Guide to choosing the perfect dog/cat door
Looking for a way for your pets to come and go as they please? We offer pet flaps for double-glazed glass unit, giving your furry friends easy access to your home and yard.In this guide, we will explore the options when selecting the perfect pet flap for your dog or cat.
BRANDS
We carry two brands PetMate and Aussie Pet Doors.
DogMate are only available in white. The smallest size has locking tabs that can either be set to inside-only access or outside-only access as well as locked. The pet door features a robust construction and a security locking panel. It has a silent action weatherproof flap with a vision panel, along with a lightweight flap for cats or dogs. The draft and weatherproof brush sealed flap has a magnetic closure and a rainproof seal.
Aussie Pet Doors has locking tabs that can be engaged when you need to lock the flap shut. The frame is thinner, making it compatible with Smart Slide doors, and it is also available in black or white.
Multipurpose dog doors fit any door type, including sliding doors and windows. The durable door flaps are unbreakable, and the frames have security slides for added protection. Two magnets hold the flap in place against strong winds, while a full brush weather seal prevents draughts.
Aussie Pet Doors in medium black
DogMate in medium white with locking cover on
SIZES
DogMate
Small Suitable for Cats, Smaller Maltese Shitzu, Miniature Dachshunds, Toy and teacup breads, and Smaller West Highland Terriers.
Flap Size: 190mm h x 180mm w. Glass Cut out: 224mm w x 260mm h
Medium Suitable for Cavoodles/Moodles, Smaller Staffies, Maltese Shitzu, Cavaliers, Japanese Spitz, Boston Terriers, and West Highland Terriers.
Flap Size: 290mm h x 225mm w. Glass Cut out: 377mm h x 262mm w
Large Ideally suits: Collies, Larger Staffies, Groodles, Labradors, British Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, German Shepards, Whippets, Boxers.
Flap Size: 375mm h x 300mm w. Glass Cut out: 441mm h x 347mm w
Aussie Pet Doors
Small Suitable for Cats, Smaller Maltese Shitzu, Miniature Dachshunds, Toy and teacup breads, and Smaller West Highland Terriers.
Flap size: 240mm h x 175mm w. Glass Cut out: 335mm h x 263mm w
Medium Suitable for Cavoodles/Moodles, Smaller Staffies, Maltese Shitzu, Cavaliers, Japanese Spitz, Boston Terriers, and West Highland Terriers.
Flap Size: 290mm h x 225mm w. Glass Cut out: 377mm h x 262mm w
Large Ideally suits: Collies, Larger Staffies, Groodles, Labradors, British Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, German Shepards, Whippets, Boxers.
Flap size: 425mm h x 295mm w. Glass Cut out: 475mm h x 340mm w
HOW TO MEASURE YOUR DOG
To measure your dog for a door, measure their height and width. For width, measure from shoulder to shoulder at the widest point, excluding any extra centimeters for fluffy fur as it will fold in as they move through the door.
To measure your dog’s height, have them stand straight and locate the tallest point on their back, between the shoulder blades (withers). Measure from this point to the floor.
Pet doors should have a clearance of 3.8 to 5 cm above a dog’s back to prevent injury, stress-related problems, and premature wear and tear.
Measure the step-over rise when installing a pet door. The step-over rise is the distance between the ground and the bottom of the flap. Ensure that it is low enough for your dog to pass through easily. This is particularly important for older dogs or those with mobility issues. It is recommended that the step-over should be at least 7.6 centimeters, but no more than one-third of your pet’s height. If the ground outside is lower than the indoor floor, install the door lower and choose a taller one.
To ensure you get the correct sized door for your pet, you can create a cardboard cutout of the flap opening and test which size your pet is most comfortable using. Ideally, your dog should be able to walk through the door without having to jump or crouch too much. Also, ensure that no part of your dog’s body hits the top of the flap as they enter or exit through the door.
75mm from bottom
CUT-OUT HEIGHT
Our standard cut-out heights are the centre of the glass unit at the bottom, 75mm from the bottom or 100mm from the bottom. However, cutouts are available at custom heights over 75mm and either far left, centre or far right.
To determine the exact height of the bottom of the pet flap to the floor, you need to consider the 75mm wide uPVC frame. The glass sits approximately 40mm into the frame.
COMPATIBLE OPENING STYLES
Pet flaps work with the following window and door opening styles:
• Fixed windows/ low light/ side light
• Hinged doors
• Smart Slide doors
• Tilt and Slide doors and windows
IMPORTANT TO NOTE
Not compatible with laminate glass.
Low light fixed window
Fixed side light
Our team of design consultants is here to assist you with selecting the appropriate size and cut out for your pet flap, whether it’s for your dog or cat. In addition, we have the medium-sized pet flap available for testing purposes at our showroom. You’re welcome to bring your dog along to try it out!