How to Install a Pet Door Onto a Dog House

A door on your dog's outdoor house will help keep your pet warmer in the winter. A pet door insulates the house and keeps out drafts and precipitation. If you can find a door that fits the existing opening of your doghouse, the installation will be faster.

Things You'll Need

  • Boards (optional)
  • Doghouse
  • Pet door kit
  • Pencil
  • Drill
  • Jigsaw
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Attach boards with screws or nails to cover the existing opening of your doghouse if the door you wish to install does not fit the opening. The door can be installed into a different wall or into the board.

    • 2

      Position the pet door against the side of the doghouse. The door can be flush with the ground, or an inch or two above the ground. Hold the door in position as you trace the outline of the frame with the pencil. Set the door aside.

    • 3

      Draw a rectangle inside the outline you made in Step 2. Each side of the rectangle needs to be 1/2 to 1 inch smaller than the outline. This will leave a surface to attach the frame of the dog door after you cut the hole for the door.

    • 4

      Drill 1/2-inch holes at the corners of the inner rectangle.

    • 5

      Insert the jigsaw blade into one of the holes you drilled in Step 4. Cut along the line of the inner rectangle. Repeat until you have cut out the entire hole for the dog door.

    • 6

      Insert the dog door into the hole you cut in Step 5. Mark the holes for the screws that will hold the door onto the doghouse. Set aside the dog door and drill a hole at each mark. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the attachment screws.

    • 7

      Insert the dog door into the hole you cut in Step 5. Put the mounting screws into each hole you drilled in Step 6. Tighten them slightly with your fingers, then use the drill or a screwdriver to insert them completely.