Pet Door through Glass!

Plexidor Pet Door through glassIn many houses, the best route to the outside goes through a glass door or even a window. Historically, mounting a pet door in glass has been nearly impossible, but with the PlexiDor Glass Series we are working to provide you with a pet door in your french doors, sliding patio door, or glass patio door.

To install a PlexiDor pet door through glass, an installer will come to your house and measure the width, thickness, and height of your existing pane. The dog door or cat door is mounted in a new pane, which will be installed exactly the same way as the original glass. Thus, the old pane can be put back if you were ever to sell your home to someone without a pet, or if you no longer require a pet door.

For more information, visit the Glass Series page or give us a call at 888-PET-DOOR!

Can a pet door be safe?

Plexidor Dog Door Key helps keep pet doors safeWhen considering pet doors safety, remember to weigh in on security. Security is an important factor in today’s world, and many might hesitate to install a pet door because it is one more opening in the home that might let in unwanted persons. These are valid concerns, and we here at PlexiDor pet doors have taken measures to help you feel safe.

Every PlexiDor dog door and cat door comes with a lock and key. The lock features a steel cam inside a hardened metal cylinder.

The doors also come with a steel security plate that is easily attached to the door frame and can be installed when leaving home for an extended period of time.

For those who wish to use the security plate on an everyday basis, the PlexiDor sliding track system is a convenient accessory. Slide the plate down the track and lock it in place with a handy flip lock feature.

There is also an electronic version of the PlexiDor that will only open for pets with a key. The door is controlled by RFID and the pet carries the key on the collar. When the pet comes close enough to the door it slides open – but only for collar keys with the right combination.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any security concerns you might have.

Have you seen the PlexiDor awning?

PlexiDor Awning in WhiteThe easy to install PlexiDor awning creates a roof for the pet door and prevents rain, sun, and snow from entering the house. This accessory comes in three sizes, perfect for the PlexiDor pet doors.

The awnings are made from durable aluminum with a baked-on finish that will last for many years. They are available in white or bronze.

The small awning is 12″ wide and 8″ deep.
The medium awning is 16″ wide and 12″ deep.
The large awning is 23 1/4″ wide and 16 5/8″ deep.

Click here to see more.

PlexiDor Awning attached to door above dog door

What size dog door should I get?

Pet sizes – and pet door sizes – can seem confusing, because it’s relative to a person’s frame of reference. If a person is used to Rottweilers, a Beagle looks like a small dog. To a person used to teacup Yorkshire terriers, the Beagle is pretty big.

To make this more confusing, the right size dog door often looks small compared to the pet. Dogs tend to duck their heads and lift their feet when they go through, so the opening doesn’t have to be as tall as the pet. If you have larger and smaller pets together, the PlexiDor opens so easily that a smaller pet can generally use a larger pet door.

The weights in the list below are guidelines. If your pet is right on the spot you might need to measure him or her and compare with the opening size. Or, contact our customer service. They are experienced and happy to help.

Get the Right Size Dog Door for Your Pooch

PlexiDor size small

This pet door is small, and has a single pane design. The opening is 6.5 x 7 1/4 inches. It is suitable for cats up to 24 pounds and dogs up to 9 pounds. Common breeds are chihuahuas, papillons, yorkshire terriers, and pomeranians.

Small Size PlexiDor Dog Door and a Papillion. Consider the weight and height of your dog when determining what size dog door to get.

PlexiDor size medium

This dog door is intended for dogs up to 40 pounds. The opening is 9 x 12 inches, and common breeds are corgis, dachshunds, beagles, pekingese, cocker spaniels, shelties, and many terriers.

Medium Size PlexiDor Dog Door and a Beagle

PlexiDor size large

The large PlexiDor dog door has an opening of 11 3/4 x 16 inches, and it is intended for dogs up to 100 pounds. Common breeds are Labradors, Collies, German Shepherds, Dobermans, and Golden Retrievers.

Large Size PlexiDor Dog Door and a Yellow Labrador

PlexiDor size extra large

The extra large PlexiDor dog door has an opening of 16 x 23 3/4 inches and is intended for dogs up to 220 pounds. Larger dogs might be able to use it, depending on their build. Common breeds are Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, Old English Sheepdogs, and Irish Wolfhounds.

Extra Large Size PlexiDor Dog Door and a Black and White Great Dane

More sizing help and information

You can download an overview of sizes – with opening sizes and needed cut holes – with examples of dog breeds and installation heights here.

And naturally, if you need help, contact customer service.

Can I install a pet door through a wall?

Papillion with a small PlexiDor Dog Door.  Install a pet door through a wall or door.You can install a pet door through a wall. The PlexiDor dog doors and cat door are available for door or wall installation. The door kit makes it easy to install the pet door through a standard house door. A somewhat handy person can do this themselves and it doesn’t take long.

The house door isn’t always the best place for the pet door – sometimes a wall fits better. The PlexiDor wall kits can be installed in cement, stud, brick or block walls up to 12 inches thick. The kits come with an aluminum tunnel to connect the interior and exterior frame.

When you install a pet door through a wall it can be trickier than installing through a door – it is more difficult to make a hole in the wall than through a door. (An important tip is cutting from the outside – keep the mess outside the house!) You also need to check if it’s a load-bearing wall or not.

This video shows how to install a PlexiDor through a door and through different forms of walls. It begins with installing through a door. Wall installations start around 9 minutes in and will go through the installation process through different wall materials.

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Train your pet to use a pet door

Train your pet to use pet door. This Beagle uses the medium PlexiDor Dog DoorMost pets take to their cat door or dog door quickly. They are eager to be outside, and love the option to go in and out whenever they want to. Some pets are intimidated by the door at first, but with a little patience your cat or dog will learn to use the door. Most pets learn in between five seconds and five days.

The PlexiDor is different from traditional cat flaps and dog doors in many ways. The difference most important from the pet’s point of view is that your cat or dog can see through the panel. Many cats and dogs like to lie just inside the door and peek out at what’s happening outside. Being able to see through also makes it easier for many pets to learn to use the door – they can see the outside, and they want to get there.

If the pet doesn’t take to the door, try propping one of the panels open and tempting the pet with a treat. If the pet is reluctant, start with propping both panels up. Never force your cat or dog through the door, and give praise once they do come through. Be patient – they’ll get it.

For the electronic door, it usually works well to put a treat on the bottom lip of the pet door. The dog or cat approaches to get the treat, and the collar key triggers the door to open. It doesn’t take long for the pets to figure out that the door will open when they come close to it.

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Have you seen the PlexiDor electronic pet door?

PlexiDor Electronic pet door in door with white frame The PlexiDor Electronic  pet door is a unique solution that works well for both dogs and cats. The door has a composite panel that slides up and down, and the panel is controlled by an RFID key attached to the pet’s collar. 

When the pet comes close to the door, the panel slides up. The door will only open for pets with the right key. When the door is closed the panel acts as a security door.

The collar key is waterproof and lacks moving parts, so it is very sturdy while being small enough not to disturb the pet.

See the PlexiDor Electronic dog door and cat door in action in this video:

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Teach your pet to use the PlexiDor

Teach your pet to use the PlexiDor pet door largeMost pets take to the PlexiDor pet door, because they can see the outside through the panel, and it is easy for them to open the dog door or cat. Teaching a cat or dog to use the Plexidor pet door usually takes somewhere between a few seconds and a week.

If your cat or dog doesn’t immediately go through the pet door, try propping the panels open and calling for the pet. Put something they really want on the other side, like some stinky treat. The smellier the better, and small pieces of cheese or meat usually does the trick.

Be patient, and praise progress.

When it comes to the electronic PlexiDor pet door, the trick is to get the pet close enough for the panel to open. Place the treat on the bottom lip of the pet door. When your pet approaches to get the treat, the collar key will open the door. Most pets catch on quickly.

Pets are different, just like we are. Some will get it and love their dog door or cat door at first sight, others need a little longer. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help!

Choose the right pet door size

Choose the Right Pet Door Size - PlexiDor Glass SeriesMany find pet door sizing counter-intuitive. It’s easy to fall into the thought-trap that the dog door needs to be as tall as the dog is, and the right size can look small compared to the dog.

Remember that most dogs bow their head and lift their legs when they go through the door. This means the dog door can be shorter than the dog.

A correctly installed dog door is raised from the floor, making  a threshold for the dog to step over. Look at the image top right.

Why not make the door taller?

It might be an option for a family with fairly small pets. If you have a large dog, that would give an enormous hole in the door or wall. Besides being inefficient, a door panel the size of a Great Dane would be very heavy for the dog to open.

What if I have smaller and larger pets?

The PlexiDor dog doors are easy to open, and a smaller pet can generally open and use a larger door. You might have to adjust the height from the floor to find a position where the large dog doesn’t have to crouch to get through, and the smaller dog can still reach to get in and out.

PlexiDor dog doors come in sizes from small to extra large, and can accommodate everything from the smallest Chihuahua to an Irish Wolfhound.

Click here to download a size chart with recommended dog weights and dog door measurements. If you have any questions about door sizing, don’t hesitate to contact customer service. They have extensive experience and will help you find the best door for your pets.

PlexiDor Pet Doors featured in the Regina Leader-Post

PlexiDor dog doors and cat doors featured in the Regina Leader PostPlexiDor dog doors and cat doors are becoming quite popular in Canada, because the door stand up to the harsh climate. The pet doors were recently featured in the Regina Leader-Post.

The article mentions how the PlexiDor pet doors feature saloon style doors that won’t require replacement of flaps, that the panels are energy efficient and shatter resistant, and that the doors are made for installation through a household door or a wall.

PlexiDor dog doors and cat door are constructed to provide safe and easy access for pets without the human having to get up and act as doorman. The doors have security features such as lock and key, and a steel security plate, and the electronic door can only be operated by pets with an RF-ID key.

See the entire article here!

 

 

PlexiDor Pet Doors featured in the London Free Press

PlexiDor Pet Doors were recently featured in an article in the London Free Press, mentioning how a multitude of items enable dog owners to offer their pets the best.

The article mentions that “we seem to finally have reached a point where we no longer have to justify a devotion to our pets” and continues with explaining how pet-friendly people nowadays don’t care how others feel about them and their pets.

The portion about the PlexiDor dog doors and cat door reads:

“If Snoopy or Garfield were to go outside on their own, the options for pet doors were once very limited. You had the flap and you had the squeeze, but nothing that matched the quality of the windows and doors on the rest of your house.

Now pet door sizes range from kitten to pony and are made from durable products, warranted against failure. You can still buy the vinyl flap, but it’s hardly an option for a Canadian winter. These days doors are lockable, durable and claim to stand up to whatever the Great White North can throw at them.

Manufacturer Plexidor specializes in a shatter resistant saloon-style door with an aluminum frame that’s guaranteed to never warp, rust, bend or crack. If you have the budget and the desire to make Lassie the envy of the neighbourhood, Plexidor’s Electronic Door and Electronic Wall versions feature a programmable panel and other elements akin to a house security system. Concern about a possum or raccoon following your furry family member into the house are eliminated with these particular doors. Only the dog or cat that’s wearing a special pre-programmed collar key will gain access.”

Read the entire article here!

Common questions about the PlexiDor Electronic

Questions about the PlexiDor Electronic pet doorMany people are curious about the electronic pet doors. Here are answers to some of the most common questions:

Q: What is an electronic pet door? 
A: Electronic pet doors open when a pet with a collar key comes close enough to trigger it. In some doors the key releases the catch on the door so the pet can push it open. When it comes to the PlexiDor Electronic pet door, the cat or dog has an RF-ID key on the collar, and the door opens automatically when the key comes into range.

Q: What if one of my neighbors has an electronic dog door just like this one?
A: There are thousands of key codes, and the door will be programmed to open to your pets’ keys only.

Q: Will burglars be able to enter through the electronic pet door?
A: That is not likely. The door has an interior stainless steel locking bar, and the panel is shatter resistant. If a burglar were to say hit the panel with a baseball bat, the bat bounces back. The frame is made from heavy aluminum that won’t bend like plastic does. It would be easier to break in through a window.

Q: Will an electronic pet door let the dog out but keep the cats in?
A: Maybe. We can’t guarantee that; cats are small and quick, and they often figure out that they can sneak out with the dog. Some customers use an indoor “underground fence” solution to keep cats away from the door.

Q: My dog likes to swim. Will water damage the key?
A: No. The keys are water proof.

Q: Is it difficult to use a PlexiDor Electronic pet door?
A:
No, it is easy to add and change collar codes, and the keys snap on to the pet’s collar easily. The pets usually figure the door out in a matter of minutes, and our support staff is standing by to assist with any problems.

Q: What kind of warranties do you have?
A: Every PlexiDor comes with a 5 year warranty, and a 90 day unconditional return guarantee. If you purchase a door and don’t like it, return it within 90 days and get your money back.

Dog doors that stand up to even the largest dogs

In the past, owners of very large dogs  had problems finding suitable pet doors. Traditional flap doors can’t stand up to the power produced by a 200 lbs dog hitting it at a run. Countless owners  ended up with torn flaps, warped frames, and even pet door frames torn out of the household door.

Dog Doors That Stand Up To Even the Largest Dogs - extra largeThe PlexiDor dog door is specifically made to withstand even very large dogs. The frame is made from hardened aluminum that won’t crack or rust, and the panels are made from a special K9 Composite material. They’re thin, yet isolating, and strong enough to withstand the intense pounding a large dog can put them through. The PlexiDor factory has put an extensive amount of research into the material. The see-through panels also serves as a window for the pet.

An extra large dog also comes with extra strong jaws, and some breeds are known for chewing everything to pieces. The extra large PlexiDor dog door has an aluminum chew-proof trim around each panel, so even if the dog is bored and tries to take it out in the door, destroying the panel will not be easy.

Many pet owners worry about security, and that can seem a warranted concern when putting in a door large enough to accommodate a 220 lbs dog. Every PlexiDor dog door is delivered with a lock and key, and a steel security plate that attaches to the door frame.

The security plate screws on to the dog door frame, but for households that want to attach it often, be it for securing the house or for signaling to the dog that the door is locked, there is a sliding track accessory available. The security plate slides down the track to the right position, and is locked in place with a flip lock, so an intruder can’t get rid of it through pushing it up.

PlexiDor dog door with mounted sliding track and security plate. Extra Large.

The image to the right shows an extra large PlexiDor dog door with the security plate attached through the sliding track system. Note that you can lock and unlock the door through the security plate, so even if you forget to lock before putting the plate on, you don’t have to take it off again. The image also shows the security plate flip-lock on top.
There is also an awning available that provides shade and keeps rain and snow away.

The PlexiDor extra large dog door is available in three frame colors: silver, white, or bronze. The sliding tracks are available in the same colors, and awnings and security plates are either white or brone.

The extra large PlexiDor dog door is excellent for breeds such as Great Danes, Leonbergers, Newfoundlands, Rottweilers, St Bernards, Old English Sheepdogs, Irish Wolfhounds, and other dogs up to 220 lbs. The panels open so easily that a small and large pet can use the same door. However, if a smaller pet is to share the door it’s important to adjust the installation height so everyone can get in and out comfortably.

Find the right size pet door!

It is important to choose the right size pet door. It naturally has to be large enough to allow the pet easy access, but also as small as possible in order to keep rain, snow, and winds outside.

Most dogs duck their head and lift their legs when they go through a door, so the opening doesn’t have to be as tall as the dog. This can be confusing; it is tempting to install a pet door like we do a human door, with the opening starting at floor level. A dog door or cat door can generally be elevated.

The PlexiDor dog doors and cat door come in four convenient sizes to accommodate a wide range of pets and household needs. Click here to download a size chart as PDF!

Examples of breeds and door sizes are:

Cats up to 24 pounds and dogs up to 9 pounds, such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Papillons, Yorkies, and Maltese generally require a small PlexiDor pet door.

Dogs up to 40 pounds, such as Poodles, Corgis, Dachshunds, Beagles, Pekingese, Shelties, Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, and many Terriers need a medium PlexiDor dog door.

Dogs up to 100 pounds, such as Labradors, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Collies, Setters, Bulldogs, Pointers, and Dobermans require a large PlexiDor dog door.

Dogs up to 220 pounds, such as Great Danes, St Bernards, Rottweilers, Old English Sheepdogs, Newfoundlands, Great Pyrenees, and Irish Wolfhounds need an extra large PlexiDor dog door.

The size chart contains recommendations for installation height from bottom of frame to floor. If you are concerned about the opening size, download this information sheet in PDF format with opening sizes and cut hole sizes for door units as well as wall units. We want you to find the right size pet door for your furry friend!

News release; All Shapes, All Sizes, All Breeds

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“All Shapes … All Sizes … All Breeds”

 

Bradenton, FL, (March, 2014).  PlexiDor® Performance Pet Doors is proud to showcase its family of high quality American Pet Products Association approved pet doors at the upcoming Global Pet Expo in Orlando, FL. The show is held at the Orlando County Convention Center March 12 thru 14, 2014.

For over 28 years the PlexiDor development team has worked closely with pet owners around the world to design a strong, safe, energy efficient and dependable product designed for years of trouble free use.

PlexiDor Pet Doors do not require replacement flaps. The shatter resistant, saloon style door panels are manufactured from K-9 COMPOSITE™ which is specially formulated to resist damage from sunlight, extreme temperatures and high impact. The door panels have been rigorously tested to withstand the harshest outdoor conditions. The K-9 COMPOSITE™ panels are lined with industrial grade weather seal around all four edges to reduce air conditioning and heat loss.

“The development of our exclusive K9 COMPOSITE material has further increased the durability and energy efficiency of the PlexiDor product”, says Robert Wollet, Sales and Marketing Manager.

PlexiDor frames are made of hardened aluminum designed to never rust, bend, crack, or warp. All PlexiDor pet doors come standard with lock, key and steel security plate designed to prevent unwanted quests from entering the home.

PlexiDor Performance Pet Doors are available through a nationwide network of authorized dealers, with prices ranging from $163 to $1,249.  Visit www.plexidors.com to locate a dealer near you or call 1-844-698-6472 to request a PlexiDor catalog, 

About PlexiDor


PlexiDor Performance Pet Doors has manufactured high quality pet doors since 1985 at its facility in Bradenton, FL. PlexiDor Performance Pet Doors are professionally engineered and manufactured from high-quality materials made in the United States and provide years of safe, trouble-free service for consumers and their pets. PlexiDor Pet Doors do not require costly vinyl replacement flaps, and their frames are made of heavy-duty anodized aluminum that will not rust, bend, crack, or warp. Engineered with K9 COMPOSITE™ energy efficient panels, PlexiDor Pet Doors reduce energy costs and are ideal for extreme climates. PlexiDor also offers a 5-year limited residential warranty and a 90 day money back guarantee.

Download the full press release with contact information here.