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9 Best Dog Doors

Written by: Molly Weinfurter
Molly Weinfurter is a writer for iHeartDogs, and she’s passionate about helping animals in need. She volunteers for Bailing Out Benji and a local dog rescue.Read more
| Published on September 15, 2023

Reviewed by: Dr. Theresa Fossum

Reviewed by:

Dr. Theresa Fossum

Meet Dr. Theresa (Terry) W. Fossum, DVM, MS. Ph.D., Diplomate ACVS – a remarkable animal lover whose passion for animal care and innovative solutions has left an indelible mark on the veterinary world. As the CEO of both Phoenix Animal Wellness and Epic Veterinary Specialists, she's ensuring dogs and cats receive the highest level of care and compassion.Read more
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Caring for a dog is a lot of hard work, but products like the best dog doors can make it easier. They can give your dog the option to go outside on their own without disrupting you. While they’ll require some training at first, these doors will help you feel more at ease and your dog won’t have to hold their bladder for long anymore.

There are various kinds of doors available, so choosing the right one can be overwhelming. To make things easier, we have gathered some of the best dog doors from various categories. One of these products could make your pup feel excited and free. They work best if you have a dog gate or fence set up outside to keep them contained.

Dog waiting to go outside

Best Dog Doors 

Best Sliding Door Dog Doors

PetSafe 1-Piece Sliding Glass Pet Door
  • Suitable for glass sliding doors
  • Size can be adjusted
  • Includes a safety latch
  • Magnetic closure flap
  • Weather-proof and rust-proof

This beautiful product is one of the best options for glass sliding doors. It has a classy look made with durable aluminum that’s weather-proof and rust-proof. To install it, you need to open your door slightly and place the product in the opening. This dog door will look natural in any home because it blends in with the glass door. It has a magnetic closure flap that allows it to close automatically behind your dog, keeping wind and stray animals away. It also comes with a latch so you can lock it in place. That way, you don’t have to set up a dog playpen to keep them away from the door when they’re alone.

Ideal Pet Products Pet Patio Door
  • Built from strong and durable aluminum
  • Easy installation
  • Lightweight and sturdy
  • Size can be adjusted easily
  • Various sizes are available
  • Has a safety lock

This product by Ideal Pet Products is constructed with corrosion-resistant aluminum and is designed for sliding doors. The setup process is simple enough to do it all by yourself without any difficulty. During assembly, you can adjust the height. This pet door’s frame is durable and high quality, allowing it to stand strong for years. Additionally, the product has a flexible flap that features a safety lock to keep both your pet and home safe. It comes in several sizes, and you can choose a black, white, or silver border.

Ideal Pet Products Modular Patio Pet Door
  • Comes in several sizes
  • Built from solid and high-quality aluminum
  • Made with tempered safety glass
  • Fits perfectly in sliding doors
  • Can be locked
  • The material doesn't rust or corrode

It can be difficult to find good quality products for extra large or heavy dogs. This patio pet door may work well in those instances because it accommodates dogs up to 90 pounds by being strong and durable. There are also smaller sizes available if you have a small or medium dog. With clear safety tempered glass, this pet product is made for sliding doors and can be easily assembled. Additionally, the flaps come in adjustable sizes, and the product’s frame can be either white or silver.

Best Electronic Dog Door

PetSafe Electronic Pet Door
  • Only opens for pets wearing the key
  • Has an auto-locking feature
  • Can be installed on doors or walls
  • It's water-proof and rust-proof
  • Access can easily be controlled

Electronic pet doors have the most unique features for pet parents. This electronic pet door by PetSafe is one of the best on the market within its category. It only allows your pet to walk through the door, so there’s no risk of intruders or other unwanted animals getting past. It works by using a programmed key that attaches to your pet’s collar. So, the door will only open when they approach it wearing the key. This battery-operated dog door is a safe and reliable choice and can be used for more than one pet. The door comes in a small or large size.

Best Energy-Efficient Dog Door

Perfect Pet The All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Door
  • It's weather-proof
  • It's sturdy
  • Energy-efficient structure
  • Frame can be adjusted
  • Comes in several sizes

One drawback of having dog doors is that they can’t always protect you from cold weather and strong winds that barge into your house through the small door. However, that’s not the case with this one. This pet door by Ideal Pet Products not only has excellent weather-proof qualities but is also energy-efficient. It features a double vinyl flap that offers maximum insulation for your home while being a safe choice for your dog. It comes in four different sizes, and it can be installed into a door or wall.

Best Dog Doors For Large Dogs

BarksBar Large Plastic Dog Door
  • Dogs up to 100 pounds can use it
  • Includes a self-locking feature
  • Magnets keep flaps in place
  • Flaps can withstand tough weather
  • Quick installation time
  • Multiple sizes available

This large dog door by BarksBar can make it easier for your dog to go outside and do their business. It can be installed in doors that are between 1 1/4″ and 2″ thick. With a self-locking feature, you can choose when your pets have access to it. It has a sturdy vinyl flap with a magnetic closure that won’t warp during extreme weather. Dogs up to 100 pounds can use this door. The quality of this door is unmatched because it’s made to withstand vigorous and constant use. The average installation time for this dog door is only 25 minutes. There are medium and large sizes available.

Best Wall-Installed Dog Doors

Ideal Pet Products Wall Entry Pet Door
  • Great for installing in the wall
  • Works for walls of all widths and materials
  • Includes a safety lock feature
  • Flaps are replaceable
  • Comes in multiple sizes

Inserting a dog door into the wall is a big commitment, so you’ll need to choose a durable, long-lasting product. This dog door by Ideal Pet Products is a great choice for installing in the wall. It can be easily installed without making much mess or destroying your walls. Also, it features a telescoping tunnel that fits your walls no matter how thick they are or what material. With a replaceable and flexible vinyl flap, it offers maximum insulation to your house. It also has a lock-out slide to control when pets can use it. It comes in either a medium or extra-large size.

Dragon Wall Pet Door
  • Sturdy construction
  • Fits perfectly on walls of all thicknesses
  • Includes a safety cover
  • Comes with one flap or two
  • Magnets hold the flaps in place
  • Comes in multiple sizes

This Dragon Wall Pet Door is another ideal option for walls. It can be used effortlessly by pets thanks to its semi-transparent and adjustable flap. You can choose if you want one flap or two, and it comes in a medium or large size. Magnets hold the flaps in place, and it also has a locking cover. With durable construction, this pet door is perfect for your walls no matter how thick they are. It’s made using an ABS Plastic frame and a UV stabilizer.

Ownpets Dog Screen Door
  • Designed for screen doors
  • Closes automatically using magnets
  • Has a locking mechanism
  • Constructed with top-quality ABS material
  • Long-lasting and sturdy

This dog door by Ownpets is designed to go on screen doors. It’s a safe and convenient choice that accommodates all dogs, especially those of small to medium sizes. Also, the flap has a magnetic closure to keep it in place after your dog walks through. You can also lock it whenever you don’t want pets going in and out. Locking it reduces the risk of intruders or stray animals getting in, helping you feel more at ease when you’re not home.

Buying Guide

Pet Size

Size is essential when buying a door for your dog. The height of the door should be tall enough for your dog to pass through comfortably. It also shouldn’t be too wide or too narrow. If it’s too narrow, your dog may not fit, but if it’s too wide, it could be easier for cold air or possibly wild animals to get in. For best results, measure your dog’s height and width and choose a door that’s slightly bigger. Some companies have a size chart available.

Security

Most dog doors include a safety lock. A locking feature is important since it allows you to lock the door when you don’t want your pets using it. Locking it can ensure your dog is safe inside. Many dog parents also keep it locked at night or when they’re not home to prevent wild animals and burglars from getting in.

Door Type

There are several kinds of dog doors available. Some are built into walls, some are installed in doors, and some work with sliding doors. You will have to decide where you want to install the door and then purchase the correct type. All types can be high quality, but they won’t be effective if they can’t install where you want them to.

Related: 11 Best Invisible Dog Fences

Dog door in kitchen

FAQs

Are Dog Doors Necessary?

Dog doors are necessary if you want a more convenient way to let your dog outside. However, they only work if you have a fenced-in yard, otherwise, your dog might escape. They allow your pets to walk in and out whenever they need to do their business, so they won’t have to disturb you to tell you when they have to go outside.

Is It Bad If The Dog Door Is Too Big?

If your pet door is too big then there’s a higher risk that an intruder or wild animal can make their way into your house. Even if the door is locked, it may be easier for someone to break in through the dog door than the front door. If the door is too big, it may also let in more cold air when your dog goes in and out. So, choose a dog door that’s big enough for your dog but not too much bigger.

Can Dog Doors Be Installed In Glass?

Dog doors can be installed in a variety of places. For glass sliding doors, the easiest option is getting a panel with a dog door. They’re easy to set up and less permanent than other dog doors.

Will Dog Doors Let Heat Out?

Yes, some dog doors can let heat out, causing heating bills to be higher in the winter. Some seal better than others, so look at reviews before purchasing one.

Can Dog Doors Lock?

Yes, most dog doors come with a locking mechanism. That way, you can choose when your dog is allowed to use the door and you can prevent people from breaking in through the dog door.

Do Dog Doors Let Other Animals in?

Wild animals can enter your home through most dog doors, however, locking the door can prevent that from happening. Some doors also only open by sensing your dog’s collar or microchip.

Do Dog Doors Decrease Home Value?

No, dog doors don’t make a huge difference for a home’s value, especially if it’s just in the door. If you put it in the wall, that may have a bigger effect on your home.

Dog outside glass door

Overview

Dog doors are a great feature to add to your home if you’re a dog parent with a fenced-in yard. They allow your dog to let themselves outside without it disrupting you. There are doors available for all sizes of dogs, however, you must choose the correct size according to your dog’s height. Overall, the best dog door will make your pup feel happy and free while making your life a bit easier.

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