Electronic Pet Door Basics

When shopping for an Electronic Pet Door it is important to understand how the varying types of doors function. Electronic Pet Doors can be broken down into two categories; 1-Way Activated Doors and 2-Way Activated Doors. Below we describe how each type functions, and offer some situations where each type of Electronic Pet Door are commonly used.

1-Way Activated Doors

1-Way Activated Doors are described as such because they only control access in one direction. These types of doors are typically uses to keep other neighborhood cats, as well as feral cats out of your home. Only those pets wearing the proper collar tag have the ability to trigger and unlock the pet door to come back into the house. 1-Way Activated Doors do not provide a deterrent for pets leaving the house, only those coming into the house.

While this type of pet door will deter other neighborhood cats, and most critters, we do not guarantee that a 1-Way Activated Pet Door will keep out all unwanted critters like Raccoons. Most of the Electronic Cat Doors are 1-Way Activated Doors, and require that you outfit your pet with a collar tag. 

2-Way Activated Doors

2-Way Activated Doors control access of pet traffic in BOTH directions. Each 2-Way Activated Electronic Pet Door has a unique locking mechanism. However, due to the positioning and functionality of these locking mechanisms, 2-Way Activated Doors are Raccoon and Critter proof. These doors will also do an excellent job of deterring feral and neighborhood cats from coming into your home. 

Misconceptions About Electronic Pet Doors

Electronic Pet Doors seal and insulated better than Flap Style Pet Doors. 

• Currently there is not an electronic pet door on the market that offers superior insulation. Check out our Insulated Pet Doors if energy efficiency is your primary pet door concern. 

Electronic Pet Doors Deter Home Intruders.

• This is the number one reason customers desire an electronic pet door. Unfortunately, pet door technology is not sophisticated enough to offer a pet door that will allow access to your pets while still keeping home intruders out. However, if you need a pet door that would be large enough for a human to fit though, then its likely you already have the best home intruder deterrent...A Big Dog!

Electronic Pet Door are Better Because they are Electronic.

• As with most things, you get what you pay for when it comes to pet doors. Generally, your high performance, flap style pet doors are going to last the longest.