Step-2: The Markings
We suggest that you trace an outline on the metal door, following templates or measurements provided with your pet doors installation instructions.
Most pet doors come with instructions and templates for the door. Just in case yours didn’t, you will have to measure the door and also deduce the distance you wish to keep between the bottom of the door and the flap.
Pro tip: Use set squares to draw even edges on your pattern.
Step-3: The Cutting-Edge
Next, use your power drill to create holes on the four corners of the pattern. The drilled holes should be big enough to fit the blade of your heavy-duty jigsaw. A dog door for metal doors might be the same for wooden ones, but your jigsaw blade should not! Make sure it is a metal-cutting blade.
Next, use your jigsaw to cautiously cut through the outline. Go slow and steady to prevent snapping your blade or creating jagged ends. The secret is to move from one corner-hole to another, starting from the bottom left.
Pro tip: Use a hammer to push out the portion you cut through. A few taps in the middle should do the trick!
Hands-On
Installing dog doors requires tools, and it’s practical to round up all the materials you need before you start working. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting your time locating your missing tools with a half-done door. And with your inquisitive dog on the loose and a door that needs caulking, it is a recipe for disaster.
What will you need?
Got all you need? Let’s begin!
Cost depends on door type and whether or not it’s a DIY project.
Pet doors vary widely in price depending on the type, starting under $40 for a basic model that installs in an exterior door, and running as much as $450 or more for a pet door designed to install in an exterior wall. Paying for professional installation can add $75 to $500 to the total price tag.
Pet door panels that fit in sliding glass doors are the simplest of all to install because the panel fits right in the track of the door—no cutting necessary. You’ll need a drill and a screwdriver, but installing one of these pet door panels is usually a fairly simple DIY project. If you choose to have it professionally installed, it’s unlikely you’ll pay more than $75.Some jobs are better left to the prosFind licensed contractors in your area and get free, no-commitment estimates for your project.
If you know your way around a measuring tape, drill, and jigsaw, installing a pet door in an exterior wood door is a very doable DIY project. Pet doors typically come with paper templates and complete instructions on how to position the door and install it.
Installing a pet door in a steel or metal door, however, is a more complex chore, because a saw blade can catch on the metal surface of the door and bend or warp it. In this case, some homeowners may feel more comfortable having a pro install the pet door, which could run $75 to around $125. If you decide to attempt installing it on your own, you may need to use aviation tin snips to cut the metal and then use a saw to cut the core of the door.
If you’re looking to install a permanent pet door in the exterior wall of your home, this is a job for a pro, who will know how to cut through a wall without damaging any pipes or wiring within. Labor for this type of installation is the priciest, costing an average of $300 to $500.