Collar tag pet flaps use RFID tags attached to your pet’s collar to control access. These tags emit a stronger signal than implanted microchips, allowing for quicker and more reliable flap operation.
Features
- Signal Strength: Faster response times compared to microchips.
- Compatibility: Suitable for pets that wear collars regularly.
- Options: Available with or without app and Wi-Fi technology
An RFID tag is essentially microchip technology which is implanted into a tag rather than the pet. It does emit a slightly stronger signal than the vet implanted microchip – this allows the pet flap to react quicker and open faster.
The collar tag lends itself to having more space for technology whereas the vet microchip needs to be as small as possible so that the body does not recognise it as a foreign body and reject it. Dog’s immune systems do frequently recognise the microchip which is why it is so prone to migration as the body will not allow it to settle.
If you are happy that the microchip in the cat is in the correct position in the neck, then using an RFID tag is not necessary – having a collar is not something that a lot of cats tolerate and so can prove to be more of a hindrance than a help. However, in the cases of having a new cat that is not yet microchipped, then having a backup tag is helpful as it can be used in the interim whilst the new cat becomes accustomed to its unfamiliar environment.
Recommended Brands
- PetSafe SmartDoor Connected Pet flap: App-controlled, Wi-Fi enabled, available in medium and large sizes.
- SureFlap Microchip Pet Door: Comes with RFID collar tags, suitable for dogs and cats.
- High Tech Pet Power Pet Door: Offers electronic pet doors with an upward opening mechanism, great for pets with mobility issues.
PetSafe have recently brought out their SmartDoor connected range. These are quite similar to the Connect range from Sure Flap in that they are App-Controlled Wi-Fi technology pet flaps however, they are collar tag activated. The Medium size is the largest pet flap on the market to also feature microchip technology whereas the Large size only has the collar tag technology.
The Medium size can be installed in doors, through walls and glass with the required accessories however, due to the shape of the cut out needed for the Large size it is not suitable for glass installations, but it can be installed in doors and through walls with the right accessories.
Both sizes do come with one collar tag so if you have more than one pet using the pet flap (especially in the Large size) a collar tag will be required for each pet. As previously mentioned, the Medium size does have microchip technology so cats and small dogs can be registered using their vet implanted microchip rather than a collar tag – just remember that if you have a small dog who likes to have zoomies, you may do better considering the collar tag to prevent a damaged ego if the door does not unlock in time for the dog to zoom though!
The SureFlap microchip pet door and the SureFlap Pet Door Connect both come with an RFID collar tag in the box to give you the choice whether to use the vet implanted microchip for your dog or a collar tag. As dogs tend to wear collars most owners opt to attach the collar tag to their dog’s collar and sometimes register both the tag and the microchip to give the dog optimal opportunity to gain entry without any issues.
High Tech Pet offers a range of electronic Pet Doors that open upwards automatically (like a portcullis) as the pet approaches allowing them to simply walk through the opening with ease. They are mounted on runners to allow the flap to move upwards, making them taller than most pet flaps.
This makes them a great option if you have a pet who is of a nervous disposition or has mobility issues as they do not have to push open the flap to use it.
These are intelligent pet doors and are able to recognise if the collar transmitter is active, meaning that the pet is awake and moving – therefore, if your pet decides to take a nap in the range that would normally trigger the pet door to open, it will not continually open and close.
Safety mechanisms within the door mean that there is no risk that the door will close on the pet if it stops in the opening, and you are able to set the closing delay to suit your pet – ideal for elderly or pets with mobility problems.
These Power Pet doors are available in two series – with and without Wi-Fi. The non-Wi-Fi series are controlled by a panel on the front of the pet door whereas the Wi-Fi series have the benefit of an app allowing you to remotely control the pet door easily.
Whilst the manufacturer advises that these pet doors are not suitable for installation in glass windows or doors, Pet Flaps UK have developed a glass adaptor to allow installation in a static area of glass. This is an amazing worldwide exclusive only available for Pet Flaps UK customers!
These are heavy pet doors and so if they were to be installed into a moving door, they would cause to much stress on the glass in the door potentially weakening the glass and making it more likely to shatter easily.
Other installation locations that these pet doors can be installed into are doors and walls.
PetSafe do have another dog door that has collar tag technology, but this is a more basic dog door than their SmartDoor Connected range. Confusingly it is called a SmartDoor Electronic pet door – but this does not have the app technology that the SmartDoor Connected range offers.
Available only in a Large size in the UK, this dog door is best suited to door installations. The wall kit is designed for single brick depth installations rather than a standard 35cm cavity wall and so only spans a depth of up to 20cm.
Collar tag pet flaps are a versatile option for pet owners, especially those with dogs or multiple pets. Ensure your pet is comfortable wearing a collar before choosing this type.
Magnetic Pet Flaps
Magnetic pet flaps are an older technology that uses a magnet attached to your pet’s collar to unlock the flap. They are generally less expensive but have limitations compared to newer technologies.
