If you have a pet, whether it’s a dog or cat or something else entirely, you know how much they love to be outside. But if your pet is restricted to being an indoor animal due to safety concerns or other reasons, then it’s time to install a pet door.
You can find many different options for doggy doors that work with your screen enclosure. But installing one is not as easy as just buying one online and sticking it in. There are many considerations that need to be made before installation can begin.
We’ll review these and guide you to the perfect pet door for your screened enclosure!
What are the Benefits of a Pet Door?
First of all let’s cover the benefits of having a cat or dog door installed in your screen enclosure.
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- Pets can go in and out as they please in order to do their business when they need to.
- Fewer walks are necessary because your pet will exercise while they are outside.
- Less barking.
- You won’t have to worry about screen repairs from them trying to break out.
- A dog door or cat door allows them to escape from danger in or out of the house.
- More freedom can improve pet confidence and attitude.
- More time outside can reduce problem behavior resulting from boredom (like destructive chewing).
- Being able to go in and out also helps keep your pet active, which is important for their health!
Overall, these doors are a great way to provide exercise and mental stimulation. It also allows you to keep your pet safe, secure, active and happy!
Which One is the Best?
Whether you are planning on installing your pet door to a wall, sliding door, window or screen there are tons of options to choose from. Here are some of the more popular types that you may want to consider. Also check out The Spruce Pet’s 10 Best Dog Doors of 2023.
Extreme Weather Pet Doors
Living in Florida, you know how important it is to insulate your home from the heat and humidity. These types of doggy doors are designed to retain your air conditioning while also blocking moisture and heat from leaking in.
High Tech Pet Doors
Electronic pet doors are convenient because they come with a corresponding collar that opens the door for your pet. This is especially helpful for more timid pets that aren’t a fan of pushing a manual flap door. These doors typically have a locking mechanism built in and lock when the pet has left the door.
Screen Pet Doors
These are a great option for pet owners who want to let their pet roam free outside of a screened enclosure or pool enclosure. These are typically more budget friendly and allow your pet to have more freedom outdoors.
If you are looking to install a pet screen door, Screen Enclosures and More can help with the entire process!
Microchip Pet Doors
A microchip door is a type of high tech pet door that, instead of a matching collar that opens the door, your pet’s microchip does. This has curfew settings that allow you to control the door and lock it at certain times of the day. This technology also allows you to track when your pet goes in and out.
Traditional Flap Pet Door
The tried and true of the pet door world, the traditional manual flap door. This is a great option for pet owners who want the convenience of a pet door, but want something that isn’t too pricey. These are available in a wide variety of sizes and typically have a magnet to keep the flap closed when it’s not in use.
Pet Door Considerations
Temperature and Weather Considerations
Do you experience hot summers? Cold winters? Is there a lot of rain where you live? These questions will help inform your decision about which type of pet door works best for your enclosure, as well as whether or not it’s appropriate to install one at all.
For instance, if it rains often in your area and you have an outdoor cat that likes to sit on the porch while it rains, then she might benefit from having access through a pet door right into her own screened-in enclosure so she can come and go at will without getting wet through the screen (and bringing mud inside).
However, if it does not rain very often where you live but tends to be quite cold during winter months, then installing a heated pet door may be more practical than using one with an automatic opener (as these tend not to function properly in such low temperatures).
Safety and Security Considerations
A pet door can be a great addition to your screen enclosure, but before you get started on the installation process, you’ll want to make sure that the safety of your pet, your family and your home is a priority.
- Do you have children? If so, will they be able to reach the door and open it themselves? What if they get their hands caught in the flap? This is an issue that many parents worry about when installing a pet door for their kids’ pets—they don’t want them getting stuck or hurt by trying to go through it. In this case, it is important that you ensure your pet door has a lock that will keep the flap shut until someone opens it from inside your home.
- Your pet’s safety when it comes to choosing the right pet door is a given. Is the door large enough that your pet is comfortable going in and out? Is there a locking mechanism on the door to prevent your pet from exiting or other animals from entering? Covering these points prior to purchasing your pet door will prevent any headaches once it is installed.
The security of your home is an important consideration before choosing your pet door. The main concern for many people is the threat of a break in or burglary. Depending on the size of your pet, an intruder may be able to fit through the pet door or at least reach through. Seek higher tech or locking doors to prevent any security threats with your new pet door.
Where Is the Ideal Placement for Your New Pet Door?
One of the best places to put a pet door is in the wall of your patio enclosure. This gives your pet access to the outdoors and provides them with more freedom to come in and out as they need. These are a great option for pet owners who wish to keep their pet happy and healthy while also saving time.
When planning the placement, the door should be at least 2 feet above ground level and at least 2 feet from the side of your enclosure. This will keep your dog from jumping up on it, as well as discourage other animals from entering through it.
If you’re worried about water getting into your screen enclosure, consider adding an awning over the top of it that extends past both sides and has an opening for your pet door.
Plan for Some Pet Door Training
With the plans of a new pet door it is important to remember that pet door training may be necessary. Some pets may be wary of using it at first, so make sure to help them get comfortable!
If you can, try removing the flap or door while they’re not around. Your main goal starting out is to get them comfortable with walking through the open hole. Once your pet is comfortable going in and out without it on, place it back on and continue using treats or toys as a reward for using their new portal of freedom!
Screen Enclosures and More Installs Pet Doors
Need help installing your new pet screen door? Request a free quote or call us at (904) 800-4007. Here at Screen Enclosures and More we are more than happy to get you and your pet the freedom you are both looking for at an affordable price!
