How Much Does it Cost to Install a Pet Door in Glass?

When installed by a professional, a pet door in glass typically costs between $500 and $1,000+. The final cost will depend on several factors, including the type of door and glass, the size of your pet and any additional features. For most homeowners, this cost will be well worth it, giving your pet the freedom to move between the indoors and outdoors whenever they please.

As fitting a pet door into a glass door or window requires specialist tools and expertise, choosing an experienced glazier will make all the difference. Although a DIY approach may be more cost-effective, it does run the risk of costly damage. The right professional will ensure your new pet door is fitted safely and efficiently, leaving you with a seamless finish that you and your pet will love.

Factors That Influence Pet Door Cost

Consider the following price factors, and how they may affect your final cost:

Type

There are plenty of different pet doors to suit your pet, each with their own unique characteristics. Although different pet door types will usually be set at different price points, it is important to choose a door that matches your budget.

• Glass-installed pet door (permanent solution) – Total installation cost: $500 – $850
  This option involves installing a pet door directly through the glass to offer a more seamless and permanent option. This process involves cutting a precise hole into the glass and fitting a sealed unit, which should be carried out by a professional installer. This solution can also work for renters, with the original glass panel replaced at end of lease. While this method is more complex and costly than an insert, it provides a much cleaner look, along with better insulation and a more secure, long-term solution for homeowners.
• Microchip pet door – Total installation cost: $500 – $1000
  This pet door only opens when it detects a microchip or special collar that your pet wears. It can be a great option if you’re worried about other pets coming inside. This is usually most suitable for cats and is a premium option, which will typically cost the most upfront.

Size

Different pet door sizes will be set at different price points. Typically, the bigger the door, the more material and installation work is required, resulting in an increase in cost. Although larger pet doors will typically cost more, it’s important that you find the right size for your pet. For instance, if you try to cut costs by installing a pet door that’s too small, it could be detrimental to your pet, as they’d have to squeeze through a space that isn’t comfortable for their body. If you need help finding the right size door for your pet, explore our handy guide here.

The type of glass

One of the most important influences on your installation costs is the type of glass your pet door will be put through.

• Single-pane glass
  The most basic glass type with just a single panel, this will be the most affordable option because it’s the most straightforward to cut through for a pet door. Although when compared to other glass types, it does have minimal insulation and strength.
• Double-glazed glass
  Instead of a single layer of glass, double glazing combines two layers, separated by an air gap filled with a gas such as argon. This additional layer provides superior insulation and noise reduction qualities compared to single-pane glass. Installation can be tricky because the sealed unit cannot be cut into, as this would break the seal and allow the argon gas to escape, causing condensation between the panes. A professional glazier must be used, who will remove the existing unit entirely and order a custom-manufactured replacement pane that is built with the pet door already incorporated. Because of the extra steps, including the custom manufacturing, specialised labour and more complex materials, double-glazed installation will be considerably more costly than single-pane glass.
• Tempered glass
  Also known as toughened, this type of glass is known for its strength and durability, making it a great choice for those with energetic pets. Although when it’s cut, existing tempered glass shatters, meaning you will need to replace the entire panel with a new one that has a pet door already cut in. As it needs a replacement panel, this makes it more costly than a single-pane option.
• Laminated glass
  Similar to tempered glass, existing laminated glass cannot be directly cut through and will need to be replaced with a pre-cut panel. Laminated glass does offer some fantastic benefits, with a plastic layer between two panels providing additional protection against UV and noise. While typically cheaper than tempered glass and double-glazed, laminated is still pricier than a traditional, single-pane.

Additional Features

Any additional features you choose to include will increase the overall cost. For a tech-savvy pet owner, you may want to incorporate some electronic and smart options. For instance, some pet doors offer smartphone connectivity, allowing you to receive notifications when your pet enters or exits, and even letting you lock the door for added security. You might also consider microchip connectivity, which provides the highest level of security but will also increase costs.

How to Get the Best Value on Your Installation

All pet owners want to get the best value out of their new pet door installation. Consider some of the following tips to ensure you make the right decision:

• Check your warranty
  Make sure you always double-check the contents of your warranty. This is important because, if you want to get the most out of your pet door, you’ll need a suitable warranty that covers a replacement should any issues arise.
• Choose a reputable installer
  One of the easiest ways to ensure you receive the best value for your money is by choosing a reputable installer. To ensure they are reputable, consider reading some testimonials from previous customers or checking their ratings online. It’s also a great idea to double-check that they are a licensed installer.
• Choose quality components
  When you’re trying to get the best-value pet door, it may seem appealing to choose lower-quality materials to reduce your installation costs. However, this can significantly reduce the overall lifespan of your pet door, as lower-quality components are more likely to be affected by the everyday wear and tear of your pet. To maximise both the lifespan and value of your purchase, we recommend choosing high-quality materials and components.

Why Professional Installation Matters

Many pet owners may try and attempt a DIY installation. While there is plenty of information online about how to complete this yourself, we recommend choosing a professional installer for the following reasons:

• Glass is fragile
  Any pet door installation that involves glass should always be carried out by a professional. This is because glass is fragile and can lead to cracks or damage when not installed with the proper tools and expert knowledge.
• Precision is key to correct pet door installation
  For a pet door to work at its best, it needs to be fitted securely to the glass. During installation, if measurements are incorrect, this can affect both the insulation and security of your pet door. Professionals have the skills and experience needed to ensure that your pet door is installed correctly and securely.
• Time-saving
  Because professionals come prepared with all the tools and equipment, they can complete the installation faster than it would take for you to try it yourself. Especially when you choose a professional installer such as Sydney Pet Doors, with years of experience delivering reliable, efficient installations. Usually, you can expect a glass installation to be completed in just a few hours.
• Warranty
  Most professional installers will also offer a warranty. This provides you with the assurance that if any issues occur after your installation, you are fully covered. If a pet door is installed DIY, many manufacturer warranties will be void, so it’s important if you’re worried about replacement costs, to choose a professional.

Pet Door Benefits

Once installed, pet doors can offer a myriad of health and lifestyle benefits for you and your pet. These include the following:

• Give your pet more freedom
  Just like us, when our pets feel trapped inside, they can suffer from feelings of loneliness, boredom and anxiety. A pet door can give your pet free rein to enjoy the outdoors, with fresh air and a more stimulating environment for improved behaviour. This can also save you time that would otherwise be spent continually getting up to open and close the door for your pet.
• Encourage your pet to be more active
  Pets need to move around to stay fit and healthy. For many pet owners, it can be difficult to balance walk times with all their other commitments in life. With a pet door, your pet has easier access to the outdoors, meaning they can stretch their legs and run around in fresh air, even when you’re away. This is particularly great for helping your pet to live longer, with strong muscles and healthy joints.
• Help with toilet training
  Toilet training is an important responsibility when raising a pet. Although it can be a challenging experience, installing a pet door can make this process much easier by allowing your pet to go outside whenever they need to. This can give you peace of mind while also minimising indoor accidents.
• Reduced indoor accidents
  Your pet may be prone to relieving themselves when inside or even damaging furniture. Particularly when they are inside your house all day, when you’re at work, pets may start to carry out some unwelcome behaviour, such as chewing things or barking. Pet doors provide them with easy access to the outside, helping to reduce these destructive behaviours.
• Provides a safe shelter from the outside
  While pets usually love the freedom of the outdoors, there are times when it may be unsafe, and they need to come inside. For example, when temperatures are too high or too low, this can pose a risk to your pet’s health. A pet door can provide a safe way for them to return indoors.

When installed through glass, a pet door should cost between $500 and $1,000. Although your exact price point will depend upon several factors, such as your pet door’s size, type and any additional features you choose to include. Especially when dealing with a pet door installation into glass, it’s vital you choose professionals who are experienced and knowledgeable. The team at Sydney Pet Doors are the experts in pet door installation, and are ready to find the perfect solution for your home.