All Dog Doors

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all pet doors weatherproof?

Some pet doors for dogs guard against the weather better than others. A well-made pet door will keep the weather outside while letting your pets inside, as well as be durable enough to withstand the elements. The quality of the installation, from weatherstripping to caulking wall kits, usually determines how well a door holds up to weather. Top choices for weather-proof doors would be brands like Endura Flap or Hale. Check out the dog door reviews and see how our happy customers just rave about these brands.

How will a pet door handle home security?

Pet doors generally come with a way of closing the flap, whether it be a knob or a slide-in cover. In addition, some dog doors for small dogs and medium-sized dog door models are far too tiny for a full-grown person to fit through. The higher-quality pet doors will have more secure locking covers to insert when you want to prevent anything from using your pet door. You can also purchase an additional steel security cover to fit over your pet door for more peace of mind. It goes especially well with dog doors for big dogs.

Why would I pay hundreds of dollars for a pet door?

You pay for quality, so when you buy a more expensive pet door you are buying a higher degree of energy efficiency as well as durability. Better insulated pet doors will save you money on your AC/heating bills. Higher quality pet doors require fewer replacement parts, and usually carry better warranties than lower quality options. Better doors usually have cold weather resistance, a multi-year warranty, and be suitable for both dog owners and their pooch.

What if I want a good pet door but I’m on a budget? Is there a mid-range pet door?

There are pet doors available that will do a decent job while sticking to a tighter budget. They may need parts replaced after a rough season, but many customers have these pet doors last for years. Take a look at the Ideal Ruff Weather, Ideal Draftstopper, PetSafe Extreme Weather, or PetSafe Wall Entry pet doors.

Will I have to replace flaps and parts every year?

It depends on the pet door you choose. Higher quality pet doors may not require replacement flaps for your pet’s entire life, while less expensive pet doors might need new flaps after every rough season. If you don’t want to replace flaps, investing in one of the more expensive pet doors can pay off in the long run, as these heavy-duty and energy-efficient options last much longer.

Can I install the pet door myself, or do I need to hire a professional?

The level of difficulty varies for each type of pet door, and your skill set will determine if a professional will be needed. If you will be cutting a hole through your wall, we usually do recommend a professional since there are factors like electrical wires and pipes to be careful around. Cutting a hole through a door is much simpler, and if you have the right tools many people can manage that installation on their own. You would also want to check the local building code if you are looking to put this in a door through the garage, as there is not a fire-rated pet door and you don't want to violate any codes. To make the opening for the pet requires you to cut a hole in the door and once it is compromised you lose that rating, which is the reason there is no fire-rated pet door on the market, it's pretty much impossible to make. If you’re installing a no tools required patio panel insert or sash window insert, you can place the pet door in your track within minutes.

Where do I measure my pet for a pet door?

Measure your pet from the floor to just comfortably above the top of its back ('withers'). Don't measure to the top of your pet's head. All pets normally duck their heads when passing through a pet door and pick their paws up (unless they're ill or arthritic). For width, open a door the minimum distance the pet needs to walk through comfortably. Another approach is to cut an opening in a piece of cardboard and see if your pet can pass through it easily. Don't push. We recommend that the top of the flap be about the same height as the top of the pet's shoulder. Remember to give a little extra height for a wall-thru installation or when tall and short pets must share the same door.

I took my new panel pet door home and it was too short (or too tall), what do I do?

A frequent misconception is that all sliding glass doors are the same height. People frequently say "I have a standard height sliding glass door". Not necessarily so. In fact, sliding glass doors vary in height from around 74" to over 10 feet in height and the maximum adjustment range of any pet door is only about 4". So, you really should take a moment to measure before you purchase.

How do I measure my sliding glass door for a pet door installation?

Measure inside the track, very top to the very bottom (see illustration), then select the door that falls within that height range. Remember that you'll need some clearance to get the door over the track wall and into the track.

Do you make a doggie door for conventional up-and-down sliding sash windows?

Yes, we do. The Thermo-Sash door is the perfect pet door for this.

Do you offer custom-sized pet doors?

Yes, we have a variety of custom sizes to choose from especially for French doors. There are custom-sized options for both door entry and wall entry and we've also got you covered if you need a dog door for your unusual sliding glass door, or a sideways sliding glass window.

Do you make pet doors for my very large dog? He's over 220 lbs.

Yes, we carry many different sizes and for every installation type. We carry pet doors from small doors to large doors to Extra Large and even Giant-Sized.

I don't want to cut a hole in my front or back wooden door. What do you recommend?

See our line of through-wall, window, or sliding door patio door options. Basically, any place you can open a hole to the outside, you can install a pet door. Call us to discuss your particular problem and options like screen doors, custom-sized flap doors, and high-quality telescoping tunnels.

How can I keep my neighbor's cat (or other animals like skunks, etc) from using the pet door?

Choose an electronic pet door or electronic dog door. These are available for all installation types and all, generally, work the same way: Your pet wears a collar 'key' that the door responds to. They simply unlock and the pet pushes through as he would any pet door. You may use one of these doors to keep one animal in while letting another out. However, be careful here. Some of the smaller sizes control in only one direction. That is, they'll let your cat out, for example, but not back in. This could be a serious problem for your cat. Be sure to select a door that controls both ways.

What if my pet is scared of using the pet door?

Some pets are naturally timid and may be scared to use a pet door at first. This is normal and patience will usually pay off. Allow your pet to become familiar with the pet door by leaving the flap open at first. You can also try using treats or toys to coax your pet through the pet door. Most pets will quickly learn to use their new door once they understand that it allows them to go in and out freely. Patience and positive reinforcement are key in helping your pet overcome any initial fear.

Do you have pet doors that can be installed in a wall?

Yes, there are pet doors that can be installed in a wall, offering another convenient access point for your pet. These pet doors can be just as durable and weatherproof as traditional door-mounted pet doors. The installation process may be more complex as it involves cutting a hole in the wall, potentially dealing with insulation, and ensuring a secure fit. It's often best to hire a professional for such installations, especially if you're not comfortable with DIY projects of this scope. Brands like PetSafe and Endura Flap offer excellent wall-mounted pet door options.

Can I install a pet door in a glass door?

Yes, you can install a pet door in a glass door, but it's typically more challenging and may require professional installation. The glass will need to be cut to accommodate the pet door, which requires special tools and expertise. Additionally, not all pet doors are suitable for installation in glass. However, there are specific models designed for this, known as "in-glass" pet doors. These doors are a great choice if you have a sliding glass door or French doors and you want your pet to have access to the outdoors.

Do you offer pet doors that are suitable for extreme weather conditions?

Yes, there are pet doors designed to handle extreme weather conditions. These doors usually have features like double or triple flaps for extra insulation, magnetic seals to ensure a tight seal when the door is not in use, and durable materials that can withstand harsh weather. The Endura Flap Thermo Panel 3e and the PetSafe Extreme Weather Pet Door are examples of pet doors designed to perform well even in severe weather.

What if I want my pet to only go outside or come inside at certain times?

You might want to consider an electronic pet door. These doors can be programmed to only open at certain times, giving you control over when your pet can go in and out. Some models even allow you to set different schedules for different pets. Electronic doors also have the added benefit of keeping unwanted animals out, as the door will only open for a pet wearing a specific collar key.

Can I get a pet door for my screen door?

Yes, there are pet doors specifically designed to be installed in screen doors. These types of pet doors are generally lighter and simpler in design than traditional pet doors, and are often easy to install. They provide a convenient way for your pet to go in and out without you having to constantly open and close the screen door.

How durable are pet doors? Will my dog be able to chew through it?

The durability of a pet door depends largely on the materials it's made from and the quality of its construction. Many pet doors are made from heavy-duty plastics or aluminum, which are resistant to chewing. Flaps are often made from flexible, sturdy materials like vinyl or rubber. High-quality pet doors are designed to withstand heavy use and are usually very durable. However, a particularly determined chewer might still be able to cause some damage, so it's a good idea to train your dog not to chew on the pet door.