How Much Does a Dog or Cat Door Installation Cost?

Average Pet Door Cost

Dog doors vary in price based on the style, size, materials, and placement. The cost to purchase and install a small, simple dog entrance runs from $100 to $400, depending on the placement. Adding a large electronic version can run as much as $2,000 or more. Talk to a local handyperson or dog door installer to get an accurate estimate for your project.

Dog Door Installation Costs by Location

On average, you’ll pay from $75 to $300 to install a pet door before the cost of materials. The type of pet door you purchase will make a difference in the total cost of the job. We break down below a few different styles and estimate the total cost of the finished project.

Storm Door Insert 

Most people pay between $280 to $750 to install a dog door in a storm door. Installing a storm door insert is reasonably straightforward, giving your pet free access to an enclosed yard with the main door open but the storm door closed.

In-Door Dog Door

Installing a dog door in your door costs between $300 and $800. Putting a dog door in a regular door is the most popular option because it's affordable and convenient. Plus, it's a less permanent addition than installing one in a glass door or wall. These still need weatherproofing to reduce the chance of moisture creeping in, but they're easy to install and replace. Even though in-door dog doors are fairly easy to put in, it's still a good idea to hire a handyperson to get the job done right.

In-Glass Dog Door 

Installing a dog door in a glass window or door costs around $360 to $1,250, depending on the size and the type of glass door you're adding the pet door to. An installation in sliding glass doors costs more, as you need an additional door reinforcement to ensure your dog can dash through the door without breaking the glass or door.

In-Wall Dog Door 

Wall-mounted dog doors cost between $400 and $2,000. You cut a hole in an external wall and the frame (usually aluminum or vinyl), then set up the rest of the doggy door. This is a more permanent addition to your home and requires professional installation, as it has to work around existing framing so it doesn't affect the structure of your property. It also requires weather sealing and possibly insulating to avoid moisture damage and a loss of energy efficiency.

Preinstalled Dog Door 

A preinstalled dog door costs somewhere between $950 and $2,300. Although you'll still pay the labor cost to install an exterior door, which is included in the total price, you won't have to pay for the extra labor to install the dog door because the new one comes with a doggy door already in place.

Cat Door Installation Costs

If you have cats and dogs, you'll use doggy doors instead of a cat flap so both pets can get outdoors via the same route. If, however, you only have cats, you don't need a big dog door. 

Instead, install a cat flap, which costs between $75 and $400. You can get inserts for all the same locations as dog doors, including the wall, window, door, storm door, and more. Installing a cat door in a regular door is also a reasonably DIY-friendly project, which can save you on installation costs if you know what you're doing. 

Pet Door Installation Cost Factors

Aside from where you're installing your pet door, other factors that influence the cost include the interior and exterior placement, brand, size, materials, and features.

Interior vs. Exterior

While exterior doggy doors cost between $300 and $2,300, interior pet doors typically cost between $100 and $300, including installation. The price difference is because interior doors don't require waterproofing, insulation, or weather stripping, and they don't need to be so robust or weather-resistant. Interior pet doors are faster and easier to install compared to exterior ones.

Brand

Prices vary by brand. Here are a few popular manufacturers and their average prices. Keep in mind that different brands offer different products, including some high-tech offerings like automatic doors, which may account for the upper end of the price range.

Manual vs. Electric

The standard range for a manual doggy door is $150 to $600 with installation, while electric models generally run from $500 to $1,500. Manual doors require your pet to push the door or flap to enter and exit, and manual ones react to collars or microchips and open when they sense your pet's presence. 

Electric models are more expensive because the units cost more, and adding the electrical setup requires extra installation time. However, electric models are more secure than manual ones, preventing intruders from accessing your home via the flap. They also stop random animals from coming in or small children from getting out.

Size

The larger the pet door, the more it costs to install since it'll take more material and time to install the unit and apply weatherproofing. It's important not to skimp on size just to save money.

Your dog or cat needs to pass through the door safely, both ways, often at speed, without injuring themselves or getting stuck. Typical prices range from $250 for a small 6-by-7-inch unit to $1,000 or more for an extra-large 12-by-23-inch door.

Material and Style

You've got quite a few options when it comes to the style and material for the cost of installing a doggy door. There are a variety of different door materials for the flap and frame and several different styles of openings.

Frame Material

Budget-friendly frames are usually plastic or vinyl. Metal frames tend to last longer and therefore cost more. And wood frames are usually custom options designed to match your siding or the interior of your home and cost more. With wooden frames, you'll need to be certain they’re sealed and weatherproof to avoid moisture damage, rot, and warping. These prices are based on an average, medium-size doggy door.

Flap Material

While the choice of flap material doesn't impact the labor cost, it does impact how much the dog door itself costs. Plastic models cost the least, starting at around $35, while vinyl is the mid-range offering, starting at $45. K9 composite is the most costly at up to $100. These prices are based on an average, medium-size doggy door.

Plastic is affordable, but it's prone to breaking with too much enthusiastic use. Vinyl flaps last longer and tend to be semi-soft rather than rigid. K9 composite is the most costly option but has the longest life span, at 20 to 30 years. It's also impact-resistant and highly durable, so it can withstand the most energetic dog rushing back and forth. 

Flap Type

Not all pet doors have the same type of flap. Some are flexible, others are rigid, and some are saloon-style doors rather than regular flaps. Flexible flaps are more comfortable for a pet to use than rigid flaps, but low-quality ones can quickly warp and distort in high heat. Rigid models don't bend or flex as your pets walk through, so they stand a higher chance of breaking with too much boisterous use. Many locking dog doors have rigid flaps, as they're easy to lock into place without a separate locking cover. 

Saloon dog doors have two doors that swing out from the middle when pushed and close behind as the animal exits the flap. They're a good choice for security-conscious homeowners as they're easy to lock and are a smart choice for people with pets that dislike things moving over their head and back. 

Double-flap pet doors are popular in cold climates as they reduce energy waste and ensure minimal warm air escapes. They have two flaps—one heavy and one lightweight—and both move as your pet passes through.

Features

You may want something more than a straightforward doggy door, which will add to your cost. For example, a smart pet door you can access via your smartphone or remote control will cost toward the $2,000 mark. 

Security is another common concern for homeowners thinking about installing a doggy door because an unprotected dog flap can give access to pests and stray or neighboring animals. And more oversized dog doors can potentially provide an entryway for intruders. However, electronic doors, smart pet doors, and locking pet doors provide extra security to prevent unwanted human or animal visitors. For an extra layer of security, you can also pay for the cost of installing security cameras at about $130 to $450 per camera.

If your dog door isn't quite at ground level, you may need to install steps for your pet to increase their safety and make access easier. This costs anywhere from $30 to $600.

DIY Doggy Door Installation vs. Hiring a Professional

While it's possible to DIY install some doggy doors, it's typically better to hire a handyperson for this kind of project. An experienced pro will likely get the job done faster and know how to avoid costly mistakes that can impact your budget, home security, and the well-being of your loved ones.

FAQs

How do you install a pet door?

While installing a pet door is better left to a pro, if you decide to tackle the project yourself, here are the general steps to follow:

• Decide where the pet door should go: a door, wall, or window.

• Purchase the right type of pet door for your chosen location, and ensure you've got the appropriate tools.

• Measure up carefully, following the directions in the pet door packaging.

• Cut the hole for the pet door, avoiding any studs or removing studs and building a supporting header instead. 

• Install the interior panel.

• Fill and seal any apparent gaps with expanding foam and silicone sealant.

• Install the exterior panel.

• Weatherproof the exterior, applying weather stripping to the outer edges and flashing to the sill.

Who do you call to install a pet door?

You can call a local handyperson to help install a pet door. A handyperson is better placed to properly install a pet door than a homeowner, as they have all the right tools and experience. They can also guide you on a suitable location for your pet door and help you choose the right type of door. 

If you're planning to install a pet door in a window, you may want to contact a glazier near you instead of a handyperson. This is because you'll likely need a pro with double-glazing experience to do the installation, as the windows will need to be reglazed to maintain their energy efficiency after the pet door is installed.

How do you measure the right size for a pet door?

You measure the right size for a pet door by measuring your largest pet. The flap should be at least 1 inch taller than your tallest pet and at least 2 inches wider. It's also important to measure the step-over, which should be no more than one-third of your pet's height from the floor to the back.

Are pet doors safe?

Yes, pet doors are safe if you take proper security measures, such as installing locking covers, choosing an electronic door, and choosing the correct size. Doors that operate by a microchip or collar tag are great for homes with young children who may otherwise escape through a loose flap. These dog door types also prevent other animals or humans from coming in uninvited.