A standard pet flap is basically an open invitation to every raccoon, stray cat, and neighbourhood possum in a five-block radius. Smart pet doors fix that problem by only unlocking for your pet — and the best ones in 2026 go well beyond basic access control.
We compared the top smart pet doors available in Canada, from the high-tech Pawport to the tried-and-true SureFlap Microchip Connect, to help you pick the right one for your home and your pet.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Smart Pet Door | Best For | ID Method | App Control | Price Range (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pawport Smart Pet Door | Tech-forward homes | Bluetooth tag + AI camera | Yes | $600–$900 |
| SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect | Cats & small dogs (microchipped) | Microchip or RFID tag | Yes (with hub) | $200–$350 |
| SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap Connect | Cats only | Microchip or RFID tag | Yes (with hub) | $150–$250 |
| PetSafe SmartDoor | Larger dogs, simple setup | SmartKey collar tag | No | $150–$250 |
Best Overall: Pawport Smart Pet Door
The Pawport Smart Pet Door is the most advanced smart pet door on the market — and possibly the most over-engineered, in the best way.
Pawport uses a combination of Bluetooth collar tags and an AI-powered camera to identify your pet and unlock the door. The dual steel deadbolts provide security that traditional pet flaps can’t match, and the aircraft-grade aluminum construction is built to withstand years of daily use by enthusiastic dogs.
What caught our attention at CES 2026 was Pawport’s updated installation system. The original model was notoriously difficult to retrofit into existing doors, but the 2026 version includes a retrofit kit designed to slide onto existing standard pet door cutouts. That lowers the barrier to entry significantly.
What we like:
- Dual identification (Bluetooth + AI camera) means extremely reliable pet recognition
- Dual steel deadbolts — this is a secure door, not just a flap
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- App control with curfew scheduling — lock the door at night automatically
- Weather sealing that actually works (no drafts)
- Camera can detect and block entry during rain (yes, really)
- Stores up to 10 pet profiles
- CES 2026 retrofit installation option
What could be better:
- Expensive — $600–$900 CAD depending on size and configuration
- Requires Bluetooth collar tags for each pet (~$30 each)
- App is still maturing (occasional connectivity hiccups)
- Not available through Amazon — direct purchase from Pawport only
- Installation still requires some DIY skill, even with the retrofit kit
- Battery-powered (rechargeable, lasts ~3 months) — no hardwire option standard
Best for: Homeowners who want maximum security and smart home integration, households with multiple pets, and anyone tired of wildlife visitors.
Best for Microchipped Cats & Small Dogs: SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect
The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect takes a fundamentally different approach: instead of requiring a collar tag, it reads your pet’s existing implanted microchip. If your cat or small dog is already chipped (and they should be), you don’t need to buy or maintain any additional hardware.
The “Connect” version adds app control through the Sure Petcare Hub (sold separately or in a bundle). This lets you set per-pet curfews, track entry and exit times, and lock or unlock remotely. Without the hub, the door still works as a standalone microchip reader — you just lose the smart features.
SureFlap supports up to 32 pet profiles, which is generous. The door opening is larger than the cat flap version (roughly 17 × 17 cm), making it suitable for cats and small to medium dogs up to about 10 kg.
What we like:
- Uses existing microchip — no collar tags to buy, lose, or charge
- Stores up to 32 pet profiles
- App control with per-pet curfews (with hub)
- Tracks entry/exit times — know when your cat came home
- Reliable microchip reading — rarely fails
- Reasonable price point for the smart features
- Well-established company with good customer support
What could be better:
- Requires the Sure Petcare Hub (~$80–$100 CAD) for app features
- Hub connects via Ethernet only — needs to be near your router
- Opening size limits it to small-to-medium dogs
- No camera or AI identification
- No weather sealing as robust as Pawport
- Basic security — it’s a flap with a magnetic lock, not a deadbolt
Best for: Cat owners with microchipped cats, small dog owners, renters (easier installation), and anyone who doesn’t want to manage collar tags.
Check SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect on Amazon.ca
Best Budget Option: PetSafe SmartDoor
The PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor is the simplest option here — and that’s its strength. It uses a SmartKey collar tag to unlock the door when your pet approaches. No apps, no hubs, no Wi-Fi. It just works.
PetSafe offers the SmartDoor in small, medium, and large sizes, accommodating everything from cats to large breed dogs. The electronically controlled flap opens and closes automatically, and the SmartKey system keeps uninvited animals out.
What we like:
- Simple and reliable — no app dependency
- Available in multiple sizes (small/medium/large)
- SmartKey collar tags are durable and lightweight
- Affordable entry point for secure pet access
- Weatherproof design
- Easy DIY installation
What could be better:
- No app control, curfew scheduling, or smart features
- Requires collar tags (no microchip option)
- Security is basic — it’s a flap, not a reinforced door
- No entry/exit tracking
- SmartKey range can vary — occasional false triggers
Best for: Budget-conscious pet owners, dog owners who need larger openings, and anyone who values simplicity over smart features.
Check PetSafe SmartDoor on Amazon.ca
How to Choose the Right Smart Pet Door
Consider Your Pet’s Size
- Cats and small dogs (under 10 kg): SureFlap Connect is ideal — compact, microchip-based, affordable
- Medium dogs (10–25 kg): Pawport or PetSafe SmartDoor (large)
- Large dogs (25+ kg): Pawport (with appropriate size) or PetSafe SmartDoor Large
Consider Your Security Needs
Smart pet doors range from “keeps strays out” (PetSafe, SureFlap) to “keeps intruders out” (Pawport). If you live in an area with wildlife concerns or security is a priority, Pawport’s dual deadbolt system is in a different league.
Consider Your Tech Comfort Level
- Want maximum smart features? Pawport → app control, AI camera, curfews, weather detection
- Want smart features without complexity? SureFlap Connect + Hub → microchip reading, app curfews
- Want no tech headaches? PetSafe SmartDoor → collar tag, no app, just works
Ongoing Costs
| Door | Ongoing Costs |
|---|---|
| Pawport | Collar tag batteries or charging (~every 3 months) |
| SureFlap Connect | 4× AA batteries (~every 6–12 months), Hub electricity |
| PetSafe SmartDoor | 4× C batteries or AC adapter, SmartKey batteries |
None of these require subscriptions — refreshing in a market where everything seems to need a monthly plan.
Our Recommendation
For most cat owners in Canada, the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect is the sweet spot. It uses your cat’s existing microchip, offers app control with the hub, and costs a fraction of Pawport. The ability to track when your cat comes and goes is genuinely useful — especially if you have an indoor-outdoor cat.
For dog owners or anyone who wants premium security, the Pawport Smart Pet Door is impressive technology. The price is steep, but the dual deadbolts, AI identification, and weather-aware features justify it if security matters to you.
And if you just want a pet door that keeps strays out without any apps or complexity, the PetSafe SmartDoor does exactly that for under $250.