5 Best Smart Pet Doors for Automated Entry in 2026

As a pet owner, you’re probably wondering which smart pet doors will keep your furry friends safe and make your life easier in 2026. These options combine advanced features like RFID microchip or collar recognition, app control, and customizable access schedules—perfect for busy households or tech enthusiasts. From weatherproof durability to tamper-proof security, the best choices are designed to fit your pet’s size and your home’s layout. Curious about which door might fit your needs best? Keep going.

SmartDoor™ App-Controlled Pet Door with Schedule

If you want a smart pet door you can control from your phone, the SmartDoor™ App-Controlled Pet Door with Schedule is a great choice. It’s made for small to large dogs and cats up to 200 pounds. The frame is tough plastic, and it has a tinted flap for privacy. Weather seals help keep cold drafts outside and protect against weather.

You can pair it with microchips for keyless entry or attach Pet Door Keys on your pet’s collar for quick access. Using the My PetSafe app, you can lock or unlock the door from anywhere. You can also set daily schedules so pets can come in or go out during specific times. No more chasing pets outside or opening the door for them.

The door has security features to block intruders and keep wildlife out. It gives you more control and makes life easier. It is perfect for pet owners who like to manage things from their phone.

Best For: Pet owners who want a safe, easy, and customizable way to control their pets’ access using a smartphone.

Pros:

• Control and set schedules from your phone with the My PetSafe app.
• Use microchips or Pet Door Keys for safe, keyless entry.
• Weatherproof design keeps your home warm and private.

Cons:

• Needs a fast Wi-Fi network on the 2.4 GHz band, which some homes don’t have.
• Runs on batteries or a wall adapter (sold separately), so you might need extra parts.
• Installing might require some DIY skills. Follow the instructions carefully.

This pet door makes managing your pet’s access simpler and smarter. It’s easy to use and keeps your home secure.

PetSafe Smart Collar-Activated Dog/Cat Door (Small)

The PetSafe Smart Collar-Activated Dog/Cat Door (Small) is a great choice for pet owners. It helps small pets up to 15 pounds come and go easily. The door is made of strong plastic and won’t rust, so it lasts a long time.

This door uses a collar key to open. It can support up to five pets, and you can set who can go out or come in. This keeps away stray animals. When your pet with the collar gets close, the electronic flap unlocks automatically. When they go through, it locks again. Installation is simple. You can put it in your door or wall using the tools and guides included.

This door is best for people with small dogs or cats who need a safe, automatic way for their pets to move in and out.

Pros:

• Supports up to five pets with personal collar keys
• Built to last with durable, rustproof parts
• Easy to install in your door or wall

Cons:

• Needs four D-cell batteries (not included), and you will need to replace them
• Made only for small pets, so bigger animals won’t fit
• Only works for pets up to 15 pounds

This door keeps your home secure and makes life easier for you and your pets.

PetSafe Electronic Pet Door with Collar Activation

If you have big pets or more than one animal, the PetSafe Electronic Pet Door with Collar Activation might be just what you need. It works well for pets up to 100 pounds. The door is made from tough, rust-proof materials, so it’s strong and lasts outside. It has a large flap that makes it easy for big pets to go through.

This door uses collars to activate. You can program up to five collars, so each pet can get in and out easily. You don’t have to chase the pets or yell—they can come and go on their own. You can decide when the door is locked, unlocked, or only opens for certain collars. This gives you full control over your pets’ access.

Installing this door is simple. You can put it in a door or wall yourself. It fits many types of homes and doors. The system keeps your pets safe and helps you keep your home secure.

This pet door works well for big pets and families with several animals. It’s easy to set up and use, and it gives your pets independence while giving you peace of mind.

Pros:

• Strong, rust-proof materials for outdoor use and big pets
• Supports up to five collar keys for different pets
• Easy to install yourself with many mounting options

Cons:

• Runs on 4 D batteries that need replacing
• Only for pets up to 100 pounds
• More expensive than simple manual pet doors because it has electronics

Electronic Pet Door with 3 Modes for Large Pets

Looking for a smart pet door for your big dog? This electronic pet door is great for dogs up to 85 pounds. It has three modes: Locked, Unlocked, and Automatic. You can choose how your door works depending on your needs. The plastic frame is strong and measures about 3.1 by 17.13 by 24.8 inches. So, it’s big enough for larger dogs.

The door uses smart sensing technology. It automatically detects your pet’s key—so your dog can come in and go out easily. It also helps keep stray animals out. You can set it for up to five pets. The sensitivity can be adjusted, so it works well for your dog’s size and behavior. This way, your dog gets easy access, but unwanted animals are kept out.

This pet door gives you flexible control with three modes. It automatically unlocks when your pet approaches, keeps your home secure when locked, or allows free access when unlocked. It’s a simple way to give your dog more freedom without worrying about security.

Keep in mind, the batteries are not included. You’ll need four D-Cells and two CR2032 batteries to power it. The sensing key is necessary for some features, which adds to the cost. Some customers say it can be tricky to set up or work perfectly every time. So, be prepared to do some troubleshooting.

If you want a smart, secure, and customizable door for your large dog, this might be a good choice. It helps your pet come and go easily, while keeping your home safe.

Power PET WiFi Dog Door with App Control

If you want a smart pet door that is secure, easy to use, and packed with technology, the Power PET WiFi Dog Door with App Control is a great choice. It is made for big dogs up to 100 pounds. The door comes with a waterproof ultrasonic collar. The collar sends signals to open the door, so there are no loud or invasive sounds.

You can control the door from your phone with a fast, reliable app. The app shows you when your dog goes in or out. You can also set schedules and choose four different access modes. This makes it easy to manage your pet’s routine. The door moves automatically with a motor. It has a safety retract system that stops the door from closing on your pet or anything in the way. The steel deadbolt lock keeps your home extra secure.

This dog door is both secure and convenient. It helps you keep track of your pet and gives your dog quick access. Plus, it helps you keep your home safe and warm with good insulation.

The door is rated around 3.8 out of 5 stars. Some customers say it works well, but others feel it can be a little unreliable. It needs a good WiFi connection to work best with the app. It costs more than simple pet doors, but it offers more features.

If you have a large dog and want a tech-friendly door you can control from your phone, this might be the right choice for you.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Smart Pet Doors for Automated Entry

When choosing a smart pet door, you’ll want to take into account compatibility with your pets, making sure it recognizes and opens for your furry friend without causing frustration. Locking and access controls are also essential—they keep unwanted visitors out, whether it’s a neighborhood raccoon or your neighbor’s cat—both of which are equally unwelcome. Finally, check the installation requirements, app features, and security options, so you know your pet door fits seamlessly into your home’s tech ecosystem and keeps your pet safe and sound.

Compatibility With Pets

Choosing a smart pet door is more than just good looks or fancy tech. It’s about making sure it fits your pet’s size, movement, and how they get in. Check that the door can hold your pet’s weight and size. It needs to be easy for them to go in and out without feeling cramped or scared.

If your pet uses a microchip or collar tag to see if they can go out, make sure the door recognizes those specific signals. Some doors only read certain chips or RFID tags. Make sure the door’s sensor range and how it opens match your pet’s walking speed and habits. That way, your pet won’t get frustrated or miss their chance to go out.

If you have more than one pet, pick a door that works for all of them. It should let everyone in without fights or confusion. This way, your pets can go outside whenever they want, and everyone stays happy.

Locking and Access Controls

Locking and access controls are what make a smart pet door really useful. They decide who can go outside and when. Many smart pet doors have different lock settings. You can choose to lock the door completely, leave it unlocked, or set it to open automatically. This way, you can control when your pet comes and goes.

Some systems let you give special keys or microchip recognition to each pet. This means only your pets can use the door. It helps keep other animals out, like neighbors’ cats. You can also set times for when your pet can go out. For example, only during the day or certain hours.

Many pet doors work with collars or phone apps. This makes opening the door very easy. Your pet just needs to wear a special collar to get in or out. Some doors also have sensitivity settings. These help stop the door from opening a little when the wind blows or shadows move.

These features make it easier to keep your pet safe and give you peace of mind. You can control who comes in, when they come in, and make sure no one else gets in.

Installation Requirements Needed

Have you ever looked at a smart pet door and wondered if it will fit your home? It’s important to check a few things before you buy. First, see if the door can fit into your door or wall. Most doors fit thicknesses of about 1.5 to 2 inches. Some might need exact measurements.

Next, look at your place where you want to install the door. Make sure it has strong framing or support. This will help keep the door steady over time.

Check if you have all the tools you need. You might need screws, a template, or brackets. Having everything ready saves time.

Think about how the door gets power. Does it run on batteries or need an electrical outlet? Make sure you can easily access the power source.

Finally, read the instructions carefully. Some doors need special space around them or specific mounting steps. Knowing this ahead of time keeps the installation smooth and easy.

Connectivity and App Features

When choosing a smart pet door, good connectivity matters. You want the door to connect easily to your phone through an app. This lets you control the door from anywhere. It’s best if the door works with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi. That way, the connection stays strong and doesn’t drop when you need it most.

The app should be simple to use. Features like alerts, schedules, and lock controls make the door safer and easier to use. An easy app helps you manage multiple pets and set permissions without confusion.

Good pairing and steady connection are important. If the connection drops, it can be frustrating, especially when you need to act quickly. Reliable connectivity keeps everything smooth and simple, so you can focus on caring for your pets.

Security and Safety Options

Want to know how your pet door can stay safe? Look for doors that work with microchips or collars. These features let only your pets use the door. Some doors have auto-locks or can be programmed. This way, you decide when pets can go in or out. You can also set specific times or use multiple keys for extra security.

Many pet doors have safety features like tamper-proof locks or anti-squeeze systems. These stop anyone from trying to open the door sneaky-like. Some doors send alerts if someone tries to get in without permission. This helps you know if someone is messing around.

All these features help keep your home safe. At the same time, they give your pets the freedom to come and go as they want.

Power Source Flexibility

Pick the right power source for your smart pet door to keep things running smoothly. You can find models that use batteries, a wall outlet, or both. Each option has its own benefits.

Batteries are easy to use. They usually need D-cell batteries or similar ones. The only problem is you must replace them sometimes. But, they give you the freedom to place the door anywhere, even far from outlets.

Wall outlet power keeps the door working all the time. It needs to be plugged into an outlet. This means less worry about changing batteries. However, it might need someone to install it properly, which can cost more.

Some pet doors come with both options. These dual-power models let you switch between batteries and plugging in. This gives you flexibility, so you can choose what works best for your home.

Having the right power source means your pet can go outside or come back inside without any trouble. It helps keep your pet happy and your home running smoothly.

Durability and Weatherproofing

A smart pet door needs to be strong enough to handle outside weather. Look for models made from weather-resistant materials. Plastic or metal are good choices because they won’t crack or rust from sun, snow, rain, or wind. Extra features like sealed edges and weather stripping help keep out drafts and water. This keeps your home warm and saves energy. Check the IP rating on the door—higher numbers mean better protection from dust and water. Make sure all electronic parts and sensors are weatherproof too. Exposure to rain or snow shouldn’t cause them to stop working or trigger by mistake. Finishes that resist UV rays and rust will help the door last longer. This way, your pet door stays in good shape for many years.

FAQs

How Secure Are Smart Pet Doors Against Intruders?

Smart pet doors are generally secure against intruders because they use technology like RFID or microchips, allowing only authorized pets to enter. Regular updates and robust security features further protect against hacking or unauthorized access.

Can Smart Pet Doors Be Customized for Multiple Pets?

Yes, smart pet doors can be customized for multiple pets. You can program individual access, set separate permissions, and even use identification technologies like microchips or collars, ensuring each pet’s entry is personalized and secure.

What Is the Average Battery Life of These Devices?

You’ll typically find that smart pet doors have an average battery life of about six months to a year, depending on usage and the specific model. Regularly replacing or recharging batteries guarantees your pet stays comfortably connected.

Are Smart Pet Doors Weatherproof for Outdoor Use?

Yes, smart pet doors are weatherproof for outdoor use; manufacturers design them with durable, weather-resistant materials and seals to protect your pet and device from rain, snow, and dirt, ensuring reliable operation in various outdoor conditions.

How Easy Is Installation for Non-Technical Owners?

Installation is usually straightforward, especially with clear instructions and some basic tools. Most smart pet doors are designed for non-technical owners, allowing you to follow step-by-step guides or videos, making setup quick and manageable for everyone.

Last update on 2026-02-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API