A standard pet flap gives cats and dogs more freedom, but it may also create an easy entrance for neighborhood cats and other unwanted animals.

A microchip pet door attempts to solve this problem by unlocking only when it recognizes an authorized pet. Instead of requiring a magnetic collar key, compatible models can read the identification microchip already implanted under a pet’s skin.

One of the best-known premium options is the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect. It combines microchip-controlled entry with smartphone notifications, activity records, remote locking and scheduled curfews.

However, the complete system can be expensive, particularly when the Hub and installation accessories are added.

In this research-based SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect review, we examine its official specifications, smart features, installation requirements, strengths and limitations to determine whether it deserves to be considered the best microchip pet door for large cats and small dogs.

Quick verdict: The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect is a strong choice for owners who regularly deal with unwanted animal visitors and want app-based access controls. It is less attractive for people who only need a basic microchip door or do not want to pay extra for connected features.

Editorial Disclosure: TechPetly has not physically tested this product. This review is based on official product specifications, support documentation, installation guides and publicly available customer feedback. Some links may be affiliate links.

SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect at a Glance

Feature	Specification
Best suited for	Large cats and small dogs
Access method	Compatible implanted microchip or SureFlap RFID collar tag
Stored pet identities	Up to 32
Smartphone app	Yes
Hub required	Yes, for connected features
Entry and exit notifications	Yes
Remote locking	Yes
Scheduled curfew	Yes
Power source	Four C-cell batteries
Advertised battery life	Up to six months
Installation options	Doors, walls and glass
Flap opening	Approximately 178 × 170 mm

Sure Petcare describes the model as suitable for large cats and small dogs. Its connected functions include activity notifications, remote controls and scheduled curfews through the Sure Petcare app. The manufacturer states that it runs on four C-cell batteries with a battery life of up to six months.

What Is a Microchip Pet Door?

A microchip pet door contains a scanner that reads a compatible identification microchip implanted under a pet’s skin.

When an authorized pet approaches from outside, the scanner reads its identification number and releases the electronic lock. An animal whose identity has not been registered should encounter a locked flap.

This differs from three common alternatives:

Standard Pet Flaps

A standard flap opens whenever an animal pushes against it. It is inexpensive and simple, but it does not distinguish between your pet and an unfamiliar animal.

Magnetic Collar Doors

These doors unlock when they detect a magnetic key attached to the pet’s collar. They can restrict access, but the pet must continue wearing the correct collar accessory.

Microchip Pet Doors

A compatible implanted microchip acts as the pet’s identification key. Some models also support an RFID collar tag for animals without a compatible microchip.

Sure Petcare states that its microchip pet doors are designed to prevent unregistered animals from entering by recognizing an authorized pet’s existing identification microchip.

How the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect Works

The SureFlap door contains a microchip scanner inside its tunnel.

Before normal use, the owner places the door into learning mode and encourages the pet to put its head into the tunnel. The door reads and stores the pet’s microchip number.

After registration, the process works as follows:

1. The pet approaches the door from outside.
2. The scanner searches for a registered microchip or collar tag.
3. The lock releases when the identity is recognized.
4. The pet pushes through the flap.
5. The interaction is transmitted to the Hub.
6. The app updates the pet’s recorded location and activity history.

The door supports common 9-, 10- and 15-digit identification microchips and can remember registered identities after its batteries are replaced.

What Does the Sure Petcare Hub Do?

The connected functions do not operate through the pet door alone.

The Sure Petcare Hub acts as a bridge between the door, the owner’s router and the Sure Petcare app. It connects to an available Ethernet port on the router and communicates wirelessly with compatible Sure Petcare devices.

Once connected, owners can use the app to:

• Receive notifications when a pet enters or leaves
• Check whether a pet is recorded as indoors or outdoors
• View activity history
• Lock or unlock the door remotely
• Set a daily curfew
• Share app access with another household member
• Manage multiple compatible Sure Petcare products

The door can still provide basic microchip-controlled access without app monitoring, but buyers purchasing the Connect model primarily for its smart features should include the Hub in their total budget.

Some product packages include the Hub, while others sell it separately. Buyers should check the exact bundle before ordering.

Entry and Exit Notifications

Every interaction with the connected door can be recorded in the Sure Petcare app.

The owner can receive a notification when a registered cat or dog enters or leaves. This can be useful for people who want to know whether a pet is currently outside while they are working, travelling or preparing to leave home.

The app also builds an activity history. Owners may use this information to notice changes in a pet’s normal pattern.

For example, a cat that normally uses the door several times a day but suddenly remains inside may deserve closer observation.

However, the app is not a veterinary diagnostic tool. A change in door activity can have many explanations, including weather, routine changes or temporary preferences. Persistent changes in appetite, movement or behaviour should be discussed with a veterinarian.

Sure Petcare says that the Connect system allows owners to monitor their pets’ activity and receive updates when they interact with the door.

Remote Locking and Digital Curfew

The scheduled curfew is one of the strongest reasons to choose the Connect version instead of the standard model.

Owners can select a time for the door to restrict outgoing access at night and another time for it to reopen in the morning.

This may be useful for households that prefer to keep their pets indoors overnight because of:

• Traffic
• Predators
• Severe weather
• Local wildlife
• Neighbour complaints
• Veterinary instructions

The door can also be controlled remotely through the app. An owner could change its status after leaving home instead of returning to adjust a physical lock.

Sure Petcare officially lists scheduled locking and remote app control among the Connect model’s main features.

Does It Keep Unwanted Animals Out?

The SureFlap system is designed to allow recognized pets to enter while preventing unregistered animals from opening the flap from outside.

This makes it potentially useful for homes experiencing visits from:

• Stray cats
• Neighbourhood cats
• Small wildlife
• Other animals attracted to indoor pet food

However, no pet flap should be described as completely wildlife-proof, burglar-proof or impossible to force open.

The product is best understood as an animal access-control device, not a replacement for a conventional home-security system.

Installation quality also matters. A poorly fitted frame, damaged flap or unsuitable mounting location may reduce the effectiveness of the system.

Pet Size and Door Dimensions

The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect is larger than the company’s Microchip Cat Flap Connect.

Its flap opening is approximately:

178 mm wide × 170 mm high

The tunnel depth is approximately:

70 mm

Sure Petcare positions the product for large cats and small dogs.

Breed labels alone should not determine whether the door is suitable. Two dogs of the same breed can have different shoulder widths and body shapes.

Before purchasing:

1. Measure the widest part of the pet’s body.
2. Measure the height between its stomach and shoulders.
3. Compare those measurements with the flap opening.
4. Allow enough space for comfortable movement.
5. Consider whether the pet is still growing.

Broad-chested, overweight or unusually tall dogs may not fit even when their breed is normally considered small.

Installation in a Wooden Door

A suitable wooden door is normally the most straightforward installation location.

The general process involves:

1. Selecting the correct height
2. Marking the cutting template
3. Drilling starter holes
4. Cutting the opening with a jigsaw
5. Positioning the internal and external frames
6. Securing the components
7. Registering the pet
8. Testing the lock before regular use

This still requires confidence with measuring, drilling and cutting.

An incorrectly positioned opening is difficult to reverse. Anyone who is not comfortable cutting an exterior door should budget for professional installation.

Installation in Glass

Glass installation is more complicated.

Tempered and double-glazed panels generally cannot be safely cut after manufacturing. A glazier may need to produce a replacement panel with the correct circular opening already prepared.

The SureFlap Pet Door Mounting Adaptor is required for many glass installations. Official specifications indicate that the adaptor is designed for circular openings approximately 294–320 mm in diameter.

The total cost may therefore include:

• The pet door
• The Hub
• The mounting adaptor
• A replacement glass panel
• Professional glazing labour

For some homes, the installation may cost as much as or more than the product itself.

Installation in a Wall

The pet door can also be installed through a suitable wall.

Wall installation may require proprietary tunnel extenders. Each extender adds approximately 50 mm to the tunnel length, and multiple units can be combined for thicker walls.

Additional work may include:

• Checking for pipes and electrical cables
• Cutting masonry or exterior cladding
• Waterproofing the opening
• Sealing the tunnel
• Supporting the exterior frame
• Repairing internal finishes

This is usually the least suitable option for inexperienced DIY users.

Battery Life and Maintenance

The Connect model uses four C-cell batteries.

Sure Petcare advertises battery life of up to six months, although actual performance can vary according to:

• Frequency of use
• Number of registered pets
• Battery quality
• Distance from the Hub
• Wireless communication conditions
• Temperature
• Frequency of lock activation

The official figure should therefore be treated as a maximum estimate rather than a guaranteed replacement interval.

Regular maintenance should include:

• Cleaning hair and dirt from the tunnel
• Wiping the scanner area
• Checking that the flap moves freely
• Inspecting the frame and seals
• Replacing all four batteries together
• Testing the door after battery replacement
• Checking Hub connectivity after router changes

The stored pet identities remain in memory when the batteries are changed.

Possible Scanning Delay

A microchip reader requires a brief period to detect the chip and release the lock.

Most animals naturally pause as they place their head into the tunnel. However, a nervous or fast-moving pet may initially push the flap before the locking mechanism has finished responding.

This does not necessarily mean the product is defective. The pet may need time to associate the sound of the lock with permission to move through the flap.

Training should be gradual:

1. Secure the flap in an open position initially.
2. Encourage the pet with treats.
3. Allow it to explore without being pushed.
4. Introduce the lock sound gradually.
5. Reward calm approaches.
6. Supervise early independent use.

Some pets may adapt within days, while timid animals may require considerably longer.

SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect Pros and Cons

Pros

• Uses a compatible implanted microchip
• Does not require a collar for microchipped pets
• Helps restrict entry by unregistered animals
• Suitable for large cats and small dogs
• Stores multiple pet identities
• Provides entry and exit notifications
• Records activity history
• Supports scheduled curfews
• Can be locked remotely
• Works without permanent electrical wiring
• Supports door, wall and glass installation

Cons

• More expensive than a standard pet flap
• Hub may cost extra
• Glass installation can be expensive
• Wall installation may require several accessories
• Requires four C-cell batteries
• Battery life varies
• Some pets may need extended training
• It does not provide complete home security
• The app depends on the Hub and an internet connection
• Larger dogs will not fit through the opening

Connect Version vs Standard Microchip Pet Door

Sure Petcare also sells a standard Microchip Pet Door without the complete app-connected ecosystem.

The standard model may be the better value when the buyer only wants:

• Microchip-controlled entry
• Protection from unfamiliar animals
• A manual locking system
• Fewer connected components
• Longer advertised battery life

The standard version is advertised with battery life of up to 12 months, compared with up to six months for the Connect model.

Choose the Connect version when you will genuinely use:

• Smartphone notifications
• Remote locking
• Activity history
• Scheduled curfews
• Shared app access

Paying more for the Connect model makes little sense when the app will rarely be opened.

Who Should Buy It?

The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect is most suitable for:

• Owners of large cats or small dogs
• Homes regularly visited by unfamiliar cats
• Owners who want pets indoors after dark
• People who value remote locking
• Multi-pet households
• Existing Sure Petcare Hub owners
• Owners who frequently check their pet’s routine

Who Should Avoid It?

It may not be the right choice for:

• Medium or large dogs
• Renters unable to modify a door
• People who only need a basic pet flap
• Buyers with a very limited budget
• Owners who dislike replacing batteries
• Homes without a suitable Hub connection
• People expecting a burglar-proof security door
• Owners unwilling to train a nervous pet gradually

Is the SureFlap Connect the Best Microchip Pet Door?

The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect combines three useful functions:

1. Selective microchip-controlled entry
2. Remote access management
3. Pet activity monitoring

That combination makes it one of the more capable choices for owners of large cats and small dogs.

Its main weakness is not necessarily performance, but total ownership cost. The door, Hub, batteries, installation accessories and professional labour can turn it into a substantial home-improvement purchase.

For owners dealing with persistent animal intrusions or needing automatic nighttime restrictions, those connected features may justify the cost.

For someone who only wants to keep unfamiliar cats outside, the standard SureFlap Microchip Pet Door may provide better value.

Final Verdict

The SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect is a premium smart pet door designed for large cats and small dogs.

Its microchip-controlled lock can help prevent unregistered animals from entering, while the app provides notifications, activity records, remote controls and scheduled curfews.

The product appears most valuable for households that will actively use those smart features. Buyers should carefully calculate the complete project cost before ordering, especially when installation involves glass or a thick wall.

Based on its official features and documentation, it is a strong candidate for the best microchip pet door for owners who prioritize connected controls.

It is not automatically the best option for every buyer. Budget-conscious owners and those who only need selective entry should also consider the non-Connect model.

Check the latest price, Hub bundle and installation accessories before purchasing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the SureFlap Pet Door Connect require a collar?

A pet with a compatible implanted microchip does not need to wear a collar key. An RFID collar tag can be used for pets without a suitable microchip.

How many pets can the SureFlap door remember?

SureFlap pet doors in this range can store multiple registered identities, with official documentation listing support for up to 32 pets.

Does the Hub connect through Wi-Fi?

The Hub connects to an available Ethernet port on the home router and acts as the link between the pet door and the internet.

Can the door be installed in glass?

Yes, but a compatible mounting adaptor and a professionally prepared glass panel may be required.

Can the door be installed in a brick wall?

Yes, although tunnel extenders and professional cutting or weatherproofing work may be necessary.

How long do the batteries last?

Sure Petcare advertises battery life of up to six months for the Connect model using four C-cell batteries. Actual battery life may be shorter depending on usage.

Does the app diagnose health problems?

No. The app records door-related activity, but it does not replace veterinary diagnosis. The data may only help owners notice changes in a pet’s routine.

Is it completely raccoon-proof?

The lock is designed to prevent unregistered animals from entering, but no pet door should be guaranteed as completely wildlife-proof under every condition.