Pet Doors

Choosing pet doors

For multi-pet households, size the opening for the largest pet while keeping the step-over low enough for the smallest. The sizing guide explains how to balance flap height and mounting height.

Select the product based on where it will be installed, not only on the pet. Wall depth, door thickness, glass type and screen construction affect the required model.

Fit the pet, then fit the frame

Measure each animal and size to the largest required passage without making the step-over unnecessarily high for the smallest or oldest pet.

A useful sizing record contains more than weight. Measure shoulder height while the pet stands naturally, body width at the widest point and the step-over the animal can manage without jumping. Observe older pets and multi-pet households carefully. The clear flap opening answers whether the animal fits; the rough opening answers what must be cut; the frame tip-to-tip answers whether the completed product fits the available surface. Keep those three dimensions labeled so one is never substituted for another.

Dog Doors Depot carries 11 standard flap sizes from Small Medium through Giant, including tall intermediate sizes that separate height from width. Use the individual animal rather than the label as the decision-maker. After the clear opening is selected, compare the exact product variant because model families can use different frame, tunnel and cutout relationships. If every standard choice creates a meaningful compromise, use the custom-size workflow and keep the submitted dimensional basis attached to the order.

Weather, service and long-term use

Exterior openings benefit from deliberate flap, weather and cover choices; interior pass-throughs often prioritize low resistance and simple access instead.

Evaluate the door as a serviceable system. Flexible flaps, magnets, strikes, weather strip, covers and locks may receive more wear than the rigid frame. Record the model, named size, flap count, finish and SKU after installation so future parts can be matched accurately. Clean moving surfaces with compatible products, keep tracks and magnets free of debris and inspect exterior seals. That routine preserves closing behavior and makes a future repair faster than re-identifying an unlabeled opening years later.

From a shortlist to an order-ready configuration

Move from shortlist to order only after four checks agree. The pet fits the clear opening; the building can accept the rough opening and full frame; the selected model matches the surface and thickness; and the flap, finish, cover and accessory choices match the intended use. Save the product page and model instructions with a labeled measurement sheet. For multiple openings, give each location its own ID and configuration. Review every line before submitting because made-to-order dimensions and options should not be inferred from another opening or corrected after fabrication begins.

Read the finished configuration back as a complete sentence before approving it: model family, named size or custom dimensions, measurement basis, frame finish, flap count, installation surface, finished thickness and mounting location. Then compare that sentence with the cart, worksheet and installer scope. This catches a correct measurement attached to the wrong model or a correct product attached to the wrong opening. When two pets share the door, confirm the widest body, tallest shoulder and lowest comfortable step-over still work together. Photograph the taped frame outline and keep that image with the order so the installer can verify placement before cutting.

Related dog-door collections and guides

Common questions about pet doors