Love your pet! Millions of Americans have pets and it can create a bit of a problem for your family, especially when it comes to home heating/cooling costs as well as security issues. Unfortunately, pets do not have the ability to open or close doors on their own, so this could be a very useful exercise for you to consider.
To start with, here are the materials you will need to get going:
- A Pet Door Kit
- Cardboard-Large and sturdy piece
Next, here is a list of tools you will be needing in order to get the job done correctly. As with any project, be sure you have the right tools before starting.
There is nothing more frustrating than missing an important tool that is necessary for the project:
- Marking device (pencil)
- Tape
- Measuring Tape
- Drill (electric) w/ 1/2-inch size
- Screws and Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Jigsaw
Once you have all the necessary equipment and the kit, follow these steps to install your pet door.
- Measure your biggest pet. You will want to measure the pet that has the biggest height and width. Once you have these measurements, add at least two inches. Also, take into account if your pet is still growing. What may work for a dog when it is young may very well not when it is just a little older.
- After you have the pet door that is perfect for your pet, cut out a template using the piece of cardboard. There should be instructions included with the kit that you purchased.
- Mark the door for the size that you need, then cut the door size. Make sure you have straight and level cuts.
- Using the 1/2 inch bit, bore a hold inside the corner of the outline at each corner. You also may want to use the drill with a screwdriver attachment to put in the screws for the frame.
- Insert your jigsaw into one of the holes in the corner and cut out the opening in the door along the pencil marks all along the outline you marked in step 3.
- Install the outer frame for the pet door following the instructions included in your kit.
- Install the inner frame. The flap will be on the pet door’s inner frame.
You can look at the article below for complete instructions. Once you are finished, be sure to give your pet plenty of time to adjust to the door. Once it is, you will be delighted with the results.
Image by saybuild.com
To read the entire original article by the Home Construction Library, click this link: How to Easily Install a Pet Door
I have often wondered about the pros and cons of creating a pet door. I saw a product on a TV ad of a product that is attempting to solve this problem. It is a set of mesh curtains you install on the front door. The edges of each curtain are magnetized so they automatically close together to keep out any pests. The problem I have is with the bottom of the curtains.
I had a dilemma recently:-the dog eats the cat’s food, so I needed a way that she could eat in peace. I thought that setting up the litter box and her food in the laundry room would be a great idea, but how would she get into the room? The only solution would be to install a pet door. I went to Home Depot and did not like the selection of these doors.