The Best Rain-Proof Pet Doors for Cold Weather and More!
While April showers bring May flowers, you don’t want your dog to bring all that water into your house whenever it rains. If you don’t want to be drenched in springtime rain, you should consider upgrading your pet door to a rain-proof model.
Not only will a rain-proof pet door prevent rain from getting into your house, but it will also help keep your energy bills low while still allowing your dog and cat the freedom to go in and out as they please. Read on to discover exactly what makes a door rain-proof and some of our favorite pet door choices!
What Makes a Pet Door Rain-Proof?
When looking for a rain-proof pet door, it’s best to look for features that are made to keep the weather out of your home, such as:
- Magnetic Flaps. Some flaps are lined with magnetics, which allows for a tighter seal against weather. Whenever your pet uses the door, the magnetics will snap back together right away and keep your door flap in place. Magnetics will also keep your flap sealed against high winds and other kinds of extreme weather conditions.
- Airtight Seal. While magnetics contribute to an airtight design, not every magnetic flap has an airtight seal. Look for flaps that have bellows and magnetics that seal all around the sides. The more airtight a flap is, the less likely it is the water will come through.
- Double Flap Design. A double flap pet door is not only more energy-efficient than the average pet door, but it also helps to keep rain out of your house. A dual flap design creates a pocket of buffer air between the inside of your house and the outside, which prevents cold air and rain from getting in.
What to Avoid in Rain-Proof Doors?
While there are plenty of pet doors that seem like they would be a good, rain-proof option, you should be aware of a couple of traits to avoid:
- Light Flaps. Some pets need a lighter flap because they lack the strength to use heavier ones. This is especially a concern when considering pets of different sizes sharing an extra-large pet door. However, lightweight flaps often do not have seals strong enough to keep out rain. If you’re concerned about a magnetic door being too heavy, you can always adjust the magnets.
- Electronics. Most electronic cat doors can withstand some weather, but many are not meant to be within direct contact with the elements. While the electronic parts of these doors are sealed, there is always the potential that rainwater might seep through the cracks and ruin the wiring. If you are getting an electronic pet door, consider installing an awning over the door in order to prevent water damage.
Recommended Pet Doors
Now that you know what makes for a good rain-proof pet door, check out these recommendations from our pet door experts:
Endura Flap Severe Weather Vinyl Sliding Glass Dog Door
With these weatherproof pet doors, you can rest easy knowing that rain won’t get into your house or your pet’s dog house. So go ahead and enjoy those April showers this springtime season. Be sure to check out some of our top Springtime Safety Tips for Outdoor Pets.
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DOG PERSON🐶
Pets: I have a fluffy, 14 year old chow-collie mix with red fur named Rosso. He's very stubborn and has the standoffish personality of a cat.
Fun stuff: I am a hot chocolate connoisseur.
