Electronic, Automatic & Microchip Pet Doors

Types of Electronic Door Keys

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 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.

Electronic Cat and Dog Door FAQs

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

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.

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

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.

What are the different power requirements of electronic pet doors?

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. For the remaining electronic pet doors, there are four possibilities:

• Some are operated by batteries only
• Some may be operated with AC power thus requiring a nearby wall outlet.
• At least one, the Hi-Tech Power Pet, can use AC Power with a battery backup in addition to the first two options.
• With an electrician's help, you might be hardwired by the pet door.

What problems are there with electronic pet doors?

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.

What does it mean to "control both ways?"

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.

We recommend the SureFlap DualScan Door, PetSafe Smart Door, High Tech, and Cat Mate 305/306.

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?

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

PetSafe Electronic Smart Door

How is the PetSafe Electronic Smart Door powered?

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.

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

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.

Do magnetic locking pet doors require power?

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

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

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.

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

The PetSafe Electronic Smart Door, which has an RFID collar key.

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

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.

Are there any patio panel doors that control both ways?

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

Which electronic pet doors can have a rechargeable battery?

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

Do all electronic pet doors have low battery indicator lights?

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

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

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. 

Is there a microchip door for sliding doors?

The Thermo Panel 2e Microchip Patio Panel pet door can be used for sliding doors. Another option is the High Tech Power Pet for Sliding Doors. 

Thermo Panel 2e Microchip Patio Panel

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?

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

How many keys does each of the doors come with?

Can I install the SureFlap in a metal door?

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 the installation video for more details.