Pet door installation in Exeter
Professional pet door installation services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-110
Typical Duration
45-90 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Pet doors let your cat or dog come and go without you playing doorman every five minutes. We fit them in wooden doors, brick walls, or uPVC doors - wherever makes most sense for your property and pet. Based in Exeter, covering all of Devon.
Fitting a pet door is more involved than it might look. The hole needs to be the right size, in the right position for your pet, cut cleanly without splintering, and the unit needs to be sealed properly against weather and draughts.
We install all types of pet doors - simple cat flaps, microchip-operated models that only let your pet in (not the neighbour's cat), and larger dog doors for bigger breeds. Each installation is slightly different depending on what we're fitting into.
Installation Types
| Location | Difficulty | Typical Time | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wooden door | Straightforward | 45-60 mins | Clean cut, proper sealing |
| uPVC door | More complex | 1-1.5 hours | Reinforcement positions, warranty issues |
| Brick wall | Involved | 1.5-2 hours | Wall thickness, weatherproofing, internal finishing |
| Glass door/panel | Specialist | Refer to glazier | Pre-cut glass usually required |
What We Consider
Height: The flap needs to be at the right height for your pet to use comfortably. Too high and they'll struggle, too low and it's awkward. We'll ask about your pet's size when quoting.
Position: Ideally not right next to the door handle (security). On external doors, positioned where weather doesn't blow straight through. Consider where your pet naturally approaches the door.
Weatherproofing: External installations need proper sealing and weatherproofing. Water tracking around a badly fitted pet door can cause rot in wooden doors or damp in walls.
Locking: Most pet doors have some locking options - fully open, in-only, out-only, or locked. More expensive models have magnetic or microchip operation to control which animals can enter.
For wall installations, we need to check wall construction - cavity walls need a tunnel liner (usually supplied with wall-mount pet doors). Very thick walls might need extended tunnel sections.
Why Choose Us for Pet door installation in Exeter?
Give your pet freedom to come and go
Fitted securely and weatherproof
Works in doors, walls, or glass
Minimal draught with quality seals
What to Expect
1. Site Check
We'll ask about your pet's size, what you want to install the door into, and where you'd like it positioned. We'll advise if your chosen location works or if there are better options.
2. Installation
We measure and mark the position, cut the opening carefully (for doors) or drill and cut through (for walls), fit the pet door, seal everything properly, and test the flap operates smoothly.
3. Show You How It Works
We'll demonstrate the locking mechanisms, show you how to adjust if needed, and explain how to encourage your pet to use it if they're not familiar with pet doors yet.
🔧 DIY Tips
Measure your pet accurately: You need your pet's shoulder height and width. Most pet doors include sizing guides. When in doubt, go slightly larger - your pet will grow into it, and too small is unusable.
Mark carefully before cutting: Measure multiple times, check level, and be absolutely certain before you start cutting. Mistakes in doors or walls are expensive to fix.
Cut from both sides: For thick doors, mark both sides and cut partway from each side to meet in the middle. This prevents splintering on the exit side and gives a cleaner finish.
Seal thoroughly: Use appropriate sealant around the frame. For external doors and walls, this is critical. Silicone sealant works for most applications.
Consider security: If you're installing a large dog door in a door near locks or handles, think about the security implications. Could someone reach through to unlock your door?
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Microchip pet doors are brilliant if you have multiple pets or want to stop neighbourhood cats coming in. They read your pet's existing microchip or a tag on their collar and only open for authorised animals. They're more expensive but worth it for many people.
For rental properties, check with your landlord before installing pet doors. They involve permanent alterations that can't easily be reversed. Some landlords are fine with it, others aren't.
Training your pet to use a new door takes patience. Start with the flap propped open, use treats, and don't force it. Some pets take to it immediately, others need encouragement over several days.
Very small cat flaps (for kittens) might be too small once your cat's fully grown. If you've got a kitten, size for their adult weight, not current size. Similarly, puppies grow - plan ahead.
Glass installations are different - you usually can't cut a hole in existing glass. The glass needs to be replaced with a new panel pre-cut for the pet door. We can arrange this but it's more expensive and takes longer as it's usually custom-made.
For wall installations, think about both internal and external appearance. The outside might look fine, but the internal side needs finishing too - it's very obvious if the inside just shows a rough hole with the pet door shoved through it.
Some pet doors have dual-entry systems - one flap on each side of a thick wall or door. These work better in very thick installations where a long tunnel would be awkward for the pet to navigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does pet door installation cost?
Pet door installation typically costs £60-110. Fitting in a wooden door takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Brick walls or uPVC doors take longer at 1.5-2 hours. Glass installation is specialist work we can arrange but don't do directly.
Can you fit pet doors in uPVC doors?
Yes, but it's more involved than wooden doors. uPVC doors have internal reinforcement we need to work around, and cutting them incorrectly can void warranties or weaken the door. We'll assess your specific door and advise if it's suitable.
What about security - can burglars use pet doors?
Standard cat flaps are too small for people. Larger dog doors can theoretically be a security risk, so we position them away from door locks where possible and can fit lockable models that you control. For very large dog doors, extra security measures might be worth considering.
Will a pet door make my house cold?
Quality pet doors have brush seals or magnetic closures that minimise draughts. You'll definitely notice some heat loss compared to a solid door, but modern pet doors are much better than old ones. Consider positioning and your pet's actual usage pattern.
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