Is Now FINALLY the Time for a Doggy Door?

A doggy door can be a great addition to your home, providing many benefits for both you and your canine companion. It simplifies the pet care routine, providing your dog with the freedom to explore the great outdoors whenever nature calls, while saving you the trouble of playing doorman. Are you thinking about installing a doggy door in your Louisville home? If so, there are a few things you should consider before proceeding.

Why Doggy Doors?

Doggy doors provide convenience and independence to your furry friends, allowing them to stretch their legs, bask in the sun, or do their business whenever they feel the urge. This significantly eases the pressure on pet owners who are away at work or prefer not to be disturbed at odd hours.. If you are busy, work from home, come and go a lot, or travel, then yes, you will probably find that dog doors are worth it.

An often overlooked benefit of dog doors is the positive impact on your pet’s health. Regular access to the outside world can reduce boredom and anxiety in dogs, leading to healthier, happier pets.

How Do Dog Doors Work?

Dog doors usually consist of a small portal, typically with a swinging flap, installed in an exterior door or wall. The size and type of the dog door will depend on your breed and its size. But don't worry, Louisville Handyman can guide you in determining what size dog door you need.

How to Choose the Right Location for Your Doggy Door

It’s best to consider all your options first, even if one seems like the obvious contender. Here are some of the most common doggy door locations and why each may or may not be right for your situation.

Backdoor

The backdoor is generally considered a good place to install the doggie door, especially if your back yard is fenced in. This is because a back door usually leads to your backyard or patio giving your dog quick in and out access from that location. Additionally, the back door is often located away from your interior living spaces such as your bedrooms and living rooms. This reduces the chance of tracking mud and other debris into areas that might be carpeted or that you otherwise want to keep clean.

Mudroom  

A mudroom is the absolute best place to install a doggy door. Your pet can go through the doggy door, and the mudroom will intercept your dirty dog before they unleash their outside mess on your living spaces.

Side Door 

A side door can also be a good location for the doggie door. However, you should make sure your side door can accommodate a doggy door and that there are no obstacles like tight spaces of shelving that your dog might encounter when using it. .

Garage Door 

The garage door could be a good place for a doggy door. If you install a doggy door on the garage door and for whatever reason the doggy door sticks, your dog might be stuck in a hot garage which could cause injury.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Doggy Doors

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about doggy doors. 

What Size Dog Door Do I Need? 

To get the right size doggy door for your pet, look for one that has a flap that is one to two inches taller than your largest pets back (not the head) and a step-over of no more than one-third of your smallest dog’s height from your floor to their back.

What is the Best Surface for a Doggy Door?

Doggy doors can be installed through a variety of building materials such as wood, glass, brick, or just about any other material as long as you have the right tools to do the job. However, it's easiest to install a doggy door through wood or install a new slab door to accommodate the doggy door.

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Doggy Door? 

Doggy door installation costs will vary depending on the size, how many flaps you want, if you want a secondary cover, rain cap, training cap, and the thickness of the door. It will also depend on whether you decide on a DIY dog door or if you want to have it professionally installed. However, a handyman service can install one for you for $250-$600 on average. And again, the doggy door installation cost will vary depending on a variety of factors.

How Do You Install a Pet Door on an Exterior Door?

You can buy an exterior door with pet door. Otherwise, if you have the tools to perform the job yourself, you could always install your new doggy door yourself. In most cases, installation instructions are included with the doggy door you decide to purchase. However, if you are not comfortable with making modifications to your home, you should contact a professional to install it for you. An added benefit of using a professional to install your doggy door for you is that they will be able to make suggestions and modifications such as how to cover up a doggy door and help you determine what size doggy door you need.

What is the Best Dog Door for Cold Weather?

Fortunately, there are companies like HALE Pet Door that make doggy doors for cold weather. The doggie doors they carry have specially insulated flaps, magnetic seals, and materials that can withstand colder weather. Additionally, some cold weather doggy doors are wind and draft resistant and come in either a single or double flap.

Are Dog Doors Safe?

Are dog doors safe? A valid question and a crucial one. One of our top recommendations is a dog door with a lock or an electronic door that responds only to your pet's microchipped collar. This ensures no unwanted guests can use your pet's personal entrance. A well-installed, high-quality dog door can also prevent common issues like bugs entering or compromising your home's weatherproofing. Using a doggy door from a company such as HALE Pet Door, provides solutions to address safety concerns.

At What Age Can a Puppy Use a Doggy Door?

This varies, but usually, by three to four months, your puppy is ready to learn the doggie door ropes. To make it easier, you can build ramps or platforms to help them out. Plus, don't miss our blog video where one of our adorable doggo teammates demonstrates the use of one of the products that most improve their lives!

Louisville Handyman's Here for Doggy Delight

 Doggy doors offer a world of convenience and freedom for you and your pet, improving the quality of life for both parties. With a multitude of options available, there’s sure to be a perfect fit for your pet and your home. Ready to make the leap? Reach out to Louisville Handyman. Let us guide you through the process and handle the installation, ensuring your newest home addition is paw-sitively perfect!