There’s nothing worse than being stuck at home waiting for a repair person when your dog or cat could be enjoying a comfortable afternoon outside. Smart pet doors promise to solve this problem by letting your furry friend come and go as they please, whilst keeping unwanted animals out of your home. But with so many options available—from basic electronic models to sophisticated WiFi-enabled systems—it can be tricky to know which one is right for your pet.
We’ve tested and reviewed the best smart pet doors currently available in the UK to help you find the perfect fit. Whether you’re looking for microchip recognition, app control, or simply a more secure alternative to a traditional cat flap, we’ve covered it all.
Quick Comparison: Top 5 Smart Pet Doors
| Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
| SureFlap Microchip Pet Door | Microchip recognition | Around £110-150 | ★★★★★ |
| PetSafe SmartDoor Electronic | Key fob control | Around £450-700 | ★★★★☆ |
| Petmate Telescoping Pet Door | Budget-conscious owners | Around £80-120 | ★★★★☆ |
| PlexiDor Performance | Large dogs | Around £200-350 | ★★★★☆ |
| Cat Mate Elite Microchip Door | Cats and small pets | Around £140-180 | ★★★★☆ |
Our Top Picks
1. SureFlap Microchip Pet Door
Best for: Cats and small dogs with existing microchips
The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door is the gold standard for pet owners who want the ultimate in security and convenience. It reads your pet’s existing microchip (or an RFID collar tag) to grant access, meaning only your pets can enter and exit. There’s no need for keys, collars, or batteries on your pet—just their built-in identification.
The four-way locking mechanism is brilliantly simple: you can set it to In Only, Out Only, Both Ways, or Locked. This is particularly useful if you want to keep your cat indoors at night or prevent neighbourhood cats from wandering into your home. The door has a strong magnetic seal that keeps it closed in winter, and battery life lasts up to a year on four C batteries.
What we like:
- Works with your pet’s existing microchip—no collar key needed
- Four-way locking gives you complete control over entry and exit
- Magnetic seal keeps draught out and retains heat
- Can store up to 32 different pet IDs
- Comes with 3-year warranty
- Suitable for cats and small dogs up to 7kg
Worth knowing:
- Not all cats or dogs have microchips—you may need to microchip your pet first
- Requires four C batteries that need replacing periodically
- Opening size is 170mm x 178mm—check this fits your garden structure
- The basic model doesn’t include WiFi or app control
Specifications:
- Price: Around £110-150
- Size: 170mm x 178mm opening
- Material: Durable white or brown plastic
- Power: 4 C batteries (up to 12 months)
- Storage: 32 microchips maximum
- Warranty: 3 years
2. PetSafe SmartDoor Electronic Pet Door
Best for: Dog owners wanting key fob control
The PetSafe SmartDoor is a robust electronic pet door that operates using a SmartKey key fob. This is ideal if your dog doesn’t have a microchip or you prefer the simplicity of a key-based system. The door reads the SmartKey’s signal and automatically unlocks to let your dog through before locking again when they’re not detected.
You can programme up to five different SmartKeys, so each member of the family can have one, or you can use multiple keys for different pets. The three-mode operation (automatic, locked, and unlocked) gives you flexibility depending on your situation. The door is available in large and extra-large sizes, making it suitable for bigger breeds.
What we like:
- Supports up to 5 programmed SmartKeys
- No microchip required—works with key fobs only
- Three operating modes for flexibility
- Suitable for large and extra-large dogs
- Durable weatherproof construction
- Can lock individual doors if you have multiple
Worth knowing:
- Premium pricing at £450-700
- Key fobs can be lost or damaged
- Installation into doors requires structural work
- Not ideal for cats—designed for dogs
- Replacement SmartKeys are an additional cost
Specifications:
- Price: Around £450-700
- Sizes: Large and Extra-Large
- Key fob range: Approximately 10 metres
- Power: Battery or hardwired options
- Programmes: Up to 5 SmartKeys
- Material: Durable plastic and metal
3. Petmate Telescoping Pet Door
Best for: Budget-conscious owners wanting a simple solution
If you’re not ready to invest in a smart system but still want something better than a traditional flap, the Petmate Telescoping Pet Door is a solid middle ground. It’s a manual door that works on a simple push-through principle—your pet pushes to enter and exit. No batteries, no electronics, no complications.
The telescoping design is brilliant for fitting into different door thicknesses, and the rigid frame offers better insulation than a soft flap. It’s suitable for cats and small to medium dogs. Whilst it doesn’t have the security features of microchip or electronic doors, it’s a reliable, affordable option that will last years.
What we like:
- Affordable price point—around £80-120
- No batteries or electronics to maintain
- Telescoping frame fits various door thicknesses
- Rigid construction offers better insulation
- Simple installation process
- Suitable for cats and small/medium dogs
Worth knowing:
- No security features—any animal can enter
- Not weatherproof like electronic doors
- Requires pet to push through—very young pets may struggle
- No remote control or automation
Specifications:
- Price: Around £80-120
- Size: Standard and large options
- Material: Rigid plastic frame with soft flap
- Installation: Fits 1.5-2 inch doors via telescoping
- Weight limit: Up to 25kg
- Warranty: Typically 1 year
4. PlexiDor Performance Pet Door
Best for: Large dog owners who need durability
The PlexiDor Performance is built like a tank and shows. This premium manual door is designed for large dogs and is constructed from thick clear polycarbonate, making it incredibly durable and visible. Your dog can see through it, which many find helpful for encouraging entry and exit.
The rigid frame means maximum insulation, and the door swings smoothly on twin springs. Unlike soft flaps that can trap fur or cause draught, the PlexiDor’s rigid design is gentler on coats and more energy-efficient. It’s available in multiple sizes to fit dogs from small up to extra-large.
What we like:
- Exceptional build quality—designed to last decades
- Clear polycarbonate allows visibility
- Rigid frame provides excellent insulation
- Multiple sizes available for different dog sizes
- Gentle on pets’ fur and ears
- Springs operate smoothly for years
Worth knowing:
- Premium pricing at £200-350
- Manual operation only—no electronic security
- Any animal can enter—not selective
- Requires professional installation into doors
- Heavy—not portable
Specifications:
- Price: Around £200-350
- Sizes: 5 sizes available (small to XL)
- Material: Clear polycarbonate with aluminium frame
- Opening mechanism: Twin springs with soft flap
- Power: None required
- Warranty: Lifetime
5. Cat Mate Elite Microchip Door
Best for: Cat owners seeking microchip-based entry control
The Cat Mate Elite Microchip Door is specifically designed for cats and small pets, and it uses microchip technology to grant access. Like the SureFlap, it reads your cat’s existing microchip to determine who can enter, preventing neighbourhood cats from gaining access to your home.
The low-profile design is perfect for fitting into cat flap openings without major structural work. The stainless steel frame is rust-resistant and built to withstand British weather. Battery life is solid at around 9-12 months, and the silent magnetic seal means you won’t hear it closing.
What we like:
- Designed specifically for cats and small pets
- Microchip recognition prevents intruders
- Low-profile design fits existing cat flap spaces
- Stainless steel resists rust and weathering
- Silent magnetic closure
- 9-12 month battery life
Worth knowing:
- Requires cat to be microchipped
- Not suitable for cats without microchips
- Battery replacement can be fiddly
- Opening size smaller than dog doors
Specifications:
- Price: Around £140-180
- Size: 170mm x 160mm opening
- Material: Stainless steel frame, white insert
- Power: 4 AA batteries (9-12 months)
- Storage: Up to 32 microchips
- Warranty: 2 years
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Smart Pet Door
What to Look For
When choosing a smart pet door, consider these key factors:
- Security level: Microchip doors offer the best security; key fob doors are good for dogs; manual doors offer no selective entry
- Pet size: Ensure the opening is large enough for your pet—measure your dog or cat’s width and height
- Installation: Some require professional fitting into doors; others fit into wall cavities
- Weatherproofing: Look for magnetic seals and insulation to keep draughts out
- Battery life: Electronic doors need batteries or hardwiring—check how often you need to replace them
- Future-proofing: WiFi-enabled doors give you more control when away from home
Types of Smart Pet Door Explained
Microchip Doors
These read your pet’s implanted microchip (or an RFID collar tag) and unlock only for recognised pets. Best for security and preventing strays from entering. Requires pet to be microchipped first.
Electronic Key Fob Doors
The door unlocks when a programmed key fob is nearby. Ideal for dogs that aren’t microchipped. You can programme multiple fobs for family members. Keys can be lost or damaged.
Manual Push-Through Doors
Your pet pushes the door open when entering or exiting. No batteries or electronics required. Affordable but offers no security—any animal can enter.
WiFi-Enabled Smart Doors
The newest technology combines microchip or key fob entry with smartphone app control. You can receive notifications when your pet enters or exits, lock the door remotely, and monitor activity. Premium option with ongoing subscription costs.
Size Guide: Finding the Right Fit
Measure your pet’s width and height at the shoulders, then add 5cm to each dimension. Most smart doors come in standard sizes:
- Small (cats and small dogs): 150-170mm opening
- Medium (small to medium dogs): 180-210mm opening
- Large (medium to large dogs): 230-270mm opening
- Extra-large (large dogs like Labs and German Shepherds): 280-380mm opening
Always check your door or wall cavity dimensions before purchasing. Some doors require structural modifications that may be costly.
How Much Should You Spend?
Budget Option (£80-150)
Manual push-through doors or basic electronic models. Good for pets that are always supervised or where you don’t need to control entry strictly. Budget pet doors typically last 2-3 years.
Mid-Range (£150-300)
Microchip doors like the SureFlap or durable manual doors like PlexiDor. Excellent balance of security, durability, and value. These typically last 5-10 years and offer peace of mind.
Premium (£300+)
WiFi-enabled smart doors with app control and monitoring. Suitable if you want remote access, notifications, or activity tracking. Often include subscription costs for features. Premium doors are built to last 10+ years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fit a smart pet door into any door?
Most smart pet doors fit into hollow core doors or can be fitted into wall cavities. If you have a solid wooden door, installation may require cutting and can be expensive. Check your door type and whether professional installation is required before purchasing.
Will my pet use it?
Most pets learn to use pet doors within a few days. Start by propping the door open whilst your pet gets used to it, then let it close gradually. Keep it open on one side initially. Younger pets typically adapt faster than older ones. Patience and treats help!
How do I prevent unwanted animals from entering?
Microchip doors are your best option for this, as they only open for recognised pets. Key fob doors are good for dogs but require your pet to wear a collar. Manual doors offer no protection against strays or neighbourhood cats entering.
Are smart pet doors energy efficient?
Yes, compared to traditional soft flaps. Rigid doors with magnetic seals trap heat much better. Electronic doors with insulated frames are the most energy-efficient. If you live in a cold climate, the installation cost may pay for itself through energy savings.
Final Verdict
The best smart pet door for you depends on your priorities. For maximum security and ease of use, the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door is the clear winner—it’s reliable, affordable, and works brilliantly for both cats and small dogs. If you have a larger dog or want the durability of a manual door, the PlexiDor Performance is a premium investment that will last decades. For those on a budget, the Petmate Telescoping Pet Door offers good value without smart features.
Whatever you choose, ensure it’s appropriate for your pet’s size, secures your home, and can withstand British weather. A good smart pet door gives you peace of mind and your pet the freedom they deserve.
