How to Install a Doggie Door in a Wooden Door

A doggie door (also called a dog door, cat door, or pet door) is a small door opening that allows pets to enter and exit a building without a human opening the door for them. Most doggie doors are added to exterior doors, but you can also install a pet door frame in an exterior wall with some professional help.

Pet doors come in a variety of sizes. Cats and small dogs require a comparatively small door size, while big dogs may need an extra-large opening. DIY pet door installation is typically manageable for homeowners with a wood exterior door.

To install a doggie door (or any pet door) in your existing exterior door, you should first assemble the following tools and materials.

1. 1. Pet door kit
2. 2. Jigsaw or reciprocating saw
3. 3. Drill with multiple drill bits
4. 4. Hammer
5. 5. Screwdriver
6. 6. Wire cutters
7. 7. Utility knife
8. 8. Sandpaper
9. 9. Tape measure
10. 10. Sawhorse
11. 11. Painters tape
12. 12. Caulk or silicone sealer
13. 13. Work gloves
14. 14. Eye protection
15. 15. Respirator mask

The following instructions are for dog door installation in a wooden exterior door. Cutting into other types of doors like patio doors (particularly sliding glass doors), metal doors, or two-part French doors requires a more involved process.

1. 1. Remove your existing door. Take the door off its hinges, using a hammer and screwdriver to remove the hinge pins. Then pull the door away from its frame. Lay it flat (use sawhorses if you have them), and make sure the interior side faces upright.
2. 2. Position the door template. Your pet door kit should come with a template to help you cut out the right-sized door frame. Line up this template so it suits your pet's unique size. It should not sit any lower than three inches above the bottom of the door. Once you have positioned the template, tape it in place on the side of the door facing you.
3. 3. Drill the corners of your pet door frame. Select a ⅜-inch drill bit, and drill one hole in each of the four corners of your template marking.
4. 4. Cut out your door frame. Take your jigsaw or reciprocating saw and, starting from the drill holes, cut out your door frame along the lines of your template.
5. 5. Sand down the edges. Remove the rectangle of wood you cut away, and sand the inside of the frame so the wood is smooth and even.
6. 6. Insert your pet door frame. Insert the frame that came with your pet door kit, which essentially serves as an interior frame within your overall door. Once the inner frame is in the right spot, mark any drill holes you will need to install its accompanying hardware.
7. 7. Drill the additional holes. Take the interior frame out of your larger door if necessary, and drill the needed holes for hardware installation. Use the drill bit sizes indicated by your doggie door kit.
8. 8. Attach the doggie door. With holes drilled in the right spot, lay your doggie door back into the cutout, and screw in its fastener hardware. Clip off any excess fastener with wire cutters, shears, or pliers.
9. 9. Seal around the doggie door frame. To maximize energy efficiency and protect from moisture, apply caulk or silicone sealer around the edge of your new doggie door frame.
10. 10. Rehang the door in its outer frame. The last step of pet door installation is rehanging your exterior door on its hinges. Position it as it was before, and slide the hinge pins back into place.

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