This is our review of the best large dog flaps with sensors in 2022.
Ever considered buying a dog flap before? While cat flaps are pretty standard, electronic dog doors are becoming more and more popular.
A great dog door is one that your pup can just stroll through and head out for exercise at home whenever it wants.
We’ve gone to the effort of hunting down the top-rated electronic pet and dog doors available for owners to invest in right now.
If you’re new to the idea of an electronic dog door or flap, or even dog doors in general, Dogsbarn has set up a complete guide for you below on what you can expect, as well as what you need to compare while shopping around
In this guide, we will be reviewing the following large dog flaps with sensors:
- PetSafe Automatic Locking Large Door
- Multi Key & Energy Efficient Pet Door
- Battery-Powered Microchip Pet Door
- Ferplast Swing Door
- PetSafe Staywell Aluminium Door
Let’s take a quick look at things to keep in mind when shopping for the best dog flap or pet door for your home.
Fixing and opening
Some pet door options have sliding glass which is easy to open and close. Others will have traditional flap mechanisms. This is often a matter of taste, but it’s worth considering which will work ideally for your dog.
Weather resistance
Traditionally, older dog flaps and pet doors can take a beating by the elements, whether it’s wind, rain or otherwise. You’ll need to find a weather-resistant door that will stand up against the threat of rust or blowing off altogether!
Durability
Yes – if your pooch is bored enough, it might well chew on your pet door! Therefore, ensure your doggy door has enough resistance and rigidity to withstand some serious gnawing.
Otherwise, you will be looking at a pretty flimsy piece of kit that will need replacing. If you have a glass door, make sure it’s double-glazed to withstand the cold weather and any impact.
Door Compatibility
You should also be sure you know what type of door you have- such as composite.
If you choose to set up a pet door or flap with the help of an installer, this will make it easier against the walls and frame.
Our Best Large Dog Flap With Sensor Reviews
Now that we’ve looked at what you need to know about pet door options before you buy them, here’s our pick of the five best large dog doors with automatic functionality.
Keep in mind, of course, that while these systems are not built for small dogs, there is no reason why you can’t still encourage smaller animals to use these systems! These are doors which are simply made with the bigger canine in mind.
PetSafe Automatic Locking Large Door
This large, locking pet door opener may be on the premium side of things, but it’s easily one of the most impressive doors on the market right now. Great for any pets who want to go in and out with ease. It offers a collar key for you to fit, and it’s pretty versatile with a range of door size options.
You can even program this dog door, so the sensing mechanism only ever activates when a specific smart key is in use. It’s available in various sizes and it’s pretty easy to measure your dog for the best door to fit.
Pros:
- Great for multi-pet properties
- It fits a wide array of door installations
- Great three-year warranty supplied
- Security standards stop anything but your dogs from coming in and going out
Cons:
- May be a little pricey for some people
Battery-Powered Microchip Pet Door
This microchip cat flap or dog flap is perfect for smaller dogs. That’s because doors such as this come with battery functionality, meaning there’s no need for clumsy wiring.
It’s damage-proof and claw-resistant, meaning that you won’t have to worry if you don’t want any nasty scratches and scuffs marking up the glass.
This is a super secure door system. The door comes with a double lock for added safety, and what’s more, its built-in microchip scanning system will ensure that your pet can easily go in and out of the flap without hassle.
Even if your dogs aren’t chipped, this door will still pick up on RFID tags, which offers all the appealing features you’d normally expect from an automated door elsewhere.
Pros:
- Scans all microchip formats with ease and will also scan RFIDs
- Super secure locking mechanism
- Pretty easy to set up and install, although help is always recommended
- Easy to set on curfew mode to curb access
Cons:
- Again, maybe a little pricey
SureFlap With Microchip Identification
If you’re desperate to keep your small pup safe while going in and out, you will want a pet door that benefits from microchip interactivity.
This pet door is actually built with cats in mind but measured correctly; there are no reasons why you can’t use this for smaller breeds of dog, such as Yorkshire Terriers.
It’s very easy to program, and if you are a pet owner with a massive brood of animals, you’ll be pleased to hear that you can store up to 32 creatures on one device! It’s versatile to set up, too, and this system will also run on batteries if you’d prefer not to bumble around with wiring and the like.
Pros:
- Very reasonably priced
- Nice and flexible to install
- Great for smallest of dogs
- Runs on a battery for ease
Cons:
- Maybe not as secure as some sliding glass options
4-Way Manual Locking Flap
The installation is among the biggest pains of getting a pet door in place at all. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to look for a weather-resistant option that will neatly fit into your back, front, or side door setup.
This is another flap designed for moggies, but again, small enough dogs should be able to use the door pretty easily.
It’s effortless to program and runs on basic batteries, and you can override the control panel and internal system if you need to. Therefore, you can set up as many animals as you like, up to 30.
Moreover, this pet door is backed by excellent customer service lines available, meaning you can always call in to find out more.
Pros:
- Simply programmable system
- Will fit into a variety of door options
- Works on fob or microchip as you desire
- Lots of support available if you need it
Cons:
- Again, there are bigger dogs’ door systems out there for larger size breeds
Are Dog Flaps a Good Idea?
Yes – dog flaps and dog doors are great ideas but not for larger dogs and only if you find that your pet wants to go in and out of the garden a lot and if you’re not necessarily available to help them get access.
For you, it means saving time and effort, not constantly opening doors, and avoiding letting in unwanted drafts.
What’s more, it’s convenient for your dog, too. For small dogs, a dog flap or door is always available for those pets who don’t want to have to ask for permission! They can stroll in and out whenever they want to explore, get some fresh air, or use the outdoor facilities.
One of the top reasons to invest in an electronic dog door, large or otherwise, is that your pets can come and go as they please.
There is a little bit of misconception about how safe or useful dog doors are. Thankfully, these doors are getting safer and more secure from line to line, so you shouldn’t have anything to worry about providing you buy a top-rated brand.
As dogs generally shouldn’t be let out in public without a leash, it’s always a good idea to fit dog doors with sensors- or multiple dog doors – into spaces where your pets can’t escape.
When you compare dogs to cats, things are a little different in this respect, as many cats are conditioned to roam alone.
But what should you be looking for when considering an electronic dog door for your pets? Do you need an extra large dog door? How does an automatic dog door work?
On top of all this, what is the top dog door available for you to buy right now?
If you’re unsure how practical or safe automatic dog doors can be, keep reading – We’ll give you the full lowdown.
Why Buy a Dog Flap with a Sensor?
Ok – while a dog door is great, a traditional dog flap – whether it is a large size or otherwise – will only ever be so convenient.
Rightly so, some people worry that a traditional flap could be used by other outdoor critters trying to get in – even would-be criminals might try and use them to unlock your doors!
This is unlikely, providing you use a reputable model of the automatic dog door. The massive benefit to using an electronic dog door or pet door lies in the fact that your dog has VIP access.
Only they can trigger the scanner to get in and out. I don’t mean to suggest giving your pets an ego – but let’s face it, if you only have one dog, then you should try an exclusive automated sensor for size.
How does this work? Your dog will have a small fob or disc that clips to its collar. This means if they wear their collar and disc, your pets will always be able to get in and out. The sensor will scan a microchip to ensure they can get in and out without fuss.
You can also buy a microchip pet door system, which actively scans the microchip implanted in your dog by your vet. This makes the access through your door even more exclusive. You wouldn’t leave a door open throughout the day or night, so why should an electronic dog entry system be any different?
You can also find dog door and pet door systems with curfew settings. This means that they will automatically ‘shut’ after a specific time of day or night.
These are great on paper, but you will always need to make sure you have an emergency override and that you don’t accidentally leave your dog locked out for the night!
An excellent reason for investing in a microchip pet door or flap is if you have an enclosed garden and are likely to leave your dog alone while you are out at work.
It gives them the freedom to go out and explore the garden without you needing to be there to keep opening and closing the back door.
However, you MUST ensure that your garden is closed off if you wish to do this – and your pet is unlikely to start leaping fences to escape!
Are Dog Flaps a Security Risk?
The best dog flaps and pet doors won’t be a security risk providing you can lock them!
Traditional dog flaps or cat flaps may hang or swing loose, which isn’t a great option in this day and age. That’s because not only will your pets come in and out, other critters and pests will want to sneak in, too!
It also means that you could be putting yourself at risk of burglary attempts, no matter the size of the door you have installed.
This is certainly no reason to panic. For one thing, electronic pet door systems primarily come with sliding glass that locks in place.
In other cases, you will find that they can only be activated with a microchip, whether on a collar or embedded in your pets.
The best door for security – which still lets your dog go in and out as they please – will be one that locks and opens on request and to which only you and your dogs have access.
There’s also the point that traditional door solutions for dogs and cats can let in a lot of wind and cold and might even sweep in a ton of leaves and debris during autumn. Therefore, it makes sense to install an electronic pet door simply to be energy efficient.
Remember that a dog door should have some manual lock and override, which applies to entries of any size.
If your dog is safely indoors and you want to be extra safe and secure, lock your door with a separate latch or key.
In the modern age, we have more to lose than ever before – which is why the best pet door solutions online put safety and security at the top of the priority list.
Can I Install a Dog Flap Myself?
Yes! It’s entirely possible to set up and install a pet’s door or dog’s flap on your own. However, the more intricate the model and the more advanced the technology, the more likely you will need to arrange for an expert to come and help out.
In many cases, stores and wholesalers online will offer a pet door installation service which you will only need to pay a one-off fee to get up and running.
If you are keen to give your pets (cats, dogs and otherwise) access in and out as soon as possible, it’s probably going to be the least hassle to ask a contractor to handle the installation.
After all, no matter the size of your pet door, you will still need to measure carefully and cut into your existing door. This takes a lot of precision.
Number one tip – if you are unsure how to measure and install a pet’s door in your home, ensure to consult with a professional. That goes for large-size doors and smaller flaps.
Take a look at dog doors and flaps, which come with DIY instructions, however, be prepared that it can take a little work to install one and keep your other main door free from any unwanted damage.
How Big a Flap Will My Dog Need?
This is something you’ll need to take up with your dog! You will naturally look at many large-size options if you have a larger dog breed.
However, if your dog is of a smaller breed and is simply overweight, it might be a better option to try and get them to trim down a bit first!
There’s also the matter of puppies. A simple mistake is to invest in an electronic pet flap that fits your dog when they are young but will quickly outgrow. Puppies grow amazingly fast, so you’ll soon find that the money you’ve spent on a flap or pet door will go to waste.
Therefore, in our opinion, take your dog’s potential size into account before you buy. It’s a better long-term investment than a short-term fix while your dog is a puppy!
Conclusion
In the past, the idea of a pet door might have raised a few eyebrows regarding security and draught control.
However, thanks to smart sliding glass and the likes of the Petsafe Automatic Locking Door ranges, it’s now easier than ever to give your pets the freedom they deserve
We hope the information in this article helped and be sure to look at the best dog doors and products listed above – and you may find that you are an automatic dog door convert sooner than you think.
Why stick with the same old doggie door systems when you can purchase a super safe model that automatically opens and is well protected in extreme weather?
