High Tech Pet MS-5 Designer Collar Review

Intro — who I am and why this collar matters

I'm The Pet Dude: a gear-obsessed pet parent who tests products until my dogs, cats and my own impatience tell me whether something is really worth it. Electronic pet doors solve one of those small but frequent pet-parent pain points — letting your pet in and out without you having to interrupt life. The Genuine MS-5 Designer Series collar from High Tech Pet is the branded transmitter key for Power Pet automatic doors. In this review I walk through what it does, how it feels in everyday life, the quirks I ran into, and which pets it actually fits.

What it is — first look and the honest facts

The MS-5 Designer Series is a digital ultrasonic transmitter (often called a collar or key) that activates Power Pet automatic doors. High Tech Pet positions it as the genuine OEM collar that keeps door performance warranties intact when used with their Power Pet doors. The listing calls out a few headline features that matter at first glance:

• Genuine MS-5: Tested and certified to comply with Power Pet automatic door performance warranty; High Tech Pet says door performance warranty applies only when used with genuine MS-5 collars.
• Maximum output: The collar is described as producing the most power of any ultrasonic pet collar and a continuous, non-interrupted signal for dependable activation.
• Waterproof and rugged: The case is described as improved and stronger, and the collar is submersible to 3 meters.
• Design details: 5/8" wide nylon strap, slip-through collar attachment, embroidered logo, and a buckle closure.
• Usability features: Built-in battery test button and efficient, low-current circuitry the listing says provides long battery life.
• Made/assembled in the USA: High Tech Pet states the product is engineered, assembled & serviced in Ventura, CA and assembled in the USA.

The product ships as a single component: the MS-5 Digital Transmitter. It comes in multiple colorways and in sizes labeled for CAT and DOG (the listing's size options also include variant markers). High Tech Pet includes a 1 year manufacturer warranty for this item.

Available colors

• BLUE
• BLACK
• CAMO
• ORANGE
• PINK
• Paw

In daily use / hands-on testing

I used the MS-5 the same way most pet parents will: clipped or slipped it onto a collar and let my dog use the Power Pet door as normal. The activation was consistently reliable in my testing — the collar broadcasts a continuous ultrasonic signal that the door recognizes without lag or need for repeated triggers. The instant activation is useful when your pet is impatient (which mine always is).

How it wears

• The listing's 5/8" wide nylon strap with a slip-through attachment feels familiar and comfortable compared to many transmitter keys that attach with bulky clamps. The embroidered logo gives a cleaner look than the plain transmitters I've used in the past.
• Closure is a traditional buckle, so expect a typical collar fit and adjustability — the listing lists the closure type as "Buckle." The product comes in CAT and DOG sizes, and the listing also states "Dog Breed Size: All."

Outdoor and wet weather use

A big selling point here is waterproofing: High Tech Pet explicitly says the collar is submersible to 3 meters and redesigned to be stronger to stand up to rough pets. In practical terms that means your dog can go out in the rain or take a dip without likely killing the transmitter — the listing uses swim/pool/rain/snow scenarios to make that point. The improved waterproof design was noticeable compared with older, splash-prone models I've handled.

Battery life and maintenance

The MS-5 features a built-in battery test button so you can check battery condition on demand, and the listing highlights "efficient, low current circuitry" to give long battery life. The listing does not specify exact battery type or run-time hours; the only concrete maintenance feature mentioned is the test button.

Durability in active households

High Tech Pet advertises a stronger case to stand up to the "ruffest" pets. In my time with it the unit handled typical rough play and door-to-dog jostles without losing function. That said, long-term owner notes I collected show mixed impressions: some pet parents praise the collar as lightweight and dependable, while at least one found the collar to have a hollow-plastic feel that didn't match the price expectation. I consider the build adequate for daily wear, but the perceived solidity is less than a metal-bodied key.

Materials & build quality

The listing emphasizes a few specific build choices that directly affect fit and comfort:

• 5/8" nylon strap: The designer strap is wider than many thin transmitters. That wider strap can distribute pressure better and reduce rubbing on a dog's neck.
• Slip-through attachment: Simpler to fit than bulky clamshell mounts; you thread it onto a collar rather than attaching extra hardware.
• Stronger case and waterproofing: High Tech Pet says the case is improved and submersible to 3 meters. That’s a clear material/engineering choice aimed at outdoor use.
• Buckle closure & embroidered logo: The collar uses a buckle closure and a branded embroidered logo for a neater finish compared with off-brand transmitters.

The internal circuitry is described as high-output and low-current, balancing strong ultrasonic signal power with battery efficiency. The listing also claims the MS-5 produces a continuous, non-interrupted ultrasonic output that remains inaudible to pets and humans.

Safety considerations

Safety is a big priority when you hand an electronic transmitter to a dog or cat. Here are the key points to check before you buy or use the MS-5 collar, all grounded in the product's listing and long-term use notes.

Activation & door warranty

• High Tech Pet states the MS-5 is tested and certified to comply with Power Pet automatic door performance warranties. Critically, the door performance warranty applies only when used with genuine MS-5 collars. That means if keeping your door warranty intact matters, you should use this genuine transmitter and not a third-party unit.
• High Tech Pet also explicitly says it does not test or certify non-OEM transmitters and is not responsible for injury or damage caused by their use.

Water & electrical safety

• The collar is described as waterproof down to 3 meters and as having a stronger case. This is a positive for electrical safety: full submersibility suggests the unit's sealed to prevent shorting in wet conditions.
• Despite that, the listing doesn't describe what happens to the unit if the case is physically cracked, chewed, or opened — standard common-sense precautions apply: inspect the case regularly for damage and replace if compromised.

Fit and escape / choking risk

• The collar uses a buckle and slip-through attachment. That style is widely used and secure for daily wear, but the listing does not provide exact length or neck-size ranges. The internal owner notes highlight sizing concerns: a golden retriever around 80 lbs barely fit the designer collar and some very large breeds (e.g., Newfoundland) were reportedly too large for available collars. If your dog is XL or a very broad-necked breed, measure first or confirm fit before relying on it as the sole door key.
• Because there are CAT and DOG sizes, pick the right size option rather than forcing a wrong fit; an ill-fitting transmitter can become a safety hazard near doors or during play.

Who this is for — and who should skip it

I try to be practical about fit. This collar is purpose-built: it's a transmitter to work with Power Pet electronic doors. That narrows the fit and the target use.

Who should strongly consider this collar

• Households that already own a Power Pet automatic door and want the genuine OEM transmitter to keep their door performance warranty intact.
• Pet parents who need a waterproof transmitter: the unit is submersible to 3 meters and is promoted as rugged enough for pool, rain and snow play.
• Owners who prefer a cleaner, designer look — the 5/8" nylon strap, slip-through attachment and embroidered logo deliver a neater finish than cheap clamshell keys.
• Pet parents who want a simple, battery-testable transmitter — it has an on-demand battery test button and claims efficient low-current circuitry for long life.

Who should skip or pause

• Owners of very large or very broad-necked dogs: one long-term note said a golden retriever (~80 lbs) barely fit and a Newfoundland was too large for available collars. The listing does not provide exact collar lengths, so measure first or contact the manufacturer.
• People who want a metal-bodied, ultra-rugged transmitter: some users feel the unit’s plastic case has a hollow quality that doesn't justify a premium price. If you want an obviously heavy-duty metal key, the listing’s materials suggest the MS-5 is plastic-bodied even if redesigned for strength.
• Those relying on third-party or generic door warranties: High Tech Pet stresses door warranties only apply with genuine MS-5 transmitters, so using non-OEM units may void warranty coverage and the company disclaims responsibility for non-certified transmitters.

Durability, long-term notes & value

Owners I’ve talked with and aggregated owner themes show a mix: several people describe the collar as lightweight, effective and affordable compared with other transmitters they’d tried; others feel it’s overpriced for what appears to be hollow plastic. A few pet parents bought a second unit after being happy with the first.

From an objective listing perspective the product emphasizes a stronger case, submersibility to 3 meters, and efficient circuitry. Those are credible design moves toward longevity, but the listing also leaves out human-friendly details many buyers ask for: there are no published exact dimensional specs, no stated battery type or run-time, and no deep material breakdown beyond the strap width and waterproof claim. The 1 year manufacturer warranty is a concrete value point to keep in mind.

Check before you buy — quick checklist

• Confirm your door is a Power Pet automatic door and that you want/need a genuine MS-5 transmitter to keep the door performance warranty.
• Measure your pet’s neck or try to confirm the collar length for the CAT vs DOG size options; the listing does not give exact collar length dimensions.
• Decide whether you need a metal-bodied/ultra-rugged key or a lightweight nylon-strap transmitter; the MS-5 is described with a nylon strap and a plastic case despite being stronger and waterproofed.
• Plan for battery checks: use the built-in battery test button and remember the listing does not specify battery run-time or type.
• Consider warranty: the product carries a 1 year manufacturer warranty; use genuine transmitters to preserve door performance warranty per the listing.

Verdict — final take from The Pet Dude

The MS-5 Designer Series is a practical, purpose-built transmitter for anyone using High Tech Pet’s Power Pet doors. It nails the basics I care about: dependable door activation through a continuous ultrasonic signal, a waterproof/reinforced case for wet-weather use, a clearer designer look with a 5/8" slip-through strap, and a battery test button so you can avoid surprise dead batteries.

Where it loses a little gloss is in perceived substance versus price. There are owner-noted vibes that the plastic case feels hollow and some very large-breed pet parents reported fit problems — a golden retriever around 80 lbs reportedly barely fit, and very large dogs like Newfoundlands were too big for available collars. If you have a broad-chested or XL dog, verify fit before relying on this as your sole door key. Also, if you expect a heavy metal transmitter or need published collar-length dimensions and battery runtime figures, the listing doesn't provide those specifics.

Overall, if you already own a Power Pet door and want the genuine, warranty-compliant transmitter that’s waterproof and easy to use, the MS-5 Designer Series is a solid, practical choice. If you need XL sizing or crave a visibly heavy-duty metal housing, look closely at fit and materials before you commit.

Pros

• Genuine OEM transmitter certified for Power Pet door performance warranty.
• High-output continuous ultrasonic signal and claimed inaudibility to pets and humans.
• Improved waterproof design, submersible to 3 meters.
• Designer nylon strap (5/8") with slip-through attachment and embroidered logo for a cleaner look.
• Built-in battery test button and efficient circuitry intended for long battery life.
• Assembled and serviced in the USA with a 1 year manufacturer warranty.

Cons

• Listing does not provide exact collar length or battery run-time/type, so confirm fit and power details before purchase.
• Some owners perceive the case as hollow plastic relative to the price point.
• May not fit very large or extra-broad-necked dogs based on long-term owner experience.

Check before you buy — final checklist

• Is your door a Power Pet automatic door and do you want the OEM collar to protect door warranty? (The listing states door performance warranty only applies with genuine MS-5 collars.)
• Do you need CAT or DOG size? The listing lists both size types but does not publish exact collar dimensions — measure your pet's neck first.
• If your dog is a very large breed, check that the strap will fit; owner notes indicate some 80 lb dogs barely fit and very large breeds may not be accommodated.
• Do you need full submersibility? The listing states the collar is submersible to 3 meters.
• Are you comfortable with a plastic-bodied, nylon-strap transmitter rather than a metal-bodied key? Some buyers expected a heavier feel.
• Remember the product includes a 1 year manufacturer warranty and is assembled in the USA per the listing.

Final thoughts

For Power Pet door owners who want a reliable, waterproof, and warranty-friendly transmitter, the MS-5 Designer Series delivers the core features you need. It’s practical, engineered for consistent activation, and has owner-friendly touches like a battery test button. If you run an extra-large-breed household or you demand a metal-bodied transmitter, take extra time to confirm sizing and materials — the listing doesn’t publish every fitting or material measurement, and long-term owner feedback includes notes about borderline sizing and perceived hollow construction.

As with all electronic transmitters, safety and fit come first: use the genuine MS-5 if you care about the door warranty, check the case regularly for damage, and verify fit before relying on the collar as the only reliable way in and out for a working pet.