As the owner of a dog or cat, it can be very beneficial to allow your pet the freedom to go inside and outside as they please. And there are many other benefits. For people looking at getting a pet door installed into a security door, this article will cover the benefits and downside of doing this, as well as other factors including what to look at when choosing a pet door and installation of the pet door.
The Benefits of Installing a Pet Door in Your Security Door
One of the biggest benefits of installing a pet door in your security door is the convenience that this offers. It means that you no longer have to play doorperson to your cat and dog, and they can come and go as they please. This is particularly helpful for people that aren’t home all the time, or who don’t have the time or patience to be opening and closing doors for their animals all day.
One of the other benefits that is popular with pet owners is that no longer need to clean up any messes that their cat or dog make inside. Other benefits include the fact that your pet will be able to access outside and get a lot more exercise, which is great for their overall health and stress levels.
If you are currently leaving your doors open to let your pet outside, having a pet door installed into your security door will increase the security in your home as strangers will no longer have complete access to your home.
The Downside of Installing a Pet Door in Your Security Door (and the Solution)
The downside of having a pet door installed only into your security door is that it allows cold weather to come in during winter and hot air to come in during summer. However, there is a fix for this: instead of having a pet door installed I your security door you could have a pet door installed in your timber door instead. It offers the same advantages as having the pet door installed in your security door, but means that you can block out the weather when it is too hot or cold. Another option is that you could aligned pet doors installed. Aligned pet doors are pet doors with the same sized flaps for both your timber and security doors. They are installed in an aligned position to allow your dog or cat to go through both pet doors and get outside or back inside.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pet Door
When choosing a pet door, there are several things to consider so that your end up with the right pet door. Some of these factors include:
Size: The size of the pet door should be appropriate for your pet’s size. The way to mwork 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.
Petway pet doors are made from sturdy UV resistant thermoplasticMaterial: 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.
Installation Process for Pet Doors
The installation process for pet doors can vary depending on the type of pet door you choose. Generally the installation requires you to cut a hole into your security door and then attach the pet door securely. Installation into a security door will generally require power tolls including an angle grinder. If you are handy with this, you could do it yourself. If you are in doubt it can be a good option to contact a pet door installer. If you’re installing the pet door yourself, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure that the installation is done correctly.
Safety Concerns with Pet Doors
While pet doors offer many benefits, they can also pose safety risks if not installed or used correctly. In terms of intruders, pet doors with a flap up to about 40 centimetres high and 25 centimetres wide would not be a general security risk. However, extra large or super large pet doors for dogs such as a German Shepherd would have such a large opening that humans would be able to climb through. In this case it may be important to assess whether the large breed of dog you have will be enough of a deterrent to keep people out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Doors
Q: Can pet doors be installed in any type of security door?
A: Pet doors can be installed in most types of security doors, including grill type security doors and CrimSafe type pet doors. One exception would be for very old pet doors from the 1970’s that only have very thin, pliable fly wire. It is not feasible to install a pet door into these as the wire is too soft for the pet door to attach to.
Q: Can pet doors be installed in rental properties?
A: This depends on your rental agreement. It is important to check with your landlord before proceeding with a pet door installation.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Pet doors offer many benefits for pet owners, and when deciding whether to install a pet door it is important to take into account both the benefits and safety concerns previously outlined. It is then important to find the right size and make of the pet door you would like to have installed and assess whether you can install it yourself or it would be easier to contact a pet door installer. For renters it is also important to check with their landlord before proceeding with a pet door installation.
Afterthoughts: Are You Yet to have A Pet Door Installed?
For those people that actually haven’t had a pet door installed yet, installing a pet door is something that can be done by homeowners if they have the appropriate tools and experience. However, if you aren’t able to do it yourself or don’t have the time, a professional pet door installer can do the job. For those people 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.
