How do we keep this site running? This post may contain affiliate links — the cost is the same to you, but we get a referral fee. Compensation does not affect rankings. Do you feel like you always have to let your dog in and out, especially when you’re in the middle of something important (baby crying, must-answer phone call, dinner on the stove)? Don’t let your pooch drive you crazy; give him some freedom to come and go on his terms. Installing a dog door in your home can go a long way in simplifying your home life — and making your dog a happy family member. But how do you know where to start when there are hundreds of different doggy doors on the market? We’re here to help you make sense of all the details so you can choose the best doggy door for your home.Before we get to the products themselves, first things first. There are a number of factors you need to consider when embarking on your research. Give some thought to the following questions to help you narrow down your options.
Your first decision should be where you want to install your pet door. There are a lot of good options for the types of doors you have — sliding glass, screen door, storm door, etc. You also have the option of going with a dog door for walls.The general rule of thumb is to measure your dog’s width and height (top of shoulders to bottom of his chest or belly); then add one to two inches to each measurement.It pays to invest in a dog door that’s more energy-efficient; otherwise your heating and cooling bills could rise if your dog door isn’t well insulated. Pay attention to the materials of your dog door, especially if you have a chewer or scratcher. Learn more about insulating a pet door.Some dog doors are easier to install than others. If you’re handy, you shouldn’t have a problem. Many dog doors come with detailed instructions. But don’t discount paying a contractor to install one for you if it’s the one you want and within your budget.These days, you can pretty much find any type of dog door, ranging from the old-school flap doors to high-tech automatic dog doors.
Prices vary widely — anywhere from $30 to $600 or more.So, what are the best dog doors on the market? Our extensive research led us to the following “best of” list, which we’ve categorized to help you home in on what you need. We chose our top picks based on quality, durability, ease of installation, customer reviews and more.Best Automatic Dog Door | Best Dog Door for Walls | Best Extra-Large Dog Door | Best Dog Door for Screened Doors | Best Sliding Glass Dog Door | Best Storm Door with Pet DoorThe Passport Pet Access Smart System is a no-hassle approach to pet doors. The Passport pet door uses radio-frequency identification technology to read a “Passport Key” that you attach to your pet’s collar. This lets only pets with programmed IDs enter and exit the home, while keeping out other pets, strays and wild animals. An excellent choice for households with multiple pets or owners who don’t have time to monitor their pet’s location.The Endura Flap wall mount pet door is the sturdiest, most energy-efficient wall mount we found on the market.
Unlike other flaps, Endura flaps are sealed with magnets, making them more rain and wind resistant than many other dog door flaps. And their flaps are made from environmentally friendly materials. This is a sturdy, well-made product with an aluminum steel tunnel and locking cover, which is easy to lock quickly. They also have four different size options, as well as the option for one or two flaps. Two flaps are recommended for harsher climates. The only drawback to the Endura Flap is that the installation is difficult. If you’re considering this dog door, you may want to look into hiring a contractor to install it for you.Includes limited 10 year warranty. All pricing is MSRP.Need a sturdy, durable dog door for your massive sized canine? Look no further than the Plexidor Extra Large Door Mount Pet Door. Made with many of the same features found on commercial kennel doors used by military and police, the Plexidor is strong enough to withstand all the power behind your pooch. The Plexidor incorporates 3/8 inch thick shatter resistant acrylic doors and chew-proof aluminum trim in a saloon-style, swinging door design.
No more flaps to replace! Yes, it’s on the expensive side, but it’s worth it if you want a dog door that will outlast your dog. We highly recommend this product — and Plexidor also makes an extra-large wall mount version in case that’s a better fit for your home.The Ideal Pet Doors Screen Guard Pet Door is an ideal solution if you need something a bit less expensive that’s also easy to install and you don’t want to mar your home’s walls or permanent doors. Installation is a breeze. You can attach the Ideal Pet Screen Guard to a door grill (sold separately) to ensure that your screen door doesn’t get damaged. A great choice for owners living in milder climates or a seasonal second dog door.The Patio Pacific Thermo Panel is an excellent choice if you want your doggy door installed in your sliding glass door. It fits all standard size sliding glass doors, is made with heavy gauge aluminum framing and incorporates Patio Pacific’s Endura flap technology (also used in our Best Dog Door for Walls above).
You also have the option of choosing custom height patio panels and frosted glass. Although it’s on the expensive side, you’re getting a sturdy, durable, secure and energy-efficient product.The EMCO K900 Pet Storm Door is another good alternative if you don’t want to permanently mar your solid doors or walls — and, unlike using a screen door with a dog door, the storm door is more energy-efficient. We like the ease of installation, the sturdiness of the door itself and the dog door, and the fact that it has a window panel at the top to let light through. It’s an affordable option with easy installation for handy people.Dog and pet doors are a must for your active, non-human family members. Watch this fun video to see how bad they want to go outside!If you can afford the cost and time to install a dog door, why not invest in something that you and your canine will love? The benefits are enormous — just take a look at the advice from experienced U.S. veterinarians about how pet doors can save you and your dog from unnecessary headaches and stress.