Security Screens and Security Doors
Our pets are part of the family. While they bring companionship and joy to the family, they also bring challenges such as managing their movement in and out of your home. If you are thinking about having a security screen or security door installed or have a security screen or security door that has already installed, you may want to consider whether have a pet door fitted is right for you. While having a pet door fitted into a security screen or door can provide freedom for pets along with convenience for the owners, there are a few aspects you will need to consider.
Benefits of Pet Doors in Security Screens and Security Doors
Convenience for Pet Owners
The biggest advantage of installing a pet door in your security door or security screen is convenience. Instead of constantly opening and closing doors to let your dog or cat out or in, your pet can use the door independently. This is especially useful late at night or when you are busy or not around.
Better Quality of Life for Pets
Pets thrive when they have independence. A pet door in your security screen allows your dog or cat to access the yard, reducing boredom and destructive behaviours like scratching or barking. This extra stimulation can often result in happier, healthier pets.
Keeps Your Home Ventilated and Secure
In Australia, we rely on security screens to allow fresh air into the home while keeping insects and intruders out. By having a pet door installed, you don’t have to compromise airflow by leaving the door ajar. Your pets can come and go while your home remains well-ventilated and secure.
Ideal for Busy Households
For families where people are often at work or away for long hours, a pet door in your security door can be a lifesaver. Your pets can relieve themselves or stretch their legs outside without needing you to be there, thus reducing stress for both you and your fury baby.
Drawbacks of Pet Doors in Security Screens and Security Doors
Potential Security Risks
The main concern with cutting a hole in a security screen or security door for a pet door is reduced security. Even a medium sized pet door may provide an entry point for intruders. Even smaller openings can be exploited by burglars who attempt to manipulate locks or access keys left near the door.
Reduced Integrity of Security Screens
High-quality security screen doors are designed to resist high forces and provide maximum protection of your home. Adding a pet door alters the screen from its original design intent, which inevitably weakens the screen door.
Unwanted Visitors
Just as your pet has freedom to come and go, so can other animals. Stray cats, possums, or even snakes may find their way into your home through an unsecured pet door. This is particularly concerning in certain parts of Australia, where the wildlife live near your yards.
Training Challenges
Some pets adapt quickly to using a pet door, while others are hesitant and it can take quite some time before they become comfortable using it.
Conclusion
Adding a pet door to your security screen or security door can make life easier for you and your pets. It offers convenience, improved ventilation, and greater independence for your furry baby. However, it does carry some drawbacks, such as reduced security for your home and an increased cost to your Security Screen or Security Door.
However, the decision comes down to your priorities. If home security is your top priority, then you may want to avoid altering your security screen or security door. On the other hand, if convenience and pet wellbeing is more important to you, a professionally installed, high-quality pet door could be an excellent solution.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Once a pet door is installed into a security door, it will no longer meet Australian Security Standards and cannot be called a “Security Door”. It is referred to as a “Barrier Door” ONLY
- Pet doors may increase the risk of theft or damage by an intruder or unwanted animal.
- Pet doors cannot be fitted on doors or window screens leading to a swimming pool.
- Pet doors cannot be fitted on doors or window screens in a bushfire rated property.
Q&A’s
Why does Goldco Security use only Petway® pet door?
Petway® pet doors are Australian designed, owned and manufactured and have been specifically developed for use in screen doors and windows. They integrate perfectly with our hinged or sliding doors and can be installed either during manufacturing of the door or retrofitted on site.
Are pet doors safe from intruders?
Small pet doors in security screens and security doors are generally too small for intruders to enter through. However, larger doors for medium to big dogs can be large enough for a person to crawl thought.
What size pet doors to you offer
Petway® pet doors that Goldco Security installs are available in 3 sizes:
- Small – with a flap opening dimensions of 240mm high x 190mm wide. Suitable for all size cats and small to medium size dogs
- Medium – with a flap opening dimensions of 305mm high x 225mm wide. Suitable for medium size dogs
- Large – with a flap opening dimensions of 400mm high x 260mm wide. Suitable for large size dogs
Can I get a pet door with a chip reader.
Pet doors with microchip reader are NOT compatible with Security Screens or Security Doors, as they are too thick and do not allow for the window or door to open.
Will a pet door affect ventilation or insect protection?
No, your Security Screen or Security Doors will still allow airflow and will keep insects out.
Can stray animals use my pet door?
Yes, it is possible for stray cats or other wildlife to enter your home.
Can a pet door be fitted to a flyscreen door?
Yes, it is possible to fit a pet door to a flyscreen door. However, they cannot be fitted in a bushfire rated property.