Having a dog door is a nice addition to your house that simplifies the process of letting the dog inside and outside. Don’t you ever just get tired of opening the door for them while you’re in bed? Alternatively, maybe you want the ability to let your dog out the doggie door when you’re not home, but you want the security of being able to lock it back up as well.
An app-controlled dog door can help in this type of situation. With this type of dog door you get security, convenience, and simplicity all in one. These doors come with a lot of different features and options. There are quite a few out there to choose from when it comes right down to it. An alternative to an app-based dog door is a microchip dog door that identities your dog and lets them in and out.
We recommend choosing a microchip or app-based dog door that offers both safety and security while working consistently to open and close when the time is right for your dog. The simple push of a button on your smartphone will keep you from having to get up over and over to let them out.
Stick with us to learn about the best app-controlled dog doors on the market. You just might find the solution that is right for you here among these options!
In a rush? Here are the top 6 Picks!
6 Best Microchip or App-Controlled Dog Doors Reviewed
We searched the market to try to find you the very best app doggie doors on the market. Not only do we bring you what we feel are the very best options, but we also feel we are providing a versatile selection of options. We also tested several of these options and their sliding glass door variants.
With each of these items, we are providing a comprehensive overview of the details as well as a detailed review for quality for you. Each review will also share a list of the pros and cons that are relevant as well.
- Pros
- Lock and unlock remotely
- Change or set specific curfews
- Allows you to monitor your pet’s activity
- Suitable for small dogs or cats
- Microchip pet door with an app
- Cons
- Must purchase the SureFlap hub separately in order to use
- There are a few glitches that could be improved but overall, it is reliable
The SureFlap Microchip dog door is our first option that uses a smartphone app to control the door. The downside is that in order for this door to really work, you also need to get the SureFlap Hub, which is sold separately. The SureFlap Hub allows you easily open and close the doggie door without a microchip.
The smartphone app will let you both lock and unlock the pet door as well as change times for a curfew, which ultimately locks the door for the night. You can monitor your pet, whether you are able to be right there with them or not. From monitoring, activity to even know when they change spots.
The door opening on this particular app-controlled door is best for small dogs. The door opening measures 6 11/16 inches in width and 7 inches in height. It’s certainly not made for larger animals and there are no other sizes available from this specific listing, although if you like the brand, you may be able to find an alternative with a bit of searching.
We really like this smart dog phone-controlled dog door. If you don’t buy the SureFlap Hub, it will still work perfectly with the microchip on your dog’s collar.
- Pros
- Longstanding brand in the U.S.
- Easy to install with an included installation kit
- Programmable view of up to 5 animals
- 100% programmable for locking, entry, and exit
- Available in small or large sizes
- Cons
- Large dogs with large tails may struggle to get through the door
- Goes through batteries very quickly
Next up is a really great option from the PetSafe. This brand is a reliable and known brand when it comes to dog doors and collars. This app-controlled dog door comes in both small and large sizes so you can pick out the size of door that works best for your dog. It’s nice to have sizing options and versatility to choose from because some owners need a large dog door.
This affordable smart door lets you customize every last aspect with programmable features that leave you completely in control. You can keep a handle on entry, exit, and locking of the door so that you can ensure the safety of your home as well.
This is a battery-operated door that is easy to install. It comes with an installation kit. You can program up to 5 smart keys, so you can use this particular door and the programming for as many pets as you need. This is a U.S. brand dog door and they have been marketing products such as this since about 1991.
- Pros
- Wind and weatherproof door
- Locks automatically with deadbolt
- Comes in medium and large sizes
- Motor driven rather than battery operated
- Directional system with your full control
- Cons
- Will require continuous power supply so you will need to plan for that installation
- The collar isn’t all that durable
If you’re looking for one of the very best options to automatically let your dog in and out, this is a premium model from High Tech Pet Store. This doggie door costs a little more, but it has tons of features and is well worth the cost. It’s a highly-rated option across the board that uses ultrasonic technology to only let your dog inside and outside. Most people who have tried this door have been very pleased with the quality.
The High Tech Pet Power dog door has both a medium and a large size available, so you can choose whichever size works best for your home and your needs. This electronic door is driven by a motor so there is no concern about batteries constantly running out. It has a directional sensing system that opens the door when your dog specifically approaches and will open for other reasons.
This door has 4-way access and you can control each aspect by allowing in, out, full access, or a closed and locked setting as well. The door itself is weatherproof and windproof. When it is not in use, there is an automatic deadbolt that keeps your door locked and secured. While this isn’t a phone-controlled dog door, it is an automatic collar-controlled dog door using ultrasonic technology.
- Pros
- Covered by a 15-year warranty
- Made in the USA
- Ready to install out of the box
- Multiple sizes available
- Energy-efficient with durable materials
- Cons
- Some users feel this is challenging to install, even though everything is there and instructions are included
- The sizes have large gaps so it’s challenging to choose the right size for some dogs
The Endura Flap Wall Dog Door is another premium option and has great insulation. Endura Flap has been working on products like this for quite some time and this doggy door is well-made. This is a wall dog door, so it installs directly into the wall, but they also have other variants. You can get sizes anywhere from small to extra-large so you can get the perfect size for your dog’s needs.
Give your pets plenty of independence and give yourself peace of mind at the same time. It’s durable and energy-efficient while also being completely secure in every way possible. It’s great for every type of weather and climate, including even extreme temperatures as low as -40F. Anyone who has had a cheap dog door knows that it lets all the cold air inside your house during the winter.
This door is ready to install as soon as you pull it out of the box. Simple instructions are provided, and you can place it into a wall that is up to 8 inches thick. Additionally, these doors are made in the United States. The materials are high-quality materials that are built to last and are very secure as well. The door also has a 15-year warranty.
- Pros
- Multiple layers to protect your energy bill
- Includes a slide-in closing panel
- A long-standing pet door company that cares about quality
- Durable materials with several options to choose from
- 3-flap insulation for added security layers
- Cons
- Labeled as easy to install but some owners feel as though it’s somewhat challenging
- Heavy wind might be able to pull the flaps away from magnets
If you like the PetSafe brand but want something a bit more premium than the traditional PetSafe models, give this one a glance. It comes in small to extra-large sizes and you can even choose from a plastic frame or an aluminum frame as well. If you want to optimize your energy bill, this is a known energy-efficient option that you can depend on.
The dog door allows you to give your cats and dogs some independence so they can get in and out when they need to but you can also rest assured in the security of your home. This includes 3-flap insulation so you get better thermal energy blocking as well. The layers include flexible flaps as well as a magnetic seal. It’s not necessarily an app-controlled dog door, but this is one of the most popular options on the market today that is controlled by the magnetic seal.
This pet door is built to last so you know that you’re spending your money wisely on a reliable product. It’s also one of the more affordable pet doors out there. You can install the door easily on your own and it is covered by a 1-year warranty. The brand guarantees quality and they’ve been working at this for a number of years.
- Pros
- Wall pet entry door
- Quality guaranteed from a long-standing company
- Multiple sizes available
- Weatherproof flap with a double layer system
- Easy to install
- Cons
- Might be more challenging to install for beginners
- The inner tunnel section isn’t as sturdy as the door frame so may need some adjustments
This final option is a PetSafe Electronic Dog Door that is well-made. It’s another creation from the PetSafe brand and it’s again highly rated across the board. It’s also pretty affordable as well and features an electronic RFID key that attaches to your dog’s collar. This is designed for wall entry and there is a telescoping tunnel as well so you have space for innovation.
You can choose from small, medium, or large sizes as well. This pet door is designed to be easy to install as well. DIY installation is totally feasible, whether you are installing new or replacing an old door. It’s an energy-efficient model that includes double flaps so you can keep out the elements.
This company is reliable and has been around for more than 30 years. They guarantee the quality of each of their products. These are built to be durable and reliable while also being simple to use as well.
How to Choose an App-Controlled Dog Door
Now that you’ve seen all of our top options, it’s time to figure out just what makes a dog door so great. There are certain characteristics and features that you may want to be aware of before you make a decision to buy the best app-controlled dog door.
There are a lot of different styles and designs out there to be familiar with. The goal here is to find a quality pet door that really will be the door you need and will provide you with the safety and security that you need. Some electronic dog doors will be smartphone-controlled, RFID-controlled, or ultrasonic-controlled.
Check out some of these tips and details for choosing your own app-controlled dog door.
Size of Dog and Door
One of the most important things that you can possibly look out for when it comes to a dog door is the size of the door in relation to the size of the dog. You will find out that there are a number of sizes and the sizes are not necessarily consistent from brand to brand.
Always check out the measurements of the door and understand how your dog fits into those measurements, literally. The challenge is that if you have a large dog, they need to be able to fit through the door. On the same note, if the door is too large or heavy, it might be challenging for a small dog to be able to open it and get through.
There are some smart dog doors out there designed to be great for any dog. With an app-controlled door, it might not be necessary to worry too much about the size as long as the dog can get through the door. However, we still recommend trying to find the best door size for your dog’s size.
Security
Another thing to consider is the security of the door. This means understanding the ability to securely lock the door as well as potentially set times and curfews for the pet door. You want to be able to let your dog out without worrying about letting unwanted animals or critters in.
Many smart pet doors use collars to communicate when the pet is near the door. These can be helpful because you can’t always be right there to monitor the door. The goal is to give your dog some freedom but also to give your security needs some peace of mind.
App-Controlled Vs. RFID Dog Door
While we’re on the topic of security, we feel as though it is important to touch on the difference between RFID collars and app control. Not every door comes with a collar, that is the RFID security option that uses a microchip within the collar to communicate with the door.
In most cases, the RFID does not require an app to be operative. The nice thing is that the door simply recognizes the collar when the dog comes to it so they can come and go as needed. With an app control that doesn’t have RFID compatibility, everything will be manual or will need the app for operation.
One is not necessarily better than the other. Most times, it simply depends on your preferences as well as your needs. We just want to be sure that you understand the difference between RFID collars vs. app-controlled dog doors.
While some packages have both of these pieces, not all of them do so it’s a good idea to understand the differences.
Installation
Finally, you will want to consider the installation of the pet door. What tools will be required and how much work will you have to do in order to prepare the door or the wall for installation? Pay close attention to what others are saying about the installation as well so you can know if it will be as anticipated or if there will be other things to be aware of.
Some installation processes are harder than others, so do your best to prepare and consider looking up some extra tutorials as well if you aren’t 100% sure about the process.
Conclusion for Best App Controlled Dog Door
We hope that you find this guide for choosing an app-controlled dog door to be beneficial. Remember to choose a dog door based on your needs and preferences. Most dog owners will opt for either a microchip or app-controlled dog door because it can lock and it won’t let any outside animals or people in your house.
You and your dog deserve the gift of both convenience and simplicity. The ability to have that without giving up security makes a difference as well. Start letting your dog inside and outside your house without having to worry!
Other articles you would like:
- Best Dog Door for Cold Weather
- Best Doggie Door for Sliding Glass Doors
- How to Get Your Dog to Stop Scratching the Door
Still not convinced? Check out the SureFlap App Controlled Dog Door!
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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