FAQ

  • The acrylic glass covers look scratched and green

    petWALK - remove protective foil
    • I just received the acrylic glass covers for my petWALK door. Now I'm disappointed, because they look green and shabby! What to do now?
    • Acrylic glass covers have a sensitive surface. In order to protect them from being scratched during processing and delivery, they have a protective foil on both sides.
    • If you have received a delivery which visible scratches and a strange colored surface, it is likely the protective foil and not the acrylic glass.
    • For installation initially remove only the protective foil on the printed page before pressing it onto the adhesive pads.
    • Remove the protective film on the other (outer) side only when you have finished all the work.
    • Pull the film slowly and carefully starting from one corner. After removing the protective film can no longer be used, since it is destroyed. The protective foil can be disposed like other packaging films in the household waste.

  • How difficult is it to get easily scared animals used to the petWALK pet door?

    In countless cases we have made the experience that also very timid animals quickly get used to petWALK pet doors and show no problems to accept them.

    This is explained mainly by the completely different design and functioning of petWALK pet doors.

    Unlike traditional manual cat flaps, where the animals have to press the flap with their heads, petWALK opens the door like an invisible butler "thought- controlled", almost silently and automatically.

    As most of the animals are used to go through doors or windows, the mode of operation of petWALK pet doors is no surprise to them.

    Furthermore petWALK pet doors - already the smallest size- offer pleasantly large through holes. So the animals can stride through the door as on the catwalk with their heads held high and no longer have to squeeze through narrow openings.

    petWALK also allows the animals to gradually and cautiously adapt to the newly-found freedom.

    The following procedure has proven particularly useful:

    1. First, open the door manually and give the animal time to spot the opening.
    2. Then operate the door by motion sensor and set the door opening time to maximum value.
    3. Then gradually reduce the opening time.
    4. If the animals have lost the fear, then you switch to RFID access control. Optionally, you can also use RFID at only one side (outside) and so, for example, continue to operate the exit by motion sensor.
    5. We recommend practicing as long as possible at the beginning with the RFID collar chip because it provides a greater detection range.
    6. If the operation runs smoothly, then you can try to switch to the operation by implanted RFID chip.
    7. Only when your animals have become completely used to their door, activate limiting programs, such as time, brightness and moisture control.

  • Is it possible to keep the door open for some time variable at will?

    As petWALK doors for pets are intended to make your home warm and safe, they will close automatically the latest after 30 minutes. This is to avoid that they are open accidentally.

    But there is a little trick on how to keep the petWALK pet door permanently open.

    1. Disconnect the petWALK pet door from the power supply (electrical network) by disconnecting the power supply plug from the socket so that emergency mode is switched on.
    2. Open the petWALK door manually by using the remote control.
    3. Turn off the petWALK pet door also by means of the remote control (red circle).
    4. The door will now remain open until the power supply is restored.

  • Can I order a petWALK door for approval?

    You can order a petWALK animal door for approval, test it prior to installation, and, if it does not meet your expectations return it within 3 weeks. (Assuming no signs of use)

    For testing it is not necessary to somewhere install the door. Simply unpack it, plug and try it. So your animals can check your door comfortably in a familiar ambience and leave their test result.

  • Can I connect an existing door contact to the pet door?

    petWALK doors support all standard 2-pin door contacts. You can activate this function in the menu of the door and just set the appropriate type (normally closed or normally open).

    To connect to the control all you need is the "connection cable - door contact". This 2-pin cable has a length of 300mm. a plug to connect to the control electronics of the pet door and open ends for clamp connectors.

    You can order this cable with your door and it will already be assembled ex works. Of course, this cable can also be retrofitted at any time.

  • Is "mouse recognition" possible?

    "Souvenirs" carried inside the house by your pets are a major problem, especially for many cat owners but currently there is no reasonable solution for this problem.

    Unfortunately, it is very difficult for a computer to recognize a particular animal, not to mention a mice tail dangling from a cat’s mouth. This technology is very complex and not yet suitable for mass production.

    petWALK is practicing intense research in this field and its intelligent pet door system already provides an excellent technological basis for later implementation.

  • If my pet “nibbles” at the power cord of the petWALK pet door, can that be dangerous for the animal?

    If my pet “nibbles” at the power cord of the petWALK pet door, can that be dangerous for the animal? No, because the petWALK pet door uses an AC adapter which converts the 230 V mains voltage to safe 24 volts. If your pet gets in contact with the power cord, it will not suffer any damage.

    If you use a flush power supply, which is recommended for wall mounting, the cable will be hidden in the masonry. The flush-mounted power supply unit should be located in a junction box or outside the tunnel (in the wall lying on the tunnel).

  • What happens during a power failure?

    In case of a power failure, for example, by a storm the petWALK pet door switches to a special mode that is also visually and acoustically announced and ensures that all your pets can come back to your home and that the door is always securely locked. This emergency operation is ensured for several hours due to a built-in backup battery. Upon completion of the power failure, the animal door returns to the operating status, as it was originally set, and the battery is recharged.

    This ensures that your pet will never be locked out and that the petWALK pet door can never remain open.

  • How long will the backup batteries last?

    petWALK pet doors feature a power management system that keeps the internal battery always fit and loaded. Nevertheless batteries are subject to a natural aging process and must be replaced after a few years (4-6 years). The capacity is dimensioned such that in case of a power failure, for example, all your pets can come home through a storm and the door will be locked firmly.

  • Is the petWALK pet door operated by batteries?

    Basically, you could run the petWALK pet door also with a battery. But it is designed to plug it to a socket of your house’s power supply system. Especially for wall mounting the use of our optional in-wall power supply is recommended.

    Nevertheless, our petWALK animal door is equipped with a backup battery. So you can be sure that the animal door is always tightly closed, even after a power outage and your pet will nevertheless not be locked out and can still enter back home for several hours. If the current is switched on again, the petWALK pet door will return to the operating state as before the power failure.

  • Is it difficult to teach my cat / dog the use of petWALK?

    The use of the petWALK pet door is very easy for your pets as they do not have to push the door with the head in order to open it.

    The petWALK door can be used with the built-in motion detector as well as with an RFID chip. From our experience we know that both, dogs and cats will learn the function very quickly. In order to make your pets familiar with their new possibilities, we recommend operating the pet door for the first few days by motion sensor. If your pet moves in the vicinity of the pet door, it will open. Your pet will first of all examine this very interesting change, sit curiously in the pet door to inspect the new clearance. But after a short time your pet will of course be able to use the infinite possibilities of the door.

    If you want to avoid the use of your pet door by strange animals, such as a neighbour's naughty cat, it is now time to switch to RFID (animal chip) control. For this purpose we advise in the first phase the enclosed RFID collar chip. This collar chip shows in most cases a greater range than the chips implanted by the vet (25-30 cm) and is therefore easier to use for the adjustment period. Has your pet been accustomed to the door, you can switch to door control by implanted RFID chip.

    Usually the chip is implanted at the shoulder of the animal. We have found out that the chip might move over time, also the quality of the used animal chip used may vary. So in rare cases it can happen that the petWALK door opens only if your pet is already very close to the door. Once your pet has learned to appreciate the new freedom, it will also have learned very quickly how to deal with this condition. At least this is what happened in our field trials.

  • Are petWALK pet doors watertight?

    Yes, petWALK pet doors are tested and certified to meet class E1350 according to EN 12208 - 1999–11 test standard for windows, doors, which was the highest possible limit of the test fence at the accredited test institute.

    In other words: petWALK stay absolute watertight even at wind speeds of 160 km/h and heavy driving rain.

    petWALK pet doors have a large rain manifold with two front drain holes. This ensures that even large amounts of rain at high wind speeds can be reliably inferred outward.

    In this case, under normal circumstances the rainwater passes invisibly between the outer frame and the decorative plate to the lower edge of the appliance.

    If the pet door installed in a wall reveal, we recommend the installation of a weather sheet. This prevents that the rain water from drainage runs over the wall or into the masonry

  • Are petWALK pet doors suitable for Passive and Minergie P buildings?

    petWALK doors are the perfect solution for modern ultra low energy consumption buildings with controlled ventilation, as they are absolutely airtight and provide already by default extremely good thermal insulation.

    petWALK pet doors meet all the requirements of a Passive House suitable component. They offer a standard U-value of 0.811 W / (m² K) m with optional frame insulation even of 0.523 W / (m²K).

    They are absolutely airtight (n600 = 0.0 m³ / h, Category 4 acc test standard for windows, doors EN 12207 -. 1999-11) and driving rain resistant (class E1350 according to test standard for windows, doors EN 12208 - 1999-11)

    In our download area you can find all information relevant to planning and calculation including thermal bridge calculation and installation details.

  • Can a petWALK door be installed in a crooked old wall?

    The petWALK tunnel system is designed in a way that a difference in wall thickness of 1cm can easily be compensated. However, if the difference between minimum and maximum measured wall thickness is greater than 15 mm, the difference has to be compensated on site. If this is not possible, you can cut the tunnel plates to different lengths.

  • What is an RFID microchip?

    The abbreviation "RFID" is based on the English term "radio frequency identification”. This can be translated with „identification with the help of electromagnetic waves." RFID enables an automatic identification and localization of objects and living beings and considerably facilitates the collection of data.

    An RFID system consists of a transponder, the microchip, which is located on or in the object or living organisms and includes an identifying code, and a reader for reading this code.

    The microchip of your pet is a tiny implant, about the size of a grain of rice, which your vet painlessly injects under the skin of your pet.

    The microchip has no battery, but is powered by the antenna of your petWALK pet door with energy in the moment when the animal approaches.

    Each microchip has a unique identification number, which is stored with your address in a central database.

    If your pet runs away, it can be easily identified by veterinarians and animal shelters with this microchip reader. With the ID number in the database your contact information will be found and you will get back your animal as soon as possible.

  • Is the petWALK pet door available in various sizes and colors?

    The petWALK pet door is offered in 2 sizes: The model medium with a clearance of 20 x 30 cm is most suitable for all cats and small dogs with a shoulder height of up to 35 cm . The model large with a clearance of 30 x 50 cm is most suitable since February 2013, and is designed for dogs with a shoulder height from 55 cm up to 60 cm. Regarding the design of your petWALK pet door you almost completely have  plenty of scope both inside and outside. Our high quality acrylic designs are supplied in any RAL color, with different patterns, designed in part or completely by artists. Our acrylic designs are suitable on the inside and on the outside. We also offer high quality HPL Funder Exterior panels for the inside and the outside. Here you can choose from the whole Funder selection. You can incorporate your petWALK pet door almost hidden in your wall or proudly and confidently flaunt it proudly and confidently.

  • Why is the petWALK pet door more expensive than other pet flaps?

    A petWALK pet door can hardly be compared to conventional pet entry solutions.

    It is a fully-fledged entry door with built-door openers and electronic lock. It combines the excellent thermal insulation properties of passive house windows with burglar resistance of expensive apartment doors, with the convenience of automatic door openers, with an extremely powerful RFID lock and with quality materials, at a total cost, which must not be compared to the price of a conventional animal flap.

    petWALK pet doors are exclusively manufactured in the EU and due to its high-quality components, they are designed for decades of operation.

  • Why should I choose a petWALK pet door?

    The petWALK pet door is the world's first passive house suitable pet door. Since it is heat insulating, airtight and burglar proof, it is a must - not only for passive house owners. It raises the comfort level of humans and animals in any installation situation. So the living with your four-legged friends becomes more comfortable, safer, more pleasant and nicer for many years. Because of its good insulation it helps you to save heating costs. Besides, our products contribute thereby actively to environmental protection.

  • Is the petWALK pet door really airtight?

    Yes, the petWALK pet door is the only product available on market, which is completely airtight.

    The airtightness is expressed in terms of the leakage airflow rate through an element at a given reference pressure. At 50 Pascal, it is called the air change rate at 50 Pa and usually noted n50.

    The air permeability is tested according to testing standard for windows, doors EN 12207 - 1999-11. The highest class is 4 which requires that the leakage airflow has to stay below 0,75m³ (Q100 = 0,75 m³ / hm).

    petWALK has even at a pressure of 600 Pa (the highest possible pressure of the test fence) a non mensurable leakage airflow (Q600 = 0.0 m³ / hm).

    Two circulating quality silicone seals from a well-known brand manufacturer were used, which are normally used for high quality passive house windows. These seals are extremely temperature resistant and very durable. If ever necessary to replace them, this is easily done by anyone.

    Here you'll find more detailed information e.g. certificates or test protocols.

  • Are petWALK doors suitable for all pets?

    Thanks to the construction method petWALK doors are generally suitable for animals of any size. The model "Medium" is suitable for all breeds of cats and small dogs, the model of "Large" for dogs with a shoulder width of up to 30cm and shoulder height of 60cm. A XL model for very large dogs is planned.

  • What material are petWALK doors made of?

    petWALK pet doors are primarily made of polyurethane integral skin foam (PU for short). Polyurethanes present no health risk and therefore can be found almost everywhere: in the chair on which you sit, in the bed where you sleep, in the house in which you live and even in your car.

    p> Developing petWALK we have deliberately chosen this high-quality material, as it combines excellent durability and stability with exceptional thermal insulation properties and relatively low weight.

  • Is it hard to train my pet to use the petWALK door?

    No, because there is nothing to learn! Other than with conventional flaps, where animals have to push open doors and squeeze through narrow openings, petWALK doors open automatically and completely contact free and wait patiently until your pets went through. Just as you would open the door yourself. petWALK is a 24/7 personal pet doorman.

  • How can I be sure that the petWALK door doesn't hurt anybody?

    We are aware of our responsibility and we have therefore built in several independent safety systems into our petWALK doors:

    • Movement control: using multiple motion sensors detect any living thing and allow door movement only when nobody is in the swing of the leaf.
    • Electronic squeeze control: Even a slight resistance when closing or opening the door brings the door immediately to stop and moves it a bit into the opposite direction.
    • Power limiter: The door drive enginegets only as much power as needed to close the door and never so much that it could hurt someone.
    • Slip clutch: the door drive is connected via a coupling to the door leaf, which automatically interrupts at a set resistance power transmission.

  • Can I operate petWALK doors on batteries only?

    Basically all petWALK doors can be operated with the built in accu pack, but for daily operation this is inappropriate. So the answer is: No! In petWALK doors the batteries make sure that that even in the event of a power outage your animals can still get home safely and the door stays always locked and burglar-proof.

  • How long will the backup batteries last?

    petWALK animal doors have an sophisticated battery management system, which keeps the accu pack fit and charged. Nevertheless accus run through an aging process and need to be replaced after a couple of years.The capacity of the backup battery is dimensioned that in the case of a power failure, for example by a thunderstorm, all your animals can still come home and the door is safely locked.

  • What happens during a power outage?

    The standard backup batteries keep petWALK doors operational during an power failure, e.g. caused by a thunderstorm. In this case the door enteres a special mode, where all your animals can get into the house, but no longer out and the door locks in an secure mode. At the same time you are visually and audibly notified thereof. So you can be sure that no pet has to stay out and your home stays safe.

  • What happens if the power fails and there is no battery installed? Are all my settings gone?

    No, Petwalk stores all information in a nonvolatile memory that retains data even without power. The real time clock has an additional small battery (CR3230), which keeps it running even without external power for many years.

  • Is it dangerous if my pet chews the power cord of my petWALK door?

    No, because petWALK doors have an AC adapter that converts the 230 volt line voltage to safe 24 volts. So even if your pet would bite through the cable it would not be harmed.

  • Airtight sealing means warmth and lower heating costs

    Even well-insulated houses loose up to 60% of the heating energy due to leaks in the building envelope. A simple plastic flap is nothing than a big leak. The cold air entering through the gaps of the flap must be heated again and this increases the heating costs.

    In buildings with heat-recovery ventilation, like in modern modern passive houses, this increased heating load may not be compensated, which means that on cold winter days the desired room temperature can not be achieved.

    Pressure and temperature differences between indoor environment cause drafts flowing through the gaps of a conventional flap, which might even open through wind pressure. The penetrating cold air caused in addition to the energy loss also an uncomfortable feeling.

    petWALK exceeds with its double seals and a unique design even the strict requirements for passive house components and is tested and certified at the highest airtightness class. That way it guarantees that never again uncontrolled airflow through the animal entrance causes cold feet due.

    Here you'll find more information and in our download area you can find certificates and test logs.

  • How petWALK reduces outdoor noise

    Even if the surrounding components have a good sound absorption, gaps like in conventional cat flaps, can increase the noise level considerably.  It's similar having a window flipped opened.

    Through the use of insulating materials and the absolute airtight seal petWALK can reduce environmental noise significantly.

  • Building protection should not end at the pet door!

    Due to mounting locations close to entry doors and windows, especially in larger dimensions conventional animal flaps are a potential security risk. Even small size flaps are often used by criminals to reach into the inside and get hold of window and door locks or to reach keys. Larger size flaps act as a direct way through and burglars can easily crawl into the building.

    Insurance companies see housebreakings though pet flaps as gross negligence (lack of assurance) and therefore often deny settlement within the home insurance policy.

    petWALK doors automatically and effectively prevent burglary with market proven and tested burglar-proof fittings and lock like a high quality entrance doors. If desired, even with certified burglary resistance class 2 according to DIN EN 1627 standard.

    petWALK comes also with a built-in alarm system and can be easily connected to external alarm systems. That way, it behaves exactly like a secured window and your animals can use the door even when the alarm system is armed.

  • How RFID works

    The abbreviation RFID is based on the term "radio-frequency identification."

    RFID enables automatic identification and localization of objects and living things and thus substantially facilitates the collection of data.

    An RFID system consists of a transponder, which is located on or within the object which should be identified and carries the identifying code and a reader units for reading. RFID transponders can be as small as a grain of rice and implanted in animals.

    Coupling is done by the reader in generating short-range alternating magnetic fields  or high-frequency radio waves. This method allows not only to transmit data, but also to supply the transponder with energy. Only if long distances have to be achieved and the cost of the transponder is not very critical, active tags with own power supply are used.

    petWALK uses standardized long-wave frequencies, which are completely safe for pets and humans. The transponder (animal-chip) contains no battery, and is powered by the antenna of the door when the animal approaches.

  • What's the difference to conventional flaps

    PetWALK pet doors cannot be compared to other pet flaps. They are full-fledged entrance doors with built-openers and electronic lock. As a result, they are totally windproof, have good thermal insulation and are also totally safe. They can also flexibly be integrated with interchangeable decorations to your home. By using high quality materials, they are as durable as high-quality windows.