How Do I Pick The Right Pet Door For My Pet?

Modified on Thu, 10 Jul at 12:07 PM

Hakuna Pets offers a wide range of pet doors in different shapes, sizes, and materials to suit all kinds of pets and homes. Choosing the right one isn’t just about convenience—it’s about your pet’s health and comfort too.

A common myth is that pet doors are ‘one-size-fits-all,’ but choosing the wrong size or style can lead to physical strain for your pet. If a door is too small or high off the ground, your pet could end up bending awkwardly, damaging joints or skin over time.

Step 1: What kind of pet do you have?

Do you have a cat, dog, or both?
Most of our doors (except the 4-Way Cat Flap) are suitable for both cats and dogs, but some ranges are better suited to specific pets:

Essential and Super Tough Pet Doors: Great for dogs (and sturdy cats).
Ultra Clear Pet Door: Best for cats and small dogs for lightweight, low-impact use.
Deluxe Aluminium and Patio Pet Doors: Popular with dog owners due to their durability and size range.

Step 2: What size is your pet?

Pet sizes can vary greatly, especially with dogs. While most cats are generally considered small, dogs can range from tiny to extra-large, so it's essential to measure your pet for the best fit.

Here’s how to measure:

Width: Measure the widest part of your pet (usually the chest).
Height: Measure from the belly to the top of the shoulders.
Step-Over Height: For our Patio Pet Door range, measure from the chest or belly down to the floor.

For comfortable clearance, add at least 50mm (2”) to both the width and height measurements.

Tip: If your pet is still growing (e.g., a puppy or kitten), make sure to factor in their expected adult size.

Have multiple pets? Ensure the smallest can easily step over the frame and the largest can pass through the flap comfortably.

How do I measure my pet for a pet door?

Step 3: Where will you install the pet door?

Pet doors can be installed into a range of surfaces:

Door or wall
Glass
Security screens

Ultra Clear Pet Doors are designed specifically for glass or screen installations. Most other models are more flexible - It’s best to measure your pet if you would like the most accurate measurements. Use your pet’s width and height to select the pet door size suitable for your pet.

What Sizes and Styles of Pet Doors Are Available?