Pet Doors
- See also: Raccoons Coming in through the Cat Door
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Sept 2002
I'm moving into a new house and am considering installing a pet door for my medium-sized dog. At the moment, we just leave the door open, but I don't want to do this anymore (possibly safety issue and also want to keep out flies and other insects/critters). I'm a little overwhelmed by the choices - flap, plastic door, electronic door, etc. Is it worth doing? Can anyone recommend any specific type or brand? Any tips on getting your dog to use the dog door? Thanks. Jenn
We have an electronic door for our cat and we love it. He comes and goes when he pleases day & night and we don't have to worry about leaving the door open. There are lots of cats and raccoons in the area so an electronic door rather than just a flap was important to us. The door is a staywell 31. As I recall it was pretty easy for my husband to install. Kana
Have you done an internet search for “sliding door pet flap insert?” You can buy a panel with a dog door in it. They’re a little fiddly and we usually take ours down when air quality is bad or the winds get really high, but it may be an easier option.
you can also have a dog door installed in a wall!
Had the same issue and an alternative that I chose (and granted it isn’t as aesthetic with the two sliders overlapping in the middle) was to purchase an insert for the open side with a built in dog door. Did this 10 years ago and it’s worked and held since. I open the sliding door many times each day for myself and the insert has stayed put and secure. To lock the sliders, I purchased an adjustable rubber-tipped metal bar that fits into sliding track and secures doors.
https://www.amazon.com/Ideal-Products-Aluminum-Adjustable-Height/dp/B00…?
Buy an insert for your sliding glass door. I just did this myself. Problem solved and it was less than $150. PetSafe is a good brand and I've had several of them. Can find it on Amazon.