7 Best Automatic Dog Doors That Open for Your Pet (October 2026)
The best automatic dog doors include the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door for microchip entry control, the PetSafe Electronic Collar Key Pet Door for large dogs with collar keys, and the Power Pet DeadBolt Automatic Pet Door for selectable access modes.
On this page (5 sections)
The best automatic dog door for most homes is the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door, which recognizes registered pets on entry and lets any animal exit. For larger dogs, consider a collar-operated Power Pet model; for app control, compare the SureFlap Connect and PetSafe SmartDoor.
An automatic door can reduce trips to let your dog outside, but each system recognizes pets differently. Some read a microchip or RFID tag, while others respond to a key or transmitter worn on a collar.
Measure your dog and the planned opening before choosing. Our guide to measuring your dog and door for a pet door covers the fit checks, and how to choose a dog door helps narrow down the type.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for large dogs with collar keysPetSafe Electronic Collar Key Pet Door, Large
8.2/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for selectable access modesPower Pet DeadBolt Automatic Pet Door, Large
8.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itSureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect
Best for app access management - 5
Check itPetSafe SmartDoor Connected App Pet Door, Medium
Best for scheduled app control - 6
Check itPower Pet High Security Automatic Pet Door
Best for large dogs and deadbolt security - 7
Check itPower Pet WiFi Roll Up Dog Door, Large
Best for remote control and schedules
How we chose these automatic dog doors
We compared access controls, opening dimensions where available, power, app features and installation notes to match each door with a clear use. Our score weighs specs and features against what you're shopping for.
A door that recognizes a pet can help limit entry by other animals, but the access rules differ. Some models control entry only, while others let you set separate entry and exit modes.
Check the opening against your dog's shoulder width and height, then confirm that the door suits your mounting location. For more on sensors and triggers, see how electronic dog doors work.
| Product | Best for | Entry control | Opening | Power | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SureFlap Microchip Pet Door | microchip entry control | Microchip or RFID collar tag | 6 11/16 H x 7 W in | 4 C batteries | 8.6 |
| PetSafe Electronic Collar Key Pet Door, Large | large dogs with collar keys | 8.2 | |||
| Power Pet DeadBolt Automatic Pet Door, Large | selectable access modes | AC adapter; optional rechargeable backup | 8.1 | ||
| SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect | app access management | Microchip or Sure Petcare RFID tag | 6 11/16 W x 7 H in | 8.0 | |
| PetSafe SmartDoor Connected App Pet Door, Medium | scheduled app control | 7.9 | |||
| Power Pet High Security Automatic Pet Door | large dogs and deadbolt security | 12 1/4 x 16 in | 7.6 | ||
| Power Pet WiFi Roll Up Dog Door, Large | remote control and schedules | 7.1 |
The best automatic dog doors for different needs
The right pick depends on how your pet is identified and what control you want. The SureFlap is the clearest microchip choice here, while the large collar-operated doors provide more room for bigger dogs.
SureFlap Microchip Pet Door: Best for microchip entry control
- Reads compatible pet microchips
- Stores up to 32 identities
- Programmable curfew
- 6 11/16 x 7 in opening
The SureFlap recognizes registered microchips or RFID tags on entry, while any animal can exit. Its opening suits small dogs, so measure your pet before choosing it.
Pros
- Stores up to 32 identities
- Programmable curfew
- Can be installed in doors, windows or walls
Cons
- Small opening
- Uses 4 C batteries
The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door is a strong fit when you want to use your pet's existing implanted ID. It reads compatible 9-digit Avid Secure, 10-digit FDXA and 15-digit FDXB microchip numbers, and can store up to 32 identities.
Its selective entry design scans on entry only. That keeps unregistered animals from entering, but any animal can leave through the flap, so it won't enforce a two-way restriction.
The opening measures 6 11/16 in high by 7 in wide, making it a better match for small dogs than larger breeds. It uses 4 C batteries, which are not included, and has a low-battery light.
Choose it if your dog has a compatible chip and the opening fits. If you need remote access or activity tracking, compare the Connect model below.
PetSafe Electronic Collar Key Pet Door, Large: Best for large dogs with collar keys
- Key-based entry and exit
- Up to 5 keys
- Programmable access and auto-locking
- Battery operated
This large PetSafe door recognizes pets wearing its electronic collar key and supports up to 5 keys. It offers programmable entry, exit and auto-locking options.
Pros
- Supports multiple pets
- Programmable access options
- Designed for interior or exterior doors
Cons
- Requires a collar key
- Wall installation needs a separate kit
The PetSafe Electronic Collar Key Pet Door, Large, suits households with bigger dogs that can wear a compatible key. It can be programmed for up to 5 keys, which helps when more than one pet needs access.
In automatic mode, the door detects the key and opens for the pet. The available options include selective entry, exit and automatic locking, so you can set access to fit your routine.
The door runs on batteries and is designed for interior or exterior doors. A wall installation is possible with a separately purchased Wall Install Kit.
Choose this model if you want a large collar-key door with multi-pet support. If you want four named access modes and a deadbolt, compare the Power Pet options.
Power Pet DeadBolt Automatic Pet Door, Large: Best for selectable access modes
- In Only, Out Only, In & Out and Locked modes
- Directional sensing
- Steel deadbolt
- AC adapter included
The Power Pet uses an ultrasonic collar and directional sensing, with four modes for controlling entry and exit. Its deadbolt locks the panel after closing.
Pros
- Four access modes
- Directional sensing
- Auto-retract safety feature
Cons
- Designed for genuine MS-5 collars
- Wall mount kit sold separately
The Power Pet DeadBolt Automatic Pet Door, Large, uses a genuine MS-5 ultrasonic collar and directional sensing. It opens when your pet approaches directly, rather than reacting when the pet rests or wanders nearby.
Its control panel offers In Only, Out Only, In & Out and Locked modes. A steel deadbolt secures the panel after closing, and the auto-retract safety system reopens the panel if it detects an obstruction.
The door mount is included; a wall mount kit is sold separately. It runs from the included AC adapter, with an optional rechargeable battery available for backup during outages.
Choose it if you need a large collar-operated door with several access settings. If you want an opening with stated dimensions for a larger dog, review the High Security model below.
SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect: Best for app access management
- Microchip recognition
- Remote lock and curfew changes with Hub
- Pet activity monitoring
- 6 11/16 x 7 in opening
This Connect model adds remote settings and activity monitoring through the Sure Petcare app, with the Hub sold separately. It recognizes pets on entry, while any animal can exit.
Pros
- Remote lock and curfew changes
- Tracks pet activity
- Uses a pet's existing microchip
Cons
- Hub required separately
- Small opening
The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect adds phone-based management to microchip entry control. The Sure Petcare Hub is required and sold separately; once connected, you can remotely secure or open the door, change curfew times and monitor activity.
Like the standard SureFlap, this model controls entry only. Any animal can exit, so consider that before choosing it for a household that needs selective exit as well.
Its opening is about 6 11/16 in wide by 7 in high, suited to cats and small dogs. The door uses 4 C batteries.
Choose Connect if remote settings and activity records are useful to you and your pet fits the opening. For an app-controlled option with schedules for each pet, consider the PetSafe SmartDoor.
PetSafe SmartDoor Connected App Pet Door, Medium: Best for scheduled app control
- App control and notifications
- Schedules for each pet
- Pet Door Key and microchip pairing
- Dynamic weather sealing
The medium SmartDoor combines app schedules and remote locking with a Pet Door Key, and it can pair with a cat's microchip. Choose it when phone control matters and the medium size fits.
Pros
- Schedules for each pet
- Remote lock and open
- Notifications for door use and status
Cons
- Medium size may not suit larger dogs
- Phone features depend on app connectivity
The PetSafe SmartDoor Connected App Pet Door, Medium, combines phone control with a Pet Door Key and microchip pairing. The My PetSafe app can remotely secure or open the door, set schedules for each pet and send notifications about use and door status.
The medium door includes a medium Pet Door Key. It can pair with a cat's microchip, and selective entry and exit let you choose which pets can use the door.
PetSafe describes a dynamic weather seal and multi-point locking mechanism. Check that the medium size fits your dog before you buy, since this is not the large option in the range.
Choose it when app schedules and notifications matter more than a large opening. If your dog needs a larger entrance and you prefer a collar transmitter, compare the Power Pet models.
Power Pet High Security Automatic Pet Door: Best for large dogs and deadbolt security
- Large 12 1/4 x 16 in opening
- Steel deadbolt
- Four access modes
- AC adapter included
This large Power Pet model pairs a 12 1/4 x 16 in opening with collar activation, four access modes and a steel deadbolt. Measure your dog and doorway before selecting it.
Pros
- Large stated opening
- Four access modes
- Auto-retract safety feature
Cons
- Requires genuine MS-5 collar
- Wall mount kit sold separately
The Power Pet High Security Automatic Pet Door has a stated 12 1/4 x 16 in opening for large dogs. It uses a genuine MS-5 ultrasonic collar, and directional sensing is designed to trigger when your pet approaches the door directly.
Four settings give you control over access: In Only, Out Only, In & Out or Locked. The steel deadbolt secures the panel after it closes, while the auto-retract feature reopens it if an obstruction is detected.
The door mount is included, and an AC adapter supplies power. A wall mount kit is sold separately, so account for that extra part if you plan a wall installation.
Choose it if your dog needs a larger opening and you want multiple access modes. Measure carefully and compare it with the older DeadBolt model if you don't need the stated opening dimensions.
Power Pet WiFi Roll Up Dog Door, Large: Best for remote control and schedules
- Roll-up panel design
- Four access modes
- Optional WiFi app control
- Entry and exit range controls
The roll-up panel and optional WiFi app set this Power Pet apart. It supports schedules and remote access management through the app, while the door uses a genuine MS-5 collar transmitter.
Pros
- Four access modes
- Optional remote app control
- Safe return and safe closure features
Cons
- WiFi app is optional
- Requires genuine MS-5 collar transmitter
The Power Pet WiFi Roll Up Dog Door, Large, uses a segmented panel that rolls into a compartment when open. Its collar transmitter activates the door, and the system offers four access modes: Enter Only, Exit Only, Full Access or Locked.
The optional WiFi app can manage access remotely, set weekly schedules and connect with Alexa, Google Home and Siri. The door also has separate entry and exit range controls, safe return to help prevent accidental lockouts, and safe closure that raises the panel if it detects an obstacle.
The door is designed for a maximum compatible thickness of 6 in. It requires a genuine MS-5 collar transmitter, so include that in your setup plans.
Choose it if remote control and scheduled access are central to your routine. For a simpler comparison of microchip and collar systems, read how electronic dog doors work.
Which automatic dog door fits your pet?
A microchip door uses an existing identifier, while a collar-operated model needs its matching key or transmitter. Choose based on what your dog can wear, the access rules you need and the opening your dog can use.
For microchip entry, the SureFlap models recognize compatible chips, but their openings suit smaller pets. The SureFlap Connect adds remote controls and activity monitoring when paired with its Hub.
For larger dogs, compare the PetSafe Electronic Collar Key door with the Power Pet doors. The PetSafe supports up to 5 keys, while the Power Pet models offer four named access modes and use a genuine MS-5 ultrasonic collar.
What should you check before installing an automatic dog door?
Check your dog's fit, the door's access behavior and the mounting requirements before buying. The opening size and installation method can rule out a model even when its control features look right.
Measure your dog and compare those measurements with the actual flap opening, not the outside frame. For a wall or glass installation, check whether the model needs a separate kit or accessories; our wall dog door guide covers tunnel and wall choices.
Also check whether the door limits entry only or both directions. If you want the option to restrict access at night, see how to lock a dog door.
Which automatic dog door should you choose?
Choose the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door for small pets with compatible chips, the PetSafe Electronic Collar Key model for multi-pet collar access, or a Power Pet door when you need multiple access modes and a larger opening. If you want a related microchip option for cats, see our best microchip cat doors.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
Best for large dogs with collar keys
PetSafe Electronic Collar Key Pet Door, Large
8.2/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for selectable access modes
Power Pet DeadBolt Automatic Pet Door, Large
8.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
How does an automatic dog door know when to open?
An automatic dog door reads a signal from an approved pet, such as a microchip, RFID tag or collar transmitter. The door then opens when that pet approaches, depending on its design.
Check what identification each model needs before choosing.
Are microchip and collar-key dog doors different?
Yes. A microchip door reads an implanted pet ID, while a collar-key door needs a compatible tag or transmitter worn by the pet.
Microchip models avoid an added collar device for pets with a compatible chip.
Collar systems can work for pets without one.
Can any animal leave through a selective-entry pet door?
Some selective-entry doors control entry only, so any animal can exit. The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door and Connect model use this approach.
Read the access modes carefully if you need to restrict both entry and exit.
Do automatic dog doors need a power source?
Yes, but the source varies. SureFlap microchip doors use C batteries, PetSafe's electronic collar-key door is battery operated, and the Power Pet DeadBolt includes an AC adapter with an optional rechargeable backup.
Check the power plan against your installation location.
