6 Best Rated Electronic Dog Door Affordable, Versatile, Effective and Easy to Use

M any pet owners share the same feeling of uneasiness whenever they have to leave their pets home alone, without having a means of supervising or taking them out for their walks, and while supervision add-ons such as home surveillance cameras can be installed, they can’t do the job a doggie door would to let your buddy roam in the backyard whenever the need arises. Even so, although said door will provide a useful entryway for your pet, the traditional type can be a high security risk.

An alternative to the traditional pet doors, electronic dog doors offer a more reliable, better secured, and convenient way for your furry friend to go from the house into the yard. Down below we have comprised a top of the best-rated products that will make potty breaks readily accessible.

How to Burglar-Proof Your Pet’s Door

Since adding a – possibly – decently-sized opening in an entryway or a wall can raise some security concerns, we have decided to add an extra segment to this article. Even though your yard might be fenced properly, that might not keep certain “guests” away, such as foxes which can jump over, or burglars who can do the same. Therefore, there are a few things that you should consider when you want to give your pet a little more independence.

Have the right measurements

• Quite a large number of pet owners feel the need to buy bigger sizes for their dogs when it comes to clothing, toys, harnesses, and so on. Unfortunately, they do this with the door opening as well and even manufacturers tend to suggest that bigger is better to avoid forcing your dog to strain through. While it is true that going through the opening should not cause discomfort, having too much extra space can also be a safety risk. Measure your pup’s height and shoulder width and get an appropriate size, especially if you have a small breed that won’t need a space fitting for a Cane Corso. If your dog is still a puppy, consider waiting until the growth spurs stop or opt for a cheaper, smaller alternative until you can buy the product that will be installed permanently.

Consider a strategic placement

• The preferred space for installing these entryways is in a wall so that you can easily mask it on the outside by placing greenery or other types of outdoor décor in front of it. When they are mounted on a door, the risk of it providing easy access to the door lock is quite high.

Add a security panel

• If there is a panel add-on available, or if you can DIY one yourself, a sturdy cover sitting against the inside of the opening during nighttime will surely add peace of mind.

Use an “Aggressive Dog” sign

• Even if your pooch is far from being a guard dog, these signs can act as a deterrent for those who are unaware of the ‘beast’ living with you.

Consider other automatic add-ons

• Security cameras or a light motion sensor near the opening can go a long way when it comes to making a burglar think twice. Another useful thing to install could be a weight detector that will trigger your home alarm or notify you if the animal (or person) using the doggie door is heavier than your pet, although it might not be of too much help if your pup is particularly large.

Top Rated 6 Electronic Dog Doors Comparison

Photo	Product	Size	Available Sizes	Mounting Options	Key Tag Included	Weatherproof	Price
Best Overall	1. Plexidor PDE WALL LG WH	12½” × 19½”	One Size Only	Wall / Door			Check Price
Best for Large Dogs	2. Solo Pet Doors Electronic Dog Door	10″ × 8″	9	Wall / Door			Check Price
Best for Sliding Door	3. High Tech Pet PX-2	12¼” × 16″	1	Door / Wall / Sliding Door			Check Price
Editor’s Choice	4. SureFlap MicroChip Pet Door SUR101	7″ × 6-11/16″	One Size Only	Door / Wall / Window			Check Price
Best for the Money	5. Ideal Pet Products E-Z Pass	7″ × 9″	One Size Only	Door			Check Price
Best for French Bulldogs	6. PetSafe PPA11-10711	5½” × 7⅞”	1	Door / Wall			Check Price

1. Plexidor PDE WALL LG WH

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The pick that manages to land on first place on our list comes from Plexidor and it is a one-size only model that gives you two color choices, white or bronze. Its frame is constructed using aluminum and the door that slides vertically is made of sturdy ABS, bringing the product at a 32-pound weight. The surface dons a baked powder coating to prevent scratching and other possible damages.

Installation & Size Limits

You can choose to install it either on a wall or in a standard entry door. The wall materials it can be mounted in are stud, cement, block, or brick, and the thickness can go up to 12 inches thanks to the included aluminum tunnel. Installation can take around 45 minutes if you hire a professional, but if you are a good DIY-er, you can tackle this process as well. The opening itself measures 12½ by 19½ inches, making it an appropriate fit for big and small dogs alike, a customer having mentioned that even their 130-pound mastiff manages to squeeze through. We don’t recommend going over the 125-pound limit set by the manufacturer, however, that can happen if you choose to get this type of door before your pup is fully grown.

Performance & Features

The PDE model works by using Radio Frequency IDentificator technology, and what that means is that you attach one of the two package-included RFID tags to your pup’s collar and calibrate the mechanism using its One Touch programming to recognize the key and to set a timespan during which the panel stays open. You can choose from one up to 14 seconds to allow enough time for your pets to come inside or go outside. Both the panel and the keys are weatherproof, meaning that they will last for a long time and ensure that the product is energy efficient. The panel works with the use of an 18V transformer and the keys don’t need any batteries, therefore you don’t have to worry about abrupt stops when your pup needs to use it.

Downsides & Warranty

When it comes to downsides, there are two that you can consider. The first one is that the product is very expensive, but many customers have said that in the long run it is worth the investment as it stands the test of time and, at most, you will only have to replace a few parts after years of use (the most commonly replaced part is the dog tag). The second one is that installing it without the help of a professional can be complicated, but if you are quite the handyman you might be able to get through it with the help of the instruction manual. To wrap everything up, the warranty for this piece is 5 years from the day you purchase it and it is for residential use only.

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2. Solo Pet Doors Electronic Dog Door

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Next up we have a piece from Solo that works vertically as well, but the technology used is different. This unit works with magnetic collar tags that operate the door when your pup approaches it, so it’s like the RFID operation but you won’t need a special microchip on the dog or in the tag. The keys come in 4 sizes, from small to extra-large, which means that you’ll have the possibility of keeping your beloved friend comfortable.

Build, Size & Mounting Options

This model, the 1008, has an opening that measures 10 by 8 inches, and by this logic, you’ll be able to tell the measurements of each of the other 9 sizes available, for example, the 1210 measures 12 by 10 inches, the 2614 measures 26 by 14 inches, and so on. The 1008 weighs 15 pounds and the materials used in its construction are aluminum, for the frame, and Lexan for the moving panel. There is only one color option, namely a white frame with a black panel, and the installation is possible either on a wall or in a door.

Features

To keep the heat inside and the cold outside, the panel is weatherproofed and the mechanism locks in a few seconds after your dog goes through. If you have older pets that can’t move as fast, don’t worry, the sliding motion will not harm them even if it closes while they are still in the frame. You can customize the distance range and opening time to your liking and you can even add an optional alarm that will notify you of any suspicious activities. Sadly, the alarm is not available for this specific model or the 1210 one, but for all the other sizes it is.

Aspects to Consider

Given that the mechanism works with magnets, there are a few things that you’ll have to consider if you’re going to keep the collar on your pet all the time:

• An outdoor cat is very likely to lose its collar, thus lose the magnet and get locked outside
• The magnet will attract anything that is made of metal, so you might find your dog running around with a spoon by its neck – the best way to avoid this is by making sure that nothing metallic is within the tag’s reach
• Your electronics can get damaged because, as with every magnet, this tag can affect your phone, tablet, TV, and any other electronic device – make sure that those are out of reach as well
• If anyone is aware of how the door works, they can use just about any magnet to open the panel, so it’s best to not disclose the way it works and also try to mask the outdoor side so it’s not that visible

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3. High Tech Pet PX-2

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High Tech Pet comes with another model with a vertical sliding operation. It has two size options, 12¼ by 16 inches or 8¼ by 12 inches, and the materials used are ABS and Lexan, bringing the whole product to a weight of about 18 pounds, so it won’t strain your door when you mount it on. Speaking of mounting, you can choose to have it on a standard door, or you can choose to get the aluminum tunnel or the conversion piece separately, which will allow you to mount it on a wall with the former or on a sliding door with the latter. The larger size will work for dogs that weigh up to 100 pounds. The color of this piece is standard, namely a white frame and a brown panel.

Operation & Features

The opening mechanism is operated with the help of the included MS-4, which is a water-resistant collar that you’ll have your pet wear. For an extra charge, you could opt for the MS-5 which is waterproof, or for the RX-10 which functions with many other dog products from the same manufacturer. While your dog will be able to come and go freely, its friends will not be allowed in. The panel is weatherproofed with an airtight seal, and the automatic deadbolt locking adds a higher security level when your pet’s curfew starts. Since it vertically, you can mount a hermetically sealed groove on for an even better air-tight closure.

Programming

Programming the PX-2 is an easy task, seeing as you only need to press a few buttons to get the desired results. First, the most common buttons, On and Off are situated at the top and they act just as you would expect. Next, you will see 4 light indicators, two to tell you whether the unit is operating on a battery or by using the 110V AC adapter, and two to tell you whether the battery percentage is ok or if it is low. Then, you have the 4-way control buttons with which you can decide whether the dog can only go out, in, out and in, or if the panel is closed and locked. Lastly, you have the distance range knobs which let you set the proximity required on the inside or the outside for the panel to open up. Another mentionable detail is that you can connect it with a smart plug to be able to access it remotely.

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4. SureFlap MicroChip Pet Door SUR101

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Moving along, we have a model from SureFlap that operates either by using the supplied RFID tag or with your furry friend’s already existing microchip. While they are on the inside, they are free to push through the panel, not needing to take a moment for the mechanism to open as the panel doesn’t have a lock on the inside, but rather on the outside. On the exterior side that sits on the outer part of your door, window, or wall that you have it mounted on sits the microchip scanner which can detect the tag or chips with 9, 10, or 15-digit codes and it can store as many as 32 codes from all the pets you need to allow access to. It also offers you the freedom of adding a curfew by selecting the time during which the animals can operate the mechanism.

The SUR101 is only available in one size measuring 7 by 6-11/16 inches and the dimensions of the animals that it will fit are the average cat and small breeds of dogs. It can be calibrated with the touch of a button and the battery life is rated to last up to12 months, time after which the light indicator will let you know that you need to replace them. A mounting adaptor is required for glass installation while a tunnel extension may be needed for wall installations. Its panel is weatherproof and, to keep your house safe, you can also use the manual lock during the nighttime.

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5. Ideal Pet Products E-Z Pass

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Next, we are going to look at a budget-friendly unit for those who own kitties and smaller pups with a weight of a maximum of 25 pounds. The dark off-white frame parts are made of plastic and the 7 by 9-inch panel that opens is a transparent Lexan. Even though it is transparent, other animals can’t have access to your home when you use the E-Z Pass because it is only activated by the RFID FOB provided in the package which is a collar-attachable small white tag with a paw print on it.

The product itself is lightweight, at only 3.5 pounds, but a downside is that it can only be mounted on doors, but the thickness range gives you a bit of variety as it can fit doors from 1-1⁄4 to 1-3⁄4 inches thick. The build materials together with the sealing mechanism make this unit weatherproof, which means that you won’t need to add anything else to prevent heat loss or cold drafts near the spot where the panel is. Its operation is battery-powered and you can charge it up using the included 110V transformer. A final mentionable perk is the generous limited lifetime warranty that Ideal Pet Products offers for this unit.

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6. PetSafe PPA11-10711

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The PPA11-10711 is a wonderful acquisition for people who own more than one pet, as it can store as many as 5 key tags in its memory, one for each pet that needs to be allowed to go in the backyard. Featuring a programmable personalized entry with self-locking options, it will work wonders should your little ones have different schedules you need them to stick to. It will provide a safe route even in rainy conditions as its materials make it weatherproof. Even if only your little ones can open the panel, it is also possible to lock the panel down during nighttime to avoid wondering if any of them felt the sudden urge for a sneaky exit.

You can choose to mount it on any door made of PVC, wood, metal, or panels measuring no more than 2 inches in depth, but a supplementary conversion kit is also available if you’d prefer to have it on a wall. It comes in two different sizes as well, a small measuring 51⁄2 by 77⁄8 inches, and a large measuring 11 by 16 inches. The shape of the panel provides a perfect fit for dogs that are wider in the shoulder area, such as French bulldogs. PetSafe also provides a cutting template and a hardware kit in the package, moreover, the product itself has a warranty window of 3 years.

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Different Types

Electronic dog doors can be a great addition to anyone’s residence. Not only will they make your pet happy, giving it more freedom, options for exercise, and potty breaks, but they will be good for you too because you can be excused and continue with your activities instead of having to be the doorman.

New VS Old

While traditional flaps are still around, their modern version can provide a more secure closing mechanism to keep everyone in the house safe. Since several wild animals are nocturnal, thus active while you sleep, you would surely want your house to be spared from sudden, unwanted midnight visits. An electronic operation can provide exactly that.

The Two Important Aspects

With many products on the market nowadays, it can be difficult to settle on one option. As a rule of thumb, the less intricate-looking the model is, the easier its use; which applies here as well. While there are different opinions from both sides, those who wish for a more technology-driven model and those who prefer the traditional model, two important things need to be considered before any purchases are made.

1. Placement. Where do you want to put it? Do you want to place it on your wall or door? Or maybe in a window? Depending on the space you have available, you can determine the basic measurement it will have, and take the thickness of the wall or door into account as well.
2. Pet breed. While the placement itself is important, it must fit the pet in question. Be sure to measure them correctly, as you might not want to buy an ill-fitting product or one that will take up too much space. To do that, measure the width of your pet’s shoulders, how round the chest is, and the height. Some pets, despite being the same breed, might have different conformations.

Owning a Dog Door

While some might ask ‘Why would I need a dog door if I can easily open it myself?’ we assure you that by owning one everything can be easier on both of you. Therefore, if you’re not already determined to buy one, take a look at these aspects that might change your mind.

• Safety. Animals are curious by nature and they tend to get into houses uninvited. By having your door open, other animals might take you up on that invitation, too. And you’ll probably skip being excited when uninvited guests come inside your house.
• Accessibility. Since you might already have a microchip on your pet for safety purposes, the good news is that some units work by opening after scanning said microchip. Also, some can be easily programmed to store multiple codes.
• Weatherproof. Flaps and opened doors can do a great job at dissipating the warmth in your house during winter, and they don’t provide a good rain shelter either. More energy-efficient oriented, an electronic door will seal any gaps and will prevent cold drafts from passing through.
• Curfew, timers, and locks. Do you want your pet to be able to freely roam outside, but be home by a certain time? Nothing easier! Many models have timers and a schedulable curfew, thus they can come inside and not be allowed to exit after the programmed hour.
• Extra ease-of-use. With some makes, everything can be controlled from your phone and monitored from an app.

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How to Install an Electronic Dog Door

Steps to take before you make the purchase

Check where it can be mounted

• Decide where exactly you want to let your pet go in your yard and make sure that you have a spot available for installation in that area.

Take out the tape measure

• Three is the number of measurements that you will have to collect, two help you decide on the opening size, and one helps you find the appropriate mounting height. The two deciding how large the opening will be are the widest measurement of your pet (usually the torso, but for some, it might be the head) and the height from its stomach to the highest point of the back (add a couple of extra inches to both measurements to avoid having your pet squeeze through and get hurt if it moves faster). The measurement that decides the mounting height goes from the paws to the shoulder in a standing position.

Create a makeshift opening and have your pet accustomed to it

This part isn’t mandatory, but you have the option of making a mockup of the product to see if your pet would be ok with walking through one. This can save you some money if they decide that using a doggie door isn’t appealing.

Decide on a spot and prepare it accordingly

Spot	Preparation
Door	As the most common spot that pet owners go for. To prepare it, you might find that taking the entry door out of its hinges will give you more mobility when installing the doggie door.
Wall	Clear the space around the specific spot you choose and make sure that it is near an outlet or that you can comfortably add an extension cord.
Window	Clear the space near the window (or the windowsill, if you’re installing it for a cat) and have an outlet nearby, unless the product works on batteries.
Sliding Door	Some models come as extra extensions for your sliding door, so there’s not a lot of preparation required. Just prepare a power source to operate it or to charge the battery nearby.

Gather your Tools

• Tools for Measurements (Carpenter’s square; Tape measure)
• Pencil or Marker
• Drill (handheld or larger) & Drill bits
• Saw (Circular; Reciprocating; Jigsaw; etc.)
• Screwdrivers (Phillips & Flat)
• Sealant (optional)

Check the product and test it

Before you start cutting a noticeable hole through any part of the house, check the product and test it thoroughly when it arrives to make sure it isn’t defective. This way you won’t need to invent a whole covering panel until an operational replacement is shipped.

Prepare the wiring

Now that you know everything works as it should, it’s time to prepare the electrical part. You can either choose to mount the product near an outlet or you can make a new route for it using an extension cord that you can fit snugly against the wall. If the model you choose works with batteries, but can also be hardwired, we recommend that you get an electrician to take a look at it to prevent any possible accidents.

Make the opening

With the help of the tools we listed above, you can create the hole in which you will install the unit. Most packages come with a cutting template, so, first, you should align the template properly (don’t forget to allow enough bottom space for the frame) and mark its size and any indicated drilling holes with the pencil. If the package doesn’t include any measurement help, you can turn the opening panel into one. Then, you can drill any holes indicated with the handheld drill, and when that’s done, carefully start cutting out the material with the saw.

Install the door

After you’ve created an appropriate hole, mount the frame on it – first the outer side, then the inner side. Take into consideration a second person might be needed to help you, or only to speed the process up a little. Then you only need to screw in every hardware piece that’s needed.

Seal its frame

Should you feel that the outer sides are sitting a touch too far for it to be considered a flush mount, you can always seal the edges and that will also add extra insulation.

Plug it in & Calibrate it

After you plug it in, you can register the tag or your pet’s microchip, program a distance range, a timed opening movement, and any other feature that the unit might come with.

Training

Train your little one about what it needs to do so that the door opens. We suggest using treats and a very excited voice when they do the right action to speed up the process. For convenience, you can also add a towel or a mat by the opening or right under it, and teach them to wipe their paws before coming in.


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Troubleshooting

Problem	Solution
The panel continuously moves upwards and downwards	The wire harness, and even the circuit board, might need to be replaced. You have the choice of either doing it yourself if you’re knowledgeable or asking for a professional’s help.
The range is shorter	There are two main reasons why this could happen. First, take a look at the collar tag and replace it if necessary. Second, check the main circuit board and replace it if it’s damaged.
Occasionally, the panel opens by itself	Usually, this anomaly happens if the pet gets too close or walks by the panel without the intention of actually going outside. To prevent this from happening, try reducing the range of the sensor from the button panel.
The panel won’t respond to the collar tag	Put the unit on automatic mode and check if the tag is recognized. If not, program it again. Reset the distance range and try again until the tag gets recognized. Also, check the tag and unit batteries to ensure that their power is not on low. If the condition doesn’t ameliorate, check for other electrical devices which might interfere with the unit or call customer service.
The door will not lock	Before attempting to lock the panel, check to see if anything is obstructing it from being positioned correctly and closed completely.

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Frequently Asked Questions





Is a pet door worth it?
If having some quiet time to yourself without having to be a doorman for your pet to go for a potty break sounds just right, then yes, it is worth it. And given that many also have curfew settings, you won’t have to worry about midnight strolls either.


Are microchip models good?
Yes, and the best aspect about them that will make your life easier is the fact that only registered pets can have access to your home and yard.


Are they easy to install?
As we’ve elaborated earlier, the installation process could be classified as being of medium difficulty, depending on your skills. And if you’re handy and it doesn’t seem too difficult, it will at least take a bit more time than regular DIY jobs around the house.


How high off the ground should it be?
Not too low to affect the structure of your wall or door, and high enough to allow your dog to get through it comfortably. If your wall won’t allow for a lower mounting, you can always add a ramp to help with the climb.


Are electronic dog doors safe?
Compared to traditional flap doors, the electronic type is safer because it will only open for your pet and it is also weatherproof to keep everything warm and dry on the inner side of the panel.


Do burglars use dog doors?
There have been reports about burglars taking advantage of the traditional flap openings to raid houses, but the electronic ones are close securely and most are also tinted to prevent peeping.


At what age can a puppy use it?
It depends on how quickly your pup can learn how to use it. Usually, at around 4 to 6 months they can begin using it confidently, but you should keep up a confined yard space until they are about 8 to 9 months old to prevent them from getting into trouble because of their soaring curiosity.


How do I train my dog to use it?
The easiest way to train a dog or a puppy is with positive reinforcement. Use lots of praise and just as many treats, if your pup is food-driven. You can start training before you install the door (because you can keep the panel open) by placing it in a tighter spot in your house that he can pass through only by going through the opening. Call him to you, and if he comes, reward accordingly. When he gets the hang of it, you can plug in the unit and train him to use the collar tag to activate the door. With consistent training, you’ll have a doggie door expert in no time.


Does it help with potty training?
Yes it does. Having quick access to their potty spot whenever they need it will encourage puppies and make them more confident in their skills. This way, house training will go smoothly.


Why has my dog stopped using it?
The three most common reasons for this are insufficient training, a medical condition, or there is something new about or around the door that makes them uneasy, such as a bag, an insect, or a snake.





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Conclusion

This type of product will enhance both your and your pet’s life, as you won’t have to always keep an eye on its ‘additional friends’, nor will you have to worry about the weather. Even more, you’ll have total control over your pet’s outings, allowing you to select which animals come into your home and when. Here’s a short recap of all the models with highlight on their most important features:

Best Electronic Dog Door for Sale: Plexidor PDE WALL LG WH

The top pick is the PDE model from Plexidor, and although it only comes in one size, the 12½ by 19½-inch opening is enough to fit a wide variety of breeds. It can be mounted on doors or walls, and the wall can be up to 12 inches thick, giving you more freedom. The package comes with two waterproof collar tags that work with RFID technology and the unit itself is also weatherproof to keep the elements from getting into your home. Other useful features include one-touch buttons, deadbolt locking, an aluminum tunnel at no extra charge, and an 18V transformer with a long, 6-foot cord.

Editor’s Choice: SureFlap MicroChip Pet Door SUR101

This unit is for cats and small dogs only, therefore you can skip it if you have larger pups, but the SUR101 is our personal favorite model from this comparison, and the features it comes with can surely explain why. First of all, this battery-powered model can be mounted either in the two most common spots, a wall or a door, but also on a window. This panel’s closing mechanism is based on magnets, but the opening mechanism works with RFID technology. A very useful and also impressive feature that the microchip reader has is the ability to store up to 32 different compatible codes to allow your friends’ pets access as well. Other features include a programmable curfew, one-touch buttons, and the possibility of locking it manually.

Best Electronic Dog Door for the Money: Ideal Pet Products E-Z Pass

If your budget won’t allow you to spend a lot of money on pet doors, fear not, as Ideal Pet Products is the brand with a model that comes at an accessible price. Not compromising quality for money, it can suit cats and small breed dogs that weigh up to 25 pounds, it is lightweight, and it comes with an RFID collar tag to register your pet to be the only user. Additionally, there’s no reason to worry about the weather, as it is weatherproof, ensuring your house will stay warm and dry throughout the year.

Best Electronic Dog Door for Sliding Door: High Tech Pet PX-2

Although there are many models that suit only doors and walls, some people want the option of adding a doggie opening on their sliding doors. Thankfully, such a product exists, and it is made by High Tech Pet. The PX-2 can be mounted in the regular spots, but it can also come with an extension that allows you to fit it next to your sliding door, completely cutting out the need for a new hole in the glass. Other perks include battery or AC operation, an included collar, a deadbolt lock, and 4-way controllable access.

Best Electronic Dog Door for Large Dogs: Solo Pet Doors Electronic Dog Door

If your pups have a size that is on the larger side, other than the PDE model, the Solo model can provide you with up to 10 different opening sizes, the largest measuring 36 by 14 inches. You can mount it either on a wall or on a door and the tags used to open it come in four sizes, from small to extra-large to suit your pet exactly. Its distance and timer are customizable, and 8 of the models can have an alarm added to them as well.

Best Electronic Dog Door for French Bulldogs: PetSafe PPA11-10711

For those needing a door that has an opening wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, the PPA11-10711 comes to the rescue. It comes in two sizes and the larger one can suit dogs that go up to 100 pounds to keep your loved ones comfortable when they come and go. It can be mounted on walls or doors, and one of the nicest features it has is that it can store up to 5 tag codes to provide a good option for households with more pets.