Plastic Dog Doors

How do they work?

Plastic pet doors are an economical but effective solution for giving your dog or cat access to the outside.  They can be installed into an exterior door to allow your pets access to the outdoors, or they can be installed into an interior door to allow your pets access to specific parts of your home.  They aren’t just for dogs either.  You can use a cat flap, or car door, to allow your kitty access to a hidden litter box and save yourself from having the unsightly item out in the main area of your home.  These doors come with a plastic frame that is installed into an existing door, and the vinyl flap that your pets can pass through.  Some models even come with a snap on, or drop down closure panel to restrict access when necessary.  

How do I choose the right door?

Choosing the appropriate door for your pet is simple.  Consider the following factors.

1.  Door Thickness.  

Because the plastic pet door you will be installing will be placed in an existing door, be sure to measure the thickness of your door and purchase a dog door system that is compatible with that thickness.  

2.  Opening Size.  

The opening in your dog door refers to the hole that your dog or cat will be able to walk through.  Manufacturers of plastic dog doors generally package door systems in specific sizes like small, medium, large, and extra large.  Most brands include anticipated maximum weights that would be able to use that door.  Consult your vet to find out what the anticipated weight of your pet will be when he or she is full grown, and purchase a dog door that will accommodate them at that size.  

3.  Step Over Height.  

The ‘step over’ is the part of the existing door that will remain under the pet door that your pet will have to step over.  Before installing your door be sure that you measure an appropriate height for the ‘step over’.  As a general rule of thumb, the top of the dog door opening should come up to, or be very close to your dog’s shoulders.  By default, this will give you a good height for your step over.  Sometimes, the manufacturer’s instructions will have recommendations for the ‘step over’ height.  As with the opening size, the ‘step over’ height should be measured in accordance with your dogs anticipated full grown height.  

4.  Extreme Weather Considerations.  

If you live in a climate that requires heating or cooling for a large portion of the year, you should consider looking into an extreme weather dog door.  Extreme weather pet door systems are designed to be more insulating than standard plastic pet door systems.  Some offer extra closure options as well to boost efficiency when the door is not in use.  

5.  Closure.  

Many PetSafe Dog door systems come with closure options as well.  These are things like snap-on or magnetic covers that can be used to restrict access to the outdoors during bad weather, or, in the case of interior doors, can restrict access to parts of your home, to give you more control of where your pet is when you are not around.