How to Attach a Blanket to the Bottom of a Garage Door to Allow Pets to Enter

Having a pet door cut into the bottom of a garage door will allow your pet access to the inside of the garage whenever the weather gets too cold, too hot or too wet. Having a pet door gives you the peace of mind that your best friend can get out of the weather even when you are not able to be there.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Electric drill and 1/4-inch drill bit
  • Jigsaw
  • Medium-grade sandpaper
  • Piece of blanket or fabric large enough to fit the pet door opening
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue or fabric glue
  • Lath strips, 3 strips
  • Craft glue
  • Small clamp
  • Screws
  • Short finishing nails
  • Hammer
  • Paint to match garage door
  • Foam brushes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your dog with a measuring tape before designing the new pet door. Measure the dog from the top of the shoulder to the floor, placing the tape measure just behind the front legs. Measure the dog at the widest point, which may be the shoulder or hip area. Add 2 inches to these numbers. Record these measurements.

    • 2

      Determine where on the garage door the pet door will be placed.

    • 3

      Position the garage door so that it will be stable and easy to work on. Mark the bottom of the garage door using the measurements of the dog with a pencil and a ruler.

    • 4

      Use an electric drill with a 1/4-inch drill bit to drill a hole where you can start the rough cut.

    • 5

      Cut the remaining part of the pet door with a jigsaw. Sand any rough edges with medium-grade sandpaper.

    • 6

      Lay the piece of blanket on a flat surface to measure with a ruler. Add an additional 2 inches to the measurements used to determine the cutout for the pet door. These extra inches will allow for hemming the fabric to prevent it from unraveling. Cut with scissors.

    • 7

      Fold back 1 inch of fabric on each side for the hem. Secure the hem with a strip of hot glue or fabric glue. Allow to dry before attaching to the pet door.

    • 8

      Cut two strips of wood lath the width of the pet door opening. Sandwich the piece of blanket between the two strips of wood lath by applying hot glue or craft glue to the wood. Apply small clamps or place some weight on the wood strips until the glue sets up.

    • 9

      Attach the wood lath pieces holding the piece of blanket to the pet door on the inside of the garage door with screws and a power drill. Attach the lath pieces at the top of the pet door so that the blanket hangs down over the hole.

    • 10

      Measure additional strips of lath to frame the pet door on the outside of the garage door. Cut with a jig saw. Sand the rough ends of the lath with medium-grade sandpaper. Nail the lath strips in place with short finishing nails and a hammer.

    • 11

      Paint the lath strips framing the outside of the pet door to match the garage door.