We love our pets but sometimes that early morning wake up call to go outside can get a bit tiresome. So maybe it’s time to get a doggie door or a cat flap. But what are the important factors to consider when choosing your pet door? Read on to find out everything you need to know about choosing the right pet door and having it installed in the best location.
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Are you interested in having a pet door installed into your glass window or door? While not all pet doors are suitable for installation into glass, we do have a range of pet doors to suit pets big and small. These are the pet doors we supply and install into glass.
We’ve got a number of options for cats and small dogs. Our Transcat round pet door is ideal for a seamless look when installed into glass windows & doors. The Transcat pet door is manufactured in New Zealand with durable polycarbonate design. It has a four way locking mechanism and magnetic catch, so that you can choose whether your pet stays in or out or is free to choose for themselves. The flap size is H170 x W190mm and suits cats and small doggos up to approx 5kg.
Our Hakuna rectangular pet door comes in either a black or white surround. This pet door has a sliding locking mechanism, magnetic catch and has a draught weatherproof seal. This is also suitable for cats and small dog breeds like shitzu, chihuahuas and maltese up to 9kg. The flap size is H240 x W170mm.
Choose from Transcat (med) or Pet Tek (med-tall). Both pet doors are round with a durable poly carbonate flap. Both the Transcat & Pet Tek options have a sleek slim line design and are suitable for installation into glass sliding doors. (Pet Tek is marginally chunkier)
We recommend the Transcat pet door for medium sized dogs like cavoodles, terriers pugs and frenchies. The Pet Tek is a little taller in the flap and is suitable for these breeds and most kelpies or medium doggos. It also has a draught weather seal and we would recommend this pet door for areas exposed to the elements (like outside your laundry door where the eves can sometimes be minimal).
Transcat Flap Size: Height 250 x Width 285mm
Pet Tek Flap Size: Height 300 x Width 270mm
Our Large doggie door is a rectangular design with a white or black framing around the outside but a clear polycarbonate door. It is also a slim line design with a magnetic latch. It is lockable and tough enough to withstand the wear and tear of larger dogs.
This pet door is suitable for dogs up to 40kg like groodles, labradors and golden retrievers. The flap opening size is 450mm in height and 290mm in width.
Our premium extra large doggie door is the best looking pet door in the market (in our opinion anyway). The patented underbelly series from Pet Doors Australia is made from extra durable polycarbonate. It’s unique rectangular design has a rounded base to help with access in and out.
It is also a slim line design with a magnetic latch and can be installed into sliding glass doors. This extra large pet door is suitable for big big dog breeds like Vizlers, German Shepherds and even breeds with chunky bods & little legs like Bull Dogs. It is also lockable and tough enough to withstand the wear and tear of larger dogs. The flap opening size is H500 x W360mm.
Can’t find the right size? Ask us about our custom premium range.
Pet doors are not only convenient for you but can result in a happier and healthier pet. Here’s what you can expect after you install a pet door.
Freedom to choose, is the biggest benefit of a pet door. A pet door is what can seamlessly connect our pet’s inside world to a safe area outside. And the best thing is they don’t need us to open the door to do it.
We all know that feeling. You’re ready for bed (or already in bed) and your pet needs to use the bathroom. When you install a pet door your pet can toilet freely on their own. No smelly mess inside. And best of all un-interrupted sleep for you.
Pet doors and cat flaps are convenient for you and your furry friend. You don’t have to act as the doorman when your dog needs to go out of the house. And even better your pet doesn’t need to wait by the door to be let out. It’s a win-win.
The yard is your pet’s way to play and explore. Instead of waiting by the door for their human, a doggie door or cat door offers easy playtime access. As long as you have a fenced-in yard, your furry friend can play outside all they want.
When choosing the best location for your pet door there are a number of things you need to consider. These include choosing a good access point that is both convenient and safe. And making sure you insist on installation into Grade A Toughened Safety Glass.
Often installation of pet doors into glass windows and door is the best location when considering access to the outside. But despite popular belief, it’s not as simple as cutting a hole into your existing glass and putting in a pet door.
And the reason is – not all glass is created equal and there is only one type of glass that is suitable for pet door installation – Grade A Toughened Safety Glass. Here’s a couple of examples of why both laminated glass and ordinary float glass are just not suitable for pet doors.
At Glass Ontime we only install pet doors into Grade A Toughened Safety Glass – for the safety of you and your pet.
Before choosing your pet door, first measure your pet for accuracy.
First, use a tape measure or a ruler to measure across the chest to get the right width. Then measure from the nape of your pet’s neck to the top of the elbow to get the height. Once you have both the height and width you can then compare to the opening sizes of the pet doors to see which one would be most suitable for your pet. It doesn’t matter so much about the height of the legs when selecting the right pet door, but this is important when choosing where to position the pet door. Obviously doggies with longer legs would want the pet door placed a little higher than doggies with smaller legs.
When choosing where to position your pet door it’s important to measure where the top of the flap should go. You don’t want your pet to have to jump to get through the pet door but equally you don’t want your pet to have to duck down to get through. To measure the height, start from paws to base of neck or back.
You can also measure up to the head but your pet will almost always put their head down and use their nose to push the door open – don’t make it too high. For best results discuss positioning of the pet door with your professional glazier/pet door installer once onsite.
Once you’ve measured your pet and chosen your pet door you’ll need to choose where to place your pet door.
Choosing where to position your door is really dependent on a number of factors including – the height of your pet (and whether you’ve got big legs or small legs to consider). And also what the ground level is like stepping into the house and out. This will help determine the height of the pet door.
There are some limitations when choosing the location of your pet door. You may need to leave about 50-70mm between the bottom edge and the pet door. But speak to us and we can help work out the best solution when you’ve got little legs to consider.
Is it best to install the pet door or cat flap in the middle of the glass sliding door or at the side? Well, that’s up to you really but you should consider a number of factors including position of window coverings, security door, aesthetics, convenience to food and water. Also consider and whether you’re installing the pet door into a window a sliding door or hinged door.
If you have a sliding door, you can choose to have the pet door installed into the sliding door or the fixed panel – it’s up to you. Take into consideration whether you have a flyscreen and window coverings when making your decision. Either option will work well. Ask us about installing into security screens.
Just a heads up – not all pet doors will fit into sliding glass doors or the fixed panel next to your sliding door. Only slimline pet door designs will be slim enough to allow your sliding door to slide unimpeded.
In addition to the position of the door, you’ll need to be sure your dog or cat can easily access the pet door. Many homeowners place their pet door at the back door. If this is the case, make sure your pet knows where their door is and can easily access it whenever they please. Placing your pet door in your laundry might be an option – it’s a great idea to help keep outside mess to a minimum.
You’ll also want to consider the area directly outside. Can they easily and comfortably access the outside? Will they be able to easily enter through the door to come back inside?
Not all pet doors are designed to be installed into glass. And some designs can be quite chunky, and let’s face it, – a bit ugly. But there are some seamless designs that work really well when installed in glass windows and doors. You’ll want your pet door to look like it was always a part of your home. This is why we offer a great range of cat flaps and doggie doors.
InstalIling a pet door is not at as simple as you might think. When it comes to choosing your pet door and installing your pet door into glass we recommend choosing a qualified glazier.
Even if you’re a DIY person, this is one job you should always leave to the professionals
The only glass that is suitable for pet doors is Grade A Toughened Safety Glass. Which means if you have ordinary float glass or laminated glass then this will need to be replaced. If your glass is toughened (usually identified by a safety stamp in the corner) then a hole cannot be cut into it. If you do try to cut a hole into toughened (or tempered glass) it will shatter or explode. So either way your glass will need to be replaced.
Pet door installation therefore requires two site visits. Firstly a check measure is always required. A glazing professional will always need the exact measurements. This visit can also be used to identify where you want your pet door to be positioned within the glass panel.
DIY is not an option when it comes to pet door installation into glass.
Are you ready to get a pet door installed? Get an instant online quote now. We’ve got a handy quoting tool. It guides you through the process of choosing the right pet door and gives you a fully installed price in less than three minutes.
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