How to Install a Dog Door in Tempered Glass

Many pet owners install dog doors to prevent pet boredom, which can occur if pets are kept indoors all day.

Doors made from tempered glass, also known as safety glass, became common in homes built after the late 1960s because of the glass' hardness and ability shatter into small rounded pieces rather than sharp, dangerous shards. Installing a dog door in tempered glass can be a lengthy, expensive procedure, so many dog owners with tempered glass doors find it easier to replace the doors with wood or steel doors or to install a dog door in the wall.

Things You'll Need

• Tempered glass door
• Glass shop or factory
• Pet door with included fittings and hardware

Instructions

1. Remove the tempered glass door from its hinges or sliding track depending on the type of door. Take the door to a professional glass shop or factory. Have the shop remove the tempered glass in the door and replace it with untempered glass.

2. Provide the glass shop with dog door dimensions that match the size of your dog so it can cut a hole for the dog door in the lower corner of the untempered glass. Check the fit of the dog door. Have the glass shop heat the untempered glass to temper it according to glass tempering procedures and standards.

3. Follow the guidelines for installing the dog door provided with the particular brand of door you have purchased. Fit the bridge provided with the dog door around the inside of the glass hole. Attach the dog door to the bridge with the provided hardware. The hardware and instructions vary depending on the brand of dog door. Ensure a secure, snug fit for the dog door to provide safe passage for your pet and to reduce heat loss during cold months.

References

• Pet Doors: Patio Pacific, America's Finest Pet Doors, in Glass Pet Doors
• Pet Door Store: Frequently Asked Questions: Doggy Doors and Cat Doors
• Moorepet Petdoors: Installing Pet Doors into Doors