Pet doors have evolved from simple flap openings into engineered access systems designed for insulation, durability, security, and architectural integration. What began as a basic convenience for dogs and cats is now a specialized product category shaped by climate performance, material innovation, and installation versatility.
Early Pet Door Innovation
In the 1950s, Johnson became one of the first manufacturers to popularize dog doors in the United States, helping establish the classic flap-style design still recognized today. Pride Pet Door later introduced a similar system, and notably produces the only replacement flap compatible with original Johnson pet doors — preserving functionality for homeowners with legacy installations. Johnson’s early designs also influenced the development of PetSafe pet doors, which helped bring dog and cat doors into the mainstream market.
During the 1960s and 1970s, brands such as Ideal Pet Door expanded availability with practical, affordable flap-style doors for residential use, solidifying the standard door-mounted pet door format still widely used today.
The Rise of Sliding Glass and Aluminum Pet Doors
The mid-1970s introduced sliding glass panel pet doors, transforming patio door installations. Instead of cutting into walls or doors, homeowners could insert a vertical panel directly into their sliding glass track.
In the 1980s, Hale refined aluminum-frame pet door construction with custom sizing and finish options, marking a shift toward more premium architectural solutions. Liberty Pet Door later emphasized American-made durability and long-term performance in similar aluminum systems.
High Tech Pet began developing electronic and motorized pet doors in the late 1980s, introducing controlled access technology into the category.
Security, Wall Systems, and Glass Integration
The 1990s brought more installation-specific innovation. Watchdog focused on security-oriented pet door covers. Pet Door Products and Lakeside (Magnador) specialized in in-glass and storm-door pet door solutions, expanding options for glass door installations.
Performance Engineering and Modern Insulation
In the 2000s, Endura Flap raised the bar with magnetic sealing technology engineered for wind resistance and energy efficiency, representing a shift toward climate-conscious pet door design.
Pet Door Guys later simplified patio door retrofits, making sliding glass installations more accessible without structural modification. Utah Pet Access advanced Modern French Door systems for in-glass access.
Today, premium brands such as Endura Flap, Hale, and Liberty Pet Door focus on insulation, durability, and architectural integration, while established brands like Ideal Pet Door and PetSafe continue serving broad residential needs.
As the market evolves, so does our catalog. Today, we focus on high-performance, proven systems designed for long-term use. Brands including PlexiDor, Pozzy Pet, Bug Warden, Carlson Pro Pet, Bug Off, SureFlap, Dragon Pet Doors, and others are no longer part of our active lineup. For additional details, please visit our discontinued pet doors page.
