Electronic, Automatic & Microchip pet doors

The answer is to get an electronic pet door! These include electronic, magnetic, RFID chip, or even motorized dog doors and cat doors. Pay close attention to measuring for size as always because microchip technology is not compatible with larger dogs due to the limited range of microchip frequency. When selecting an electronic pet door, you’ll also want to consider the power source, spare collar keys, locking mechanisms, and opening methods. These all play a role in the success of your door. Again, consider that there are not as many electronic locking door options and no magnetic door for sliding glass door options for large dogs. High Tech Pet Products offers slightly larger auto-locking doggie door options. In any case, take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Microchips and Pets to help guide your decision and find the best electronic dog door for you.

The smaller doors operate by the pet pushing through the flap once activated, whereas some of the larger options (like the High Tech) are fully motorized and will raise or lower for the pet. The motorized option is recommended if you have a more timid or elderly pet who has trouble pushing through a pet flap. It also has its own self-locking cover built-in, meaning you don't have to keep track of a separate piece. Most of these doors have lots of moving parts that could be broken off, so these doors come with a one year warranty. There are no cat-specific motorized options, so keep in mind that the collar key or smart key might be a bit bulky for them to wear. All of the large electronic doors will be collar activated, as there are no microchip options for larger dogs.

Electronic Cat and Dog Door FAQs

The Best Doors by Category

The Vet-Implanted ID Microchip-

The Pros for this type of system are plenty. Most importantly, your pet's collar is not needed because the door uses the ID chip that your vet implanted under the skin. The absence of the need for a collar pet door would work for that has a number of very important advantages. Some cats won't tolerate them at all. There's always some danger of a cat accidentally getting his collar hung up on a branch or another object, which can have disastrous consequences. (Break-away collars avoid that danger, but if they break away you've lost both the collar and the collar key possibly trapping the pet outside). In addition, the implanted chip doesn't add to the clutter if you've already got ID tags (you DO have an ID Tag, Right?) or a hidden fencing system receiver on the collar.

On the other hand, there are a few disadvantages. The largest pet door flap available with this technology is only 7" w x 7" h, this is the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door, which would not be suitable for larger pets. And most only control who comes in not who goes out, the exception being the Dual Scan, with a very limiting flap dimension of 5-¾" w x 4-¾" h. These doors are compatible with almost every North American microchip, but it may be wise to check with your vet to be sure you've got one of the right ones and, make sure that the chip is still at the top of the neck where it belongs and hasn't migrated somewhere else. If the chip has migrated down the back, it won't be in the right spot to trigger the door consistently. You can also email us at customerservice@petdoors.com with the number on your chip and we can double check the compatibility. Finally, installation in a metal door can be tricky because it will mess up the system's reading.

The Magnetic Collar Key-

There are two types: For the first, the magnet actually pulls a lever inside the cat door, which unlocks the door. In this case, the cat door doesn't require any power, and there is no electronic circuitry to corrode or fail. For the second type, the magnetic field of the magnet is sensed by the pet door, and it unlocks in response. These Electromagnetic doors require power, in the form of a battery. In both cases, the collar key requires no power, as it is just a magnet. Magnetic collar keys are less expensive to replace and are waterproof and weatherproof.

On the other hand, the magnets used to pull an inside lever are relatively strong and more likely to pick up debris like nails and bottle caps. Since they're stronger, they may exert more pull than is comfortable for a kitten, and at least one manufacturer recommends that they not be used until the cat is a little older. The positioning of the pet door is important as the magnetic collar key has to come extremely close or make contact with the bottom frame of the pet door. If mounted too high or too low, the key might not trigger the door as it never gets close enough. Some manufacturers recommend that installation in a ferrous metal door may require that a wooden collar be built to isolate the pet door from the door. An aluminum frame door would not present a problem. Finally, a magnet is a magnet; there is no way for the cat door to distinguish among your pets or between your cat and a neighbor's cat that happens to also wear a magnetic collar key.

The Ultra-Sonic Collar Key-

High-frequency sound (much higher than can be heard by your pet) is not affected by sunlight (as were the infra-red type) or by the material that the electronic door is installed in or by the use of any other electronic like hidden fencing. The sensitivity of the microphones can be adjusted to allow the user to control the distance at which the electronic pet door activates.

But, batteries are required, so you'll need to check them occasionally. The units are susceptible to damage from water. Even though there is a waterproof version, you shouldn't use this for a pet that swims. Finally, a few (but not all) cat owners have felt that the unit was too large and uncomfortable for their pet.

The Radio-Frequency Chip-

High-frequency sound (much higher than can be heard by your pet) is not affected by sunlight (as were the infra-red type) or by the material that the electronic door is installed in or by the use of any other electronic like hidden fencing. The sensitivity of the microphones can be adjusted to allow the user to control the distance at which the electronic pet door opens.

But, batteries are required, so you'll need to check them occasionally. The units are susceptible to damage from water. Even though there is a waterproof version, you shouldn't use this pet product for a pet that swims. Finally, a few (but not all) cat owners have felt that the unit was too large and uncomfortable for their pet.

RFID Chip Collar Keys-

The PetSafe Smart Door, a popular electronic dog door, uses a chip that emits a radio frequency signal. When the door reads that signal, it unlocks, and when it can no longer read the signal, it locks again. The Smartkey can be programmed to emit a unique signal, and the door can recognize up to five different keys.

Of course, these keys require battery power, and, again, some have felt them be too large for their cats.

Q: Which type of collar key pet door is the best?

A: This is a difficult question to answer because different people have different needs and may not agree on what is "good" and what is "bad." However, we'll take a stab at it. Remember that the features of the pet door you want may be just as important or more important than the characteristics of the type of collar key that is used for giving partial or full access through your doggie or cat door. That being said, here are our favorites for each category of collar tag key.

Q: Some electronic pet doors control access from outside only, while others are controllable from both sides. What difference does this make?

A: In most cases, the one way, outside access control only works fine. Here are the situations in which 4-way access control from both directions can be an advantage:

You want to keep an inside pet (or child) from going outside in addition to preventing strays and other animals from coming inside.

You are concerned about raccoons coming in through the pet door. At least some raccoons have figured out that a one-way control electronic pet door can be broken into by hooking the flap with a claw and pulling the flap toward the outside. Then they can come through the opening. No one knows if every raccoon can do this, but they are very clever.

Q: Some electric pet door models are motorized while others require the pet to push the flap after unlocking. What’s the difference?

A: Motorized electronic pet doors always control from both directions: non-motorized versions may be either one-way or two-way control.

A timid, arthritic, or injured pet may find it easier to use a motorized version since he doesn't need to learn to push anything; the door simply opens in front of him. This is probably the most significant advantage of a motorized pet door.

We suspect that the motorized versions may be slightly less able to keep a second pet from following the first out. It's true that the time the flap remains open can be made short. But it's still open to all during that time. The must-push versions present a following pet with a flap swinging toward him as the leader clears the flap door. That would seem to be a more effective deterrent.

Manual flap systems may be used in a non-electronic mode; motorized pet doors cannot.

Q: What are the different power requirements of electronic pet doors?

A: As we've seen above, some magnetic dog and cat doors require no power source at all, neither for the door nor for the collar key.

Q: What problems are there with electronic pet doors?

A: The first is reliability. With electronic doors, there are more issues that are likely to occur. If a manual pet door works for you and your pet, we would definitely recommend the manual door as a better option. An electronic door can run into issues like a dead battery since there's no battery level indicator; this problem could occur unexpectedly and would hinder your pet from entering/exiting. On the other hand, the only time a manual pet door would stop your pet from entering/exiting is if you personally put the locking cover on.

Cost. Electronic pet doors, particularly the motorized versions, tend to be more expensive than manual pet doors. Lost collars and keys can add up, too. Although there certainly are some high-performance manual pet doors that are quite expensive as well.

Rigid Flaps. All electronic pet doors incorporate rigid flaps. However, some people prefer a flexible flap for reasons of safety and a softer surface for the pet to push. In this regard, it should be noted that the motorized pet doors do not offer the pinching danger of a normal rigid flap.

Insulation and Energy Efficiency. Most of these direct approach electronic doors do not have magnets or even a weather stripping lining on their flaps, making them more likely to leak air and let in the cold. Most energy-efficient pet doors are not electronic.

Q: What does it mean to "control both ways?"

A: The option to control both ways allows the door to control which animals can enter and exit. This simple directional sensing system can prevent animals such as raccoons from getting inside, as well as keep your pet or even child inside when necessary. Access from both directions can be an advantage if you want to keep an inside pet (or child) from going outside while also preventing outside animals from getting inside without a cat or dog's collar key.

Q: Which doors control access both ways?

A: The SureFlap DualScan Door, PetSafe Smart Door,High Tech, and Cat Mate 305/306 control access both ways.

Q: I want my dog to be able to get in and out of the house, but not my cat, which pet door would work for that?

A: The The PetSafe Electronic Smart Door would be a good choice that allows for this type of this functionality for dogs.

PetSafe Electronic Smart Door

Q: How big are the collar keys on the different electronic doors?

A: Microchips are collarless, as they are surgically implanted by your vet. RFID tags tend to be smaller because they don't need batteries. Battery run tags are bulkier because there needs to be space for a battery to be held in there.

Q: What's the biggest electronic pet door you have?

A: The PetSafe Smart Door and the High Tech.

Q: How is the PetSafe Electronic Smart Door powered?

A: This smart door is powered by "D" cell batteries, which are not included. There is no low battery indicator on the Electronic Smart Door so it might be useful to keep a spare collar key nearby for testing purposes.

Q: Can I get a microchip dog door for my Lab?

A: Unfortunately, there are currently no dog doors or large cat doors available that use microchip technology for a bigger animal like a Lab. There are microchip doors for smaller dogs and cats, however. If you want an automatic dog door for large dogs, they'll need to have a collar key.

Q: Can the large dog doors be programmed to only allow access during parts of the day?

A: Yes, the High Tech Power Pet Door (if connected to a timer).

Q: What are the advantages to having an electronic pet door?

A: An electronic pet door allows you to have control over which pets are able to go in and out of your home, while also keeping wild animals or stray animals out of your home. Another advantage is that electronic doors are wind-proof.

Q: Do magnetic locking pet doors require power?

A: Magnetic locking pet doors do not require power. However, Electromagnetic Pet Doors like the Cat Mate 305 and Ideal “E” Cat Door require batteries.

Q: Which pet doors open automatically?

A: The High tech is an automatic pet door that is motorized and will open automatically to a dog collar key.

Q: Which electronic doggie door doesn't require batteries in the collar key?

A: The PetSafe Smart Door will generally be adequate for medium to large dogs, and they require the dog to still push the flap to get in and out. These two electronic doors differ from other electronic doors because these doors only unlock the flap for entry/exit, rather than the flap opening/closing automatically when the pet gets in close enough proximity to enter/exit. These are also good options for letting the dog out and keeping the cat in.

Q: What options do I have for an automatic cat door that will raise the flap for my cat?

A: The High Tech Power Pet Door is the only motorized auto option. However, the collar keys are lightweight, although rather bulky for small pets. All other electronic pet doors can lock and unlock the flap, but it has to be manually opened.

Q: I want an automatic doggie dog for a large dog, what are my best options for door installation?

A: The High Tech Power Pet Electronic Pet Door.

Q: What options do I have for a large dog flap with sensor, especially a microchip dog door large?

A: Due to microchip frequency limitations, currently, there are no microchip dog doors. There are a few dog door electronic options. It depends on where you are installing it and the size of your dog. Here are links to the top brands: PetSafe, and High Tech. These links will give you your options.

Q: My dog is not microchipped, what RFID dog door large dog size is available?

A: The PetSafe Electronic Smart Door, which has a RFID collar key.

Q: Is there an automated dog door?

A: Automated (aka motorized) actually raise and lower for the pets. The only option we have would be the High Tech Power Pet doors.

Q: Are there any app controlled remote dog door for installation in a wall?

A: We offer the SureFlap Connect electronic pet door for the wall. It is for small dogs and cats due to the flap size being 7 inches wide x 7 inches high. The High Tech also comes in a Wall Installation model.

Q: What electronic or magnet dog doors installed in door do you offer?

A: You have many choices. Check out our Electronic pet doors.

Q: What electronic pet door for garage door do you recommend?

A: There are a few, depending on your dog's size. There are the High Tech Power Pet Door and PetSafe Electronic Smart Door. There are no large dog microchip pet doors available due to the limited range of the technology.

Q: What large dog electric collar doggie door do you recommend?

A: There are a few, depending on your dog's size. There is the High Tech Power Pet Door, and PetSafe Electronic Smart Door. There are no large dog microchip pet doors available due to the limited range of the technology.

Q: What options do you offer for a motion sensor pet door?

A: Pet doors with sensors come in many forms. The closest motion sensor pet door we offer would be the High Tech Power Pet Automatic pet door. They are available for installation indoor, walls, and sliding glass doors.

Q: What's the largest auto dog door you sell and is it auto open?

A: The largest is the High Tech Power Pet. We have models for installation in a sliding door, people door, or electronic wall door installation. These are electric pet doors.

Q: Why would you want the pet door to open without the pet pushing?

A: You would want a motorized door if your pet is timid, injured, older aged/arthritic, and unable to push on the flap of the door. A motorized pet door allows hassle-free entry and exit.

Q: Which electronic dog door doesn't require batteries in the collar key?

A: The SureFlap doors do not require batteries in the collar key.

Q: Are there any patio panel doors that control both ways?

A: Yes, the High Tech Power Pet Automatic Pet Door controls both ways.

Q: Which electronic pet doors can have a rechargeable battery?

A: The High Tech Power Pet Door has a rechargeable battery, making them good for easy installation.

Q: Do you have an electronic pet door for a window for a Lab?

A: No, there are no electric or automatic doors large enough in a window. .

Q: Do all electronic pet doors have low battery indicator lights?

A: Not all electronic pet doors have low battery indicator lights. Typically, just the smaller cat doors offer this feature.

Q: Do the rigid flaps of motorized pet doors create a danger for pets or children?

A: The rigid flaps of motorized pet doors do not typically create a danger for pets or children because the flap is retractable and will lift back open if it senses something is in the way.

Q: Do all electronic pet doors have rigid flaps?

A: Yes, all collar activated dog door models, and cat door models will have rigid flaps.

Q: Which electronic doors have timer controls?

A: Yes the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door and the Cat Mate 305 both have timer controls.

Q: Do you have any electronic doors that are raccoon proof?

A: Yes, the SureFlap, Cat Mate 305/306, PetSafe Smart Door, and High Tech Power Pet Door are all raccoon proof.

Q: Is there a microchip door for sliding doors?

A: The Thermo Panel 2e Microchip Patio Panel pet door can be used for sliding doors.

Thermo Panel 2e Microchip Patio Panel

Q: With the SureFlap can I program both the implanted microchip and the collar key, that way if my cat loses their collar the chip will trigger the door?

A: No, the RFID collar key must be discontinued after chipping your pet because the two signals will confuse the pet door.

Q: Which electronic doors have 4-way locks?

A: The SureFlap, High Tech offer the 4-way locking mechanism.

Q: How many keys do each of the doors come with?

A:

Q: Do you have doors that will work off my cats microchip?

A: Yes, SureFlap and CatMate both make electronic doors that can be activated by your cat's microchip. (Sureflap Microchip Cat Door, Pet Door & SureFlap Dual Scan, also Cat Mate 355/356).  The microchip MUST be implanted by a vet. You cannot try to attach a microchip to the pet's existing collar or ID tag as it will not trigger the pet door properly.

Q: Can I install the SureFlap in a metal door?

A: Yes, the SureFlap can be installed in a metal door. However, you'll want to put a border/adaptor around the frame before installation because the metal in the door can interfere with the signal if it is too close to the frame of the pet door. See installation video for more details.

Q: What Smart Pet Doors do you offer for Large dogs?

A: Large is a subjective term. The Larger electronic Pet Doors we offer are PetSafe Electronic Smart Door, and High Tech Power Pet Door.