Electronic Pet Doors

Fifi goes high-tech

A pet door—commonly referred to as a "doggie door"—is a device that allows a dog or cat to enter and exit a house. These devices are designed to allow the pet to go about its business at will, without requiring you to open and close the door every time the pet wishes to come and go.

What is an electronic pet door?

Essentially, traditional pet doors are just a flap installed in a door to let the pet in or out. But today, many companies make electronic pet doors, which are more complex yet more convenient for pet owners.

Many people find electronic pet doors superior to traditional flaps because they offer enhanced protection from the outside weather. Instead of flapping open on a hinge, many electronic pet doors slide open and closed. This creates a superior seal, which prevents heat and cold loss, and ensures not the slightest bit of rain to get in, even in a thunderstorm.

How electronic pet doors work

Electronic pet doors work differently than regular pet doors. Instead of your pet having to push its way through the door, the door opens and closes automatically. This is usually achieved by one of two ways:

• Motion sensor pet doors use a small motion sensor to open and close its door. The small motion sensor is able to tell when a dog or cat is approaching the door, which then slides open to let the pet through. Because of the way these devices are made, and the way the sensor is calibrated, people generally won't activate the door. In short, the sensor does a pretty good job of "seeing" the difference between you and your pet.

• Electromagnetic sensor pet doors are even more high-tech than motion sensors. A special collar piece comes with these doors that you place around your pet's neck, either replacing its collar or adding to it. The collar device contains a special electromagnetic unit that sends a signal to the door when your pet is within close range of it. This signal then prompts the door to open, letting the pet through. Unlike motion sensor pet doors, electromagnetic pet doors will never be fooled by people or any object.

Benefits of electric pet doors

Today, electric pet doors are quickly becoming the standard. They offer many benefits that traditional pet doors don't. For example, traditional pet doors allow unwanted animals to enter your house, such as neighbor pets or raccoons.

Electric pet doors also offer superior protection from the elements. Because of the way in which they are designed, not a drop of water will typically enter your house when the door is closed. They are designed with insulation in mind as well, saving you money from the heat or cold loss that regular pet doors let though.

More information on pet doors