Can I Install a Pet Door In Screen?

A pet door in a screen is the perfect way to enjoy the fresh air and let your pet enjoy its freedom. They can be installed in sliding screens, screen doors, window screens and screened porches. There are many installation options, but keep in mind that many of the less expensive choices may not be such a bargain.

Dog Door - Screen Door Installation

The most common and least expensive models snap directly onto the screen which can cause the screen to stretch or even rip from the weight of the dog door. Screen door frames should be used to help support the weight of the dog door and a stabilizer bar should be installed at the top with dog doors designed for use by large pets.

Dog Door - Screen Porch Installation

Many pets love lounging on a screened porch which makes them a natural choice for installing a dog door. Since most screened porches are accessed through an exterior door, securing your home is as easy as shutting the door leading to the screen porch. Dog doors should be attached to the support columns already in use by your porch to prevent screen damage.

Installing a Cat Door in a Window Screen

Installed in a window, screen door cat doors make a great choice for cats. A cat door installed in a window screen also makes the cat door harder to access by less-athletic pets that you might wish to keep indoors.

Features to Look For

Like the other types of dog doors, i.e. in-wall dog doors, in-glass dog doors, and panel dog doors, doors for screen doors should include a flexible vinyl flap with high quality Alnico magnets with stainless steel strikes. The magnets and strikes should be located along the sides as well as the bottom of the dog door flap. A dog door installed in a screen should also be made with a sturdy frame and high pile half inch weatherstripping.

Don't Make This Costly Mistake

I do not recommend installing a security cover with dog doors for screen doors, window screens or screen porches. Dogs and cats will naturally scratch near a door to be let out. Depending upon their level of desperation they could potentially destroy the entire screen. A safer solution for your screen and your pet is to simply shut the interior door or window when you don't want your pet to use the pet screen door.

I'm Eddie Coykendall and I've been doing professional dog door installation since 2002. Give me a call at 702-379-0609 or contact me and together we'll find the purrfect pet door to allow your pet to happily enter and leave your home through a new glass door or window dog door.