How Much Does It Cost To Install A Pet Door in 2025?

Installing a pet door allows your dog or cat to come and go as they please, but it has a cost: About $495 on average and with a general range of $200 to $700. Depending on the complexity of the door, however, your cost could be as little as $20 for a simple flap you can install yourself, or you could pay upwards of $3,500 for something more complex. 

This cost guide will help you identify the factors that affect your budget for installing a pet door, including any costs associated with related projects and DIY installation. 

In this guide:

• Average Costs
• Cost Estimator by Size
• Other Factors that Affect Cost
• Related Services
• Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
• Cost by Location
• FAQs

Average Cost of Installing a Pet Door

National Average Cost	$495
Typical Price Range	$200 – $700
Extreme Low-End Cost	$20
Extreme High-End Cost	$3,500

Cat and dog door installation costs vary greatly based on factors such as the type of door or wall you’re modifying, the type of pet door you’re installing, the size of the pet door, and whether you choose to make it a DIY project. For example, homeowners can install a simple plastic flap for as little as $20. However, pet doors with complex electronic components and security measures can run as much as $3,500. 

Cost Estimator by Size

The size of your pet door matters quite a bit. After all, a Great Dane will not get through a passage intended for a Corgi, no matter how determined it is to do so. And of course dog doors tend to be larger than cat doors. 

Installation pricing for larger doors tends to be higher because they require more work to stabilize your exterior or interior door. Installation for a 6-inch to 7-inch pet door may cost as little as $150, while a pet door that measures up to 19” might run you as much as $835 on average. 

Other Factors that Affect the Cost of Pet Door Installation

The amount you’ll pay for a pet door installation will vary depending on factors such as its location, the materials used in its construction, and the type of dog door you want to install. 

Pet Doors by Brand

There are multiple leading brands of pet doors available in the market, each with unique costs. If you’re shopping for the right doggy door, including high-tech options and those with a lifetime warranty, looking at brands to compare their typical prices is a great way to start.

Brand of Pet Door	Average Price Range
Endura	$50 – $450
PetSafe	$30 – $165
PlexiDor	$195 – $2,185
Hale	$125 – $295

Interior vs. Exterior

An exterior pet door leads outside your home, allowing your furry friend to explore the outside world as they please. Interior pet doors grant access to rooms in your house and are handy for times when your cat or dog needs to get to their litter box or kennel. Typically, exterior pet doors are expensive than interior doors because of the need for weatherproofing, insulation, and even security measures.

Installing a Pet Door in a Door

Different kinds of doors can serve as the entrance and exit to your house. A simple wooden door installation costs around $200 to $700 on average, but other types of doors may result in higher costs. 

The average pet door installation cost for a storm door is slightly higher at $250 to $750. However, if you choose to alter a sliding glass door, it will cost an average of $355 to $1,500, depending on the type and size of dog or cat door you choose. In-glass installations cost more because they require extra reinforcement to handle the stress of your dog or cat going through the pet door repeatedly without cracking the glass or damaging the door frame. 

Installing a Pet Door in a Wall

If you would prefer to install a dog or cat door in the exterior wall of your home rather than your door, you can expect to pay between $290 and $2,140 for the installation. The process involves cutting a hole in the wall and mounting a sturdy frame for the pet door. In-wall pet doors tend to be more permanent additions, and often require professional installation to avoid damaging the structure of your home. 

This style of installation is possible with drywall, vinyl, or even a brick wall. Each comes with its considerations for maintaining stability and avoiding any wires, pipes, or studs within the wall.

Installing a Cat Door

Technically, dogs and cats can use the same pet door to enter and exit. But if you only have cats, you may not require a dog door, which is typically larger. On average, cat door installation costs will range from an average of $60 for inexpensive PVC cat flaps to around $425 for more complex doors. 

Preinstalled Pet Doors

If you’re planning on fitting your house with a new door, the easiest option is to buy one with a pet door already installed. Depending on the complexity of the door, you could pay an average of $800 to $2,200 for a pre-installed option. Part of the cost is the labor required to fit the new exterior door. However, you don’t have to worry about labor costs to install the pet door because the pet door will already be in place. 

Related Services

The following services will help enhance your home further for both you and your pet(s).

Landscape Design 

If your pet is going to run around outside, it would help if the outside looked amazing. Landscaping can help you beautify the outside of your home. At the same time, you could control the growth of plant life, ensuring that nothing harmful to your pet ends up in your garden. The cost of landscape design varies between about $2,200 and $6,180 per project, with a labor cost of $50 to $150 per hour. 

Surveillance System

Setting up video surveillance is a great way to monitor your pets when they go outside on their own. Cameras come in various forms, from wireless cameras that transmit images and video over the internet to closed-circuit television cameras that use a wired connection. On average, homeowners pay around $1,325 to install video cameras around their houses.

Exterminator Services

Sometimes, your four-legged friend brings uninvited guests into your home after a romp in the yard. The best way to avoid an infestation is to hire a qualified extermination technician to rid your house of any pests. These services vary in cost depending on the type of insect you’re looking to deal with. For example, flea extermination services cost between $180 and $350 with a national average price of approximately $280.

Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost

If you’re handy and want to save money, you may want to save a few bucks by DIYing your pet door. It’s not that difficult to do with a wooden exterior or interior door. However, if you plan to install a pet door through glass, fiberglass or steel, you should really consider hiring a professional. And if you wish to place the pet door on a wall, you’ll almost certainly need a contractor.

This table details the costs of the tools required to install a pet door. 

DIY Equipment	Average Cost
Safety Goggles	$14
Tape Measure	$18
Screwdriver	$15
Cordless Drill	$120
Level	$35
Caulk	$3
Caulk Gun	$6
Jigsaw	$190
Total DIY Cost	$401

At about $495, the average cost for hiring a professional contractor or handyman to install your pet door is slightly higher than the total DIY cost of $401. And if you already have some of the tools listed, your DIY cost will be even lower. 

Keep in mind that installing extra security measures will add to your expenses. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing your pet door and operating any complex tools.

Cost by Location

The cost of installing a pet door varies by location because of regional differences in the cost of labor and materials. The weather also plays a role in the cost of pet door installation. For example, if you live in a climate with large shifts in temperature, you’ll need to add insulation to your pet door to maintain your energy efficiency and prevent heat or cool air from escaping. Alternatively, if you live where it rains heavily, you’ll need to ensure that your pet door is waterproofed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

The cost of pet door installation can vary greatly from a low of $20 to a high of $3,500. The average cost of a professional installation is about $495, and a DIY installation is slightly lower at $401. Be sure to account for all of the factors that may affect the cost of the project to get an accurate idea of the budget you need. If you require professional assistance with installing a pet door, get in touch with a qualified contractor.

Note: LawnStarter may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.

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