People love their pets. They want to make the pets comfortable and make them part of the family. Instead of giving the pet a key to the house, they often choose to make a pet door or two so the pet has unfettered access from the backyard into the house, maybe clear through the house into the garage. When there is a large pet door, such as the one shown here, it is a potential security breach into the home. A human could easily go through that door. And often they allow rain and moisture into the home as well. The other location, where people cut pet doors, is in the garage/house door. We are talking a "firewall" breach here. My advice to homeowners is to be carefully when hacking doors apart. It might be better to give Rover and Tabby a key. Of course, since they have no thumbs, it might be tough getting them to use it. Thanks for stopping by, Steven L. Smith
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Although they always seem convenient for those of us who have pets that constantly want in, no out, no in...I've never wanted to add a pet door. Besides your cautions, I know my cats would bring in WAY too many wild creatures to play with inside!
Steven: Pet doors also have an impact on listed homes. For buyers with pets - it might be OK - if it is the right size - for buyers without pets - it leaves a negative thought - another expense in getting this house ready to become our home ...
I was in a house the other day that had a door that two first graders could have crawled through TOGETHER! Fortunately it had a wood slide that came down over the door when not in use. However, you are right, even with the slider, it could be a BIG security issue.
Wow, that's a big opening! Thanks for your input Steven!
I would love to have a pet door, but then my dogs are small enough that it wouldn't be easy to get in through a Peenut sized hole.
There are some pet doors that stay locked until a sensor is tripped. Put the sensor on the collar and voila! Wonder how secure they are though?
Steven - A friend had a raccoon enter their pet door, grab a bag of dog food and drag it back to the door. Unfortunately, the bag (25#) was too big to pull through the opening. I'm not a fan of pet doors for the reasons you point out.
I've never been a fan of pet doors. I think they look tacky. I'm always into decor! I have always owned dogs and have lived just fine not having to hack a hole in my nice doors. Why not train your dog to tell you he has to go out?
Raccoons, snakes, bob cats and all sorts of creatures can come in - besides the dog -- if putting in one, be sure you put it in right side up, saw a home owner who put in one upside down , oops ---- and if you have one , please please keep it clean !
I think I could get through that door without much thought or effort. They do make pet doors that have covers that will lock down when the owner is not home. As for compromising the fire intergrity of the door, once it is cut it is toast, so to speak.
A teenaged burglar ring was busted around here. They used doggie doors and gable vents to get into houses. Either is big enough for small, thin teens to access the house!