Our four-legged friends make wonderful additions to any family. One way you can help make them feel perfectly at home is by installing an in-glass pet door.
Today’s pet doors give dogs and cats access to the outdoors without needing any help. Forget playing doggy doorman every time your pet needs to go outside. Pet doors are extremely convenient, giving your pup the freedom to roam your yard as they please.
Whether using a doggy door for potty breaks, exercise or spending time in their natural habitat, an in-glass pet door is beneficial not only for them but also for you. However, it can be overwhelming trying to find a pet door with so many different products available.
At Sawyer Glass, we take the guesswork out of the decision by researching and installing products that provide the best environment for both you and your pet. To ensure you make the right choice, our custom pet door specialists put together a list of things to consider when doggy door shopping.
Use this guide to find the best dog door for your home.
How to Choose a Doggy Door
Choose a Location
Before buying a door, you must decide where you will install the pet door. Some doggy doors are specifically designed to be wall-mounted, others must mount onto sliding doors, and some models can be used on garage doors, interior, or exterior doors. Since each door design is different, you must know where you plan to install the pet door before you shop.
Once you know where you want to install the in-glass pet door, measure the area. This spot should fit your dog or cat. It should also be free of pipes, electrical lines, and wall studs. The size of the area should be based on the size of your dog. It should reach approximately two inches from the shoulders of your pet.
You can ensure that the area is big enough by measuring your dog or cat’s height from their shoulders to the floor. You don’t need to include your pet’s head since most will duck when they use the door. Then, compare the two measurements to make sure the custom dog door will be a good fit.
You should make sure the door is low enough for your pet to easily step through. Some owners install a doggy door with an opening five inches or higher than the ground to discourage backyard wildlife or the neighborhood cats from wandering indoors.
For dogs who like to stay outside, the best choice might be an overhead garage pet door. This location provides access to the garage while still giving access to the outdoors. If you choose to install a pet door in your garage, you should also carefully consider the size of the door since it must work around the springs and joints of the overhead garage door.
For help assessing which spot would be ideal for your pet, you can contact a Sawyer Glass professional.
Consider Different Types of Pet Doors
There is a range of custom pet doors on the market offering a range of styles and prices. Which pet door you choose will largely depend on your preference, your pet, and the mounting location. Here are a few popular options among pet owners:
Automatic Pet Doors
An automatic door can be dog-specific because it connects to a special magnet, ultrasound transmitter, or computer chip on your pet’s collar that opens the door when your animal is nearby. It is quickly gaining popularity among pet owners because it looks more modern, super convenient, and helps keep unwanted intruders and pests out of your home while keeping everything else in.
Sliding Panel Doggy Doors
While most dog doors come with a door flap, other models feature sliding panels that fit at the end of a patio door track. A sliding glass door is the most convenient option since it doesn’t require an open screen or storm door to provide access. This dog door type is also more energy-efficient since it prevents extreme cold or heat from seeping inside. You can also lock a sliding pet door to keep trouble out and pets in, making it a common choice for homes located in at-risk communities. There are various options available, including sliding panel inserts and in-door doors. However, since precision glass cutting is needed, these doors require professional installation.
In-Glass Pet Doors
An in-glass pet door has a modern twist on the classic pet door. This type of pet door combines style and function for one of the best investments you can make for the health and happiness of your pet. You won’t need to worry about those unwanted critters or drafts entering your home. There are also a variety of options available when using in-glass material, including double flaps and nylon pile weather stripping for increased energy efficiency. You won’t need to worry about those unwanted critters or drafts entering your home, either. The in-glass pet door safeguards your home against wind, insect intrusion, and unwanted animals. It is also bite-proof for any pets that love to chew.
Consider Energy Efficiency
No matter where you decide to put your glass pet door, it is crucial to maximize energy efficiency. We recommend including a weather seal in your pet door package.
One of the main reasons we dissuade our customers from installing a basic flap-entry dog door is because it doesn’t conserve energy. The lightweight vinyl flaps might be budget-friendly, but eventually, the flaps will warp or bend, allowing cool air or heat to escape.
To reduce this risk, look for energy-efficient dog doors with two or more flaps made with thicker materials. These flaps are either insulated or double-wide. You can also find pet doors with a solid-paned door that locks or slides instead of using a flap-style one. These doors usually provide higher security and durability, perfect for reducing airflow in and out of your home and preventing insect pests from entering.
Ask a Professional
You will need to evaluate several factors when figuring out which pet door will work best for your pet and home. While you can do this on your own, it can be helpful to consult a professional. Together, you can determine what in-glass dog doors are best for your particular situation. They will discuss the features of each custom pet door, teaching you about location restrictions and more.
If different sized dogs will use the door, you can better understand whether one size will fit both or if you need two different doors. For example, if you have a standard Goldendoodle and a cat, your door will need to be low enough to the ground to give your cat access but large enough for your dog to fit through. You will also need to find a door flap that isn’t too light or too heavy for each to push forward. Working with a professional, you can customize the perfect pet door for both.
No matter which pet you own, a custom in-glass dog door is best. Contact our custom glass specialists to discuss your options and receive a pet door estimate.