We installed an automatic Power Pet Door so our dog could let himself in and out, and the whole system lives or dies by the collar that triggers it. After our old transmitter started getting flaky, I upgraded to the High Tech Pet MS-5 digital ultrasonic pet collar. Here's my honest review after living with it day to day.
The MS-5 is a digital ultrasonic transmitter collar — not a training or GPS collar. It's the "key" your pet wears to operate High Tech Pet's exclusive PAWS (Pet Activated World System): it powers all Power Pet Door models, the Sound Barrier indoor sonic fence, and the Yard Barrier outdoor sonic fence. The collar emits an ultrasonic signal that those products recognize, so your pet can come and go (or be kept out of certain areas) automatically.
This is the core use case. If you have (or are buying) a Power Pet Door, this is the collar that makes it work.
The same collar operates the indoor Sound Barrier and outdoor Yard Barrier sonic fences, so one collar can handle multiple PAWS products at once.
It's built extra rugged and is fully waterproof (immersible to 6ft for short periods), so muddy, splashy play won't kill it.
This collar only operates High Tech Pet's PAWS products. It's not a standalone smart collar, tracker, or trainer — without the matching door or fence, it does nothing.
It runs on a replaceable battery rather than recharging. High Tech Pet has said a rechargeable version is in development, but it's not here yet.
One collar, three jobs: it triggers all Power Pet Door models, the Sound Barrier wireless indoor fence, and the Yard Barrier outdoor fence. Digital circuitry keeps the signal strong and accurate across temperature ranges.
The fully enclosed ultrasonic transducer is immersible up to 6ft for short dunks, and the housing is built to survive rough play. Note: the maker warns that chlorine and saltwater are corrosive, so it's not meant for regular pool or ocean swimming.
The state-of-the-art digital design maintains a reliable signal, and it runs on the specially designed B-3V1A battery that lasts roughly 2–3 months. The battery housing is designed so an incorrectly installed battery won't fry the circuitry.
This is important: the MS-5 uses only the genuine B-3V1A battery. High Tech Pet specifically warns that cheap off-brand batteries with the wrong chemistry can damage the collar's circuitry and will void the warranty. When reordering, make sure you choose the B-3V1A.
On the official High Tech Pet store, the MS-5 collar is listed at a sale price of $54.99, down from a regular $69.99 (USD). It ships with one B-3V1A battery included, and you can add extra battery multi-packs (2, 6, or 12) plus accessories like a rubber boot and replacement strap at checkout. Prices and sale promotions can change, so check the live listing for the current number before buying.
Pros: Operates every PAWS product (Power Pet Door, Sound Barrier, Yard Barrier); fully waterproof and immersible to 6ft; extra rugged for active dogs; reliable digital signal across temperatures; battery lasts ~2–3 months and ships with one included; responsive, well-reviewed customer service; 4.42/5 from 60 reviews at the time of writing.
Cons: Only works with High Tech Pet's own products — useless on its own; no low-battery warning, so it can die unexpectedly (a common reviewer request); not rechargeable yet; requires genuine B-3V1A batteries only (off-brand voids warranty); as with any electronics, occasional defective units happen; one reviewer noted the transmitter can look like a camera to guests.
The MS-5 is the newer digital iteration in High Tech Pet's lineup, sharing the same B-3V1A battery family as the MS-4. The digital circuitry is designed for a stronger, more temperature-stable signal and an extra-rugged, waterproof build. If you're starting fresh or your older collar is failing, the MS-5 is the current standard to get.
If you own a High Tech Pet Power Pet Door or sonic fence, the MS-5 is essentially mandatory — and it's a good version of what it needs to be: rugged, waterproof, reliable, and reasonably priced on sale. My only real gripes are the lack of a low-battery warning and that it isn't rechargeable yet, both of which the company says it's aware of. As a standalone purchase it makes no sense, but as the key to a PAWS system it does its job well, which is why I'd recommend it to anyone in that ecosystem.
It's an ultrasonic transmitter that operates High Tech Pet's PAWS products: all Power Pet Door models, the Sound Barrier indoor fence, and the Yard Barrier outdoor fence. It is not a tracker or training collar.
Yes — fully waterproof and immersible to 6ft for short periods. Avoid regular chlorine or saltwater swimming, which is corrosive.
The included B-3V1A battery lasts roughly 2–3 months. Only genuine B-3V1A batteries should be used; off-brand batteries can damage the collar and void the warranty.
No. It only operates High Tech Pet's own PAWS products.
Not currently — several owners have requested one. It's worth keeping a spare battery on hand so the door keeps working.
👉 You can check the latest price, battery packs and accessories on the official High Tech Pet store here: Get the High Tech Pet MS-5 Electronic Pet Collar.
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains an affiliate link. If you buy through it, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I've genuinely tested.
