door slides up and down with a motor. Meaning, you’ll need a tall space for this to fit.
Because of the design of the door, it requires some setting up before your pets are ready to use it.
Your pets will love it once you have it installed and set up. It senses a chip in their collar and will only open for your pets. It does require batteries, which need to be changed based on how often it’s used.
Durability and Safety
If you’re concerned about only letting your pets in without strays or unwanted critters coming into your house, this would be a great buy. It’s super safe because it only opens when it detects the chip in your pet’s collar.
It has 4-way controls that allow you to choose from in-only, out-only, full access, or fully locked.
It’s super durable and low-maintenance once you have the collars and chips registered for your pets. Keep in mind that you will have to change the batteries every year.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY9. Best Mid-Size Dog Door: Petleso Dog Door Screen
Product Ratings
| Installation | 5/5 |
| Functionality | 5/5 |
| Durability | 3/5 |
| Safety | 3/5 |
Sizes: small, medium, large| Closure Type: magnetic | Brand: Petleso | Can Be Closed Off?: no | Animals: Dogs and cats
What We Liked
- Easy install for screen doors
- Cute design
- Great for mid-size pets
- Comes in 3 sizes
What We Didn’t Like
- Can’t close it off
- Not energy-efficient
- Not the most durable
This is an awesome choice if you have a screen door that your dog can use to access the yard. This door is specifically designed for screened doors or panels and is easy to install.
Installation and Functionality
Installation is easy and painless with this dog door. You’ll be able to easily cut the correct size of your screen and easily install and secure the door and frame at your desired location.
Once installed, your pets will love using it to go inside and out freely. The plastic flap features a cute design with magnets on the bottom to latch it in place once your pets come in or out.
Durability and Safety
This is a great dog door for medium-sized pets. It comes in three sizes, which means you can choose the perfect one for you.
The crate is made with strong plastic, which means it will last through wear and tear but will have to be replaced after repeated use by tough pups.
Although it’s not the most energy-efficient option, it’s designed to fit in screened doors and panels, both of which are locations accustomed to being exposed to weather conditions.
It’s an overall great choice for mid-size pets and if you’re looking for an affordable option.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON10. Best For Small Dogs: Ani Mate Dog Door
Product Ratings
| Installation | 4/5 |
| Functionality | 5/5 |
| Durability | 4/5 |
| Safety | 4/5 |
Sizes: Small, Medium| Closure Type: magnetic | Brand: Dog Mate | Can Be Closed Off?: yes | Animals: Dogs and cats
What We Liked
- Easy installation
- Rounded design makes it a safe option
- Great for small-medium sized pets
- Flap can be locked
What We Didn’t Like
- Not good for large pets
- Design is not the best looking
- Flap is not flexible
If you have smaller pets like a small-breed dog or cat, this is an affordable option. This pet has a rounded design that makes for a smooth surface for your pets.
Installation and Functionality
This is a great pet door for smaller dog breeds and cats, and you’ll love that it’s quite easy to install. The accompanying instructions give you step-by-step directions on installing this pet door.
Your pets will feel safe using it due to its rounded design. They’ll love going in and out, and it gives them the freedom they want.
The flap is a hard plastic that is great for keeping bugs and drafts out, but it may take your pets a while to get used to it.
Durability and Safety
Since it’s made with tough plastic, it’s a durable pet door that will last you a long time.
It’s energy-efficient, which you’ll love because it won’t run up your power bill by letting in drafts.
We also love that you can lock the flap in place when you’re ready for your pets to stay in for the night. It keeps them safe inside and keeps stray dogs out.
While it’s not aesthetically pleasing, it stacks up in all other areas. It’s an inexpensive way to give your pets the freedom they want, at a cost you’ll love.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZONThe Winner
Overall, we loved the PetSafe Wall Entry Pet Door because it’s easy to install, your pets will love using it, and it’s a durable option.
This is an affordable and durable way to give your pets the freedom they want. It will give you peace of mind to know that they have their freedom and can stay safe.
How To Choose The Best Dog Door
Consider Your Pet’s Needs
If you have pets that love coming in and out, you should install a dog door. If your pets love their freedom, but you live in an area with other stray animals, you’ll need to consider safety.
Consider options with a sliding panel or locking mechanism to ensure that no stray pets make it into your home.
You could also consider using a high-tech option that only opens to your pet’s microchip or their chipped collars.
Sizing
You’ll also need to consider your pets’ size. Some options are only available in one or two sizes, so if you have small or large animals, you’ll want to consider options that have appropriate dimensions for you and your pets.
When you install a dog door, you should also consider the thickness of the door or wall that you install it on to ensure that the dog door will fit.
Weather/Energy-Efficiency
If you live in an area with extreme weather, you’ll want to consider an energy-efficient option. This will help keep your energy bill down and prevent drafts or rain from getting inside your house.
Several options on our list can help with this issue and provide your pets with the freedom they want.
READ MORE: The Best Indoor Dog Gates. Whether you’re at home or away, an indoor dog gate can prevent your pet from exploring restricted areas.
Honorable Mentions
Here’s a quick look at some possibilities that didn’t make our list but might still be a good fit for you.
1. PetSafe Electronic Smart Door – High-Tech Dog Door
This is a good option if you’re looking for a smart door that will automatically open and close.
It’s less expensive than other smart dog doors, which can help you save money. Your pets can go through this door when they wear a specific collar that has a chip that is recognized by the dog door.
Other animals won’t get in or out if they are not wearing the collar, so this is a safe option for your pet and less expensive than the High Tech Pet Electronic Dog Door.
2. EnduraFlap Pet Door – Energy-Efficient
This is one of the most expensive options, but it could save you money on your energy bill.
It comes in 4 sizes and has an insulated flap that helps to keep out bad weather and keeps your heating and air inside your house. Your pets will love that it’s easy to use, and you’ll love how it saves you money in the long run.
We liked the PetSafe Extreme Weather Pet Door better, but we believe that this is still a great option if you need something that will be energy-efficient.
3. Ideal Pet Products Deluxe Aluminum Pet Door – Aluminum Frame
When you have tough pets, you need tough products. This dog door has an aluminum frame that can withstand all your pets’ throwing at it.
It’s an inexpensive option that you can install in a single day and quickly train your pets to use.
We thought the Extreme Performance Aluminum Dog Door was a bit more durable, but this door is still durable for a smaller price.
