Microchipped Activated Cat Flap

[F, Calla & Luca]

For many reasons I don't think a doggy door would be a good idea for me. Still I just saw a bit on a microchipped activated cat flap available in Europe and coming to the US. No doubt there will be versions for dogs soon. I think the fact that the dogs wont need an extra collar to activate a door is a great idea. It will keep other animals out and require no additional equipment for dogs that are microchipped, as they all should be.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Am I understanding correctly that ordinary doggy doors require the dog to wear some kind of collar to activate them?

[F, Calla & Luca]

Not the kind that just swing in and out. But with them uninvited guest, random cats, raccoons, etc. can also visit. So there are electronic doors that will only work for your pet but the pet has to have a device on to activate them. This new kind of door responds to the microchip and can be programmed for multiple pets.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And there is no shocking involved?

[F, Calla & Luca]

No, the device just "unlocks" the door which then opens. Not sure if they all open automatically or some can then be pushed open.The pet is not affected at all and other animals just can't get in. You can deactivate the door when you don't want your pet to be able to use it. I guess if you have field mice in the house they can't get out either : )

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We have had a doggy door for 10 years and have NEVER had an unwanted visitor - if you discount the children who are too lazy to take their keys!!! Seriously, our 50 - 60 pounders discourage any unwanted backyard visitors so no strange animal has ever come in.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think if someone needs a doggy door, this sounds like the best idea. From 1977 to 2005, I had dogs and no fenced yard, so I had to go out with them every time anyway. So just being able to open the back door now and let Jack go out is luxury & convenience enough for me, lol. But for someone who wants the dog to be able to come and go on his own, this sounds ideal.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree about the fenced in yard although Calla, AKA Harriet Houdini, still slips out occasionally. But I love being able to let them out on their own and off leash. I originally got the fence o keep the deer from eating all my plants. Now I feel like Doc and Bugs Bunny, constantly devising new ways to keep Calla in not out. I think dog doors work better in sunny southern California where the weather is more temperate and there's no snow. but how do folks manage the mud when your dogs can come in and out on their own.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That's one reason I wouldn't want one; I want to get to those feet before they jump onto my bed!

[Jamie Petro]

Our doggy door doesn't have a chip, and we haven't had any unwanted visitors at all. I do think when we build next time we might get a door with a chip. When it rains, we just put the metal door cover down and lock it so that Wrigley can't go outside and play in the puddles since she loves doing that SO much!!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Wrigley just accepts that sometimes he can go in and out at will but not others?

[Jamie Petro]

We generally leave it open all the time unless it's raining. We make sure she's used the bathroom first of course and then bring her in. Once she sees us close the doggy door when it's raining, she knows she can't go out, and she's fine with that.

[Lorraine Bromley]

I think haveing a safe yard for them to play in is awesome. And having them have access when ever they want it it great as they don't get bored and destructive outside ex digging or clawing at the door to get out. nO LATE NIGHT wakeups. I have never had an unwanted pet except the bird the cat brought in.
I wonder though weather wise whether the automated door is better sealed against inclement weather? As the ones that just flap in and out can let cold air in blowing open. We have to put the solid door on when its bad weather.
The dogs do get better excercise with the ability to get out on their own for sure, I have had it with my dogs that we have a door then dont and they do not get as much excercise with out the access no doubt. So a little dirt coming in still gets you a healthier dog. and When it is bad my older dog says hey thats it i'm peeing and I'm going back in. So not even much mess.