Pet door resources
Everything You Need to Choose the Right Pet Door
A quick, friendly guide from your local Georgia installer — how to measure your pet, what size to pick, how to train them, and the questions we hear most.
The Elite difference
Why Elite Pet Doors
We don't just sell a pet door — we measure, fit, and finish it ourselves, and stand behind it for life. Here's what sets an Elite installation apart.
Insulated & weather-tight
An insulated double-flap design with magnetic seals keeps conditioned air in and your energy bills down — through every Georgia season.
Secure by design
Heavy-duty aluminum frames and a slide-in locking cover panel keep your home — and your family — protected day and night.
Backed for life
Every Elite installation carries a lifetime frame warranty and a 10-year parts warranty. We stand behind our work for the life of your home.
Sized to your pet
We measure your pet and your door for a precise, comfortable fit — 11 standard sizes plus custom, confirmed in person before we cut anything.
Installed by craftsmen
Family-owned and local. We fit and finish every door ourselves — sealed, tidy, and built to disappear into a beautiful home, usually in one visit.
For doors, walls & glass
One trusted team for every install type — doors, walls, sliding glass, windows, and screens — across Georgia.
Sizing
How to Measure Your Pet
Three quick measurements tell us the right door for your pet. (And don't worry — we double-check everything in person, free.)
Measure the height
Measure from the floor to the top of your pet's shoulders (the withers) — not the head. The top of the flap should sit 1–2 inches above your pet's back so they pass through without crouching.
Measure the width
Measure across the widest point of your pet's chest or hips, then add 1–2 inches of clearance. For fluffy coats, measure to the edge of the fur so the opening isn't too snug.
Mind the step-over
The 'rise' is the small lip at the bottom your pet steps over (about 2 inches standard). For short-legged, senior, or arthritic pets, we mount the door a little lower for an easy step-through.
Size chart
Pet Door Size Guide
A starting point by pet size and weight. If your pet is between sizes, size up — a little extra room beats a door that's too tight.
| Size range | Great for | Approx. weight |
|---|---|---|
| Small – Medium | Cats, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, small terriers | up to ~25 lbs |
| Medium – Large | Beagles, Corgis, Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs | ~25–60 lbs |
| Large | Labs, Boxers, Golden Retrievers, Huskies | ~60–100 lbs |
| Giant | Great Danes, Mastiffs, Great Pyrenees | up to ~220 lbs |
We offer 11 standard sizes plus custom options — and confirm the exact fit and flap height at your free in-home measurement.
Placement
Where Can a Pet Door Go?
Almost anywhere. Tap a type to see how it works.
Training
Teaching Your Pet to Use the Door
Most pets learn in a single afternoon. Here's the gentle, no-stress way to introduce the door.
- 1Have a helper on the opposite side of the door so your pet can see where the opening leads.
- 2Prop or hold the flap open at first — make the path through obvious and easy.
- 3Coax them through with a favorite treat or toy. Encourage, never push or force.
- 4Keep sessions short and positive, and repeat a few times so it becomes familiar.
- 5Gently rest the flap on their back as they pass so they get used to the light touch.
Patience and treats win the day — never force a hesitant pet through.
Good to know
Pet Door FAQs
Are pet doors energy efficient?
Yes — the premium pet doors we install use a double-flap, insulated design with magnets that pull the flaps back to a sealed position. That gives far better insulation than single-flap doors and helps keep your conditioned air in through Georgia summers and winters.
Are pet doors secure?
They're built with heavy-duty aluminum frames and weather-tight seals, and each comes with a locking cover panel you can slide in whenever you want the opening fully closed — for travel, storms, or overnight.
Where can a pet door be installed?
Just about anywhere: into an exterior or interior door, through a wall, into a sliding glass door, or into a screen door or porch panel. We'll recommend the best spot during your free in-home visit.
How do I know what size my pet needs?
Measure your pet's shoulder height and chest width (see the steps above), and if they fall between sizes, size up. There are 11 standard sizes plus custom options — and we always confirm the exact fit with a free in-home measurement before installing.
Can flaps be replaced if they wear out?
Absolutely. Flaps are replaceable, and every Elite Pet Doors installation is backed by a lifetime frame warranty and a 10-year parts warranty — so your door keeps working for the life of your home.
Still have questions?
We're happy to help you measure, choose, and plan — with a free in-home visit anywhere in Georgia.