No quite as secure as it’s stablemate the Dualscan or as feature-laden as the Connect, but this pet door addresses the main criticism of the other Sureflap cat flaps – their relatively small size.

So if you have a bigger cat or a small dog, this is likely to be the one for you

Pros

Works with RFID collar tags (one of these SmartKeys is included) for animals with no microchip
Can be programmed to recognise up to 32 pets
Is suitable for large felines and canines
Its multi-point locking system should prevent intruders from entering your home

Cons

A little noisy when the door opens or closes
With single scanner it can be prized open by determined invaders and escapologist pets

Full PetSafe SmartDoor Pet Door Review

The PetSafe Selective Entry Programmable Pet Door is an uncomplicated and fully electronic pet door that isn’t just easy to install but also simple to use. It doesn’t have the sleek looks that are the trademark of expensive sliding pet doors. However, the PetSafe Programmable Pet Door is a tough cookie, boasting plenty of features that will give you more control over your kittens and canines.

Key Features

Selective entry – The pet door only unlocks when it detects a unique collar key.
The SmartDoor will unlock for a maximum of five programmed SmartKey which makes it a good option for multi-pet households.
The PetSafe Pet Door can be set to unlock, lock and automatic, giving you complete control over your pets’ movements in and out of the house.
Fits doors that are 1½ – 2-inches thick or 7.25-inches thick. You can also install it on thicker doors but for that, you will need additional extension tunnels.
Battery operated

Installation

The PetSafe Selective Entry Programmable Pet Door is pretty easy to install, thanks to the template that comes with the product. Fix the template that came with the pet door at the right height – measure the height of your cat from the floor to the top of its shoulders. Drill holes using the template and cut an opening in the door.

Now, fit both sides of the PetSafe Selective Entry Programmable Pet Door on the door and it will fit into place.

The PetSafe Programmable Pet Door is quite easy to install but you’ll need additional tunnel extensions for installation on thicker doors. The pet door can also be placed into a glass wall but for that, you’ll have to get a conversion kit.

The video below shows how you can complete the installation of a PetSafe Pet Door or take a look at our guide on installing a cat flap or get someone to do it for you.

Measurements

The PetSafe Selective Entry Programmable Pet Door measures 438 mm x 630 mm and should accommodate doors up to 7.25 inches thick. For even thicker doors, you will need additional tunnel extensions to complete the installation.

USing the PetSafe Selective Entry Programmable Pet Door

Using radio-frequency, the PetSafe Pet Door swings open thanks to a SmartKey which you attach to your cat’s collar. Once through, the door locks securely, reducing the risk of strays or unwanted felines that follow your pet cat into the house. The door can be programmed for a maximum of five pets, making it a good option if you have multiple cats. But, you should steer clear of it if you own more than five cats.

Programming

You must program your PetSafe Selective Entry Pet Door to recognise the SmartKeys of your cats. To program the pet door, press and hold the learn button until a green LED light illuminates and starts to flash. Then, release the button and bring the SmartKey below the green light. The light should stop flashing and illuminate for two seconds. Now, your SmartKey has been programmed and added to the memory of the PetSafe Selective Entry Pet Door.

Battery Life

According to Sureflap, the 4 C batteries last for 12 months, but we have found that they usually need changing a little more often than this due to the power needed to secure the bigger flap, so we would advise the more powerful industrial C batteries.

There will be a flashing red light on the door, alerting you to its low battery status.

There are three modes – automatic, lock, and unlock. Since the unit is battery operated, there is no need for wiring.

What’s Included in the Box?

The PetSafe Selective Entry Programmable Pet Door comes with a SmartKey, an installation guide, and a cutting template. Since there is only one SmartKey in the box, you will have to purchase additional keys if you want to use the pet door with multiple cats.

Locking Options

As we mentioned earlier, the PetSafe provides you with three locking options:

Lock
Unlock
Automatic

If you set it on lock mode, none of your cats will be able to come and go through the flap as they please. This mode comes in handy at night or when you have a scheduled vet visit and want to keep your cats inside the house.

Unlock mode will allow all animals – even those without SmartKey – to use the pet door. This mode isn’t suitable and you should avoid setting the PetSafe Programmable Pet Door on unlock mode if you want to keep intruders at bay.

Automatic mode is ideal under normal conditions. It will allow your cats with SmartKey to use the flap and come and go out of the home at will. But, you will first have to program the PetSafe Selective Entry Programmable Pet Door to recognize the SmartKey.

Final Verdict

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The PetSafe Selective Entry Programmable Pet Door boasts some pretty neat features, making it an ideal option for pet owners with large cats and dogs. It is also a good pick for people who own multiple pets, as it can work with up to 32 pets…which should be enough for all but the local animal shelter.

The lack of a second sensor and lock means that it can be exploited by a determined intruder, and the larger flap and lock can be a little noisy, but otherwise, it all works as you’d like.

The PetSafe Programmable Pet Door doesn’t have the advanced automatic features found in microchip cat flaps but, for a straightforward and solid pet door at an affordable price, it gets the thumbs-up from our side.

Ratings