Dog and cat doors

Considering installing a pet door? For many companion animal caretakers, it's an open-and-shut decision. Just think--no more worrying about Max whining to go out whenever you're right in the middle of a complicated culinary procedure. A pet door can provide peace of mind if you are concerned about your animal being able to get out quickly in case of fire or other catastrophe. And for those of you potty training a new puppy, a pet door can make things go a lot smoother.

Before you saw any holes in your doors, however, there are a few caveats:

• A pet door is recommended only if you have a fenced-in backyard. Companion animals should never be allowed to roam freely. Pets face many dangers outdoors. They can get hit by a car, for example, or contract diseases from and fight with neighborhood animals or wildlife.
• In the event that your pet escapes, it is crucial that your pets wear collars
• Allow your pet use of the door only when you are home to supervise in case something happens

Now for the hard part-selecting the right door for you and your pets' needs. Here are some of the most popular types:

• The readily available door-mounted variety is installed by sawing a hole in the back door and simply screwing it on. So you don't see the saw cut, experts recommend a 'self-framing' model.
• If you prefer a wall-mounted pet door, opt for one with a double flap-one on the outside of the house and one on the inside. If you're not sure you have the carpentry skills to install this, it's best to hire a contractor. On the plus side, this door is easy to dismount without damage to the house.
• Panel pet doors for sliding glass doors are also available. Though more costly than most doors, they are very easy to install and remove, and come in a huge array of sizes and colors.
• Screen-mounted pet doors are available in two styles: those that simply clamp on to the screen itself, which are quite inexpensive and sturdy enough to accommodate a smaller animal, and those that fasten to the frame surrounding to the screen. The latter are sturdier and more costly.
• Electronic pet doors allow selective entry and exit. If you want to let your dog out but keep your cat in, for example, or let your pet in but not the neighborhood stray, this is a great model for you. Pets permitted access must wear a collar key that "unlocks" the door via sensor.
• Not all pet doors lead to the great outdoors! If you keep your litterbox in the closet, for example, and want to keep the door shut, consider an inside-use-only pet door.

It's smart to take time to determine the size pet door you will need. You'll have to do some measuring to get it right. Open a door in your home the minimum width necessary for your pet to walk through comfortably, and add a little extra for future growth and weight gain. Once you have this dimension, look for brands that offer flaps this width or wider.

Height is a little trickier. Keep in mind that pets are so agile when they're young that they can squeeze and jump through spaces that may not be adequate for their older selves. As a rule of thumb, plan to place the top of the flap at least as high as the top of the pet's shoulders. Then, determine how much he's got to step over-this is called the rise. If the flap is 15 inches tall and the dog is 22 inches at the withers, then the flap should be no more than 7 inches off the ground – a 7-inch rise.

Patio pet doors open the door to fun

Once you've installed your cool new pet door, your last order of business is training your little guy to use it. Please note that manually shoving your pet through the door is not the most efficient method, and you'll probably wind up scaring him instead. Try patiently holding the flap open and offering your furry friend his favorite treats. Most dogs readily figure out the drill in minutes, but you may need to spend a bit longer with cats. Stick with it and soon that door will open up a whole new world for your pet!