How do the electronic pet doors sense that my pet is approaching?

The electronic pet doors we carry use a magnet as the collar key, or use Radio Frequency Identification keys (RFID). The magnet type lke the Animate creates a very small amount of electricity inside the pet door when it nears the outer frame piece. The door senses the electrical charge, and reacts with an electric solenoid which pulls the lock down, allowing the door to be pushed open. RFID is the same technology used in your office, if you have a key card to get in the building. It's also used in newer debit and credit cards with the "PayPass" system where you can just touch them to the register. It's a good system because it doesn't require batteries for the collar key, and it is more consistent than the magnetic keys. The downside is that the Elite Selective and Super Selective cannot be installed in a metal door (the Plexidor Electronic doesn't have this issue). There are other types of cat and doggy doors on the market which use ultrasonic keys, but we have found the magnetic ...  more

The electronic pet doors we carry use a magnet as the collar key, or use a battery powered infra red collar key. The magnet type creates a very small amount of electricity inside the pet door when it nears the outer frame piece. The door senses the electrical charge, and reacts with an electric solenoid which pulls the lock down, allowing the door to be pushed open. The other type of electronic pet door we carry uses an infra red collar key. These electronic pet doors work in much the same way as the remote control for your TV, and are also very reliable. There are other types of cat and doggy doors on the market which use radio frequency keys, but we have found the magnetic and infra red key types to be more reliable.  more