How to Install a Doggie Door

Installing a dog door in your house so that your dog can come in and out without the help of a person is something that benefits both you and your dog. In addition to giving your dog more freedom, you won’t have to interrupt whatever you are doing to get up and open the door so that it can go out every single time.

For instance, if your dog drank too much water or got sick because of something it ate, it will want you to get up and let it out, or else you’ll end up cleaning after it, or you can avoid the problem altogether by installing a doggie door. Then, you just have to decide how to go about getting the doggie door installed. The first option that comes to mind is to ask a professional to come and do the job, but why do that when you can do it yourself?

How to Install It

If you want to take on the challenge of installing a pet door in your home for your furry friend, there are just a few easy steps you will need to follow. You start by establishing the location of the doggie door, selecting the best door to have it on, which is usually but not always the kitchen door, and on what part of the door it will be. You will have to take into account the height of your dog.

You want the door to be located in the best spot to make it easy and convenient for your dog to make it through. Bigger dogs might require you to adjust the height of the doggie door, and remember that your dog may still grow, depending on its age. The size is very important, because a door too small may hurt your dog, and one that’s too big will make it heavy for the dog to use.

If you can, remove your door from its hinges before installing the doggie door, as you will be able to draw guiding lines and cut it better this way, as well as to place the door horizontally on a surface to make it easier to work on. A hardware store will sell you complete kits of doggie door that will have all the materials you need, including plans, a set of instructions, the doggie door itself, fixtures, hinges, screws, bolts, etc.

Follow the steps mentioned on the plan or the instructions, make sure that you have all the tools you need before the installation begins, and after installing the doggie door, and put your door back on it’s hinges.