There comes a day in every pet owner’s life where enough is enough. As much as you love taking your furry friend out for walks, wouldn’t it be nice if they could just do it themselves? Especially now, when the world of work is unfolding at your kitchen table, but your best boy or girl thinks you have quit your job to stay home with them forever and won’t leave you alone.
The solution is a pet door, but one can be easily overwhelmed by all the information and resources when considering which to purchase. The good news is there has never been a better time to purchase a pet door. As pet ownership has soared around the world, so have the different types of pet doors. But never fear, we have put together this definitive guide for you. Read on to learn which pet door will be the perfect match for you and your fur baby.
What are pet doors?
Simply put, a pet door is just an opening in your door that allows your pet to leave the house without your assistance. They can be covered by a plastic flap or a spring-loaded wooden or metal panel, and they can be fitted to open and close with an electronic or magnetic signal.
Why do you need one?
A pet door will make your life easier. It decreases the amount of time you must spend letting your pet in and out of the house. It will allow your pet to enter or exit the house without scratching or making noise. This can save your door, floors, and your sleeping baby a lot of heartache.
How do you install a pet door?
Typically, installing a new pet door is something you do yourself at home. However, most of the time you do have to take your door off the hinges and cut a hole in it. It sounds more intimidating than it is.
But if you are unable to do it or lack the tools, consider hiring a contractor. For this small job, it likely wouldn’t be that expensive. Especially since you’re purchasing most of the materials. We will outline a few options that don’t require any difficult set up.
Types of Opening Mechanisms for Pet Doors
Flexible Flap Pet Doors
This pet door is exactly what it sounds like. The opening in your door is covered by a flexible, yet durable flap. This is by far the most popular type of pet door. The light weight of the flap means the materials are cheaper to produce, and it is suitable for cats and dogs alike.
Pros
The classic option—everyone knows this type of pet door. This type of pet door can provide insulation from the weather, and it’s easy on your cat or dog’s back. Your cat or dog won’t find this pet door too intimidating to use and most pet owners have an easy time training with this door.
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Cons
Some may worry about security with this door. It is recommended that this door lead into a locked patio or garage to prevent any intruders from utilizing it as an entry into the house. You also may have to worry about keeping things in your house. Small children can easily exit through this type of dog door.
Features
Benefits
The benefits of this product are its ease of use for the pet, lower price, and the availability of options. This pet door will be easy on your pet’s back and easy for them to understand. It’s the most affordable option, and you can choose from many different companies and brands.
Who is this best for?
The flexible flap style is best for a pet owner who wants a no-frills solution. If you are looking for an affordable option that your pet will pick up on quickly, this is the pet door for you.
What Should You Know Before You Buy?
Before you buy this pet door, consider your pet’s chewing habits. Some pets may find a softer flap appealing to chew on. If your pet is an avid chewer, you may want to consider an option further down the list.
What Should You Watch Out For?
Be sure to read the reviews on the brand you purchase. Flexible flap pet doors have a lot of contact with your pet’s body. Watch out for any reviews that say the material caused physical or chemical irritation.
Crucial Tips
Evaluate your climate before choosing this pet door. It will help you determine how many flaps you need. If you live in a milder climate, one flap will do the job. However, if you live in a harsher climate, you might require more insulation and need two flaps.
Summary
The flexible flap pet door is the most well-known of all the options. The pros are ease of use and affordability. The cons are security issues. You can choose between different features to increase the benefits to you and your pet.
Conclusion
Before buying ask yourself these questions to determine if this is the product for you:
What is my climate? Where do I want to put my pet door? How will my pet respond to a pet door?
Rigid Flap Pet Doors
Like the flexible flap pet door, the rigid flap pet door sports many of the same features and benefits with one key difference. The flap is made of a rigid material. This is a heavy-duty option for pets that like to chew.
Pros
The biggest pro here is durability. This is a factor if you run a kennel or you own a destructive little tornado. This style of pet door also retains the easy adoption plus of a flexible flap pet door mentioned above.
Cons
The same issues with security that the flexible flap pet door has apply here as well. Small children getting out and intruders getting in are a concern. Additionally, the rigidity of the flap may cause irritation to your pet’s back, causing them to avoid using the pet door. This door may also be difficult for smaller animals to use.
Features
Rigid flap pet doors have the same features as above—drop-down covers and one or two flaps are available. The materials can vary widely. Some rigid flaps are chew-proof.
Benefits
Who is this best for?
The rigid flap style is best for a pet owner who wants a durable solution. If you are looking for an affordable option that will last, this is the pet door for you.
What Should You Know Before You Buy?
As mentioned above, consider your pet’s chewing habits. If your pet can be occupied with other chew toys, this pet door probably isn’t necessary.
What Should You Watch Out For?
The durability of this product can also be its downfall. Watch out for any reviews that say the material caused physical or chemical irritation to an animal’s back or face.
Crucial Tips
In addition to evaluating your climate before choosing this pet door, think about your pet’s physical capabilities. A big German Shepherd may be able to utilize this product, but a Chihuahua or a cat may not. Make sure this door is usable before you buy.
Summary
The rigid flap pet door is the most durable of all the options. The pros are ease of use and product lifetime. The cons are security issues and irritation to the back. You can choose between different materials to increase the benefits to you and your pet.
Conclusion
Before buying ask yourself these questions to determine if this is the product for you:
What are my pet’s physical capabilities? What are my pet’s chewing habits? What is my climate?
Electronic Pet Doors
An electronic pet door is the most technologically advanced option. It’s newer to the market and different models vary in their elaborateness and insulation from weather. With all options, your pet must be wearing a special collar to activate the door. The door is triggered by a magnet, sonic signal, or RFID signal.
Pros
A major pro for electronic pet doors is security. Only your pet can use the door because it must be activated by the collar. This will keep intruders and pests out and small children inside. The insulation with an automatic pet door is typically better as well.
Cons
An unfortunate aspect of a more technological option is maintenance. If a part of the door malfunctions, you may have to call a repairperson or buy a new one. If the collar malfunctions, the same problem occurs. It can get expensive buying new parts or collars. The unautomated options above are guaranteed to almost never fail. Another con is price. With a more technical solution, comes a higher price tag.
Features
Benefits
Each feature comes with different benefits. The most secure electronic pet doors will keep your home safe while you are on a trip or at night, giving you peace of mind. A simple magnet mechanism is the most consistent, saving you money on repair costs. Sonic or RFID signals ensure only your pet will come through the pet door and not a neighbor’s pet with a similar collar.
Who is this best for?
The electronic pet door is best for the pet owner who is concerned with security. If you have a small child you want to keep in or you live in an area with higher crime rates, this could be the pet door for you.
What Should You Know Before You Buy?
What Should You Watch Out For?
If your pet is prone to getting wet, this could be detrimental to this product. Consider your pet’s proximity to water before purchasing. One dunk in a puddle or pond and the collar opening the door might be unusable.
Crucial Tips
Not all electronic pet doors are created equally where security is concerned. Just because it’s electronic doesn’t mean the pet door isn’t susceptible to a strong kick from an intruder. If you are serious about keeping people out, be sure to research the different models available.
Summary
The electronic pet door is a convenient option for pet owners with a larger budget and more security needs. It’s a safer option for your pets and family.
Conclusion
Before buying, ask yourself these questions to determine if this is the product for you:
What are my security needs? Does my pet get wet often? What is my climate?
Types of Mountings for Pet Doors
Patio Panel Pet Doors
What is a pet owner to do if they do not own their home but want a pet door? A patio panel pet door may be an option, assuming you have a patio door. Typically, this type of pet door comes as an insert you can add to the track of your existing patio door.
Pros
The biggest source of anxiety when installing a pet door is cutting a hole in your door or wall. With this option, you eliminate the need to do any serious construction.
Cons
With ease of use comes an increase in price. This option can be expensive.
Features
The choices for patio panel pet doors are vast; therefore, so are the features. You can purchase a patio panel pet door with any type of pet door that you would like—flexible flap, rigid flap, or electronic flap. The options for materials and design are also endless.
Benefits
Who is this best for?
The patio panel pet door is best for the pet owner who feels uncomfortable with the remodeling that comes with normal installation or does not own their own home.
What Should You Know Before You Buy?
Research your existing patio door before you purchase anything. Your manufacturer may have a solution built for your door that will install with maximum ease.
What Should You Watch Out For?
While this option requires a minimal amount of installation, some is still required. Pay attention to what is provided and what is not in the kit you are sent. You may still need a few other supplies that are not included.
Crucial Tips
Measuring the height of your patio door is important to getting the right fit for your insert. Be sure to carefully measure everything required before ordering.
Summary
The patio pet door panel is a convenient option for renters, pet owners seeking easy installation, and pet owners with a larger budget. A quick search will reveal many options online. But be sure to check with your patio door manufacturer first, as there may be a pet door insert built for you.
Conclusion
Before buying, ask yourself these questions to determine if this is the product for you:
What type of pet door do I want? Do I have all the tools needed for installation? What is my climate?
Screen Pet Doors
Maybe, you want something like the patio panel door but more affordable. A quick fix for this is a screen pet door. You can easily buy a kit online to place a frame for the door on your screen and cut open the area for your pet to enter and exit through. There are a variety of options for the actual opening mechanism—flap or electronic.
Pros
A screen pet door alleviates the installation nerves. It provides security since the glass pane behind it will block an intruder. The price point for these pet doors is low.
Cons
This pet door is only usable when the screen door is not obstructed. Your glass patio door, wooden door, or window must be open for your pet to utilize this product.
Features
Benefits
The installation ease will save you stress and money. The flexibility of options makes it easy to find what you’re looking for while not breaking the bank.
Who is this best for?
This is best for someone who lives in a climate that will allow them to leave their door or window open for long periods of time.
What Should You Know Before You Buy?
Look into what type of screen you have in your door. Different materials stand up better to wear and tear. Your manufacturer may advise you against this pet door option if they know the door will not hold up well.
What Should You Watch Out For?
Crucial Tips
Try to put your pet screen door against a solid edge, preferably on the bottom end. This will give it more support when your pet is running through it.
Summary
The screen pet door is a low-cost solution for a pet owner who lives in a warm, mild climate. It offers flexibility of choice and ease of installation.
Conclusion
Before buying, ask yourself these questions to determine if this is the product for you:
Is my screen the right material for this? What type of pet door do I want? What is my climate?
Wall Mounted Pet Doors
When choosing which pet door is right for you, consider that you are not limited to mounting your pet door in a door. A pet door can easily be mounted into a wall.
Pros
Offering flexibility of location, a wall mounted pet door gives the pet owner more discretion over where their pet enters and exits the house.
Cons
A wall is a lot thicker than a door. The installation of a dog door in a wall is not technically difficult, but it is significant to the structure of your house.
Features
Benefits
Flexibility is the key benefit of a wall mounted pet door. You can position it wherever you want, free from the confines of door placement.
Who is this best for?
This is best for someone who has a smaller pet. Typically, a wall mounted pet door is more like a tunnel than a door. It would be difficult to find one big enough for a very large dog.
What Should You Know Before You Buy?
Wall thickness will play a role in your decision to purchase this or not. Most of the wall mounted pet doors on the market will only go up to an 8-inch thickness. Be sure to measure the thickness of your walls before purchasing.
What Should You Watch Out For?
Crucial Tips
Installation could be very difficult. Make sure you have the needed tools and the skill set. A wall is considerably thicker and more important to the structural integrity of your house than a door. Before you cut anything open, consult someone with professional experience to make sure you don’t disturb anything important like wiring in your walls.
Summary
The wall mounted pet door is the best option for a pet owner who has a very specific location in mind for a pet door. It offers the ultimate flexibility with any opening mechanism and any location.
Conclusion
Before buying, ask yourself these questions to determine if this is the product for you:
Is my wall thickness appropriate for this pet door? Is my chosen location safe for my home? Do I need to call a professional for installation?
Window Mounted Pet Doors
If you have a window in your house that’s low to the ground or a cat that can jump easily, a window mounted pet door could be a good solution for you.
Pros
Window mounted pet doors are usually inserts. The installation is relatively easy. This is a great option for a cat that likes to go outside often.
Cons
A window that’s low enough to the ground for a dog to get through may be difficult to find. This type of mounting may be better suited to cats.
Features
There are inserts available for sash windows, opening top to bottom, and sliding, opening side to side. Any type of opening mechanism can be accommodated.
Benefits
Who is this best for?
If you have a low to the ground window or a cat, this type of mounting is best for you.
What Should You Know Before You Buy?
If you’re purchasing this for a cat, think about the containment system you have in place outside. Cats are elusive creatures. Don’t install this before having the proper fencing put in or you risk your cat wandering away.
What Should You Watch Out For?
Don’t choose a window that’s too high up. Cats are great jumpers, but you don’t want to overestimate their ability and end up with an injured cat.
Crucial Tips
Everything you need to install this pet door is included in the installation kit. No need to buy other tools or call anyone in.
Summary
The window mounted pet door is a cat owner’s dream. Let your cat out and about to investigate without having to make multiple trips to the door.
Conclusion
Before buying, ask yourself these questions to determine if this is the product for you:
Is my window a safe height? Is my cat healthy enough to use this pet door on a regular basis? What type of opening mechanism do I want?
Storm Pet Doors
The options are almost endless for pet doors. If you have a storm door in front of your main, wooden door, you can install a pet door there too! You can even buy a storm door with a pet door already inserted and add it to your home.
Pros
More security is a pro here. You may be more comfortable leaving your main door open with a storm door in place than just a screen door. This also is more insulating from harsh weather. Any opening mechanism can be chosen.
Cons
Depending on the material of your storm door, installation could be difficult. If your storm door is glass and you want an insert, you may need to call a professional.
Features
Avoiding cutting a hole in your door is simple with this option. Purchasing a new storm door with a pet door already installed isn’t terribly expensive. You have the flexibility to choose any type of opening mechanism.
Benefits
Stress less with easy installation, more security, and better insulation.
Who is this best for?
This is best for someone who doesn’t want to alter their main, wooden door but wants a pet door in that same location with more security than a screen door.
What Should You Know Before You Buy?
What Should You Watch Out For?
This pet door isn’t accessible by your pet unless your main door is open. Make sure you are comfortable with your climate before purchasing.
Crucial Tips
If you are installing a pet door insert in a metal insert, be sure that you have the right saw blades. Certain blades are not suitable to cut through metal.
Summary
A storm pet door is a great compromise for the pet owner who doesn’t want a permanent hole in their main door and their home open to the elements with only a screen door for protection. Buying a new storm door with the pet door already inserted might be a great way to update the outside of your home and do your furry friend a favor.
Conclusion
Before buying, ask yourself these questions to determine if this is the product for you:
What material is my storm door? Do I want a new door or an insert? What is my climate?
Other Options
Internal Pet Doors
Opening to the outside is not the only option. Pet owners can also install pet doors inside their home so that pets can move between rooms without open doors. Sometimes this is for practical reasons. Other times this is more for the entertainment of the pet.
Pros
Internal pet doors don’t have any of the security risks or weather considerations. Your pet can get around the house easily. This might be especially beneficial for service dogs who need to get to their companion quickly.
Cons
You are giving up your ability to get away from your pet. They will always be able to get into the room the pet door leads to.
Features
Benefits
An internal pet door has the same benefits as a wall mounted pet door. Flexibility is a key benefit.
Who is this best for?
This is best for a very committed pet owner who wants their pet to have access to the whole house easily.
What Should You Know Before You Buy?
This isn’t the most common type of pet door. You may have to do extra research.
What Should You Watch Out For?
If you do an internal pet door with a wall mounting, be sure your pet will fit through it. Larger dogs typically can’t fit through a wall mounting. They are geared towards smaller dogs.
Crucial Tips
This could be an option for a cat owner. By installing a pet door, your cat has access to their litter box even when the door is shut. This is perfect for when you have guests over.
Summary
An internal pet door is an option for people with unique circumstances. It isn’t for everyone, but the opening mechanisms and mountings are all the same.
Conclusion
Before buying, ask yourself these questions to determine if this is the product for you:
Would my pet benefit from this? What type of opening mechanism do I want?
Designer Pet Doors
With all of the above options, customization is possible. A quick search will show you many elegantly designed, pet doors on the inside and outside of homes. Unless you are a hardcore do-it-yourselfer, you probably want to contact a professional to design and install this extra decoration for you.
