How Can You Build a Patio Pet Door?

Anyone who has a cat or dog knows that the little critters love to go in and out of the house. To make it easier for the pet owner and the pet, installing a patio pet door is often the best solution. When building a patio pet door, it is important to have all of the essential information before you buy the building supplies.

The following is a guide to building a patio pet door.

1. Measure your pet to determine the size of the pet door. The pet should be able to go in and out of the door easily. The patio pet door should be at least as tall as your pet's shoulder. Your pet should not crouch as it enters and exits. Once you have measured the pet, measure the spot where you will be making the door. Make sure you have an accurate width. As well, measure from the inside track of the top of the patio door to the inside track of the bottom of the patio door.

2. Determine the type of door you meets your needs. If you live in an area that has cold and snowy winters, consider a double pane door.

3. Use tape to mark on the screen door where the patio door will be installed.

4. Remove your screen door. Take a piece of plywood or particle board that is a bit larger than the size of the patio pet door and slip it under the screen door where you marked the patio door spot with the tape.

5. Take the two halves of your pet door and place one half behind the screen door and on top of your piece of wood. Position the pet door frame where you want it located.

6. Use a utility knife to cut the screen to make the door opening. This cutting location is where the door frame is positioned.

7. Take the other half of the pet door and lay it over the half that is between the screen door and the wood. Hammer the two halves together so they are fixed to each other.

8. Hold door the up and test it to see if it works properly. The magnetic lock should be keeping the door closed.

9. Reinstall the screen door with the built pet patio door. Try to get your pet to walk through it. A dog will use its nose to open the patio door to come into the home and push against the door to leave the home.

Pet doors are a great method of allowing your pets to freely enter and exit the home, especially if you work all day long because it will allow the pet to go outside to go to the bathroom. There are many types of patio pet doors available. There are even electronic types of patio doors that work with a magnetic key attached to the pet’s collar.

Electronic patio doors are great because they keep other critters from coming into the home. Most pets learn how to use them quite quickly. There will be a bit of training so use positive reinforcement techniques such as rewarding the pet when it enters and exits the door. There are many different types available through online pet door retailers so one can find the right door that will meet their needs, as well as their pet’s needs.