Do You Need a Dog Door?
While a dog door may not be a necessity, for many dog owners it’s a very convenient feature to add to a home. For your dog, it means much more independence: freedom to go outside to take bathroom breaks, lounge in the sun or simply run and play. For you, it means you don’t have to regularly stop what you’re doing to let your dog out and back in. As an added benefit, easy access to the outdoors allows your dog to focus energy constructively on playing and exploring outside.
Depending on where you live, a fire-rated exterior door may be required and installing a dog door may violate this requirement. Check your local building code before you shop. Take a look at your insurance policy as well for any restrictions that might apply.
Types of Dog Doors
While the most common dog door is the standard one that installs in a door, there are other types. Each type has specific benefits.
Many types of dog doors can also work for cats as long as the door is the right size. Our pet door installation guide will tell you more.
Standard Dog Door
A standard dog door is designed to fit in an entry door. It consists of a frame and one or more flaps. While many people can handle installation themselves, the project does require cutting a portion of the entry door away to fit the dog door, so it takes some basic do-it-yourself (DIY) project knowledge and skills. Note that an entry door dog door is typically a permanent installation. If you move, you may need to replace the door.
Wall Dog Door
A wall dog door is similar to those designed for a standard entry door. Many models have a flap for the exterior and one for the interior and may have a third flap for improved insulation. Some have twin doors that swing outward instead of a flap. Installation requires cutting holes in the exterior and interior walls of the house. This project is much more complex than installing a standard dog door and is usually a job for a professional. However, you have more options when choosing a location for a wall dog door, so it’s a good solution for some homes.
Some dog doors work for both entry door and wall installations.
Sliding Door Dog Door
If you have a sliding patio door that opens into a backyard, a sliding door dog door is a great option. This type is among the easiest to install. While it includes one or two flaps as you’d find on other dog doors, there’s no need to cut into a wall or door since it installs in a sliding door track. A sliding door dog door is also easy to remove, so it’s a good choice for renters.
Pre-Installed Dog Doors
If you’re replacing an entry door or storm door and want extra convenience for you and your pet, consider a door with a pre-installed dog door.
Note that cutting into a door to install a dog door will void the warranty on the door.
If you’re considering installing any dog door in a rental home, check with the property owner or manager to see what modifications you’re allowed to make to the property.
Material Options for Dog Doors
Many models of dog doors have a similar design: a frame, one or more flaps, and a locking panel that slides or snaps in place to keep your dog in and other animals out. However, you’ll see some variation in materials, meaning you can find a door that works particularly well for your home and pet.
You can find entry door and wall dog doors with frames made from aluminum or plastic. Aluminum frames are rugged, long lasting and resist damage from chewing. Plastic models are lightweight and tend to be more economical.
Sliding door models are available with aluminum or vinyl frames. Choose the material that matches your sliding door. Sliding door dog doors include a glass panel as well.
The flap on a dog door will typically be made of flexible vinyl and will often be transparent to allow your dog to see what’s outside before exiting.
Features to Look For
When shopping for a dog door, look for features that’ll be convenient, safe, secure and energy efficient.
- Electronic dog doors or smart dog doors include a collar attachment to allow the door to open only for your pet, minimizing the chance of other dogs or animals entering your home.
- Insulated flaps and double or triple flaps help reduce heat exchange between your home and the outdoors.
- Doors with flaps made of interlocking sections allow a better seal against weather and outside air than standard flaps.
- Tinted dog flaps minimize heat and glare from the sun.
- A paintable frame lets you match your dog door to your entry door or home exterior.
- A sliding door dog door with Low-emissive (Low-E) glass provides better energy efficiency than a model with standard glass.
Sizing a Dog Door
For the safest, most secure dog door, make sure you choose one that’s the correct size for your dog. Many models include weight recommendations and sizing guidelines on the packaging or with the product information. Different doors may recommend different methods for measuring your dog, so always follow instructions for the door you plan to purchase. We’ve got some general dog door sizing tips below.
- Have your dog stand to take the measurements.
- Measure the distance across the dog’s shoulders or hips, whichever part of the body is widest. Add an inch to the measurement.
- Measure the distance from the dog’s shoulders to the lowest point of the body — usually this is the bottom of the stomach or chest. Add an inch to this measurement as well.
- If you’re purchasing a sliding door dog door, you’ll need to measure for the rise of the door, which is the section at the bottom that the dog will step over. Measure the distance between your dog’s shoulders and the floor. Add an inch to get the correct rise.
- Weigh your dog.
Match the measurements and weight to a door to find one that’s right for your dog.
If you have a puppy, choose a door based on the dog’s adult size. You can usually estimate this with some research or by talking with your vet.
Dog Door Safety
When considering a dog door, think about your dog’s safety and the safety and security of your home.
For your pet’s safety:
- It’s best for the door to exit into a fenced-in yard. If a fence isn’t an option, make sure the door doesn’t exit near a road.
- Consider placing outdoor décor or container plants around the exit to make it less obvious and to give your dog some cover. This will give your dog an opportunity to see if there are any other animals nearby before going into the open area of the patio or yard.
- Having an exit area that’s well lit at night allows the dog to immediately see if any predators or other dogs are nearby. Good lighting also improves overall home security by making the area around your dog door less attractive to intruders. Lighting is an especially good idea since dog doors are often located in the back of the house where an intruder may be less visible.
In addition to typical security measures, such as motion sensors, security lights, cameras and security systems, there are some other things you can do to improve security if you’re installing a dog door.
- Make sure you size your door properly so it isn’t larger than necessary.
- Keep the door locking panel in place when the dog is in for the night or when you and your pet are away.
- You may be able to install a secondary latch for the locking panel to prevent an intruder from attempting to access the interior lock on the door. If this is a particular concern for you, consider a wall-mounted door so there won’t be a nearby lock to tamper with.
- For sliding door models, consider investing in a removable security bar that installs in the door track and immobilizes the sliding panel.
- If you’re concerned about other animals entering your home through the door, consider an automatic dog door that operates only for your pet.
Getting Your Dog to Use a Dog Door
While some dogs may understand and appreciate a dog door quickly, getting a dog to use a new dog door will often take some time. Treats, toys and encouraging family members on each side of the door are good starting points for training your dog to use the door. Our pet door project will give you some ideas on getting your dog used to the freedom to come and go. Be patient and work with your dog so you can both enjoy the benefits of the new door.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Dog Doors
Take a look at these answers to common dog door questions.
Is It Better to Put a Dog Door in the Wall or Door?
Door models are very common, and installing a dog door in a door is a relatively simple project — particularly if you’re installing one in a sliding door. However, a door-mounted model does limit where you can locate the dog door. You’ll have many more location options with a dog door for a wall. In addition, wall dog doors with three flaps can provide more protection from the elements and more insulation, keeping your cool air inside in the summer and cold air out in the winter.
Where’s the Best Place to Put a Dog Door?
As mentioned above, you need a location that provides a safe exit, so giving your dog access to a fenced-in area is best. There’s less likelihood of other dogs or predators getting into the area, and a fenced-in yard helps keeps your pet away from the street.
How Do You Install a Dog Door?
Installing a door-mounted dog door requires you to cut away a portion of your door to fit the frame and then install the frame and flap. It’s a project you can take on with some common tools and basic DIY know-how. Our pet door how-to guide and video walk you through the process.
For a sliding door dog door, you’ll need to set the dog door in the sliding door track, secure it to the latch end of the doorway and attach a new latching point for the sliding door panel. The sliding panel closes against the dog door frame, so you’ll need to install a new latching point on the dog door frame.
As mentioned above, wall dog doors may not be a good DIY project. In addition to cutting through the wall and avoiding pipes, wires and cables, you’ll need to install a tunnel that runs through the wall, connecting both sides of the door. It’s a good idea to contact a professional to install this type of door.