Best Dog Door

When deciding on the best dog door, choose the one that gives the dog access to the outside most comfortably and securely, is the right size, and is suitable for your home. Having access to the outside with a dog door helps keep our four-legged friend happy and healthy. However, with as many dog doors as breeds, it can be hard to choose the best one. Dog doors come in all types, shapes and sizes. To help you decide, we have compiled our top picks for the best dog door, and what to consider when choosing a doggy door for your canine companion.

Our Picks for Best Dog Door

To pick the best dog door, we divided them into five categories, the best for each common type of door, and our overall favourite.

Best Overall Dog Door

Pet Tek Dog Walk Glass

This dog door is manufactured from 100 percent high impact polycarbonate which makes it extremely strong and resistant to weather. It can fit into single and double glazed doors and has the added advantage of the flap swinging higher to reduce any tendency of breakage. This door has a four way locking system, additional security clips, and is UV stabilised. It is ideal for medium sized dogs up to shoulder height of 450mm. The recommended dog weight is approximately 20-25 kg.

It is our top pick for best dog door as it is transparent for visibility and safety. It is suitable for medium to large dogs like Labradors, Border Collies and Huskies but your puppy can use it safely before it reaches full size. It is one of the strongest pet doors on the market and will last for many years. We recommend having a professional cut the hole in the glass for installation, but after that it is relatively easy to install. 

Best Features:

• Easy to install
• Two 4-way locking dials and additional security clips
• Easy to operate
• Large, strong and flexible door flap 
• Weather seal to reduce draughts and enable smooth, quiet action
• Made from high impact polycarbonate
• No external screws
• Available in clear and white

 

Best Glass Dog Door

Petcorp Screen-and Glass PC10 

We chose the PC10 as the best dog door for glass because of its multifunctionality. It is designed to sit flush with your screen door regardless of the door type. This versatile dog door is perfect for a sliding screen door,  aluminium grill and mesh, perforated metal, or single glazed glass panel door and we love the slim line look. The door flaps are virtually unbreakable and the frames have an additional level of protection with security slides that lock the flap securely in place.  

It comes in three different sizes for small, medium and large dogs and will fit in glass panels from 3mm to 10mm. This is a low maintenance dog door and simple to clean with a damp sponge. It has virtually unbreakable polycarbonate flaps, and one of the best for weather resistance.

Best Features:

• Multifunctional fitting into screen and glass doors
• Two way locking
• Self lining design
• Self closing magnetic locating flap
• Low maintenance simple to clean
• Brush weather seal to reduce draughts
• For every sized dog
• Weather resistant

 

Best Screen Dog Door

Petway Screen

We chose the Petway Screen for best screen dog door as they are designed specifically for insect and security screen doors. These are well made and designed for the purpose of screen doors which can be more complicated to fit. All of the security screen pet doors are hard wearing and last for many years, whether placed in a security screen, insect screen or stainless steel security door. They can be fitted without removing the door with basic handyman tools. 

We love that these doors are available in three sizes to suit every sized dog. We suggest the best way to measure which screen dog door is suitable for your dog is to cut the dimensions of the flap opening out
of a piece of cardboard and see which size your pet is most comfortable going through.   

Best Features:

• Easy to fit with simple fitting instructions
• No need to remove door to install
• Slim fitting door
• Three sizes for all dog breeds
• Fits into security, insect and stainless steel doors

 

Best Smart Dog Door

SureFlap Microchip

The most technical pet door has a microchip reader and our favourite in this category is the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door. This door is designed to recognise the ID chip in your dog and only allow the recognised chips to unlock the pet door. We love this pet door for its simple and streamlined design and easy to fit instructions. Its reviews have been outstanding with pet owners reporting their dogs adjusting to it easily and providing security from other animals entering the house. 

This microchip door is easy to operate. Once the unit is installed and the batteries put in place, the flap is put into “learn” mode ready for the dog to pass through. As the dog passes through, the microchip door recognises its ID chip and records it to memory for the dog to have access next time.  This door has the ability to store up to 32 pet identities to memory. It even has a curfew setting where it can be set to lock and unlock at certain times. It has a battery lifetime of 6 to 12 months, and is ideally for small dogs or cats.

Best Features:

• Easy to install
• Streamlined design
• Security from other animals
• Easy to operate
• Up to 32 pet identities can be memorised
• Curfew setting
• Long battery life and low battery notification

 

Best Timber Dog Door

Petway Timber Pet Door

We chose the Petway Timber Pet Door for the best timber dog door as it is easy to install and can align perfectly with a screen door. It is designed to be installed on timber doors or walls with thickness between 28-60 mm, and comes with simple instructions for installation. This dog door has a timber panel to completely block off the door when not in use, and a magnet fitted on the flap to stop any bugs entering the home. This timber pet door is designed for medium sized dogs.

Best Features:

• Easy to install with basic handyman tools
• Strong durable plastic
• Timber panel to completely block off door when not in use
• Magnet fitted on flap for a perfect seal to avoid bugs getting in
• Possible to install 2 pet doors simultaneously on both your security screen door and your wooden door 
• Ideal for medium sized dogs

 

Types of Doors

With a wide range of dog doors available, the best dog door will be the one that suits your purposes. We list each type of dog door, their pros and cons, and installation process to help you find the right dog door for your pet and home.

 

For Screen Doors

These pet doors are designed specifically to fit into screen security doors. As they need to withstand the elements, they are made with durable materials and solid construction. These dog doors are designed to fit flush with the screen door and are suitable for security doors, mesh doors and insect doors. They are made in all sizes to suit a wide range of dog breeds comfortably.

Pros

• Easy for dogs to enter and exit the home
• Soft vinyl flap for comfort
• Suitable for a range of security, insect and mesh doors
• Can be installed by a professional or DIY
• Reasonably priced
• Magnetic closure for security

Cons

• Limited locking options
• Professional installation recommended

• Once installed in security doors,  the door no longer meets the Australian Security Standards

 

Installation

Pet doors can be installed in security screens either by a professional or you can do it yourself. We recommend professional installation to ensure correct fitting of the door and adhere to safety standards. When installing a dog door in a security door,  installing in a back or side door rather than a front door is advisable for security reasons.

 

For Glass Doors

Dog doors for glass are designed to fit single glazed, double glazed and most sliding doors. These are available in a wide variety to suit all sizes of dogs. Most dog doors designed for glass sit flush with the door and are weather resistant. They have a soft plastic flap for comfortable access for dogs of any breed. They have a self-closing magnetic flap which is ideal for security and keeping other animals out.

Pros

• Durable
• Four-way locking system
• Easy to clean
• Weather resistant

Cons

• Professional installation required

 

Installation

There are a couple of ways to install a pet door in glass, and it is advisable to hire a professional installer or glazier when dealing with a fragile material. An installer will either cut into the existing glass to install the door, or remove the glass panel and replace it with a piece of glass that has a pre-cut hole for the dog door.

 

For Timber Doors

These dog doors are designed to fit into timber or panelled doors. They are a popular choice for their convenience, and ease of installation. Timber pet doors are available in all sizes for every type of dog. They can be installed in a wall or a timber door and are strong and durable.

Pros

• Easy to install
• Affordable
• Suit all sized dogs
• Fit most wooden doors

Cons

• May need professional installation
• Some models do not have locks

 

Installation

Of all the dog doors, this one is the easiest to install yourself with a few tools and some handyman skills. You will still need to remove the door and cut the right sized hole to install the dog door. However, timber is a safer material to attempt this with. We still recommend hiring a professional for a safe and secure installation.

 

Microchip Dog Doors

The electronic dog doors open when triggered by a dog’s microchip. It opens automatically when a dog with a registered microchip gets close to the door. Some microchip doors can be programmed to recognise up to 32 different microchips. They can be programmed to be locked at different times of the day. These doors are excellent for security and keeping unwanted animals out of the home, but are more costly.

Pros

• Can recognise multiple pets
• Added protection from unwanted animals
• Programmable locking
• Modern technology
• Low maintenance

Cons

• Expensive
• May need professional installation
• Will need battery replacement

 

Installation

Given the technical nature of microchip dog doors, professional installation is recommended. They are, however, easy to program once set up.

 

Custom Dog Doors

A custom dog door is made to fit any dimension or specification of door and tailored to specific needs. Custom pet doors can be put in security, timber and glass doors and are ideal if the standard dog doors are not suitable for your home or pet. They are a good option for larger breeds that are taller or wider than the average dog. While they have the flexibility, they can be expensive to buy and install.

Pros

• Customised to individual needs
• Ideal for large or unusual breeds of dogs
• Can be installed anywhere
• Great for all types of materials

Cons

• More expensive
• Must be made and installed by a professional

 

Installation

Custom dog doors will require professional installation as they are customised to specific types of doors.

 

Primary Considerations When Choosing the Best Dog Door

There are several things to consider when choosing the best dog door, the main variables being dog size, material and location.

1. Dog Size

Dog doors are designed with specific height and width ratios to suit different sized dogs. A dog door that is the right size will make it more comfortable for your dog to use. Dog weight, height and width need to be taken into account. To measure the height of the dog, have the dog stand on the floor and measure from the floor to its highest point. The top of the door flap should be around 3 cm above the tallest point on the dog’s back. To measure the dog’s width, measure around the widest part of the head, the shoulders and the neck. The widest part of the door should be about 5 cm wider than the widest part of the dog. This will ensure the door can withstand the dog’s weight and comfortably allow it to get through. If you have a puppy, estimate the size the dog will grow to and use that as the measurement for the size of door you need.

2. Material

Dog doors are made from different materials like vinyl, plastic, rubber and metal. They all do the same thing but the strength of each can vary. It is important to choose a dog door that is strong enough for your dog to get in and out without damaging the door. 

Dog door frames are usually constructed of plastic or metal. The frame is the apparatus that attaches the dog door to the house. The most common material for the flap is plastic and made from PVC on a plastic frame. For gentle dogs these can last for 5 to 10 years without needing replacement. Vinyl flaps may be more suited to a large or energetic dog as they are more sturdy. 

3. Location

Making sure you have the right location for your dog door is paramount, and will impact the type of door you choose. The most common location for a dog door is through a door, wall or panel. As discussed, there are dog doors for timber doors and walls, glass sliding doors, and security screens. These are specifically designed for easy installation in these areas. If you have a difficult area that none of these doors suit, you may want to consider a custom dog door. 

If your dog is used to going outside through a certain door, it will help with training if you place the dog door in the same location. The dog door should open to an enclosed area like a backyard or courtyard and not be visible from the street.

Other Considerations When Choosing The Best Dog Door

4. Lockable

Dog doors have different locking systems and it is important to think about the kind of lock you want. There are doors with programmable locks so you can lock it at a certain time of day. There are other doors that can be locked manually from the inside. Alternatively, four way doors can be programmed to allow inward or outward traffic only. Regardless of which lock option you choose, it is important to consider having a locking system for your dog door for the security of your pet, home and residents.

5. Permanent or Temporary

If you only need the pet door for a short time or perhaps you are renting, consider whether you need to install a permanent or temporary door. A temporary dog door does not make permanent changes to a home’s walls or doors and can be easily removed when you leave. There are semi-permanent dog doors for sliding security doors and glass doors as an alternative to a more permanent dog door. You can also install a pet door in glass when renting and simply replace the glass when you leave.

6. Weatherproofing & Energy Efficiency

Consider whether the dog door will be exposed to the elements and what impact that may have. A plastic dog door might warp if exposed to direct sunshine in the summer months. Alternatively, a dog door exposed to the winter chill may cause drafts and let warm air out of the home. Energy efficiency might be affected without proper weather protection, which is why it is important to install a high-quality insulated dog door from a reputable manufacturer.

7. Budget

The cost of dog doors can range from $25 up to $1500, so consider how much you are willing to spend. The lower priced doors will be more basic, so weigh up cost versus quality.  The cost will be a result of the type of door you choose, where it is being installed, and individual installation fees.

8. Professional or DIY Installation

One way you may be considering saving money is by installing the dog door yourself, but this can be a tricky project. It all depends on how handy you are, the location and type of door you are installing. Dog doors can be installed in glass, security screens, walls and doors, each requiring their own level of skill. Glass doors need a professional glazier. Many dog doors come with DIY instructions but you must assess your abilities before deciding on a DIY installation or hiring a professional.

Professional installers have the tools and knowledge to install dog doors in every material, correctly and efficiently. A professional installer understands the intricacies of each type of dog door and can recommend the best options for individual needs. They will ensure the project is executed well and the dog door will last for years. 

The best dog door is the one that is the right size for your dog. Once you have assessed what size door you need, it is important to contemplate other considerations like location and materials. With such a large range of sizes and designs, we have given our top picks for dog doors, and explained how to choose the best dog door for your needs. For further advice, the team at Sydney Pet Doors are the experts in all things dog doors.