The Different Types Of Pet Doors

The pet door is a convenient way for your favorite dog or cat to come and go from the home. You do not have to be interrupted from your favorite television show, or get up in the middle of the night, to take care of your four-legged family member. There are several different selections when it comes to these products, and one of them will be the best fit for your situation. Here are some of the different types of pet doors that you will find.

Front Entry Pet Door and Wall Selections

Pet Doors

Pet doors can easily be installed in exterior or interior walls.  For either application a frame goes on each side of the wall and the flap leads to the other side. An interior door unit might be sued to allow cats access into a room when the door stays closed most of the time, like into the garage, for example.  An exterior wall door would be installed t allow a cat outside.  For exterior pet doors you can choose a door with either one flap or two flaps.  The two flap door allows air between the flaps to act as an insulator.

Many pet doors are designed to fit into your front door, and they also may fit into your wall. However, make sure and check the specifications for each product, before you buy. Some may be designed to fit into a certain thickness, and it is important that your front door or wall be within that range.

Front door models are not too difficult to install. However, it may harder to place them in a hollow door. Hollow doors do not have the support that solid ones have. Also, you may have a steel door, and it may be more of a challenge to install your new entry way.

If you have a storm door in front of the entry door, take special note. The standard width of these doors is considerably less than a normal front entry door. However, you can find products that will fit into the storm door.

Pet Doors For A Screen Door

Screen door models can be placed in a screen patio door, screen door, or even in a window screen. Look for models that offer an effective seal against bugs, as you do not want any kinds of gaps, in the door. Most screen models will have a heavy duty frame, which fits into your screen. Make sure that you have a sturdy screen to place the door in. If not, your pet may easily damage the entire screen. However, there are some limitations with screen models.

If the weather is very hot or cold, you may not wish to have doors or windows open. This means that the screen selection may be good for spring and fall, and not so good for summer and winter. If you plan to go with a screen model, it may be best to have a different pet door for the other seasons.

Pet Doors For A Glass Door

If you have sliding glass patio doors, you can find just the right door for your cat or dog. The easiest kind of glass door model is one that fits within the door frame. Installation is quite simple, as you place it in the frame, and close the door on it. The door is made into a special panel that easily fits into a patio door frame.

You may wish to have a pet door that fits into the glass. This can be a little more complicated, and requires some skill in installation. Check to make sure that you have the right kind of glass, that can be used for these products. Also, you must be completely sure of all of your cuts, as you may easily ruin the entire glass door. It may be best to have these things installed by someone with experience working with glass. It may cost a little more this way, but it is cheaper than buying a new glass for the patio door, if you make a mistake.

Energy Efficient Pet Doors

Many kinds of pet doors may not be energy efficient. For example, you may be placing a hole in a very well insulated door or wall. This can have an effect on your home insulation. Fortunately they make products with a double flap design. This helps to seal out air better than those models with only a single flap. This can keep the house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

You will find that some of these models have flexible flaps and some may be rigid. In most cases, your pet will appreciate the flexible design better than the rigid. Rigid doors may be hard on the back of some animals as they enter and exit. Also, it may be harder to get through a rigid door, and your pet may wish to come and go, easily.

The Automatic Pet Door

The automatic door design is a very good thing for security. They operate on a principle that only certain animals can use the door to enter your home. When you install the assembly, you also place a collar on the dog or cat. The collar emits a signal which unlocks the door. Only an animal with the collar can come in.

Just because you have a fenced back yard, does not mean that your home is safe from unwanted visitors. Automatic setups are good for keeping stray animals out of the home. They are also good for keeping out wild animals that may wonder into your neighborhood.

Electronic Pet Doors

Electronic pet doors are ideal for households with multiple pets that are not all allowed outdoors, households with children and houses in where other animals may attempt to enter into the house through your pet door.  With an electronic door, the pet wears a collar that signals the door to open and allow the pet through.  Only animals that have the collar on may enter from wither outside or inside.  This will keep stray cats out and your baby inside, or allow one pet to come and go freely while keeping another contained.

Garage Pet Door Installation

Some people decide to place their pet doors in their overhead garage door. This can be a very good location, as you will not have to alter your front door or wall. You may be able to use a door that is made for walls or front doors, but it is very important to measure your garage door panel. Make sure that the panel is large enough for the entire assembly. Also, make sure that the pet door fill fit the thickness of the garage door.

Summary

Pet doors come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. If you wish to place one in your front or garage door, make sure that is made for the thickness of the front or garage door. You also may wish to place these products in the exterior wall of the home. When you install these setups, look for models that have flexible flaps, as they will be easier on the pet. Double flap doors will be more energy efficient, and keep drafts out of the home. Screen door models are made to fit into a screen patio door, storm door, or window. You also will find electronic ones that only your pet can use.