Pet doors can make life a lot more convenient for both pets and their parents. Pet doors come in many different varieties, so there’s a pet door for just about any type of home. They’re durable, and they provide a secure method for your pet to go in and out of the house whenever they like.
Continue reading for the benefits of having a pet door, as well as some information to help you choose the right door for you home, should you decide to get one.
Reasons To Consider Installing A Pet Door
Having a pet is a huge responsibility. Even if you have a big backyard with a secure dog fence, you’ll still have to get up and let your dog out several times a day. Pet doors provide convenience, allowing your pup to go out whenever they want.
Pet doors help keep your dog or cat occupied. Since they’re not cooped up all day, they won’t get bored. As a result, they might not be as likely to engage in destructive behavior, like tearing up your furniture or your shoes, or getting into the garbage can.1
Considerations To Keep In Mind
As effective and convenient as pet doors may be, they can sometimes present risks. Here are a few.
- Unwanted “guests” – Some types of pet doors will not only let in your pets, but other pets – and different types of critters – as well. A stray squirrel or raccoon might sneak in. Depending on how large your dog door is, it may also present temptation to intruders.
- Risk To Children – Young children can sometimes escape through a pet door or even suffer an injury. If you have little ones in your home, you might want to consider waiting until they’re older.
- Hesitant Pets – Don’t assume that your pet will immediately understand how to use the door. You might need to put in some time and have plenty of training treats ready.2
Making The Right Choice
Do you need a pet door that will work with French doors? Is a plastic dog door or patio door the right fit, or would stainless steel be better? What size of door do you need? Does it need to have an adjustable height feature? These are just a few of the questions you’ll need to ask yourself when considering pet doors.
The most important thing to keep in mind will be the size of your pet. Pet doors will typically come in small (for pets 15 pounds and smaller), medium (up to 40 pounds), large (up to 100 pounds), and extra large (200 pounds and larger). The door should be a few inches larger than your pet. This will help guarantee easy access.3
If you want an energy efficient door, one that will also keep out the elements, consider a door with magnetic seals that are weather-resistant. If you rent, consider a sliding door. You won’t have to cut a hole in the wall – which you probably wouldn’t be allowed to anyway under the terms of your lease. Many sliding door models can fit in a window.
Is An Electronic Dog Door Right For You?
There are models of pet doors that react to the movements of a dog or cat. Many of them come with a special collar that the pet wears. The collar contains sensors that open the door as well as close it. That way, no strays or other animals can get in. These doors offer an extra level of security and they’re often weatherproof, but they can also be expensive.4
Different Places You Can Install Pet Doors
There are three main places where pet parents will usually install pet doors. They install them in exterior doors, in a wall, or in a glass patio door. The following information will give you a good idea as to what might be the best option for your home.
- Install in an existing door – This is the most common choice. However, some people install additional pet doors to give their pets access to other areas of the home. You might, for example, want to consider having one installed in your bedroom door if you prefer to leave that door closed when you’re sleeping.
- Install a wall entry pet door – A wall entry pet door can be installed anywhere in the home. Keep in mind that this type of door could affect your home’s foundation. You may also need to take out some insulation in order for the door to fit properly.
- Install in a glass patio door – Some pet doors can fit into the track of existing sliding glass patio doors. If you go this route, you won’t need to worry about any sort of cutting.5
Learn More:
Dog Freaking Out Every Time You Leave? Learn All About Separation Anxiety In Dogs
A List Of Pet Safe Houseplants (And Toxic Ones To Avoid)
Do You Have A Lost Pet? Here’s What You Should Do
Sources
1 https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/bored-dogs-how-to-recognize-doggy-boredom-and-help/
2 https://www.rover.com/blog/dog-doors/
3 https://www.cuteness.com/13723503/are-pet-doors-safe
4 https://pawcastle.com/6-types-of-dog-doors-which-suits-your-home-best/
5 https://www.4feldco.com/articles/all-about-pet-doors/
