Automatic Pet Doors: Ultimate Guide
Technology plays many roles in our everyday lives. Undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of technology is the convenience it provides. For this reason, helpful technology related to our pets and their care is becoming more prevalent. One of those helpful pieces of technology is the automatic pet door.
We all have seen, and some of us have even owned one of the old manual style pet doors. By all means there is nothing wrong with the manual style doors, as many pet owners still utilize them to this day. However, they do have some cons against them like security or unintended animals using them and entering your home.
Overview of Article show
Why an Automatic Pet Door?
The newer automatic or smart pet doors provide solutions where the manual style doors fall short. The technology used in the newer electronic or magnetic style doors provides us with the peace of mind that our pets can exit and enter without issues. Simultaneously it also gives us comfort to know that only our pets can use the door.
The convenience of the doggy or pet door can not be understated. Any pet owner that has ever used a pet door knows the freedom it provides is priceless. This is especially true today where many of us lead such active lives, which requires us to be away from home much more than in the past.
So having a solution where your pet can service themselves, but at the same time using something safer and more effective – is a win-win. We look at everything you need to consider when it comes to choosing an automatic pet door for your home.
How Does an Automatic Pet Door Work?
The automatic pet door is very similar to the old manual style pet doors. It is nothing more than a small door installed within a regular-size door or wall in your home. The main difference is the technology used in the automatic pet door to control the opening and closing of it.
The methods and devices to open or close the automatic pet doors are called, you guessed it – keys! There are a few different types of keys that will control the opening and closing of the pet door.
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
- Embedded Pet Microchips
- Pet Collar Keys
- Magnetic Collar Keys
Some of these keys work with specific types of automatic pet doors. The two main types of automatic pet doors are automatic raise doors and magnetic smart doors.
Automatic Raise Doors
Automatic pet doors that raise are triggered by the key worn around your pet’s collar. Sensors on the door will read the key, which will basically unlock it. These types of doors do not use a pushable flap. When the door is unlocked it will raise so that your pet can exit or enter through the opening. These types of doors are ideal for large dogs, older or shy pets.
Magnetic Smart Doors
Magnetic automatic pet doors typically have a rigid flap as the opening. Similar to the raised door, these types of doors are triggered by a key. When the sensor on the door senses the key, the door will unlock and allow your pet to push through the rigid flap similar to the old manual style door. These types of doors are best suited for smaller dogs or cats.
These types of doors typically use the RFID key worn around your pet’s collar. Some of the smart doors can even be configured to work with embedded or implanted pet microchips. These doors usually provide the most key options, like the ability to be controlled by an app on your smartphone and electronic timer options.
Considerations When Choosing an Automatic Pet Door
Things To Look Out For :
- Type of Automatic Pet Door: There are typically two types of automatic pet doors. There are the ones that raise and the ones that use a rigid flap. The doors that raise are ideal for larger pets or pets that may not be as able to push through the flap. The smart doors use the flap for entry/exit after being opened by the key. This type of door offers more key options, controllable with smartphone and is ideal for smaller dogs and cats.
- Pet Size: Obviously, your decision on the type and size of the door you buy will depend on the size of your pet. Most doors will provide sizing guides for you to use. A standard use to measure your pet is to measure across the shoulders to determine width. Measuring from the ground to the top of the shoulders will determine the height required.
- Installation: You will have to determine if you will be doing the installation or hiring a professional. Permanent installation will require cutting through a door or wall. You will want to ensure the installation is secured properly. There are some temporary door installations that fit in a door opening. These can be used as temporary solutions during the day and removed at night.
- Opening Method: Some doors will use a RFID chip or a magnetic collar. Pet collar keys can be used by some other doors. You can even configure embedded pet microchips as keys. Some units allow for smartphone apps to control access. While others may even utilize remote controls or timers. You will have to determine what your needs are and what access methods you will need and are comfortable with.
More Considerations
- Pet Monitoring: Some automatic pet doors are equipped with cameras or provide alerts when your pet exits and enters the home. These features can allow you to understand your pets schedule better if you want to create windows of time to make the door available or lock it.
- Powering the Door: Many doors will utilize batteries in order to keep the installation clean. You want to check to make sure you know how the door will be powered. You want to either check the manual or contact the manufacturer to get information regarding the life expectancy of the batteries if battery operated.
- Sturdy Design: Your pet will be using the automatic pet door a lot. You want to ensure the door is of a good design and made with quality materials. This will impact things like how quiet or noisy the door is. It will also determine if the door will stand up to the use by your pet.
Pros and Cons of Automatic Pet Doors
Automatic Pet Door: Pros
- Pet owner freedom by allowing your pet to exit and enter on their own.
- Multiple pets can use the same door as long as they have adequate keys.
- Pets can utilize the automatic door when you are away from home - prevents accidents.
- Keep out stray critters like raccoons, stray cats or dogs.
- Security from intruders with its instant locking.
Automatic Pet Door: Cons
- Pet could lose the collar while out and not be able to get back in.
- The collar key could fall into the wrong hands and allow someone to use it to enter your home.
- Buying a door that works today but your pet outgrows it later.
- Permanent installation requires some work when fitting and cutting through a door or a wall.
- Some battery operated automatic door options suffer from short battery life.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that having an automated pet door will definitely make your life easier when it comes to looking after your pet. Undeniably the automatic door will decrease the stress on both the pet owner and the pet.
The added piece of mind knowing that strays and critters will not be able to enter your home via the pet door is an added bonus. This also applies to knowing that your house is secure when you are not at home.
There are numerous doors available today that provide several key options. Indeed some units provide all the key options we discussed in this article – in one unit. Do your homework before buying and you will not regret your decision to add this pet technology to your home. You and your pet will be happy you did!
