Highlights
A pet door typically costs between $100 and $500, including installation.
The price you pay depends on size, style, and where you want to install it.
DIYing is possible, but complex in-wall installation is usually best left to the pros.
Does Fido or Tiger constantly wake you up at 4 a.m. so you can let them out for a potty break? If you want to enjoy a more peaceful slumber or offer your fur baby more freedom, fresh air, and stimulation, investing in a dog door or cat flap may be an appealing option.
The cost to install pet doors varies significantly. It might only cost you $20 to DIY install a basic cat flap in your wooden door. However, installing a large, electronically activated dog door professionally on an external concrete house wall could cost $3,000 or more.
| Average Range | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $100 – $500 | $20 | $3,500 |
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Pet Door?
When purchasing a pet door, budget for the cost of the door itself and, unless you're handy with DIY, professional installation.
Cat Flap Costs
Wallet-friendly plastic cat flaps can cost less than $20. It’s possible to install these without professional help. For more expensive pre-installed cat flap doors or those with a stainless-steel frame for installing on a wall, you could pay up to $500 before installation.
Dog Door Costs
Prices for a basic in-door pet door start at around $50 and go up to $2,500 for large, electronically activated models you can integrate into exterior walls or sliding glass doors.
Professional Installation
For simple pet door installation, you could pay from $75 to $350 to have this done professionally. Hiring a reputable local handyperson with carpentry experience ensures a neat and proper fit when cutting out the wooden or glass door frame.
You may need to hire a professional door fitter or authorized installer for trickier jobs, especially in-wall installation that interferes with plumbing, electrical wiring, or air ducts. You could pay as much as $1,500 to install a large, electronically activated dog door on a concrete or brick wall.
What Affects Pet Door Installation Costs?
Many factors influence the price of pet doors, some of which are outlined below.
Material
Plastic or PVC pet doors are the least expensive option, with small cat flaps available for just $20. However, they aren’t as durable as those at the top of the price ranges, like aluminum or stainless-steel frame varieties, which usually cost upwards of $150.
Size
Sturdy, extra-large dog doors wide and tall enough to allow secure access for giant breeds, like Great Danes, are more costly. It’s still possible to purchase them for less than $100, but installation costs will likely be higher because of the additional work, and they won’t be as insulative or durable as models with a higher price tag.
Style
Some pet door style examples include:
Interior pet doors: Typically used to allow access to a litter box or pee pads in a garage. They don’t have the insulative properties, security features, or sturdy build that an exterior-suitable pet door has and usually range from around $20 to $300.
Sliding glass door inserts: With a design that allows your doors to still open and shut and also fits in with the aesthetic of sliding doors, these cost more than traditional glass or wooden door options. Prices range from $150 to over $1,500.
Wall mount pet doors: They need a very sturdy, durable frame (usually aluminum or stainless steel). Expect to pay anything from $150 to over $2,000.
Pre-installed pet doors: Involves fitting a new house door with a pet flap already mounted into it. The installation process is often smoother and guarantees a good fit. However, there are fewer model options to choose from, and costs are higher. Typically costs upwards of $500, and as much as $2,000, before installation.
Technologies
Electronic activation for additional security and to prevent uninvited animals from entering your property costs extra. Budget varieties cost as little as $100, but a model with top-of-the-range technology might set you back as much as $1,000 or more. Some doors are more energy-efficient than others and have better insulative properties too.
Cost to Install a Pet Door Yourself
While you can save yourself, on average, $75 to $350 by installing a pet door yourself, it’s not a DIY job for everyone. Even installation of basic pet doors on wooden doors is challenging. If you don’t cut to the correct size and seal it properly, there can be issues with security, moisture ingress, and draughts. Fitting a pet door in glass is even more tricky, and if you try to fit the door into an exterior wall, you risk cutting through electrical cables or plumbing if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Pet Door Installation Questions and Answers
Does installing a pet door compromise the security of my home?
Although some pet doors allow easier access for burglars or stray animals, there are ways to make pet doors more secure. Opting for locking or electronically activated doors, using additional motion sensor security cameras, and installing pet doors on a wall where door locking mechanisms are difficult to access all add peace of mind.
Is it safe to install a pet door on my garage door?
It’s not safe to install a pet door on your garage door instead. Garage doors that tilt upwards can roll up with your dog inside the door without you realizing.
What if I can’t get my cat or dog to use the pet door?
Introducing your dog or cat to a pet door gradually and positively sets them up for success. And make sure the door you order is the right size—your pet is even less keen to use one that’s a tight squeeze to fit through.
Where possible, start training before you install the door. Keep the flap fully open at first, too. For very wary pets, build up positive associations without them having to go through the pet door initially. Use their favorite treats and keep desensitizing sessions short—up to five minutes at a time. Your goal is for them to associate going through the door with good things.
