Install a Pet Door

 Give your pet the freedom to come and go outdoors and be more active by installing a pet door. We’ll show you how to install a dog door or cat door yourself.

Tools


    Tape Measure

    Drill

    Jigsaw

    Sandpaper

    Utility Knife


Materials


    Pet Door Kit

    Painters Tape

    Caulk


Note


Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.

Table of Contents


    Measuring Your Pet

    Using a Template to Install a Dog Door

    How to Install a Pet Door

    How to Install a Cat Door or Cat Flap

    Teaching Your Pet


Measuring Your Pet

A sizing chart and diagram showing how to measure a pet for a new pet door.


Before purchasing a new dog door or cat door, consider the size. The width of the pet door should be 2 inches wider than the measurement between your pet’s shoulders (see pictured: B). The height of the pet door should be 2 inches taller than the measurement between the top of your pet’s shoulders and the bottom of its chest (see pictured: C).

Shop Pet Doors & Gates

Caution


Check your local building codes and insurance policy. Fire-rated exterior doors are required in some areas. Installing a pet door may be in violation.

Using a Template to Install a Dog Door


Most pet doors include a template for placement. Cut out the template as instructed. If your pet door doesn’t include a template, use the plastic slide as a template. Place the template in the desired location on the door, at least 3 inches above the bottom edge of the door. Tape the template in place. Then follow the instructions below.

Good to Know


Some exterior storm doors are sold with pet doors already installed, so you can save some time and energy, especially if your exterior doors are due for an update.

How to Install a Pet Door


Here are the steps for installing a pet door yourself.

Instructions

A person using a hammer and screwdriver to tap the hinge pins out of a door.


Tap the hinge pins out of your door with a hammer and screwdriver. Once the pins are out, remove the door and lay it across two saw horses with the interior side facing up.

How to Install a Cat Door or Cat Flap

A white sash window cat door with side panels extended and the flap partially open.


Installing a standard cat door in an exterior door is similar to the steps above. One type of pet door that can work particularly well for cats is a sash window cat door or cat flap. This type of cat door has a flap like a standard pet door and works in most windows with a lower sash that opens vertically. Installing a sash window pet door is a simple project, and it’s not a permanent installation, so it’s easy to take out if you move, allowing the window to function normally again. We’ve provided general steps for installing a cat door in a window, but always follow the instructions for your model.

Shop Cat Doors

Tip


Be sure to measure your window’s width and make note of how high the lower sash opens to ensure the model you choose will fit.

Instructions


Raise the bottom window sash and place the cat door in the window opening. The door assembly will have a set of knobs that allow you to release and secure expansion panels to fit a range of window widths. In some windows, the bottom set of knobs may catch on the windowsill or stool and prevent installation. You can remove the lower set of knobs to fit the door properly.


Remove the screws that secure the expansion panels to the internal spring-loaded rods and then remove the panel from the rods. Push and hold the lower rod just inside the door assembly. This will allow you to unscrew and remove the lower knob. Release the rod and reinstall the expansion panel. If you have two expansion panels, repeat the process for the other side. You should now be able to set the door in the bottom of the window frame. Keep the knobs handy, as you may need them if you reinstall the door in a different window.

Removing the Cat Door


If you ever need to remove the cat door, it’s as simple as the installation. First, uninstall any locking device for the top sash so it can move freely. Remove the seal from the top of the sash. Raise the sash and lock the extension panels on the cat door back in their original position. You should be able to lift the door out of the window. If necessary, reinstall the bottom adjustment knobs.

Teaching Your Pet

A man holding a treat in front of a newly installed pet door, training a small dog to use it.


With a little training, your pet can learn to use the new door. Some people like to leave the flap off for a day or two — this allows your pet to move through easily. It also helps to call your pet through the hole from outside. When your pet goes through the door, offer lavish praise.


Another option is to offer treats or food each time your pet goes through the door. Pet experts recommend that you repeat this reward three times in a row to firmly lock the behavior in place. If you have a younger animal, it may take longer to teach the new practice. Be patient — some animals take longer than others. Once your pet does learn, it'll love the newfound freedom.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Install a Dog Door

1 Choose a Door A dog next to a front door with no dog door Before you install a pet door in your home, you’ll need to choose the right model. Consider the size of your home and your pet when making your selection. Here are a few tips:     Measure your pet. The dog or cat door you choose needs to be large enough to accommodate the height and width of your dog. If you choose a door that's too small, they may not feel comfortable going through it. You can easily find a small, medium or large dog door to accommodate your pet. Extra-large dog doors are also available to accommodate larger breeds.     Check the size of the opening. The opening of the door matters more than the total size of the door with the mounting hardware. Your pet door should be at least 2 inches higher and wider than your dog’s measurements.     Find a space. Measure to make sure the dog door fits the exterior door and provides appropriate access to your outdoor space. Aim to leave a few ...
Read more

Simple 5-Step Guide To Installing A Pet Door In A Security Screen Door

Keeping intruders out at any cost is our aim, but when it comes to our pets we prefer them to be able to come and go as they please – meaning they can enjoy the garden, patio and backyard, and we don’t have to get the door for them every time they decide to venture outdoors.  That’s why installing a pet door on your security screen door is a must for any household with a cat or dog. Installing it on a security screen door is also the safest way of giving your pet access to the home while keeping intruders out.  If you don’t want your pet using it and you don’t want anyone else to think they might, you can simply lock the main door and rest easy knowing your home is safe and secure. By following our simple 5-step guide you will soon have a secure, and pet-friendly home, whether you have an aluminium grille or stainless steel mesh door.   Before you start For the purpose of this guide, we are going to assume you have already purchased the pet door, but if you haven’t, reme...
Read more