Pet owners know that dogs and cats come in three basic varieties: Indoor pets, outdoor pets and those that are allowed to move between the two zones. Outdoor pets are kept outdoors, and indoor pets may attempt to escape, but are kept inside for their own safety.
Indoor/outdoor pets may be let or out by hand, or may be allowed to come in and go out through a pet door - a small hole cut in the door that is covered by a plastic flap to keep bugs out. In a smart home, however, you’ll find a motorized pet door that is controlled by a sensor worn on the pet’s collar. A sensor-controlled door will keep outdoor pets out and indoor pets in, while allowing select pets to move in or out as needed.
Drawbacks of a Flap Door
Although the flap door is a simple and inexpensive solution, there are a few drawbacks - all of which are remedied by the use of a motorized pet door.
- Kids: Very young children, particularly toddlers, may try to get through the door. Whether the child gets stuck in the attempt, or is able to pass through the door, a pet flap door in a home with young children is a safety hazard.
- Wildlife: Wild animals,strays and even bugs such as cockroaches and ants can easily enter your home through a pet flap.
- Crime: Doors for large pets can be big enough to allow a criminal entry to your home.
- Ease of opening: Arthritic or very small and weak pets may have trouble pushing a flap door open.
Motorized Pet Doors
Motorized pet doors are a simple addition to any smart home. In place of a plastic flap, install an automatic door unit to control access to your home. The unit consists of four main parts:
- Housing unit/Frame: This portion of the unit surrounds the sliding door, with grooves to allow a tight seal.
- Sliding Door: A flat, rigid slab of plastic, the door slides up and down to allow entry or exit.
- Sensor: The door opens and closes due to commands from the sensor, which activates in close proximity to the companion sensor device located on the pet’s collar.
- Motor: The door's motor provides the power to raise and lower the door.
An automatic pet door is convenient, but don't forget to plan for potential problems.
- Choose a door with a battery backup to avoid problems in the event of a power failure.
- Choose a programmable door, which allows you to "lock" the door to keep pets in or out at any given time.
- Consider implanting a "chip" sensor, for pets who consistently lose collars, or who will not tolerate a collar.
Automating Your Home
It’s relatively easy to automate your home, from the doors to the security system, as long as you have a plan. Improve your home for your pets with features such as a self-cleaning litter box, or a motorized dog or cat door. Installing a smart home pet door is a great way to keep the pesky pests flap doors allow in from entering, and keep toddlers and delicate pets from sneaking out.
Victoria Nicks - Victoria Nicks has a Master's Degree in IT, and extensive hands-on experience with various types of hardware and software.
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