What the job involves
A pet door goes in one of three places: a hollow or solid door, a wall, or a sliding glass door. Each takes a different method. We measure your pet first, because the flap must clear their shoulders and sit close to belly height.
For a door or wall, we mark and cut the opening, fit the frame, seal the edges and add trim. For a sliding door, a panel insert fits into the track and needs no cutting into the glass.
We can help you choose between a flap-only model, one with a locking panel for nighttime, and an electronic version. Cats and small dogs have more options than large breeds, and a very large dog needs a frame strong enough to survive daily pushing.
What we check first
We look at what is behind the cut. On a wall that means checking for studs, wiring and pipes before a saw touches it. On an exterior door we check the door's material and thickness, since steel, fiberglass and solid wood each need different handling.
We also look at where the door opens to. A flap that lets the dog into a pool area is a safety concern worth discussing before we start.
- Your pet's height, shoulder width and weight
- Door material and thickness, or wall framing
- What the opening leads to, such as a yard or pool
- Whether a sliding door insert is the better fit
Why it matters in Arizona
Summer here is long and hot, and any gap in the building envelope shows up on the electric bill. A pet door that is not insulated or sealed lets conditioned air out and hot air in. We recommend an insulated flap with a good magnetic seal for exterior openings.
Dust storms and monsoon wind-driven rain also find their way through a poor seal, so we caulk the exterior edge and keep the flap closed when the pet is not using it. Scorpions and other pests will use an unsealed gap, which is one more reason to seal it well.
How a visit goes
We measure your pet with you, confirm the location and install. Cutting is done with dust control, the frame is fastened and sealed, and we test the flap for smooth swing and a tight close.
We can also show your pet how to use it, which helps more than people expect.
What affects the cost
The size of the door, the insulation grade, and whether it goes in a door, a wall or a sliding track all change the price. Cutting a hollow door is quicker than cutting a solid exterior door, and a wall install adds framing and finishing work.
Renters and HOA homeowners should check their rules first, as some require approval for exterior changes.
“Nathan did a great job of cutting and finishing the exterior wood beams on my home. He remove the rotted wood and sealed and painted and they look so much better. He worked in the blazing sun without complaint, nice guy and talented craftsman. Highly...”