The short answer
Any opening big enough for a large dog can, rarely, let a person reach or crawl in, and lets wildlife in. Lower the risk by locking the closing panel at night and when away, choosing a selective-entry door if you need one, placing the door away from the street, and adding a security bar to sliders with patio inserts.
Simple steps
- Lock the closing panel at night and when out.
- Install doors in a back door or wall, not facing the street.
- Add a bar to sliding doors with inserts.
- Keep keys and door locks out of reach from the opening.
Selective entry
Collar-key and microchip doors such as PetSafe Electronic and SureFlap's microchip door keep other animals out.
Solid panels
Powered doors like Power Pet PX-2 use a solid panel that only opens for the collar key.
SafetyIf security is a serious concern, a dog door may not be right for your home.
Products mentioned
Questions readers ask
Can someone get in through a dog door?
A large opening can be a weak point; lock it and place it carefully.
What keeps raccoons out?
Selective-entry doors that open only for your pet.