The 5 Best Dog Doors of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

How We Tested

We researched and purchased 10 different dog doors for real-world testing in a home with at least one dog.

Each tester received a dog door compatible with the style of door in their home and their dog's size. They followed the instructions for installation making note of the total duration of time it required and the overall ease of the process.

For three weeks, each human counterpart observed their dog come and go through the dog door and provided feedback within the following categories: ease of use, the effectiveness of insulation, size, and overall value. Our human testers also tried out flaps, closures, and other seals themselves.

At the end of the testing period, our testers filled out a detailed questionnaire, providing their input in multiple categories. Those responses were used to provide a numerical score to each door, and testing results were synthesized to provide insights into our favorites, while excluding those that didn't score high enough. We then ranked and categorized our top picks to simplify your search for the right dog door.

What To Look For When Selecting A Dog Door

Weigh and Measure Your Dog 

The manufacturer of the dog door you select should provide measurement and weight guidelines to help you pick the correct size for your dog. “In order to get the correct size dog door, measure your dog’s height and make sure that they can easily fit through this door,” said Sara Ochoa, a small animal and exotic veterinarian at Whitehouse Veterinary Hospital in Texas.

For most dogs, it is recommended to factor in at least three inches of room on the height and two inches on the width so that your dog can get through, even when they’re moving quickly. When going through a dog door, most dogs will instinctively duck so measure from their shoulder down to their paw to get their height. You should also weigh your dog and select a dog door that is made to withstand their weight to maximize durability, especially if you have a large dog.

Installation 

Most dog doors are installed by first removing the door off its hinges and laying it horizontally so that a hole of the proper dimensions can be cut into the door itself. Some dog doors come with a paper template that provides the exact size that needs to be cut, but even without that, the measurements are typically straightforward.

Tools required for most installations include sawhorses and clamps to hold your door in position, a jig saw for precise cutting, and a power drill, both to screw the dog door into the door and to reattach the door to its frame.

“Doggy doors don’t just have to be on doors, but you’ll need to keep ease of installation in mind,” Philips told The Spruce Pets. “While the most common version of the doggy door attaches to a door, you can find options that are able to be placed on walls too. This can open up a whole new world of possibilities but it can also complicate the installation process.”

If you’re not comfortable using tools, we recommend you hire a handyperson to help. If you have a sliding door or a screen door, the installation process generally requires minimal tools.

Security and Uninvited Guests

If your dog can go in and out, other creatures can too. That’s why it’s best to get a dog door that can be locked. All of our picks include this feature.

“Raccoons, and other wild or stray animals, have been known to enter them as well to come inside for a visit,” says Brandi Tucker, a veterinarian at Pet Paradise, so “the doors should absolutely be lockable.”

Types and Materials

There are a number of different types of pet doors, which may or may not be appropriate for your home or your budget. In general, there are three types:

• Flag Pet Door: This is the traditional type, which uses a hanging flap to cover the portal. These are intuitive for your pet to use and suitable for both internal and external doors.
• Hard Plastic or Metal Doors: These are typically an open portal with a separate cover, which allows you to lock the hole in your door shut. This type of door is better for intermittent use, allowing you to create an opening as needed, but primarily keep the panel sealed.
• Electronic: Electronic dog doors can be keyed to a fob on your dog's collar or to a microchip, sliding open only for the door's furry user.

Climate

“Insulation is an important but often overlooked feature,” Philips said. “Many doggy doors feature a double flap that can help reduce airflow [so] if you live in an especially cold or hot area, this can be well worth it.”

Double flaps are a common feature of year-round dog doors. These flaps help block drafts and prevent snow from getting inside. If you live in a climate that experiences extreme weather, look for thicker flaps (many of the most secure use a rigid flap, instead of floppy vinyl) and more thorough magnetic seals, which will help lock the moving panel against the door whenever your pet is not pushing through it.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

This roundup is by Anna Mejorada, a writer for The Spruce Pets. Anna shares her home with a happy pomeranian named Gidget. Before researching and writing about pet products for a living, Anna embarked on a self-mandated, ongoing quest to find the optimal items for her dog. She is now devoted to helping humans discover and select the most favorable products for their pets.

A previous version of this article was written by Steven Rowe, a writer for The Spruce Pets with a rescue beagle at home, and by Anne Fritz, a freelance writer with over 20 years of experience.

For insights into dog door best practices, we consulted Georgina Ushi Philips, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Pet Urgent Care of Wesley Chapel in Florida.