Pet Doors for Sliding Glass Doors

Designed for the modern pet lover, pet doors for sliding glass doors offers a blend of quality, convenience, and style. These pet doors provide an uncomplicated solution for those seeking to add a pet entryway to their sliding glass doors without undergoing tedious installations or modifications. Complementing the aesthetic of your home, they are compatible with various sliding door materials including aluminum, vinyl, and wood, ensuring a seamless integration that doesn't compromise on your decor.

For those considering their home's energy efficiency, many of these pet doors offer a great advantage. Designed to conserve heat during cold months and keep your home cool in warmer climates, these doors are an eco-friendly choice that also assists in reducing your energy bills. You can select from single flap options ideal for temperate climates or double flap models that offer an insulating air buffer, perfect for moderate weather conditions.

Customization is key, especially since matching your patio panel frame material to your existing door frame will reduce condensation. That's why many patio panel frames are available in both aluminum and vinyl.

These panels are not only durable but also provide an aesthetic look, blending in perfectly with your existing slider. Safety, an essential aspect, has also been taken into account. Many sliding glass door panels come equipped with a sturdy thermoplastic locking cover and a clamp lock system to secure the panel, effectively keeping unwanted visitors out when needed.

These pet doors are available in various sizes to cater to your pets' needs. The flap size and step-over height are designed to provide your pet with a comfortable and accessible entryway. Many patio panels have an adjustable panel height to fit your sliding door’s track height accurately. Regardless of whether you're a dog or a cat parent, sliding glass pet doors cater to all, offering the versatility needed in a multi-pet household.

Investing in pet doors for sliding glass doors is a step towards enhancing your home's convenience and comfort, all while providing your beloved pet with the freedom to explore. Its energy-efficient design, ease of installation, range of sizes, and compatibility with different door materials make it a worthy addition to any pet-friendly household.

Single Flap Vs. Double Flap

Single Flap: Dragon single flap options are ideal for temperate climates. It is also a good option for very timid pets who may shy away from a double flap.

Double Flap: Dragon single flap options are ideal for moderate climates. The space between the two flaps creates an insulating air buffer for improved energy efficiency.

Can’t decide between a single or double flap? Every Dragon pet door model can be easily converted from single to double flap with a few easy steps. You can start out with a single flap and upgrade to a double flap at any time by installing an Additional Dragon Flap.

Aluminum Vs. Vinyl Panels

How to Determine if Your Slider Frame is Vinyl or Aluminum:

• Tap the frame: An aluminum sliding patio door will sound metallic while a vinyl one will make a dull, plastic noise.
• Measure Track Width: Vinyl tracks are often slightly wider than aluminum. Aluminum tracks are generally 1” wide while vinyl tracks are about 1.5” wide.

Aluminum Panels: Aluminum Dragon panels fit aluminum doors with tracks at least 1” thick. They will fit vinyl doors with tracks at least 1” thick too, however, since vinyl doors generally have wider tracks the panel may wobble a bit.

Vinyl Panels: The Dragon Vinyl Panel is designed to fit in vinyl-framed sliding doors with tracks at least 1” thick. The vinyl pet door panel framing will match your existing slider for an aesthetic look. Vinyl is also excellent for cold weather, as it resists the “sweating” (condensation buildup) that aluminum can be prone to in cold climates.

How to Measure Track Height

It’s important that you make sure your Dragon pet door panel fits your sliding door before you purchase it, which means you’re going to need to measure your sliding door’s track height. To measure your patio sliding door’s track height, use a tape measure to find the distance from your bottom track to your upper track.

Start from the deepest point in the lower track and measure up to the deepest point in the upper track, as this is where the panel will sit. You will also need to use the tape measure to find the width of your track, which needs to be at least 1” for aluminum panels and at least 1.5” for vinyl panels.

Locking & Security

Locking the Flap: All Dragon Pet Door models come with a sturdy thermoplastic Locking Cover to block access to the pet door as needed. The locking cover keeps neighborhood critters out of your home and allows you to lock the flap at night or when you’re away.

Locking the Panel: Dragon slider inserts come with a clamp lock that attaches to the flange of the track at the edge of the sliding door panel. This clamp securely locks the slider to prevent access while you’re away. When you want to open your door, simply remove the clamp lock. For additional security, we recommend a wooden dowel or Charley Bar. The Charley Bar can be unlocked in a matter of seconds to open your sliding door.

How to Measure Your Pet

Measuring your pet is crucial to choosing the right door for your pet’s safety and comfort. To find your dog’s shoulder height measure from the floor to the top of their withers. The step-over height should be as low as possible for comfortable use by your pet, especially as they grow older. You can use the formula below:

Step Over + Flap Height = At least 1" Taller than Your Dog’s Shoulder Height.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do dog doors for sliding glass doors work?

They're constructed as integrated panels with a dog door, crafted to fit seamlessly into your sliding glass door track.

How can I secure my doggy door in the track?

Dog doors are equipped with a springloaded mechanism for easy positioning and secure locking. The top panel is extended until it snugly fits into the upper track. No drilling is required for certain models like the Endura Thermo Panel 3e and Ideal Fast Fit.

Can I purchase the entire glass door or just the pet door insert?

Most individuals prefer the convenient pet door inserts, but comprehensive in-glass dog door options are also available. An example is the Pet Door Guys' In the Glass, which features a weatherproof, energy-efficient Endura Flap.

How do I install a sliding glass dog door?

Take accurate measurements of your pet and sliding door track, install the panel, adjust its height, and secure it by drilling a hole into the adjacent sliding door for the lock.

How can I install a patio door with a dog door if my sliders meet in the middle?

Position your panel in the middle of the track, rendering one of your sliders stationary. This will ensure the panel's security and stability.

What differentiates 'temporary' from 'semi-permanent' dog doors?

A temporary dog door can be easily removed while a semi-permanent one needs to be securely fitted into the track.

Are dog doors weatherproof?

Yes, models such as Endura Flap Thermo Panel 3e and Hale Standard Panels are known for their excellent weatherproofing capabilities.

How do I weatherproof a sliding glass door with a dog door?

You can use adhesive weather stripping on the panel insert. For added sealing, the panel usually comes with a locking mechanism.

Is matching glass necessary for my slider and dog insert?

No, both single and dual pane inserts work fine. Make your selection based on your local weather conditions and the insert's fit into your track.

Can dog doors be locked?

Yes, dog doors typically include locking mechanisms and some even offer key lock options for enhanced security.

What if my pet hesitates to use the doggy door?

Utilize positive reinforcement, patience, and consistent training to help your pet become comfortable with the doggy door. Since some pets may be frightened by the noise a heavy duty magnetic flap makes when used, the High Tech Armor Flex Patio Panel Pet Door may be a good option for you.

Are there dog doors suitable for vinyl-framed sliding glass doors?

Yes, models like Endura Flap Vinyl Sliding Glass Dog Door and Ideal VPP Panel Pet Door are appropriate. Dragon Vinyl Sliding Glass Door is a cost-effective choice.

Will a dog door interfere with my alarm system?

It's best to consult your alarm company to avoid potential interference.

Will bugs get in through the dog door?

You can align the screen with the dog door to prevent bugs from entering. For greater convenience, you can adapt your slider's screen into a pet door with the Screen Pet Door Conversion and Replacement Kit.

How do I accurately measure my sliding glass door track for a dog door?

Measurements should be taken from the deepest part of the top and bottom tracks. Endura Flap offers custom heights for non-standard sliders.

When does a dog door insert need to be custom?

If your door height falls between 80 ¼" - 96 ¼", you'll require a custom order.

What are the differences between Aluminum and Vinyl panels for dog doors?

Aluminum is ideal for warm climates and easy removal, while Vinyl is best for cold climates and semi-permanent installations. PetSafe Freedom Dog Door for Sliding Glass Door is a reliable choice.

What are the height adjustment ranges for dog doors?

The ranges vary. Make sure your track height fits within the dog door's range.

What if my sliding glass door doesn't have a track?

You can use options like the In The Glass unit.

How much does it cost to install a dog door in the glass?

Prices vary, local glass companies can provide estimates.

Are there doggy doors specifically for sliding glass doors?

Yes, models like the Endura Flap Thermo Panel 3e provide custom heights for taller sliders.

Which is the top-rated doggie door available on the market?

The Endura Flap Thermo Panel 3e is a highly-rated, adjustable doggie door for sliding glass doors.

Why are there no electronic pet door panels for big dogs?

Right now, the technology for electronic pet doors is not capable of handling big pets. However, many dog owners find that the High Tech Power Pet Doors fit their big dogs.

How do I install a pet door into my French door?

You will need a pet door that can be installed into glass. Models like the Utah Pet Access French Door Glass Insert will replace your original pane of glass with one that already has a pet door built into it.