5 Ways to Make the Most Out of Your Pet Door

Make the Most Out of Your Pet Door

Installing a pet door is one of the best investments you can make for both you and your pet. It gives your dog or cat the freedom to come and go, helps reduce boredom, and means you no longer have to act as the household doorman.

However, simply installing a pet door is only the beginning.

If you really want to get make the most of it, then it’s worth thinking about how your pet uses it, where it’s installed, and how it fits into your daily routine. A few simple adjustments can make a big difference to both convenience and your pet’s happiness.

Here are five practical ways to make the most out of your pet door and enjoy all the benefits it offers.

1. Choose the Right Size Doggie Door

One of the biggest mistakes pet owners make is choosing a pet door that is too small.

While your dog or cat may squeeze through a small opening, that doesn’t mean they will enjoy using it. In fact, a tight opening can make pets hesitant, particularly older dogs or nervous animals.

Instead, measure your pet carefully before choosing a pet door. Shoulder height, body width, and chest width are often more important than weight alone.

If you have multiple pets, always choose a pet door that comfortably accommodates the largest pet.

The right size opening helps your pet move through confidently and encourages regular use. On the other hand, a poorly sized pet door can quickly become a source of frustration.

For more guidance, read our article on How to Choose the Right Pet Door Size.

If you’re still deciding which model suits your dog, our guide to The Best Pet Doors in Australia compares some of the most popular options available.

2. Create a Safe and Comfortable Landing Area

Many pet owners focus entirely on the pet door itself and forget about what sits on either side of it.

However, your pet will use the door more confidently when they have a safe and comfortable landing area both inside and outside the home.

For example, consider:

Non-slip surfaces
Good lighting
Shelter from rain
Easy access to the yard
Clear pathways free from obstacles
Step height from doorway to outside area

This becomes particularly important for older cats and dogs. A slippery deck, a high step, or a cluttered pathway can discourage them from using the door independently.

If your pet door is installed in glass or a raised panel, make sure your dog or cat can reach the opening safely. And maybe consider a rectangular shaped option if you need to the step height to be lower. Round pet doors need to be placed higher in glass panes than rectangular pet doors.

Small changes often make a surprisingly big difference.

If you’re considering a glass installation, read What You Need to Know About Installing Your Pet Door Into Glass before deciding on the best location.

3. Use Your Doggie Door to Improve Your Dog’s Routine

A pet door isn’t just about convenience. It can also improve your dog’s quality of life.

Dogs naturally enjoy having control over when they go outside. Access to the backyard allows them to:

Toilet when needed
Enjoy fresh air
Explore their environment
Find a sunny spot to relax
Burn off excess energy

As a result, many dog owners notice improvements in behaviour.

Dogs that previously scratched at doors, barked for attention, or became restless during the day often become calmer once they gain independent outdoor access.

This is especially true for senior dogs. In fact, many older dogs benefit enormously from being able to access the yard when they need to. Definitely helps avoid smelly accidents inside when your older dog can go when they need to.

4. Make Security Part of Your Setup

One common misconception is that installing a pet door means sacrificing security.

Fortunately, modern options offer several ways to maintain security while still giving your pet freedom.

Many premium pet doors include:

Lockable security covers
Four-way locking systems
Stronger flap designs
Weather-resistant seals

If security is a priority, consider installing a Secure Lock Cover. These covers allow you to completely secure the opening whenever needed. The Secure Lock Cover is unique to the Premium Glass Fitting pet doors from Pet Doors Australia.

As a result, you can enjoy the convenience of a pet door without compromising peace of mind.

5. Choose the Best Installation Location

Even the best pet door won’t perform well if it’s installed in the wrong location.

Before installation, think about how your pet moves through your home and yard.

Ask yourself:

Which door does your pet naturally use?
Is there direct access to the backyard?
Will the location remain convenient during bad weather?
Does the area provide enough room for your pet to move comfortably?

In many homes, a sliding glass door provides the ideal location. However, timber doors and security screens can also work exceptionally well.

Sometimes the most obvious location isn’t the best one.

A professional installer can help identify the position that delivers the best balance of convenience, appearance, and functionality.

If you’re weighing up different installation surfaces, these articles may help:

Bonus Tip: Train Your Pet Properly

Most pets learn to use a pet door surprisingly quickly.

However, some pets need a little encouragement.

Start by holding the flap open and rewarding your pet with treats, praise, or toys. As they become more comfortable, encourage them to push through the flap themselves.

Patience is important. Some pets learn in minutes, while others take several days to build confidence.

Fortunately, once most pets understand how the door works, they quickly enjoy the freedom it provides.

You can find out more by reading our article – How to train your pet to use your pet door properly.

Final Thoughts

To make sure you get the most from your pet door, focus on more than just the installation itself.

Choose the right size, create a comfortable landing area, support your pet’s daily routine, consider security, and select the best location for your home.

Most importantly, invest in a quality installation from the beginning.

At Pet Doors Ontime, we help homeowners throughout Australia install pet doors into glass, double glazing, timber doors, and security screens. The result is a happier pet, a more convenient home, and a pet door that works exactly as intended.

Many customers tell us the same thing after installation:

“We should have done this years ago.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make the most out of my pet door?

Start by choosing the correct size pet door, creating a safe landing area, maintaining security, and encouraging your pet to use the door regularly.

What is the best location for a pet door?

The best location depends on your home’s layout and your pet’s routine. Sliding glass doors, timber doors, and security screens are all popular options.

Are pet doors secure?

Yes & No. Pet doors offer various security features including lockable covers, four-way locks, and weather-resistant construction. And pet doors that are big enough for big dogs to fit through are also big enough for small humans. If security for you is an issue then consider a pet door with a secure lock cover.

Do older dogs benefit from a pet door?

Absolutely. Older dogs often need more frequent toilet breaks and benefit greatly from independent outdoor access. Placement is essential for older dogs so they can get in without the need to jump through.

What size pet door do I need?

Good question. Make sure you measure your pet’s height, width and body size. Don’t rely soley on breed recommendations. Check out our article on how to measure your pet properly.

Can pet doors be installed into glass?

Yes you can. However, installers cannot cut existing toughened safety glass. Instead, they replace the panel with a new piece of toughened safety glass manufactured specifically for the pet door. So this is not a DIY job.