If you have recently gotten a new dog, congratulations! You are in for years of companionship and an exciting, loveable, fun-filled adventure! But just like any new addition to the family you might have to have to make a few changes to prepare your home for the new arrival.
As you figure out what you need to add to your home to make your new furry friend comfortable, you may have considered installing a dog door. But before you make a final decision you might have some questions about safety, energy cost (will this increase my energy bill) and the options you have available that need to be answered first.
The good news is many of the dog doors available today are energy efficient, which is a bonus for pet owners. In addition, the newer pet doors can be installed just about anywhere in your home! You can have a pet door installed on your French doors, screen doors, and most interior doors. There are even patio doors with dog doors. The options are truly endless! To help you decide what kind of pet door might work best for you and your pet, we put together information on some of the more popular options.
DIY Prefabricated Doors
Prefabricated pet doors are readily available at your local pet store or online – and most are energy efficient. If you’re feeling handy and have some DIY skills, you can install the prefabricated pet door yourself. While many of the prefabricated pet doors usually come with a lower price tag and a few custom options, installing them yourself is not always easy, or a good idea. Without a precise installation, the pet door will not seal or work correctly. You could also do permanently damage your door in the process, which will negate any initial savings (and energy savings) you received when you purchased a prefabricated door. And a door that is not installed correctly could also do harm to your pet. So, while saving some money is important, it’s also important to think long-term and know your DIY limitation. In the end you and your pet may be better off having a prefabricated door professional installed.
Automatic Pet Door
Another option is an automatic pet door. An automatic pet door ensures that only designated pets can enter or leave your home. These doors are programmed to recognize a key located on your dog’s collar, or in some cases, under your dog’s skin, which allows your pet to come and go (literally) as they desire. Some of these doors also include magnetic entry components, which are designed to prevent other animals or intruders from entering your home. Automatic pet doors also come with an added bonus; they are extremely energy efficient. These doors have a relatively tight seal, which reduces the amount of air the passes through them. Therefore, you won’t be wasting energy during the hottest and coldest months of the year.
If you’re thinking that an automatic pet door is the right option for you, save yourself the time and hassle by calling a professional to install it. Overall professional installation will save you time and money.
Custom Pet Door
With so many pet door options to choose from, selecting the right one can be confusing. One way to narrow down your choices is to choose a pet door that works well for the type of dog, or dogs, you have, large, medium, or small. It’s also important to pick one that is rated high for energy-efficiency. If you have a bigger dog, then installing a custom pet door might be your best option. A custom pet door allows you to install a door that is perfectly suited for your home and your dog. This is especially important for larger dog breeds as it can be a challenge to find a prefabricated door that works well for your bigger dog. Even pet doors labeled as extra-large don’t always work well!
Go with a Pro
The arrival of your new pet is an exciting time, but you want to make sure you and your home are ready so you can have the best possible experience. Part of this preparation may include installing a pet door in your home. Whether you decide to purchase a prefabricated pet door, and automated door, or a custom pet door, Glass Doctor can help with professional installation. We have experience installing all types of pet doors in various locations, interior and exterior doors, patio doors, and even French doors. We can help you figure out what is best pet door option for your home, your dog, and your budget. If you are interested in having an energy efficient pet door installed give us a call 833-974-0209 or schedule an appointment with us online today!