Finding the Right Size Pet Door
Once you’ve decided to give your pet the extra freedom and convenience of a pet door, the next step is determining what size dog or cat door is right for your pet. If it is too small, your pet may not fit comfortably through the opening.
Measure your pet rather than choosing by breed or weight alone. The useful measurements are the widest part of the body and the height needed to step through without crouching, squeezing or jumping.
Pet Door Width
Measure the widest part of your pet, usually across the chest or shoulders. Keep the tape level and allow a few additional centimetres so your pet can move through without rubbing against the sides.
Long fur can make a pet look wider than its body, while a harness may add extra bulk. Measure the way your pet will usually use the door and compare that number with the manufacturer’s actual flap opening, not the outside dimensions of the frame.
Pet Door Height
Measure from the bottom of your pet’s chest or belly to the top of the shoulders, whichever is tallest. Add a small amount of clearance for comfortable movement.
The installation height matters as much as the flap height. Your pet should be able to step through naturally, without having to jump through a high opening or crouch under the top edge.
Compare Current Pet Door Sizes
The charts below show the flap-opening dimensions and indicative pet weights for several cat and dog door ranges. Treat weight as a guide only; your pet’s measurements are the deciding factor.
Product ranges and dimensions can change. Confirm the current door model, cut-out template and opening size before a replacement glass panel is ordered.
Allow for Growth and Everyday Movement
- Growing pets: estimate the adult chest width and shoulder height rather than fitting only for today.
- Older pets: a lower step-through height and a comfortably wide opening can make access easier.
- More than one pet: choose for the largest pet, then check that the smallest can still operate the flap.
- Coats and harnesses: allow for anything your pet regularly wears through the opening.
The Glass Panel Must Be Planned Too
Toughened glass cannot be cut after it has been manufactured. In many installations, the existing pane is replaced with a new safety-glass panel made with the correct opening already in place.
See how Jim’s Glass handles pet doors fitted into glass, or compare the available dog door options before the final measure.
Giving You Peace of Mind
A careful measure protects both the pet-door fit and the replacement glass specification. Our installation workmanship is also supported by the Jim’s Glass lifetime workmanship guarantee.