Installing Your Dog or Cat Door Easily

In a perfect world, whenever your pet had to go to the bathroom, they would unlock the front door, open it, and then close the door behind them. Unfortunately, we’ve yet to meet a dog who can do that and, until we do, the best option for allowing your dog to enter and exit your house as they please is to install a pet door and teach them how to use it. Wondering how to install a pet door? Don't worry, pet door installation is easy if you follow a few key pointers about how to install a doggie door.

The simple fact is that as much as much as we have in common with our furry friends, they still have individual needs that must be met by us, the owners. Aside from food and bedding arrangements, making it easy for your pet go to the bathroom is the most important responsibility you have as an owner. Dog door installation gives your pet the freedom to come and go as they please. We recommend the Endura Flap™ pet door for the most insulating, energy efficient option.

The Endura Flap™ offers a range of features, which protects the climate and condition of your home. The door is magnetically sealed and offers a dual-pane design, which helps to insulate the appropriate temperatures in your home. It is safe and does not cause pinching, unlike most pet doors, which have a tendency to pinch pets’ skin and allow elements into the home. For more information on the Endura Flap™ pet door, check out our page here.

Having the correct size pet door is important. Once you decide on a model that’s right for you, use the information below to measure the ideal width and height for your cat or dog’s new pet door.

Measurement

Width

So, all this considered, what size dog door do I need? Learning how to measure dog height properly is essential for selecting the correct size. Varying dog sizes mean that pet doors are not "one size fits all," so considering the different door sizes available is important. You’ll want to take a measurement of your pet from ground to shoulders before choosing the size of door that would best fit them. This can be done using a yardstick or measuring tape. An easy way to do this would be to open your doorway just wide enough for your pet to come through (coax them inside by using food or some sort of treat). The minimum amount of space required for them to enter is all that you will need for the width your puppy or kitty door.

Height

To get an accurate measurement of the height for your door, have your pet stand still, and from the floor, measure about two inches above your pet’s shoulders. This will be more than sufficient, as your pet will naturally duck his or head down when entering through the door you’ve built for them. A “rule of thumb” to keep in mind for this project is to avoid exceeding 1/3 height of your pet’s shoulders off the floor.

Here’s a DIY guide on easily installing your doggy door once you’ve received it. It only takes a few simple steps, and in no time, your pet will be going in and out of the newly installed door!

Installation

Location

Some factors to consider when selecting a location for your pet’s new door with dog door are:

-Accessibility for your pet

-Ease of installation

-How this addition will affect the aesthetics of your home.

An ideal location for your pet door would include an area that is covered (for sake of weather), that is enclosed by a fence, and that is near your pet’s living area.

Process

If possible, you’ll want to mark four corners for your pet door in an area that is between two studs, in order to avoid cutting through to a pipe or wire (the Endura Flap™ comes complete with a diagram to assist you in marking the perfect spot for setup!). A feeler gauge will come in handy during this step so that you know just how far back the other side of your wall is, and how deeply you will have to cut. Using a jigsaw, cut the section out of the wall, following from each marked corner. Now, just slide the door into space, and you’re all done. To fasten the door in place, use caulk around its edges. Want to know how to install a cat door? It's exactly the same process! To install a cat door without cutting door, try the Thermo Sash 3e window mount, which installs tools-free in your sliding window track.  For a cat door for doors without any cutting, take a look at the Thermo Panel 3e (which doubles as a no-tools door with dog door).

Training

Initially, your pet will not recognize this peculiar contraption. Because of this, they might not use the door on their own. Stand on one side of the door with a treat, and have someone else gently nudge your pet through the door. After a few repetitions, your pet will understand the function of the door, and begin to use it with ease.

Life is much easier on you as an owner when you have a custom door installed for your pet’s convenience. With our easy, step-by-step guide, you are sure to have just as much ease during the installation process as well