Buy a Dog Door, Save Your Sanity All Summer Long
Give your four-legged pal the freedom to go in and out on his own.
If you’re a dog owner, much of your day is spent opening and closing doors to let the dog out — then in — then out again. And while we would love to exist only for the whims of our antsy, indecisive pups, (and not let in all the bugs in the process), it’s simply not possible. But! With a dog door, it actually is possible to appease your fur baby without the hassle of jumping up and down several times a day to let Fido (and your air conditioning) out the door.
If you’re thinking, but I have a sliding glass/screen/[insert speciality door here], or, aren’t those a pain to install?, we have good news. There are dog doors for every sized dog and just about every type of entry, indoor, and outdoor. Even better, you’ll only need roughly 20 minutes of time, tools that are likely already in your garage, and a handy-ish person to install your dog door.
The end result, according to thousands of happy Amazon reviewers, is an energy-saving way for your dog to move freely in and out of your house — no human necessary. In other words, so worth it.
Scroll down to find the best dog door for your four-legged friend.
PERFECT PET The All-Weather Energy Efficient Dog Door
Best Energy-Efficient Dog Door
Starts at $83, Amazon
- Energy efficient structural foam
- Nylon for draft restrictor
- Adjustable frame thickness
- Innovative double vinyl flap for insulation
- Multiple sizes
Whether it’s warm and you’re trying to keep you air conditioning from escaping, or chilly and you’re trying to keep your home draft-free, this dog door is here for you. The all-weather materials are designed provide an insulated air pocket of up to 3-inches, so you can save on piece-of-mind and energy costs.
One reviewer wrote, “Updating [after] 3 years and 4 months [of use]! This door is awesome. I live in NE PA. It has [lasted] through the coldest winter on record and several major snow storms, (the largest over 24 inches). And it was moved to a new storm door as well. And I must say that the only maintenance it needed was to be cleaned every now and then. … Well worth the money.“
PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Patio Panel Sliding Glass Pet Door
Best Dog Door for Sliding Glass Doors
Starting at $129.95, Amazon
- Temporary insert is perfect for renters
- Variety of sizes and colors
- Weather-resistant aluminum
- Shatter-resistant tempered glass
- U.S. customer care
It might seem impossible for this one to work, but the genius design allows your pup to move freely through sliding glass doors without having to make a single cut to install. The panel easily pops into your door’s track, so you can insert and remove as often as you like. This is also a great option if you’re renting and want a door that can move with your family.
One reviewer wrote, “Fits perfect, my husky loves it and makes my life so much easier. No flies or letting the hot air in. Easy install. Was confused at first but the video on their website makes everything super clear if you have any doubts. I did not drill anything, just leaving as is since I plan on taking it out each time I am gone for a while since it’s that easy to remove and put back.”
PetSafe Wall Entry Pet Door
Best Dog Door for Walls
Starting at $64.95, Amazon
- Indoor/Outdoor
- Weatherproof double-flap
- Slide-in closing panel
- PVC frame withstands UV exposure
- Multiple sizes
If you’d rather install your dog door on an indoor or outdoor wall, this one is made to work for thicker openings. The telescoping tunnel accommodates walls that are 4 3/4 – 7 1/4 inches thick, and compatible extension kits can be purchased separately for thicker walls.
One reviewer wrote, “I purchased this pet door to replace exactly the same model that was installed 12 years ago! It took 12 years and 4 dogs and years of harsh weather to finally deteriorate the plastic frame enough that I wanted to replace it. That’s an amazing track record for any product these days. This new door I installed in the existing space in less than 20 minutes by following the directions and it looks beautiful and the dogs used it right away.”
BarksBar Original Plastic Dog Door with Aluminum Lining
Best Weatherproof Dog Door
Starting at $27.99, Amazon
- Thermoplastic impact-resistant frame
- Energy efficient clear Vinyl weatherproof flap
- Magnetic closure
- Removable Self-Locking Slide Panel
- Multiple sizes
With more than 2,000 reviews and an average of 4.5/5 stars, this is a favorite of pet owners everywhere. A removable panel slides over the door and locks when not in use, and a thermoplastic impact-resistant frame will withstand continuous use from even the most clumsy of pups.
One reviewer wrote, “When I purchased there was no review so I took a chance to try this item and I am so glad I did. This is a well made doggie door for 1/3 of the price compared to the most. The silver color trim was not quite my taste but once installed, it actually looks good. Template came with was a perfect fit. Highly recommended.”
PetSafe Pet Screen Door
Best Dog Door for Screen Doors
Starting at $17.95, Amazon
- Sliding wind locks for security
- Easy to install snaps
- Accessible customer care
- Puncture and tear-resistant mesh
If you have a screen storm door, this snap-in dog door is a great option. Installation is a breeze — just cut the screen, then press the inner and outer frames in place. It will blend in with your screen and give your pup an easy way to pop outside on a whim.
One reviewer wrote, “I got tired of opening and closing the door for my yorkie. If I left it open flies found their way in. I purchased this pet screen door hoping it would help and I couldn’t be more delighted. Works perfectly for my little dog and it was easy to install. Once I taught her how to use it, I can now simply open the screen door and let her come and go as she pleased!”
