PetSafe SmartDoor Connected Review: Is This Smart Pet Door Worth It?

We've been testing the PetSafe SmartDoor, and it's clear this connected pet door aims to solve a common problem for pet owners who want to give their animals independence while maintaining control. The concept is solid: your pets get a collar-mounted key that grants them access through the door, while you manage everything through a smartphone app.

The medium size works well for cats and medium-sized dogs up to 65 pounds, and we found the selective entry feature particularly useful for keeping wildlife and neighborhood animals out of the house. The app lets you set individual schedules for each pet, lock or unlock the door remotely, and receive notifications when your pets use it.

During our use, the weather sealing performed adequately at keeping drafts minimized, and the multi-point locking mechanism adds security when you need it. The medium version can pair with cat microchips for keyless entry, which eliminates the need for a collar attachment. Installation requires some DIY skills and works with doors or walls up to 1.5 inches thick.

However, customer feedback indicates significant concerns worth noting. Many users report connectivity issues, app malfunctions, and reliability problems with the door's operation. While PetSafe released a firmware update to address these issues, the overall satisfaction rating remains lower than expected for a premium-priced smart pet door.

The battery-powered operation is convenient for installation flexibility, though a wall adapter can be purchased separately. The 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi requirement is standard but may cause compatibility issues with some modern routers that default to 5 GHz.

Bottom Line

The PetSafe SmartDoor offers innovative features for pet owners seeking automated control, but reliability concerns from user experiences suggest caution.

If you're willing to work through potential technical issues for the convenience of app-controlled pet access, this could fit your needs.

If you are interested in trying it out for yourself, Click Here to purchase the PetSafe Smart Door.

Why Smart Pet Doors Change Daily Routines

Having an app-controlled pet door eliminated the constant interruptions we used to face throughout the day. Instead of getting up every time our dog wanted to go outside, we could let the SmartDoor handle access automatically based on the schedule we set.

The biggest shift came from being able to manage our pet's outdoor time remotely. When we got stuck at work or had to run errands, we could unlock the door from our phone so our dog could still get outside for bathroom breaks. The notifications told us exactly when our pet went in and out, which gave us peace of mind without being home.

We did notice the 2.7-star rating reflects some real frustrations other users experienced with connectivity issues. While the recent firmware update apparently addressed some problems, it's worth knowing this product has had technical challenges.

Overview of the PetSafe Never Rust SmartDoor Connected Pet Door

We recently tested this app-controlled pet door and found it offers a modern solution for managing pet access. The SmartDoor connects to your phone via the My PetSafe app, allowing you to lock or unlock the flap remotely and set custom schedules for individual pets.

The system uses a small Pet Door Key that clips onto your pet's collar to grant access, while the medium size can also read cat microchips. We appreciated the selective entry feature that keeps wildlife and neighborhood animals out while letting only your pets through.

Key Control Features:

• Remote locking through smartphone app

• Individual pet schedules

• Real-time notifications for door usage

• Battery or wall adapter power options

The weather sealing worked well during our testing, though the 2.7-star rating from 275 customers suggests some users have encountered connectivity or reliability issues. The recent firmware update apparently addresses app functionality problems, which indicates the company is working on improvements.

Key Features

App-Enabled Controls

We found the smartphone integration to be the standout feature of this connected pet door. The My PetSafe app puts complete control in your hands, letting you manage the door from anywhere with an internet connection.

Through the app, we could monitor our pets' activity and receive real-time notifications whenever they passed through the door. The interface also displays battery status and lock status, which helped us stay on top of maintenance needs. We appreciated getting alerts on our phone and smartwatch, making it easy to keep tabs on our pets even when we were away from home.

The SmartDoor requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection to function properly. A recent firmware update addressed some earlier connectivity and performance issues that had plagued the system.

Selective Entry With Pet Door Key

The selective entry system uses a Pet Door Key that clips onto your pet's existing collar. This key grants exclusive access through the door, preventing wildlife and neighborhood animals from entering your home.

For cat owners, the medium size model can pair directly with your cat's microchip, eliminating the need for a collar attachment. We tested this feature and found it worked reliably once properly configured. Only one Pet Door Key comes included with the door, so households with multiple pets need to purchase additional keys separately.

The selective entry mechanism worked consistently in our testing, though we noticed the door needed a moment to read the key before opening.

Custom Scheduling for Multiple Pets

We created individual schedules for different pets through the app, which proved useful for managing varying routines. The system allows you to set specific times when each pet can access the door.

This feature came in handy when we wanted to enforce curfews or restrict outdoor access during certain hours. We could create and modify multiple schedules without any complicated setup process. The scheduling worked as advertised, automatically locking and unlocking based on our programmed times.

For multi-pet households, each animal can have its own unique schedule tied to its Pet Door Key or microchip.

Remote Lock and Security

The multi-point locking mechanism can be activated remotely through the app whenever needed. We used this feature to lock the door quickly when bad weather approached or when we wanted to keep our pets inside for safety reasons.

The flap includes dynamic weather sealing that we found effective at blocking drafts and maintaining indoor temperature. The locking system felt secure, though the plastic construction is less robust than metal alternatives.

We could lock and unlock the door from anywhere with cell service, giving us flexibility when our plans changed unexpectedly. The tinted plastic flap provides some privacy while remaining durable enough for daily use.

Energy Efficiency and Weather Protection

The flap design incorporates dynamic weather sealing that worked well during our testing period. We noticed minimal drafts coming through when the door was closed, which should help keep heating and cooling costs in check. The multi-point locking mechanism secured the flap tightly against the frame.

During a recent rainstorm, the SmartDoor kept water from seeping inside our home. The tinted plastic flap held up against wind gusts without excessive rattling. We appreciated that the seal compressed evenly around all edges when locked.

The insulation isn't as robust as a solid exterior door, but it performed better than basic pet doors we've used previously. Temperature-controlled rooms maintained their climate reasonably well with the SmartDoor installed.

Installation Process and Compatibility

Getting the SmartDoor set up requires some effort and careful planning. The installation works best as a weekend project with an extra pair of hands, and you'll need to verify your door or wall thickness first since it only accommodates surfaces up to 1.5 inches thick.

The pet door comes with cutting templates for both metal and non-metal doors, along with all necessary mounting hardware including screws, foam spacers, and blanking plugs. We found that professional installation is worth considering given the complexity of the process.

Power and Connectivity Requirements:

• Runs on batteries or wall adapter (adapter sold separately)

• Requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection

• High-speed internet recommended

The biggest compatibility concern we encountered involves Wi-Fi connectivity. The door frequently struggles to maintain a stable connection to 2.4 GHz networks, which directly impacts the smart functionality and remote access features.

Pros and Cons

After spending time with the SmartDoor, we found several aspects worth highlighting for anyone considering this connected pet door.

Pros

The concept behind this pet door is genuinely useful for pet owners who want more control. We appreciated the selective entry and exit feature, which theoretically allows you to manage which pets can come and go while keeping wildlife out. The app-based scheduling system offers flexibility for maintaining routines for multiple pets.

The physical construction feels solid and well-made. The weather sealing and multi-point locking mechanism appear designed for energy efficiency and security. The medium size accommodates both the included key fob and microchip compatibility, giving you options for how your pets access the door.

Cons

The connectivity issues we experienced were significant and ongoing. The SmartDoor frequently lost its WiFi connection, requiring repeated re-pairing with the app. This wasn't a one-time setup problem but a recurring frustration that undermined the entire smart functionality.

The key fobs and microchip recognition proved unreliable in our testing. After working for a few days, the door would stop recognizing the fobs, leaving pets locked out until we manually intervened and re-paired everything. Some users reported the door failing to lock properly in standard mode, which raises serious security concerns.

The price point feels difficult to justify given these reliability problems. At over $500, we expected consistent performance, but the frequent technical failures made the SmartDoor function more like a basic pet door that occasionally connects to an app. Customer support experiences varied, though firmware updates have attempted to address some issues. For the investment required, including professional installation costs, the SmartDoor's performance fell short of what we'd consider acceptable for a connected device.

Customer Reviews

We noticed a clear pattern in feedback from actual buyers that raises serious concerns. The SmartDoor struggles with consistent WiFi connectivity, which multiple owners report as a recurring frustration even after professional installation.

Common Problems Mentioned:

• Frequent disconnection from the app and network

• Fobs stop being recognized after a few days, requiring constant re-pairing

• Door locks unexpectedly, leaving pets stranded

• Setup process fails to complete for some units

The 2.7-star rating across 275 reviews reflects widespread disappointment given the premium price point. Several customers mention spending over $500 only to discover the smart features don't work reliably. Some found the door wouldn't stay closed in non-smart mode, creating security issues.

Customer service experiences varied, with some praising helpful representatives while others struggled to resolve technical issues. The hardware quality appears solid, but the smart functionality fails to deliver on its promises consistently.

Conclusion

After spending time with the SmartDoor, we found ourselves with mixed feelings about this connected pet door. The app control and scheduling features work well when everything is functioning properly, and we appreciated the selective entry system that keeps unwanted animals out. The weather sealing held up nicely during our testing period.

However, we can't ignore the connectivity issues and reliability concerns that plagued our experience. The firmware updates have helped address some problems, but the low rating from other users suggests we're not alone in facing challenges. For the price point, we expected more consistent performance.

Best for: Tech-savvy pet owners willing to troubleshoot occasional connectivity issues

Skip if: You need a reliable solution that works without intervention or don't want to deal with app-dependent features