Tired of asking your neighbors to take your dog out? Spare yourself the favor and consider installing a doggie door so you don’t have to worry about your schedule or keeping your dog locked inside.
In this article, we will show pet owners how to install a doggie door in a wall, so get your tools ready and let’s start.
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Table of Contents
Things to Consider Before Installing a Doggie Door
Before proceeding into the actual installation of the doggie door, there are certain points that you should consider.
Measurements
First, you must choose a doggie door that fits the size of your dog. Using a measuring tape, you should choose the widest part of your dog’s body to note down. This part is usually around the shoulders. Do the same for your dog’s height.
Another important element that affects the choice of a door is the dog’s weight. Big dogs need a sturdy door. You can go to an electronic door. At the same time, small dogs can do well with flaps.
You can test the accuracy of your measurements by experimenting with a cardboard box.
Tools
Once you decide on a door and are ready to install, ensure you have the tools ready: a drill, tape, screws, pencils…etc.
The quality of the door itself is important for the protection of your house. You need a durable doggie door that insulates and keeps moisture from entering your house.
The Wall Type
Walls vary in thickness and material. Some walls have insulation or molding that must be considered when drilling. Walls can be made of bricks or concrete, or stucco material.
Depending on your wall type, you will need to adjust your tools. For example, brick walls require a more sturdy hammer drill and saw. It’s always important to start from the inside to remove the insulation.
How to Install a Doggie Door in a Wall in 8 Steps
This section will walk you through the general steps of installing the doggie door. Depending on the doggie door you bought and your wall type, you might need some tweaking.
Step 1: Unpack the Box
Inside the box, you’ll find the housing unit. There will also be an instructions manual and hardware for mounting the door. There might also be a template paper that you could use to help you with measurements.
Step 2: Mark Your Wall
Begin from the inside by choosing a suitable area to install the door. Make sure this spot suits the pet on both sides, the interior and exterior.
Check the wall for wires, power outlets, and pipes. After that, use the measuring tape to mark the dog’s shoulder height on the wall.
Step 3: Check the Wall for Studs
Now that you have decided on the height of your door proceed to locate the studs on the wall using a stud finder. Once you locate your studs, use a drywall saw to cut out a hole next to the stud.
Step 4: Start Drilling
Using the template, drill through the wall and into the door’s 4 corners. Using the level and a pencil, draw a line to connect the 4 holes. This is the interior hole you will cut out to form the door.
With the drywall saw, cut out that rectangle around the 4 corners. Now it’s time to deal with the molding or insulation in your wall or garage doors.
Step 5: Fit in the Interior Side of the Door
Put the first side of the door into the wall, and it should slide in smoothly if it doesn’t fit, re-measure and adjust the cutting on the wall.
Step 6: Drill Through the Outer Wall
Through the interior wall, use a proper drill to create a hole in the exterior wall. The holes should be as straight as possible. Using the same template you used inside, drill through the 4 corners.
Use the pencil to draw a rectangle connecting the 4 holes. Then, with a proper saw, cut along the lines you just drew. Remove the part that you cut off. However, don’t throw that part away; you might need to put it back later.
Step 7: Fit in the Exterior Pet Door
Put the exterior door inside the hole and make sure it fits properly. Some people support the door by putting wood on both sides.
Step 8: Screw the Doors
After ensuring that both the exterior and interior pet doors fit well and that the door is properly supported, screw the doggie doors into the wall. Now you have a doggie door that is fully and properly installed.
Conclusion
Installing Doggie doors is easy to takes some burden off your shoulders and gives your dog extra freedom to roam around.
A typical installation process shall take no more than 2 hours. However, there are certain things to be aware of.
You have first to choose the doggie door that suits your dog. Then you should carefully choose the area where you’ll install a dog door. It should be away from any power outlets or pipes.
Most importantly, it would be best to be cautious when dealing with the tools. Also, double-check your measurements before you go straight to cutting.
If all the steps and safety measures are followed, we ensure that your little friend will be happy with your little gift!
Why Is the Wall Better Than the Door?
What’s the point of giving your dog a door of its own when it will ruin yours? Installing dog doors will cause irreparable damage to your pet door frame.
Whereas, if you install the door in a wall, you can fix that hole later if you decide to remove the doggie door.
The wall doors also allow for various dog door sizes. Some extra-large pet doors can never be installed in a door. Therefore, the wall dog or cat doors is your better option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How does a dog door work?
A: A dog door typically works by using a collar key or magnetic sensor to unlock the door, allowing the dog to pass through. (1) Some dog doors also have manual locks for added security. The door swings open when the dog approaches, allowing them to go in and out of the house at their convenience.
Q: How much does a door with a dog door cost?
A: The cost of a door with a dog door can vary greatly depending on the size, material, and features of the door. On average, a basic dog door can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, while a more advanced door with additional features can cost upwards of $500 or more.
Q: Are doggie doors good for dogs?
A: Yes, doggie doors can be good for dogs as they provide them with more independence and the ability to go outside whenever they need to. However, it’s important to make sure the door is the right size for your dog and is properly installed to ensure their safety.
Q: Can you install a dog door yourself?
A: Yes, many people choose to install dog doors themselves, but the difficulty of the installation will depend on the type of door and the location where it is being installed. Some dog doors are designed for easy DIY installation, while others may require more advanced skills and tools.
Q: Can you put a dog door through a brick wall?
A: Yes, you can put a dog door through a brick wall, but it will require more advanced skills and tools compared to installing a dog door in a wood or metal door. You will need to create a hole in the brick wall, install a flap, and seal the edges to prevent drafts. It is recommended to seek professional help for this type of installation to ensure that it is done safely and properly.
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.
