How to Put a Pet Door in a Wall

A pet door can simplify your life and make life better for your pet as well. Avoid worries over long days or the constant up-and-down that can come when the family pets are excited about a sunny day. If you don't have a convenient door in which to install a pet door, set your dog door or cat flap right into the wall. This installation is a bit more difficult, but may work very well in some homes.

Things You'll Need

  • Caulking
  • Pencil
  • Level
  • Drill with 3/8-inch bit
  • Phillips-head screwdriver
  • Nail or awl
  • Jigsaw
  • Hacksaw
  • Caulk
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the spot for your pet door between wall studs, using a stud finder, then tape the template provided with your dog door into place. Position the top edge of the cutout 1 inch above your pet's shoulders for comfortable use.

    • 2

      Mark the four corners of the cutout for your pet door, using a nail or awl. Drill a hole at each corner point through the entire wall. Connect the four holes, using a pencil. Make sure that your lines are level.

    • 3

      Start sawing at one corner. Work the jigsaw through the wall to the next corner, then turn. Continue until all four sides are cut, then remove the section of wall and discard.

    • 4

      Trim the tunnel pieces to fit your wall, using a jigsaw or hacksaw. Assemble the tunnel section of your pet door according to the manufacturer's instructions and attach to either the interior or exterior panel as directed by the manufacturer.

    • 5

      Insert each side of the pet door into the wall. Thread the provided bolts through each of the four corners of the pet door and secure.

    • 6

      Apply a thin line of caulk around all four sides of the pet door on both the interior and exterior to seal the door and prevent air loss.