The right pet door lets your dog or cat come and go on their own, without scratching the door or waking you at dawn. The trick is picking the right size the first time. This guide walks Wollongong and Sydney pet owners through the size categories, how to measure your pet, and what the size means for the glass panel.
Pet Door Size Categories
Most pet doors fit into one of four size groups. The weights are a rough guide only, because two dogs of the same weight can be very different heights.
- Small: cats and small dogs under about 7 kg. Examples: most cats, Chihuahua, Maltese, Mini Foxie.
- Medium: dogs about 7 kg to 18 kg. Examples: Cavoodle, Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie.
- Large: dogs about 18 kg to 35 kg. Examples: Labrador, Golden Retriever, Boxer, Kelpie.
- Extra large: dogs over about 35 kg. Examples: German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Great Dane.
If your pet sits near the top of one group, look at the next size up. The measurements below will settle it.
How to Measure Your Pet
You need two measurements, and a tape measure is all it takes. Measure your pet standing up and relaxed.
- Shoulder height: measure from the floor to the top of the shoulders, not the head. Add 5 cm. The flap opening should be at least this tall so your pet walks through without ducking.
- Width: measure across the widest point, usually the chest or hips. Add 5 cm. The flap should be at least this wide.
Write both numbers down and bring them to your quote. If you have a puppy, measure for their adult size instead of their size today. Your vet or breeder can give you the likely adult weight and height, so the door still fits once they grow.
What the Size Means for the Glass Panel
A pet door in glass is cut into a toughened glass panel, so the glass stays strong and safe around the opening. A few things follow from that:
- Bigger pet doors need more glass around the flap, so a large or extra-large door may need a wider or taller panel than a small one.
- Small and medium doors often fit a standard panel, while large and extra-large doors are worth checking against your glass size.
- If your current glass is not toughened, we usually fit a new toughened panel with the pet door already built in. This keeps the glass in line with Australian safety rules.
We measure your existing glass and tell you whether the pet door fits the current panel or needs a new one, so there are no surprises on the day.
Most pet doors in glass go into a fixed or side glass panel rather than the sliding part of a door, which keeps the door working as normal. We also place the flap near where your pet already likes to go in and out, so they take to it quickly.
Dog Doors and Cat Doors
Cats and small dogs can often share the same small door, but the flap style can differ. Cat flaps can be smaller, and some add locking or microchip options so only your pet gets in. Dog flaps are sturdier and sized to the breed. We fit both dog doors in glass and cat doors in glass, so the door matches your pet.
See a Real Pet Door Job
Want to see how a pet door looks in a real home? Take a look at our Balmain dog door project, one of many pet door installation jobs we have finished across Sydney and the Illawarra.
Pet Door Size FAQ
What if my pet is between two sizes?
Go up to the larger size. A door that is slightly big is easy for your pet to use, while a door that is too small is a daily struggle. Your measurements will show which way to lean.
Can two pets share one pet door?
Yes. Size the door for your largest pet, and smaller pets will use it easily. The bigger animal sets the size.
How do I size a door for a puppy?
Size it for their adult weight and height, not their size today. Ask your vet or breeder for the likely adult size. This saves you replacing the door once your puppy grows.
Do you install pet doors in Sydney and Wollongong?
Yes. We fit dog and cat doors in glass across Sydney, the Illawarra and the Southern Highlands.
Get a Pet Door Quote
Ready to give your dog or cat their own door? Measure your pet, then get a pet door quote or call Level & Square Glass on 0424 154 448. We install pet doors in glass across Sydney, Wollongong and the Southern Highlands.
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