Our Dog Door Recommendations
We know that many factors go into purchasing a pet door, and there are hundreds of models out there! So, to help you find the best dog door or cat door for you, we’ve compiled a list of our absolute favorite pet doors—ones that we would personally use.
When choosing the best doggie door for you and your pet, the first step is to decide on Installation Location. Since there are so many factors that go into every dog door and cat door, we ranked the best pet doors out there based on insulation, durability, wind resistance, warranty, and size & color variety. Then we took the average of these to show you the best pet doors across the board!
Just Want to Know the Best of the Best?
This is the shortlist, these are the best pet doors for their installations!
- Best Pet Door for People Doors: The Endura Flap Pet Door is the best dog door for doors, with superior insulation and energy efficiency than any average door. With benefits like withstanding -40* temperature and 50mph winds while still staying sealed, the Endura is also the best all around pet door, for cold weather or temperate climates.
- Best Pet Doors for Walls: The Endura Flap Wall Mount is the best wall mount pet door, as it has all the benefits of the Endura Flap, but with a self-framing tunnel and sleek design that puts it a step above other options.
- Best Pet Doors for Sliding Glass Doors: The Thermo Panel 3e is the best sliding glass door insert, with dual-pane, Low-E glass that helps it reduce infa-red & ultraviolet light to keep your home cool. As a benefit, the installation is temporary and doesn’t require tools.
- Best Pet Doors for Screen Doors: The Hale Door for Screens is the best screen pet door. It has the stability to handle even the most active dogs and the custom options that help make almost every screen location work, from screen doors to pool enclosures.
- Best Pet Doors for Windows: The Thermo Sash 2e is the best pet door insert for windows, with the leading electronic door, the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door, to make it even better. Insulation with an easy installation makes this panel a no-brainer for cat owners.
- Best Electronic Pet Doors: The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door is the best electronic pet door.With unique features like Raccoon Mode, this door keeps critters out, your pets in, and your home safe.
Best Pet Doors for People Doors
The gold standard of the pet door world! Installing a pet door in a door is the classic choice and continues to be one of the most convenient places for you and your pet to get in and out of the house.
Installing a dog door into a human door is one of the easier methods of pet door installation, but can still be frustrating! Take a look at our guide on How to Install a Pet Door in Your House Door.
Top Reviewed Dog Doors for People Doors
When deciding on a dog door for door, you should always consider the people door’s material and the climate you’re in. While pet doors are made to install into most door materials, the tools and methods of installation may change. If you’re looking to install a metal door, for example, read up on How to Install a Dog Door in a Metal Door. Also think about the seasons! The highest quality doors will stay functional through the toughest and coldest winters.
Best Dog Doors for Doors - Recommended by Courtnie
Our PetDoors Expert Courtnie’s Pet Door Recommendations:
Best Pet Doors for People Doors
Insulation
5
4
3
5
Durability
5
5
3
5
Wind Resistance
5
4
3
5
Size and Color Variety
5
4
2
4
Aggregate Rating
5
4.25
2.75
4.75
Best Pet Doors for People Doors
Insulation
5
Durability
5
Wind Resistance
5
Size and Color Variety
5
Aggregate Rating
5
Best Pet Doors for People Doors
Insulation
4
Durability
5
Wind Resistance
4
Size and Color Variety
4
Aggregate Rating
4.25
Best Pet Doors for People Doors
Insulation
3
Durability
3
Wind Resistance
2
Size and Color Variety
2
Aggregate Rating
2.75
Best Pet Doors for People Doors
Insulation
5
Durability
5
Wind Resistance
5
Size & Color Variety
4
Aggregate Rating
4.75
Details on Best Pet Doors for People Doors
Endura Flap Pet Door
Endura Flap for Doors is the sleekest, most durable, and most weather-resistant doggie door on the market. It boasts high (and low) numbers from extensive testing like -40* temperature resistance and the ability to stay sealed in 50mph winds. In addition to winning best doggie doors for people doors, all Endura Doors come with a 15-year warranty.
Hale Dog Door
The Hale Dog Door has a sleek aluminum design, flexible vinyl flaps, and double-flap options. Perhaps the best part of the Hale door is the amount of flexibility you have as a buyer. They have customizable options, nearly a dozen sizes to fit any breed of dog, 4 color options, and a substantial 5 year warranty.
Ideal Ruff Weather Pet Door
The Ideal Ruff Weather Pet Door is our economical recommendation. It has a sturdy plastic frame, double flap for insulation, and a good range of sizes for your pets. This door stands well against winters and is a great option for pet owners.
Sureflap Microchip Pet Door
The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door is our recommendation for cat doors for doors. It has great features like Raccoon Mode to keep critters and strays out of the house, even if they try to break through the pet door. It gives owners full control access over their pets, and can be registered with as many as 32 microchipped pets.
Best Pet Doors for Walls
Why go through the door when you can go through the wall? Wall installations are very popular because they allow a flexibility of location and ultimate control over where your pet enters the house.
The two most important things to consider when looking into the best dog door wall mounts are your pet’s size and your wall thickness. Most pet doors through walls will go up to 8”, but only a few have options beyond that. Your pet size is also important to consider, as these through wall dog doors will essentially be tunnels. You want to make sure the door is big enough for the comfort of your pet.
Top Reviewed Dog Doors for Walls
Pet doors for wall installations tend to be more complex and difficult than their human door counterparts. When looking at these doors, consider whether you’ll need a professional to install it. Also consider the differences between the tunnel materials, the flap insulation, and the color options. Try to match the decor of your home!
Best Dog Doors for Walls - Recommended by Jeff
Our PetDoors Expert Jeff’s Pet Door Recommendations:
Best Pet Doors for Walls
Insulation
5
4
3
2
Durability
5
5
3
2
Wind Resistance
5
4
3
2
Size & Color Variety
4
5
2
2
Aggregate Rating
4.75
4.5
2.75
2
Best Pet Doors for Walls
Insulation
5
Durability
5
Wind Resistance
5
Size & Color Variety
4
Aggregate Rating
4.75
Best Pet Doors for Walls
Insulation
4
Durability
5
Wind Resistance
4
Size & Color Variety
5
Aggregate Rating
4.5
Best Pet Doors for Walls
Insulation
3
Durability
3
Wind Resistance
3
Size & Color Variety
2
Aggregate Rating
2.75
Best Pet Doors for Walls
Insulation
2
Durability
2
Wind Resistance
2
Size & Color Variety
2
Aggregate Rating
2
Details on Best Pet Doors for Walls
Endura Flap Wall Mount
Complete with superior insulation and a built-to-last design, the Endura Flap Wall Mount will last longer than any other pet door. The double flap option means your home stays the perfect temperature, even during -40* weather. The flaps stay closed with magnets up to 50mph winds. The tunnel works for walls up to 8” thick.
Hale Wall Mount
If you need something that goes farther than 8”, the Hale is the option for you. Also available in a double flap, the Hale offers custom sizes, 4 colors of it’s sleek frame, and a tunnel that goes up to 16”. For Brick or old buildings that use these thicker walls, the Hale is the best choice for wall mount dog doors.
Ideal Ruff Weather for Walls
Another good option for wall mounts is the Ideal Designer Series Ruff Weather. Insulating with its own double flap for temperate climates, this pet door has four size options and a telescoping tunnel for easy installation.
PetSafe Wall Entry
The Original PetSafe Wall Entry is our economical recommendation for wall mount pet doors. It has a double flap that makes it optimal for three season climates and a telescoping tunnel that doesn’t require trimming during installation.
Best Pet Doors for Sliding Glass Doors
A very popular installation type, the sliding glass door dog door offers convenient access for your pet without making major modifications to your home. There is the temporary installation of the dog door insert, and the permanent installation of the In The Glass option.
Often times, the panel itself is overlooked in favor of focusing solely on the pet door it holds. While this is where most weather gets through, the quality and build of the panel itself also matters and can affect temperature and livability.
Top Reviewed Dog Doors for Sliding Glass Doors
There is a short process to finding the best panel for you. The very first thing to do is to find out if you have an aluminum or vinyl sliding door. Most pet door panels are specifically for one or the other. Then you need to measure your track height, and decide on an adjustment range.
Best Dog Doors for Sliding Glass Dog Doors - Recommended by Adam Mayeda
After those two things, you can start to think about sizing, weather resistance, and other pet door factors. Pro-tip: there are a bunch of custom options available as well, just ask us!
Our PetDoors Expert Adam Mayeda Pet Door Recommendations:
Best Pet Doors for Sliding Glass Doors
Insulation
5
5
3
5
Durability
5
5
3
5
Wind Resistance
5
3
2
5
Size & Color Variety
4
5
3
3
Aggregate Rating
4.75
4.5
2.75
4.5
Best Pet Doors for Sliding Glass Doors
Insulation
5
Durability
5
Wind Resistance
5
Size & Color Variety
4
Aggregate Rating
4.75
Best Pet Doors for Sliding Glass Doors
Insulation
5
Durability
5
Wind Resistance
3
Size & Color Variety
5
Aggregate Rating
4.5
Best Pet Doors for Sliding Glass Doors
Insulation
3
Durability
3
Wind Resistance
2
Size & Color Variety
3
Aggregate Rating
2.75
Best Pet Doors for Sliding Glass Doors
Insulation
5
Durability
5
Wind Resistance
5
Size & Color Variety
3
Aggregate Rating
4.5
Details on Best Pet Doors for Sliders
Endura Flap Thermo Panel 3e
The Thermo Panel 3e is a highly insulating panel, with dual-pane glass and Low-E coating to improve energy efficiency by reducing infa-red and ultraviolet light. With a no-tool installation, this can serve as a temporary panel for renting or security purposes
Hale Omni-Panel
With custom options and a low step over, the Hale Omni Panel is a great option for big dogs sharing with small or senior dogs with arthritis. Dual-pane glass and double flaps provide as much insulation as possible, keeping your home energy efficient.
Ideal Fast Fit Patio Pet Door
The Ideal Fast Fit is a very quick installation panel. Light and cost effective, this single-flap option is best for temperate climates. The panel features a tool-free installation, meaning it's great for renters and can be installed in seconds.
Pet Door Guys - In The Glass
A one of a kind installation. The Pet Door Guys “In The Glass” unit is a half-sliding door replacement, where the sliding pane of glass is removed and replaced with a brand new pane that has an Endura Flap Pet Door built-in. By far the cleanest method, the In The Glass option is energy efficient, sleek, insulating, and perfectly matches your existing slider.
Best Pet Doors for Screen Doors
Screen door pet door installations are a great idea in summertime or when you don’t want to cut holes into your real door. Screen doors are also more economical than other installation locations and perfect for temperate climates or places with very mild winters.
Top Reviewed Dog Doors for Screen Doors
Stability and safety is key to a screen door install. Screen doors, and the pet doors that go inside them, tend to be more fragile than other installation types. Consider the thickness of your screen frame, how the pet door mounts into the door, and how your pet tends to go through the door. The best screen door pet doors will be stable within the door and allow your pet to pass through within shaking or breaking the door.
Best Dog Doors for Screen Doors - Recommended by Miles Garrett
Our PetDoors Expert Miles’s Pet Door Recommendations:
Best Pet Doors for Screen Doors
Durability
5
3
3
4
Wind Resistance
4
2
3
3
Size & Color Variety
5
2
2
4
Aggregate Rating
4.6
2.3
2.6
3.6
Best Pet Doors for Screen Doors
Durability
5
Wind Resistance
4
Size & Color Variety
5
Aggregate Rating
4.6
Best Pet Doors for Screen Doors
Durability
3
Wind Resistance
2
Size & Color Variety
2
Aggregate Rating
2.3
Best Pet Doors for Screen Doors
Durability
3
Wind Resistance
3
Size & Color Variety
2
Aggregate Rating
2.6
Best Pet Doors for Screen Doors
Durability
4
Wind Resistance
3
Size & Color Variety
4
Aggregate Rating
3.6
Details on Best Pet Doors for Screens
Hale Pet Door for Screens
With an optional stabilizer bar for added durability, the Hale Screen Pet Door is the most stable of the screen options. It mounts to the frame of the screen door itself and has custom options for nearly every screen door frame thickness.
Ideal Pet Passage for Screens
This screen installs directly into the mesh of the screen, meaning it’s perfect for pool enclosures or wide doors with no frame. It also features a locking system for added security from strays and critters.
Petsafe Pet Screen Door
The Petsafe Pet Screen Door has a rigid flap, perfect for cats and small dogs. The installation uses the bottom corner of the screen door frame for added security and support, allowing more active pets to go through it at speed. It also features a magnet that keeps the door closed during wind.
Pride Pet Door for Screens
The Pride Pet Door For Screens is a very sturdy door, with a mounting adapter that supports large, active pets. Even with a heavy black rubber flap, it remains light enough to be a viable and effective screen door pet door.
Best Pet Doors for Windows
There are two kinds of pet door window inserts, and they depend on your window type. Sash window pet door inserts work for windows that slide up and down, while horizontal inserts work for windows that slide side to side. Window inserts are often most suitable for cats, but with ramps or steps, even big dogs can use them!
Top Reviewed Dog Doors for Windows
Just like an insert for a sliding door, window dog door inserts require measuring to ensure you’re getting the correct adjustment range. Then you want to consider the door itself. Unlike a low hanging door or wall installation, a window pet door will get more wind and rain and snow. The best pet door for windows will be an insert that has high insulation and wind resistance.
Best Dog Doors for Screen Doors - Recommended by Scoot Mullikin
Our PetDoors Expert Scott’s Pet Door Recommendations:
Best Pet Doors for Windows
Insulation
5
3
4
3
Durability
5
3
4
4
Wind Resistance
5
3
5
4
Size & Color Variety
4
3
2
2
Aggregate Rating
4.75
3
3.75
3.25
Best Pet Doors for Windows
Insulation
5
Durability
5
Wind Resistance
5
Size & Color Variety
4
Aggregate Rating
4.75
Best Pet Doors for Windows
Insulation
3
Durability
3
Wind Resistance
3
Size & Color Variety
3
Aggregate Rating
3
Best Pet Doors for Windows
Insulation
4
Durability
4
Wind Resistance
5
Size & Color Variety
2
Aggregate Rating
3.75
Best Pet Doors for Windows
Insulation
3
Durability
4
Wind Resistance
4
Size & Color Variety
2
Aggregate Rating
3.25
Details on Best Pet Doors for Windows
Endura Flap Thermo Sash 3e for Sash Windows
The Endura Flap® Thermo Sash 3e Pet Door for Windows is an insulating, waterproof panel that fits snuggly into the track of most windows. The spring-loaded design safely secures the panel in place without the hassle of a complex, permanent installation. This is the ideal panel for dogs.
Ideal Fat Sash Pet Door
Designed for milder climates, the Ideal Fast Sash Pet Door is a great economical panel for windows, with two spring loaded ends for a maximum adjustment range. The tool-free installation means you can install the door in seconds. It has a flexible vinyl flap for both cats and small dogs.
SureFlap Microchip Thermo Sash 2e
The Thermo Sash 2e features a dual-pane, Low-E glass panel for sash windows that optimizes insulation and maintains high energy efficiency. The spring loaded design allows it to fit many sized windows in its adjustment range. The Microchip Pet Door within it allows the security of microchip-only access. This is our recommendation for window cat doors.
Whiskers and Windows Cat Door
Our choice of horizontal sliding window pet door panels, The Whiskers and Windows features a great rigid acrylic cat flap with locking capabilities. The panel itself is spring-loaded designed for a range of height adjustments. Electronic doors are the pinnacle of pet door technology! Giving ultimate control access, these doors use a variety of methods to allow your pet--and only your pet--into your home.
Best Electronic Pet Doors
Top Reviewed Electronic Dog Doors
Electronic doors are the answer if you have problems with strays and critters coming through your dog door or cat door. Lots of them offer special model-specific features, so it’s important to think about what you need and what each electronic pet door has!
Best Dog Doors for Screen Doors - Recommended by Linsey Quinton
Our PetDoors Expert Linsey’s Pet Door Recommendations:
Best Electronic Pet Doors
Insulation
5
5
5
5
Durability
5
5
4
2
Wind Resistance
5
5
5
5
Size & Color Variety
3
2
3
3
Aggregate Rating
4.5
4.25
4.25
3.75
Best Electronic Pet Doors
Insulation
5
Durability
5
Wind Resistance
5
Size & Color Variety
3
Aggregate Rating
4.5
Best Electronic Pet Doors
Insulation
5
Durability
5
Wind Resistance
5
Size & Color Variety
2
Aggregate Rating
4.25
Best Electronic Pet Doors
Insulation
5
Durability
4
Wind Resistance
5
Size & Color Variety
3
Aggregate Rating
4.25
Best Electronic Pet Doors
Insulation
5
Durability
2
Wind Resistance
5
Size & Color Variety
3
Aggregate Rating
3.75
Details on Best Electronic Pet Doors
SureFlap Microchip Pet Door
The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door shares a design with the Dualscan door, but has a different set of features. The Microchip Pet Door has Raccoon Mode, allowing it to lock itself when it senses a non-registered animal. Curfew Mode allows you to establish specific times when your pet can and cannot use the door, giving you full control over your pet’s outside access.
SureFlap Dualscan Pet Door
The Dualscan, like the Microchip Pet Door, registers pets with microchips to allow them in and out. However, it doesn’t have Raccoon or Curfew Mode. It does let you control access both out and in. This means having more control over which pets get to go in and out, so it’s perfect if you have cats that you want on different schedules. See the Best Cat Doors for more details.
Cat Mate Elite 305
The Cat Mate Elite 305 Super Selective Electronic Cat Door features timer controls for up to nine cats, with programmable capabilities for each. The Cat Mate does not use microchips, but instead an RFID collar key to access the cat door.
High Tech Pet Doors
The High Tech Power Pet Automatic is our largest electronic dog door. Using ultrasonic collar keys, the door will only open for dogs wearing the key, and doesn’t require any pushing by the pet. This fully motorized option is very popular with owners of older dogs who might be unable to push open flaps.
Do you have a question that wasn't answered? If you do, please email it to us at customerservice@petdoors.com!