| Main Menu | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Back Issues | |
|---|---|
|
| The Pros and Cons of Pet Doors |
|
|
| Monday, 25 December 2006 | |
|
Pet doors are considered one of the most creative inventions of pet-owners, allowing access to their dog or cat and reassurance to themselves. A pet door protects the pet from the elements by allowing them easy access, protects a house from accidents by allowing them easy exit, and removes the annoyances of constant pleas to leave or enter the house. But, along with these obvious useful effects, pet doors can also be somewhat of a problem for the owners of a house. Before one installs a pet door – into their existing door, or through the installation of an entirely new one – one should examine the pros and cons of this endeavor. Although pet doors allow easy entrance and access for cats and dogs, they unfortunately do the same for cold air and even insects. These problems can be negated by spending more money on an insulated pet door (which can eventually save you large amounts on heating costs) or by installing a pet door with a magnetic hinge that will keep ants and other insects at bay. If you live in an area where heating is not a problem, then a simple, inexpensive pet door is a more efficient choice, but otherwise one should look into the possible detrimental effects of an non-insulated door. The easiest way to install a pet door is to simply visit your local pet store, buy a door, and either install it yourself – through two hours of work with a saw and screw driver – or hire someone from the store to install it for you. Larger chains of pet stores generally offer this service, generally charging a fee of around fifty dollars for the labor and transportation required. Getting the job done professionally is usually the wisest choice, because it ensures a sturdy installation of the pet door and a professional sealing job. A pet door is nearly always a wise choice, as it protects the owner and the pet alike from possible harm; but one should be sure to examine both the pros and cons of every option before making a decision. Understanding Pet Doors: The pet door is an invention that can often remove unneeded stress and time constraints from our life; when our animals can let themselves in and out of the house with ease, it removes a slight burden from our own shoulders. Pet doors come in diverse shapes and sizes, but can generally be found easily and effectively by looking at low-cost, easily-installed options. The best place to find a pet door is at your local pet store; coincidentally, this is also the best place to have them installed. Generally a fee of no more than fifty dollars will be charged for the installation of the pet door, which is usually no more than should be expected - it could save a pet owner hours of work and the possibility of mistakes for a simple fee. You are then guaranteed a professional job of the installation. The most important factors that will help you decide upon a specific pet door are as follows: size, which should be the correct dimensions to let your pet fit comfortably through it. Weight, which must allow the pet to easily enter and exit through the door. Type, which will often include important factors such as insulation and locking mechanisms. Insulation is an important factor for those who live in cold areas, because a pet door can let in some cold air which could make a difference in your monthly heating bill. The pet door itself will generally cost somewhere between twenty and fifty dollars, unless one decides to splurge on a high-tech setup, which is generally unnecessary. Other options include a pet window, which cats could enter through, or a pet expansion of a sliding patio door, which is effective but expensive for those who are afraid that a pet door would not look classy in their home. A pet door can be an invaluable tool, and is generally well worth the commitment and money. Just remember to consider all of the important factors before making a decision. What You Should Know about Pet Doors: Pet doors are a common commodity amongst pet owners, for good reason: they allow your dog or cat to run around with freedom, which ensures their health and happiness and protects them from accidents like being locked in or out. It is an important piece of any animal’s life to go where they wish to go when they wish to go there. A pet door allows for this freedom - a pet can take their dinner inside, walk quietly outside to do their business, and then return without their owner taking the time to drop their important work and open the door twice. A pet door can be easily selected by just understanding a few factors. Size is one of these, and a buyer should be sure that their dog or cat can not only fit through the door, but also push it open and closed. Size should be perfectly fitted to your pet, because any extra space can let in unwanted company such as insects and other neighborhood animals. For example, a small door that is made to allow access to a cat will bar access from a larger dog, protecting your pet effectively. The type of door is also important; one should find a door that matches their home, and also holds back the cold through the use of effective insulation. These factors are especially important in areas with extremely cold winters, because a door can either let in a substantial amount of cold or even freeze shut, possibly leaving your beloved pet out in the cold. Remember: once you have looked at every factor of a pet door, you can make a wise choice as to which door you should install. Make the decision that will most benefit both yourself and your pet, ensuring that the money you spend will not go to waste. |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|