How do pet doors work and which one is right for me?

Introduction

As a pet owner, you may have decided that is the right time to get a pet door but not know much about the different types and how they work. This article will give you a great breakdown on the most popular types of pet door there are, how pet doors work and which one is right for you.

Benefits of Installing a Pet Door

There are many benefits in getting a pet door. The one reason that people initially think of getting a pet door is so that they do not have to keep letting their dog or cat inside and outside.  From a human perspective, this is probably the biggest benefit of getting a pet door.  The second biggest reason is usually that it means no longer having to clean up after your pet after they make a mess inside.

From an animal’s perspective, they love having pet doors as they can come and go as they please.  It allows them to get outside and get lots of exercise, which improves their overall health and mental well being. Another benefit of pet doors is that they can help with behavioural issues. Pets that are locked up inside all day may become anxious, bored, or destructive. Allowing them regular access to the outdoors can help reduce this quite dramatically.

How do Pet Doors Work?

Pet doors work very simply.  Pet doors are created with a surrounding casing with a hole in the middle. The hole has a soft or hard flap in place, and the pet just needs to push through the flap to get outside (or back inside). 

The Different Types of Pet Doors

There are many types of different pet doors. We will look at the most popular types of pet doors and where they can be installed:

Cat Door

These pet doors are smaller and as such are designed specifically for cats. The flaps on these are generally around 20 centimetres by 20 centimetres and are usually a hard, clear plastic flap.  Depending on the brand, can be fitted into timber doors, glass and walls.  The locking mechanism on this is generally a switch on the cat door, and when you turn it a snib locks the flap in place.

Pet Doors for Timber Doors

These pet doors are designed for installation into timber doors and come in a range of sizes.  Most companies make small, medium and large sizes, with some companies making extra large sizes.  The small size is usually appropriate for cats and smaller breeds of dogs such as a Maltese Terrier or Shitzu.  The medium size is usually best for medium sized dogs such as a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Miniature Poodle.  The large size is usually best for dogs up to about 55 centimetres such as a Golden Retriever of Labrador.  For companies that make an extra large or super large pet door, these would be designed for dogs over 55 centimetres in height such as a German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute.  Depending on the brand, the flap may be made of either soft plastic or hard plastic.  The locking mechanism on these pet doors is a lock out slide that slides into a slot designed into the pet door.

Pet Doors for Security Doors

These pet doors are designed for installation into security doors and come in a range of sizes.  Most companies make small, medium and large sizes, with some companies making extra large sizes.  The sizing is the same as the pet doors for timber doors. The small size is usually appropriate for cats and smaller breeds of dogs such as a Maltese Terrier or Shitzu.  The medium size is usually best for medium sized dogs such as a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Miniature Poodle.  The large size is usually best for dogs up to about 55 centimetres such as a Golden Retriever of Labrador.  For companies that make an extra large or super large pet door, these would be designed for dogs over 55 centimetres in height such as a German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute.  Depending on the brand, the flap may be made of either soft plastic or hard plastic.  The locking mechanism on pet doors into a security door can either be a lock out slide that slides into a slot designed into the pet door, or for pet doors with hard flaps – they may have push up snibs to ensure the flap can’t move. 

Microchip Pet Doors

Microchip pet doors are pet doors that read either the animal’s microchip or a special collar they are wearing, and the flap then unlocks to let the animal inside from there. These doors are operated electronically using batteries. Depending on the size of the microchip pet door, the locking mechanism is via snibs or moving hinges. The flaps on these doors are always hard flaps so that the door can be securely locked. There are two main sizes. There are mainly  small sizes that are designed for cats and very small dogs, however PetSafe manufactures their Electronic SmartDoor which is suitable for dogs up to around 50 cm in height.  Because of the electronics in a microchip pet door, they are a more expensive option than a standard pet door.  They may be more appropriate if you have stray animals trying to get into your home; otherwise a standard pet door may suffice.

So which Pet Door is Right for Me?

When choosing a pet door, there are several things to consider so that your end up with the right pet door. The main factors are:

• Size: The size of the pet door should be appropriate for your pet’s size.  The way to work this out is to measure your pet’s height from the floor to their shoulders. Then add 5 centimetres. Divide that total by two thirds, and that is the minimum height your flap should be.  In terms of width, measure your pet at their widest point and add 5 centimetres. This is the width that the flap should be.  F you pet is not fully grown you will need to Google what their estimated measurements will be once they are fully grown.   
• Material:   The material of the pet door should be sturdy enough to last for a long time. Plastic is fine as long as it is solid and well made.  For people in hotter climates, a UV resistant plastic is very beneficial. Also look at the flap and make sure it is not too thin – these tend to break very easily.  Cat or dog doors made from metal are also a great option as they tend to be very long lasting.
• Security: The pet door should have security features such as locks or sensors to prevent unauthorized access.
• Location:  Deciding whether you want your pet door is very important. You may have glass sliding doors in your loungeroom, and want it placed in there.  This will mean that you can be more aware of your pet’s movements.  One of the most popular locations is in the laundry at the back of the house. This is usually an installation into the timber door and allows your pet access to the back garden.  This option is very popular with dog owners as the advantage of this location is that your dog can sleep in the laundry at night and go outside to the toilet whenever they need to.

DIY vs. Professional Pet Door Installation

For people looking at an installation into timber or security doors, if you have plenty of time and love doing handy work, you may want to install the pet door yourself.  You would also need to have the appropriate power tools. For people that do not have the tme or skills, it is recommended that you hire a professional pet door installer.  They can also advise you on the best type of pet door for your home and ensure that the installation is secure and weather-resistant.  For installations into glass, a glazier or professional pet door installer would be needed.

Conclusion

Pet doors offer many benefits, but choosing the right one is very important as it will usually be in your home for a very long time.  Measure your pet, choose the right location, and consider weather conditions and security concerns before making a purchase.   If you are not confident with installing a pet door yourself, a professional pet door installer is highly recommended.

Afterthoughts: Are You Looking to have a Pet Door Installed?

If you are looking for a professional pet door installer do install your pet door and live in the Melbourne or Mornington Peninsula area of Victoria, please feel free to contact us here at Affordable Pet Doors Melbourne if you’d like a quote or more information.