Microchip pet doors are the solution to keeping the cold, heat, and intruder pets shut outside while allowing your pet easy in and out access to their home.
They are a little more complex than your conventional pet flap but come with many useful features.
The microchip pet doors work by reading your pet’s microchip that has a unique identification code. Their code gives them access to unlocking the secured door. Pet doors are battery powered and they have different automatic or manual locking modes.
In this article, we will discuss 8 important facts about these beneficial and convenient microchip pet doors.
We will also uncover why they are a better option over conventional pet door flaps.
8 Important Facts About Microchip Pet Doors
Microchip pet doors are a convenient and user-friendly product that helps both pets and owners.
Many functions make these pet doors stand out above the rest. However, not all microchip pet doors are the same.
Features may vary, meaning that they work differently.
It is essential to know a bit about microchip pet doors before you purchase yours so that you can get the one that suits you and your pet best!
Let’s take a look at some important facts.
1. Battery Life
Unlike conventional “doggie doors,” these microchip pet doors require a bit more attention. Thankfully, it’s only once a year.
The batteries are likely to last up to 12 months. When they start to run low, a light will flash.
The flashing light gives you a heads up to change them before they stop working. Once the light begins to flash, you have about a week until the batteries run out.
Most Microchip Pet Doors require 4 C-Cell high-quality batteries.
Make sure to act on the warning as you don’t want your cuddly pet locked outside in the middle of the night.
2. Your Pet Doesn’t Have To Be Microchipped
If you have not microchipped your pet and are not planning to, microchip pet doors are still for you!
Microchip pet door manufacturers such as Sureflap also offer microchip RFID Collar Tags, which you can buy on Amazon.com.
Just like an implanted microchip with its unique identification code, these RFID collar tags offer the same thing in the form of a collar tag.
The microchip pet doors will read this unique tag code the same way it would read the implanted microchip, allowing your pet access through the pet door.
If you would like to make sure that your pet’s microchip is compatible with the microchip pet door of your choice, you can check their identification code in the chip compatibility checker on their website.
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3. It Can Read Over 25 Unique Identification Codes
This function varies between the different microchip pet doors available.
However, most allow for you to program at least 25 unique identification codes into the device.
Therefore, each of your microchipped pets (implanted or RFID Collar Tag) is given the access requirements you desire.
For example, while you may not want your dog to have access to the house for some time per day to encourage play, you can still allow your cat to have limitless access in and out of the house.
4. Different Available Colors
There is nothing worse than a pretty door with a pet flap that stands out in stark contrast.
Microchip Pet Doors have gone the extra mile and have manufactured the two most common door colors – white and brown.
5. You Can Fit Them Into Doors, Windows, or Walls
If you don’t own the house you and your pet live in, then knocking out a hole in the wall for your pet door may not be the answer.
Microchip pet doors give you the option of fitting them in the wall, door, or window.
With these various options, you get to decide which will be the cheapest to replace once you leave and find your new home.
A window would usually be your best option.
6. They Have Curfew Modes
Many times, I have awoken to a frightened bird flapping around my room in an attempt to escape my excited cat.
These events have left me with the task of rescuing the bird and cleaning up the mess at 2 am, which is an unpleasant task at the best of times.
Most microchip pet doors have the curfew function, which allows your pet freedom during the day but restrictions at night.
Or whichever other times of the day you prefer.
According to Jon Bowen, a Royal Veterinary College vet, the more freedom your cat has, the happier it will be; however, limits are necessary.
The curfew mode allows for locking and unlocking times.
With this function, you have the peace of mind that your pet will be locked in for the night and released in the morning, at whatever time you choose.
Locking your pet in at night may be your solution to preventing them from waking you up with a frightened, captured guest!
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7. They Are App-Controlled
App Control is a great feature that Sure Petcare offers for their Microchip Pet doors.
Using the app gives you the convenience of quickly changing settings for your pet door, even if you are out of the house!
I’ve often had to rush home to lock my dogs inside before the groundsman arrived.
He typically needed to leave the main gates open for easy access, which resulted in my dogs running out.
With the app control feature, I can lock my dogs in the house before our groundsman arrives, from the convenience of my office, yoga class, or coffee shop.
Another great feature about this app is that it tracks your pet.
It tells you whether your pets are inside or outside and how much time they have spent there.
This feature provides you with information on their routines and informs you of any behavioral change.
8. You Can Disable Features
Being able to disable a feature may sound like a strange fact to note; however, disabling features, such as the locking feature, aids in training your pet.
If you have a timid pet that gets frightened by sounds, it may want to stay far away from the pet door as the door clicks when it locks.
Turn off this feature until you have fully trained your pet to use the flap. Once comfortable, turn the locking feature back on.
Why Get a Microchip Pet Door?
Waking up to let your pet outside can break your sleep and leave you cranky the next day.
Getting a conventional pet door flap allows your pet in and out access; however, they don’t stop unwanted guests.
If you are looking for an excellent microchip pet door, I recommend the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door from Amazon.com.
They are suitable for both big cats and small dogs.
These pet doors come with many features.
They are compatible with all microchips, can be controlled on your phone through their Sure Petcare App, and you can fit them into doors, walls, or windows.
You can discover all that they have to offer by going through their Microchip Pet Door Instruction Manual.
They are convenient and user-friendly.
Sure Petcare has received honors for the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door, being named the “Best All-Around Smart Pet Door” by the Family Handyman Magazine.
Final Thoughts
There are many microchip pet door options available, but you need to decide which is best for you by understanding what they offer and how much money you are willing to spend.
The microchip pet door allows your pets the freedom they desire but under your discretion.
They give you features that no ordinary door flap can provide, add security, and prevent temperatures outside from seeping in.
Remember to keep an eye on your device and look out for the flashing light. As soon as you see it, make sure you replace the battery!
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