How to Choose the Best Dog Door
Sep 28 , 2022
With our busy lives today, juggling work, family, and pets can stretch anyone's time and patience. That's one of the biggest reasons dog owners install a pet door. It gives canine family members access to the outdoors to relieve themselves, and you no longer need to let the dog in and out during the day.
According to the American Pet Products Association, 70% of U.S. households own a pet, and it's no wonder. A pet's unconditional love and company provide a lot of joy and comfort. Medically, having a pet can also reduce cortisol and lower blood pressure, and scientists are studying how a pet might help children with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Dogs come in as the most popular pet in the U.S., with 69 million households claiming a canine family member. Cats come in second at 45.3 million households (sorry, Tabby). Pet ownership is a multigenerational phenomenon. The Millennial generation owns the highest percentage of pets at 32%, and Baby Boomers come in second at 27%.
Why Install a Pet Door?
Why go to the expense and effort of putting in a dog door? Think like a dog. Would you want to be in the house all day, unable to relieve yourself? Wouldn't you like to get out and stretch your legs from time to time? Your dog will be much more comfortable with access to the outdoors to do his business and move around.
Thinking like a pet owner, you have better things to do with your time than to let your dog in and out multiple times a day, assuming you're home to do that. It is very unpleasant to walk in the door from a stressful day at work, smell that familiar smell and see the hang-dog look on your pal's face that clearly says, "I'm sorry, but I just couldn't hold it any longer."
Pet Door FAQs
How do I choose the right dog door?
There are several factors to consider when installing a pet door. The ideal pet doggie door will depend on your situation. Pet Product Connection offers a large variety of dog doors. The one you choose will be unique to your home situation and your pet. Here are a few things to factor in:
- Pet size, age, ability, and activity level
- Location – wall, door, or garage door
- Climate – is a weather barrier important?
- Think ahead about door size. If you add a dog to your household, how big will it be?
- Figure a lower threshold height for disabled or older dogs
- Consider your budget for the door and installation
- Factor security into your decisions about the size of the door, its location, and style
- What are the different types of doggie doors?
You have many doggie door options:
- Door-mounted
- Wall-pass-through
- Weatherproof to eliminate drafts
- Metal or plastic frame
- Automatic
- How do you measure for a pet door?
When asking yourself, "What size dog door do I need?" there are a few factors to take into consideration:
- The size of your pet – Measure your dog from shoulder to ground. Your dog should have at least one inch of clearance below the top of the pet door.
- Measure across your dog's shoulders, usually the widest part, and choose a door that has ample room for your dog to get through. You can also experiment with a regular door to determine the width you need.
- Weigh your dog to ensure that the door will support its weight.
- Factor in the step-over, keeping it as low as possible and not more than a third of your dog's height.
- Once you know your dog's dimensions, determine which dog door size you need. Then measure your door or wall to ensure you have room to install it.
- How safe are doggy doors?
Knowing what to watch out for increases the security of your doggy door. Keep these things in mind:
- Put your dog door in a backyard or garden instead of a front door or entrance to keep it out of sight
- Choose a pet door that is the same color as the door or wall so it blends in
- Keep small children in mind. Set the pet door above the floor by a few inches, and make sure the door can be securely locked when your child is at home and you are away
- Ensure that the dog door is far enough away from a lock that someone couldn't reach through and unlock the door
- Choose a small door for a small pet. An overlarge entry could invite intruders.
How much does it cost to have a doggy door installed?
Manual doggy doors range in price from roughly $100 to $150. An automatic door ranges from $550 to $665. The cost to install a doggy door will vary according to your geographic location, the type of installation, and the vendor you use. A rule of thumb is to allow $125 for a simple installation and $225 for a more complicated installation.
Pet Product Connection is the trusted name in pet products. We are pet owners ourselves, and we always have your pet's health and comfort in mind. You can order our products online, and if you have any questions, we would love to hear from you.