PetPal Gear Score

The weight rating in the listing's verified facts or title, divided by 10 (100 lb scores 10, 90 lb scores 9). A listing that names a size, such as Large, but whose verified facts give no weight rating scores 4. Weighted highest because the American Kennel Club warns that a dog door that is too small could be frightening or even dangerous if a dog gets stuck.

5 points when the verified listing facts name no frame-material restriction (an aluminum-only listing scores 0 here), plus the published height-adjustment span in inches, rounded down to the nearest half inch and capped at 5. A height range that is not among the verified facts scores 0 and is recorded as missing, not estimated. Spans: 75 7/8 to 80 11/16 in and 91 7/16 to 96 in both round down to 4.5; 77-5/8 to 80-3/8 in rounds down to 2.5.

10 when the verified listing facts name a closing panel, security bar or animal lock-out slide; 0 when they name none. AKC Reunite warns that other people's pets, wildlife and even people enter homes through pet doors.

The number of sealing features named in the verified listing facts (magnetic flap or seal, weather stripping, dual-paned glass, insulating flaps): none scores 0, one scores 4, two score 7, three or more score 10. Only the verified facts this guide drew on are counted, so a sealing feature a listing mentions outside those facts scores nothing here; check each listing's own sealing claims before ordering.

The Amazon current price each card shows, checked October 3, 2026, in bands: under $175 scores 10, $175 to $199.99 scores 8, $200 to $249.99 scores 6, $250 to $299.99 scores 4, and $300 or more scores 2. Weighted last because a panel that does not fit the dog or the frame is no saving. No other price enters the score, and the per-factor scores for every pick are printed in the comparison table so each total can be recomputed.