A Homemade Doggy Door

A doggy door can be a great convenience for both a dog and his owner. A doggy door is a small, square opening usually cut into the bottom portion of the door most frequently used to let your dog outside. It is big enough to let your dog pass through, but small enough to prevent unwanted intruders from entering your home. The typical doggy door is built with rubber or plastic flaps that the dog pushes through to exit or re-enter the home, and that close behind him to keep out the elements. Building your own doggy door, rather than having one professionally installed, will save you considerable money, and can be achieved by following a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

  • Utility saw
  • Plastic sheets
  • Screwdriver
  • Screws
  • Utility knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine which door you'll use to cut an opening for your doggy door. Choose the door your dog most frequently uses to go in and out of the house.

    • 2

      Remove the door and lay it on a stable surface. Measure the opening you'll need for your dog and mark the door. The opening should be approximately 1 inch wider than the widest part of your dog.

    • 3

      Use a utility saw to cut the opening.

    • 4

      Cut the plastic into flaps that will cover the new opening. Cut two flaps.

    • 5

      Screw the plastic flaps into place over the opening. Attach one flap on the outside of the door; attach another flap on the inside of the door. Use plastic to cover the exposed edges of the new opening so your dog will not get scratched coming in and out of your home.