The best smart pet door depends on what you mean by “smart.” Some doors identify your pet by microchip, others use a collar key, and the more advanced models add app control, schedules and activity notifications.
Three current options stand out in 2026: PetSafe SmartDoor Connected, SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect, and Pawport Smart Pet Door.
| Pet door | Best for | Identification | App control |
|---|---|---|---|
| PetSafe SmartDoor Connected | Dogs/cats in medium or large sizes | Pet Door Key; selected microchips on Medium | Yes |
| SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect | Cats and small dogs | Existing microchip | Yes, with Hub |
| Pawport Smart Pet Door | Premium motorised retrofit | Smart Pet Tag | Yes |
1. PetSafe SmartDoor Connected: best all-round smart pet door
PetSafe’s current SmartDoor Connected comes in Medium and Large versions and adds app-controlled locking, individual schedules and notifications through the My PetSafe app.
The Medium version is sized for pets up to 25 lb and the Large for pets up to 100 lb. The Medium can also pair with several common microchip types; otherwise the door uses Pet Door Keys.
PetSafe specifies four C-cell batteries for the Medium and four D cells for the Large, or an optional wall adaptor.
See PetSafe SmartDoor Connected specifications.
2. SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect: best for microchipped cats and small dogs
The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect reads a compatible existing microchip, so your pet does not need to wear an electronic collar key.
With the separately sold Hub, the Sure Petcare app can remotely lock/unlock the door, create curfews, show whether your pet is home and send entry/exit notifications.
It is designed for large cats and small dogs, has a 178 × 170mm flap opening and runs on four C batteries with a claimed battery life of up to six months.
See SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect.
3. Pawport Smart Pet Door: best premium motorised retrofit
The Pawport Smart Pet Door is a motorised system designed to mount over an existing pet-door opening, or form part of a complete new installation. It uses a Smart Pet Tag to recognise an approaching pet and opens automatically rather than relying on the animal to push through a flap.
The Pawport app supports access schedules, notifications and remote control, with integrations for Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Siri Shortcuts. Pawport says up to 10 Smart Pet Tags can be paired to one door. The tag and door can continue operating without Wi-Fi; Wi-Fi is required for remote app control.
It is a premium option rather than a budget pet flap, but it is attractive if you want a powered, locking door with app control and a cleaner retrofit over an existing opening.
See the current Pawport Smart Pet Door.
Microchip vs collar-key doors
Microchip: nothing extra needs to stay on the pet, but compatibility and pet size must be checked.
Collar key: works with pets that are not microchipped and can be used by larger motorised systems, but the pet must keep the key/tag on its collar.
Measure the pet and the opening, not just body weight
A weight rating is only a shortcut. Measure your pet’s shoulder/body height and widest point, then compare those dimensions with the manufacturer’s actual flap opening.
Also check:
- door thickness and construction;
- whether the door contains metal;
- whether you are installing through glass or a wall;
- the height of the opening above the floor; and
- whether an installation adaptor/tunnel extension is required.
Security and child safety
An electronic pet door can keep unwanted animals out, but it should not be treated as a substitute for a secure exterior door. A pet-sized opening is still an opening in the building envelope.
PetSafe also explicitly warns that small children can pass through some pet doors. Consider the installation location, pet-door size and household before cutting the opening.
What happens if Wi-Fi goes down?
The exact behaviour depends on the model. A connected door’s app features may stop working when your internet or local network is unavailable even though its pet-identification and basic door functions continue.
Check the manufacturer’s manual for offline behaviour if access during outages is important.
Quick answer
PetSafe SmartDoor Connected is the broad all-round option, SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect is excellent for microchipped cats and small dogs, and Pawport is the premium motorised retrofit. Measure carefully before buying: installation dimensions matter more than the product photo.
