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Are Dog Doors a Good Idea? Pros and Cons to Know Before You Buy
A dog door is a good idea for most dogs that have a safe, fenced yard and an owner who wants them to go out on their own. The main benefits are freedom for your dog and fewer indoor accidents. The main downsides are security, drafts, mess and unwanted animals, and most of those come down to choosing a door that locks, seals well and fits your dog.
Pros and cons at a glance
| Pros | Cons (and the fix) |
|---|---|
| Your dog can go out whenever they need to | Security risk if the door can't be closed (choose one that locks) |
| Fewer accidents indoors | Drafts and higher energy bills (choose an insulated, dual-flap door) |
| No more playing doorman | Strays and wildlife can get in (lock it at night, or go electronic) |
| More exercise and stimulation | Mud and dirt come inside (mat, wipe station, rain guard) |
| Less scratching at the door | Unsupervised yard time (secure fencing, lock when needed) |
| Easier long workdays | Cost and a permanent cut (or a no-cut insert) |
The pros of dog doors
1. Your dog goes out when they need to
Dogs don't always need to go out on your schedule. A dog door lets them get to the yard for a bathroom break, a drink of fresh air or a sunny spot without waiting for you.
2. Fewer accidents
Puppies, older dogs and dogs with medical conditions often can't hold it as long. Access to the yard means fewer accidents and less stress for everyone. Teach your dog to use it first; see how to train your dog to use a dog door.
3. You stop being the doorman
No more getting up mid-meal, mid-call or in the middle of the night to let the dog in and out.
4. More activity and less boredom
Dogs that can wander in and out of a safe yard get more movement and more to sniff and watch, which can help with restlessness.
5. Less damage to your doors
If your dog scratches or paws at the door to go out, a dog door takes away the reason.
6. Long days get easier
If you work long hours, a dog door means your dog isn't stuck inside waiting for you, which can reduce the need for midday visits.
The cons of dog doors, and how to fix each one
1. Security
An open flap is a way into your home. The fix is a door with a lock: Security Boss doors have a security panel that slides in and locks the opening, and the MaxSeal PRO models use a heavy-duty insulated metal panel. Size the door to your dog rather than going bigger than you need, and lock it every night and when you're away. Shop lockable dog doors, and see are dog doors safe? for more.
2. Drafts and energy loss
A thin single flap lets in cold air and lets out heat. A dual-flap, insulated door seals much better. Security Boss's MaxSeal, MaxSeal PRO and SB72 models are built for this. See insulated dog doors and the best dog doors for cold weather.
3. Strays, raccoons and other wildlife
Any animal that fits can use a flap. Lock the door at night, when wildlife is most active, or choose an electronic door that only opens for your pet's collar key. Compare the options in automatic vs traditional dog doors.
4. Mud and mess
Your dog will bring the yard in with them. A washable mat inside the door, a towel or wipe station, and a Rain Guard over the door help a lot.
5. Unsupervised time outside
A dog door only makes sense if the yard is safe on its own: secure fencing with no gaps, gates that latch, and no access to a pool, a street or anything toxic. Some dogs bark at the fence or dig when left alone outside; lock the door when you need them in.
6. Cost and a permanent cut
Most dog doors mean cutting a door or wall. Security Boss door mounts start around $181, and cost guides put a professional install at about $100 to $200 for labor. See dog door installation cost. If you rent or don't want to cut anything, a no-cut patio or window insert lifts out when you move.
Who shouldn't get a dog door?
- Homes without a fully fenced, secure yard or dog run.
- Homes with an unfenced pool the dog could reach.
- Dogs that escape, dig out or get into trouble when left alone outside.
- Areas with dangerous wildlife where you can't lock the door at the times it's active.
- Homes with toddlers who could crawl out through a larger dog door.
If any of these apply, you can still use a dog door only when you're home, and keep it locked the rest of the time.
How to choose a dog door you'll be happy with
- Pick the location: a door, wall, sliding glass door, window, storm or French door. Our guides cover doors, walls, French doors, storm doors and garages.
- Size it to your dog: the top of the flap 1.5" to 2" above the shoulders, a little wider than the chest, with a step-over they can manage.
- Make sure it locks.
- Match the flap to your climate: dual flap or insulated for cold, wind or heat.
- Decide who installs it: DIY, or we can arrange a professional installer anywhere in the US. Call 737-215-3211 or email support@puppyfeverpro.com.
Still comparing styles? See 7 types of dog doors compared.
Frequently asked questions
Are doggy doors a good idea?
For most dogs with a secure, fenced yard, yes. Choose one that locks and seals well, size it to your dog, and lock it at night and when you're away.
Do dog doors let bugs in?
Flaps close behind your dog, but a few bugs can get through while it's open. A well-fitted flap that seals when closed, especially a dual flap, keeps this to a minimum.
Do dog doors make your house less secure?
An unlocked flap is a way in, so lock it. Lockable doors with a solid security panel close the opening when you don't need it. More: how to secure a dog door.
Do dog doors let cold air in?
Thin single flaps do. Insulated, dual-flap doors seal much better against drafts.
Is it hard to put in a dog door?
A door install is a manageable DIY job with a drill and jigsaw; walls take more work. Patio and window inserts need no tools at all.
Do dog doors hurt home value?
There's no clear data either way. A neat, well-sealed installation is less likely to bother buyers, and patio or window inserts can simply be removed before you sell.
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