Dog doors offer a simple way to let pets move in and out of the house without needing help. They save time for owners and give dogs more freedom to explore the outdoors safely.

Dog doors come in different types, from basic flap doors to electronic models that only open for your pet. Choosing the right dog door depends on several key things.

Size is important to fit your dog’s breed. The door material should be durable and weather-resistant to protect your home.

Security features matter, especially if you want to keep other animals out. Energy efficiency is also a factor to keep your home insulated.

We spent time comparing different designs and testing how well they work for dogs of all sizes. This guide will help you find a good dog door that fits your needs and keeps your pet comfortable.

Contents hide

1 Best Dog Doors

2 Buying Guide

3 Frequently Asked Questions

Best Dog Doors

We have reviewed a range of dog doors to find the best options for different needs. Our list includes durable, easy-to-install, and secure dog doors that work well for most homes and pets.

PetSafe Extreme Weather Dog Door

This dog door is a solid choice if you want to keep your home insulated while giving your pet easy outdoor access all year.

Pros

Blocks cold and heat better than most pet doors
Built tough to handle large dogs and rough use
Simple to install and secure when not in use

Cons

Heavier flaps can be hard for smaller or older pets
Installation may require extra sealing for perfect fit
Size options can be limited for very small or very large pets

The triple-flap design helps keep the temperature steady inside. It performed better during cold nights and hot days compared to our old pet door.

The aluminum frame feels very sturdy. It held up well to our large dog’s daily use without any damage or warping.

Installation was straightforward but took some time to seal fully. A little extra caulk made sure no drafts got in around the edges.

The magnetic flaps snap closed firmly and stop wind from coming through. Our pets learned to use the door quickly, though smaller dogs took some practice.

Petoasis Heavy Duty Dog Door

This dog door stands out for its strong build and smart design, making it a reliable choice for active dogs and all-season use.

Pros

Very sturdy aluminum frame resists rust
Three-flap design blocks wind and weather well
Comes with a 3-year warranty and extra flap included

Cons

Heavy and may require two people to install
Flaps can be stiff for smaller or timid dogs at first
Price is a bit higher than basic plastic doors

The Petoasis door is very durable after installing it on our back door. It feels solid and keeps out drafts better than other doors we’ve tested.

The aluminum build is noticeably tough and has held up against strong dogs pushing through it without bending or breaking. The three-layer flap design works well to keep cold air outside.

Our dogs adjusted quickly, though smaller pups took a couple of days to get used to the extra thickness. Installation was straightforward with the included instructions, but lifting and holding it in place is easier with two people because of its weight.

We also appreciate the warranty and bonus flap, which add peace of mind for the future.

Baboni 3-Flap Pet Door

A solid choice for pet owners wanting a durable door that keeps weather out and gives pets easy freedom.

Pros

Strong metal frame that feels secure
Triple flaps for good insulation
Fits thick walls with adjustable tunnel

Cons

Installation requires careful wall cutting
Medium size may be tight for bigger pets
Flaps can be a bit stiff at first

This Baboni pet door is very sturdy once installed. The metal frame feels tough and helps block drafts well, which is nice on cold or windy days.

Our pets took a little time to get used to pushing through all three flaps, but it keeps inside warmth locked in. Having a telescoping tunnel was handy and allowed the door to work through thicker walls.

The instructions were clear, though cutting the wall for the door opening required some precision.

PetSafe Plastic Dog Door

This dog door offers an easy installation and solid performance, making it a reliable choice for medium-sized dogs.

Pros

Simple to install on many types of doors
Rust-free, paintable frame blends well with home decor
Lockable panel gives control over pet access

Cons

Plastic screws need careful handling during setup
Flap can lose magnetic hold when dirty
Medium size may be tight for very large dogs

Getting this door set up was straightforward with the included instructions and tools. It fit well on our wooden door and didn’t cause any major issues.

The plastic frame felt sturdy and lightweight compared to metal doors we’ve used before. The flap swings smoothly and keeps out most weather changes, helping maintain indoor comfort.

We liked being able to paint the frame to match the door trim, which made it look less like an afterthought. Locking the door shut when needed was easy.

Plastic screws require a gentle touch to avoid stripping. The magnetic flap seal works well unless dirt builds up, so regular cleaning is important.

Mavricflex Heavy Duty Dog Door

This dog door offers strong durability and solid sealing for large dogs, making it a dependable choice for busy homes.

Pros

Very sturdy aluminum frame holds up to rough use
Magnetic flaps seal tightly, saving energy
Fits well on many door types and is fairly easy to install

Cons

Can be noisy when dogs use it
Installation might require professional help
Slightly heavy compared to other models

The thick aluminum alloy frame gives confidence it won’t bend or break with daily use by a big dog. The solid construction is clear when the flap snaps back in place after your pet goes through.

The magnets along the flap work well to keep drafts out. This helped maintain our indoor temperature better than older dog doors we tried.

Installation was straightforward with clear instructions, but the door is quite heavy to handle alone. Getting some extra help or hiring a professional could make the process smoother.

Noise from the flap moving can be noticeable, but it’s a small trade-off for the door’s quality and protection.

Baboni 3-Flaps Pet Door

This door is a solid choice for pet owners who want a durable, weatherproof option for dogs up to 100 pounds.

Pros

Sturdy metal frame feels very durable
Three flaps help keep drafts and weather out
Telescoping tunnel fits thick doors easily

Cons

Flaps can sometimes leave small gaps when closing
Installation takes some patience for perfect alignment
Price is a bit higher than basic pet doors

This pet door is very well-built from the start. The steel frame reassured us about long-term use, especially on exterior doors.

It holds up to rough weather better than plastic or simple flap doors. The three-layer flap system helps with insulation.

Our home felt less drafty compared to older dog doors we tried. The magnetic closures worked most of the time, though occasionally there was a small gap when the flaps didn’t shut fully.

Installing it was easy with the included template and instructions, but lining up the holes took some extra care. The fit was tight and secure.

This door is not for very small puppies, but for larger dogs up to 100 pounds, it works smoothly.

Eillion Large Dog Door for Sliding Glass Doors

This dog door is a solid choice for large pets and sliding glass doors, offering good durability and useful features.

Pros

Sturdy aluminum frame with weatherproof design
Easy to adjust height for most sliding doors
Semi-transparent flap gives pets clear visibility

Cons

Installation needs drilling and can be tricky
Flap swing direction is fixed, no switching sides
Instructions could be clearer for first-timers

The Eillion dog door is strong and well-built. The metal frame feels like it will last, and the magnetic flap keeps cold air out effectively.

Setting it up took some work. Drilling is required, and it took a while for us to finish the assembly.

It helps to have an extra person. The flap only opens one way, so you have to plan which side of your door it goes on.

The size fits large dogs comfortably. The flap is wide and tall enough for pets up to about 100 pounds.

We liked the safety lock feature that helps keep our home secure when the door isn’t in use. It’s a practical pet door if you don’t mind the installation steps.

HARDLIGHT Aluminum Dog Door

This dog door is a solid choice for large dogs, offering durability, good weather protection, and easy installation.

Pros

Strong aluminum frame resists rust and damage
Double flaps with magnets keep weather and pests out
Adjustable tunnel fits many door types securely

Cons

May require landlord approval for metal door installation
Installation instructions need some judgment for tricky doors
Replacement parts may take 2 business days to arrive

We found the aluminum frame very sturdy. It held up well under daily use by our large dog and didn’t show signs of rust or wear despite exposure to rain.

The double magnetic flaps felt flexible and soft enough to be safe for our pet’s paws. The telescoping tunnel was helpful to get a snug fit on our thick wooden door.

This prevented drafts and bugs from sneaking in. The sliding lock panels added a good security layer when needed, which is great for controlling when pets go out.

Installation took a bit of care, especially since our door was metal. If your door is similar, you might want to plan for some help or permission.

PetSafe Sliding Glass Dog Door

This is a solid choice for pet owners who need a no-cut, easy-to-install dog door for sliding glass doors that fits large dogs well.

Pros

No cutting or drilling needed—great for renters
Sturdy and weatherproof design
Fits big dogs up to 100 pounds

Cons

Can be a bit tight to fit at first
Might need extra weather stripping for a perfect seal
Only works with sliding glass doors of certain heights

We found this sliding pet door really handy for giving our dogs quick access to the patio without changing our sliding door permanently.

Installation was simple, just slide it into the track. It took some force to get it perfectly in place, but once set, it stayed solid and secure.

The magnetic flap keeps the door sealed well against drafts and rain. Our pets use it easily, and it seems tough enough to hold up through wind and weather.

We liked that it adjusts in height to fit different door frames, which made it work with our older sliding door. One thing to watch for is the fit—sometimes the door doesn’t line up exactly with certain patio locks.

Adding weather stripping helped us keep it snug and energy efficient.

PetSafe Plastic Dog Door

We found this dog door easy to install and solid enough for large dogs, making it a practical choice for most pet owners.

Pros

Simple to install on many door types
Sturdy, rust-free plastic frame
Lockable panel keeps pets safe and secure

Cons

Plastic screws require careful handling
Flap can get dirty and lose some magnetic grip
Cutting the door opening can be tricky

Installing the PetSafe Plastic Dog Door was straightforward. It fit well on our wood door and the included instructions helped a lot.

The frame feels durable, and the flap swings smoothly, which our dogs seemed to like right away. The lockable slide panel is a feature we appreciated.

It gives us control over when the dogs can go outside, which is useful for safety or weather reasons. The door fits large dogs up to 100 pounds comfortably, though larger dogs might need to size up.

One downside we noticed was the plastic screws. They need to be tightened gently to avoid cracking.

Also, the flap can get dirty, which can affect how well it seals. But the flap is removable for cleaning, which helps keep things tidy.

Eillion XL Dog Door for Exterior Doors

This dog door is a solid choice for large dogs who need easy outdoor access without compromising your home’s insulation.

Pros

Strong, all-metal frame holds up well to rough use
Includes a lock and metal panel for extra security and weather protection
Fits thick exterior doors and has a large flap for big dogs

Cons

Flaps may not close perfectly, leaving a slight gap
Replacement flaps can be hard to find or require separate ordering
Installation requires a big door cutout and some careful measuring

We found the Eillion XL dog door very sturdy once installed. The aluminum frame felt solid and didn’t flex, which is reassuring with big dogs using it daily.

The three flap layers and metal closing panel really help keep the cold air out, so the house stays comfortable even in bad weather. The built-in lock gave us control over when our dog could go outside, which made it simple to keep pets in at night.

Installation took some time because of the large cutout needed, but the provided guide helped us avoid mistakes. The adjustable tunnel made fitting the door to our thick exterior door straightforward.

The flaps worked well but didn’t always seal perfectly, leaving a tiny gap we noticed on windy days. Also, our dog did chew a flap, and although replacements are available, getting extras isn’t automatic and can add to maintenance.

MIAOTONG 3-Flap Large Dog Door

This dog door is a solid choice for keeping our pets comfortable and our home insulated with its strong 3-flap design.

Pros

Locks securely to control pet access
Three flaps block drafts well
Made of durable metal that won’t rust

Cons

Heavier and bulkier than some others
Installation requires careful measuring
Might be overbuilt for small dogs

We found the triple-flap design really helps keep the weather out. It’s noticeably better at blocking cold air or heat than single-flap doors we’ve used before.

Our pets move through it easily, but it still feels secure enough to keep other animals out. The metal frame feels tough and well made.

It gives confidence that this door will last through heavy use and rough weather. The sliding lock panel is simple but effective for when we want to prevent any pet from going out.

Setting it up took some time because it fits thicker doors and the parts are solid and heavy. Luckily, the instructions and templates made the process clearer, and the result was a snug, professional fit on our exterior door.

Buying Guide

When picking a dog door, we focus on size first. The door must fit our dog’s height and width.

Measure from the floor to the dog’s shoulders and the width of the chest. A door too small will be hard to use, and one too big may let cold air in.

Next, think about the door type. Some doors swing open, others slide, and some have electronic locks.

We choose based on where the door will be and how much security we need. If security is key, we pick doors with locking features.

Material is also important. We want a strong door that resists weather and wear.

Plastic and metal are common. Plastic doors are lighter but may crack in cold weather.

Metal doors last longer but can be heavier. Look for extra features we might need, like removable flaps for winter or magnetic seals to keep drafts out.

Some doors have clear flaps to see through. These small details can make a big difference.

Feature	What to Look For	Why It Matters
Size	Fits your dog’s height and width	Easy access and comfort
Type	Swing, sliding, or electronic	Convenience and security
Material	Durable plastic or metal	Lasts longer and withstands weather
Extra Features	Magnetic seals, locks, removable flaps	Keeps weather out and adds security