How to Choose the Right Pet Door

Get a handle on the types of pet portals for a door or a wall that will enable your dog or cat to come and go unassisted

There’s nothing quite as safe and comforting for household pets as our cozy homes. When nature calls, however, dogs rely on us to get outside. And even the laziest couch potato (animal or human) needs a daily dose of the great outdoors. Having a pet door makes getting out easier for everyone.

A pet passageway can be a simple frame with a flap or a high-tech electronic opening. It can be installed in a door, inserted in a slider track or built into a wall. Some are easy to install yourself, while others are best left for professionals. We’ll sort through the possibilities here — and reveal some design-forward options.