How to Cut a Doggie Door in a Wall

If you have a dog and have not installed a doggie door, read through these steps and get this project done. A doggie door will save you endless trips to the patio door, early morning wake up calls to let Coco out and provide your pooch with much more freedom. They have made many advancements in these doors, making them safe for the dog, weather tight and secure against unwanted visitors.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Doggie Door
• Utility Knife
• Hammer
• Drill
• Screw Driver

1. 
    
   This door by Petsafe features a special key that attaches to your dog's collar to allow her exclusive access.

   Shop for the doggie door. The best brands are Utlra-Flex, Petsafe and Staywell. Each of these manufacturers has patented systems that make their doors unique, very safe and uniquely secure. Quality dog doors run from $50 to $90.

2. 
    
   Locating the dog door in the laundry room is ideal, if possible.

   Before you make your purchase, determine which room in the house and which wall or door will be used for the dog door. Petsafe's website recommends a wall application in a room that can handle some dirty paws coming in and out during the day. Petsafe further recommends a Patio Pet Door is you are a renter and cannot cut into a wall or door. If you do choose a wall installation, you will need to determine the thickness prior to your final doggie door selection.

3. 
    
   Score the sheetrock several times and then tap in the middle of your cuts with a hammer to break it free.

   Don't cut into the wall until you have your doggie door in hand and the instructions at your side. The directions will provide you with the exact dimensions for the hole you need to create in the wall or door. If you are cutting through a wall, use a utility knife and cut out the sheetrock side first. This will allow a better margin for error in the event you find wires or pipes that cannot move. It won't be an easy fix if you cut the siding and then find the location will not work as desired.

4. 
    
   A Sawzall may also be required depending on much wood you have to cut through.

   With the backside of the wall open. Take your drill and create four small holes through the back of the siding at each corner location. Now, head outside with your jigsaw and tape measure. Insert the jigsaw blade into the hole you drilled and work the blade sideways to the wall stud. Do this on the top and bottom. Now cut a straight line for each of the sides of the opening by hugging the jigsaw blade to the wall stud. Use your level to create a straight pencil mark for the top and bottom cuts. Work the jigsaw slowly so your cut is not too wavy. Remember, the doggie door has a surround which will hide your rough looking cuts.

5. 
    

   Screw the doggie assembly together as per the instructions. Add some silicon caulking around the perimeter of the doggie door frame at the outside of the house. Both you and your dog can now enjoy the benefits of a little doggie liberation.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk with someone on the phone from a company selling dog doors to review the breed of dog you have and his body type. Don't assume you need a large door because you think you have a large dog. Also, don't assume any door will work for a tall dog.
• Remember to cut through the sheetrock side of the wall first when performing a through wall installation. This will save you from accidentally cutting a water, gas or electrical line which is not only dangerous but expensive.