Find local pet door installers near you

It almost goes without saying that your pet door needs to be large enough for your largest pet to fit through comfortably, but many people underestimate the size needed. Talk to your installer about the breed of dog or cat you have and provide measurements if needed to make sure you get the right fit. Most companies have a range of sizes to choose from.

The two main types of pet doors are manual and electronic, but there are other variations. Manual doors are cheaper, but an electronic dog door or cat door controls access to make sure only your pet is allowed through. Talk to your supplier to find out what options they offer.

Pet doors aren't only suitable for wooden doors. Some types can be installed on metal or glass doors, sliding doors, windows and brick walls. As well as offering access to the yard, pet doors can also lead to other spaces where food and litter boxes are kept.

A good quality pet door won't allow rodents, insects and other pests inside, due to the materials and seals used, and they're too small to be useful for criminals. You can prevent animals other than your pets from gaining access by choosing an electronic option.

Manual pet doors may be installed DIY if you're confident in your abilities, but a more complex system such as an electronic dog door needs to be installed by a professional. Learning how to install a dog door in a glass door or wall can also be more difficult than installing in a wooden door, and could lead to expensive repair bills if it goes wrong.

The cost of the installation depends on the type of pet door you choose, where it's located in your house and any extra features included. The average doggie door installation cost is between $75 and $150 on Airtasker.