When choosing a pet door for your sliding patio door, we suggest you begin by reviewing the 7 factors to consider when buying a sliding door pet door. Then, with this knowledge in mind, review the three types of pet doors before choosing one and diving into specific brands and models.
There are three different types of pet door solutions for sliding patio doors, and each has advantages and disadvantages. There is no perfect solution, so to choose the right door, you first need to decide which form factor best fits your lifestyle.
Panel Inserts
These are tall, narrow panels made of glass or plexiglass in a frame that you insert into your existing door track. Some inserts use a flexible plastic flap, and some have a motorized sliding or rolling panel activated by motion or a collar tag.
Automatic Openers
Instead of adding a new hole, these robotic devices move your actual sliding door. They use a motor to slide the door open and shut when your pet approaches.
Through-the-Glass
These are installed directly into the fixed glass pane of your sliding door. It typically requires replacing the entire class unit with a custom-fabricated panel that has the hole cut and sealed so the passageway can be installed.
Comparison of Sliding Door Pet Door Types
|
Panel Insert |
Automatic Opener |
Through-Glass |
|
|
Safety |
FAIR Limits the width of opening for emergency egress |
HIGH Uses sensors to avoid contact or injury |
HIGH Keeps integrity of original door design and may use sensors |
|
Security |
LOW Determined by hardware used and installation quality |
HIGH Includeds locking mechanism to hold door closed |
HIGH The door is secured by it’s original lock |
|
Weather Resistance |
LOW Big effort needed to seal gaps and plastic flaps are weak points |
HIGH The door stays intact and remains weatherproof when closed |
LOW-HIGH Plastic flaps leak weather but Pawport solutions don’t |
|
Installation |
FAIR Proper installation is a larger effort than most realize |
FAIR Some require drilling and working on a ladder |
DIFFICULT A professional glazier is required which adds expense |
Request your complimentary copy of our 2026 Pet Door Guide for Sliding Doors.
