How to Choose the Right Pet Door Size for Your Dog and Home
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How to Choose the Right Pet Door Size for Your Dog
Choosing the right pet door size is one of the most important steps before ordering a new dog door or replacement flap. A pet door should be large enough for your dog to pass through comfortably without ducking, squeezing, or stepping awkwardly through the opening.
At JGM Pet Doors, our wall models and door models use the same flap opening sizes, so the sizing process is the same whether your pet door is being installed through an exterior wall or a standard door.
The best way to choose the correct size is to measure your pet, compare those measurements to the flap opening, and leave a little extra room for comfort.
Step 1: Measure Your Dog's Height
To measure your dog's height, measure from the floor to the top of their back at the shoulder area. This is often the most helpful height measurement when choosing a pet door.
Have your dog stand naturally with all four paws on the floor. Then measure from the floor up to the top of their shoulders/back.
If your dog does not sit still long enough for a measuring tape, their is another easy method:
Call your dog over and pay attention to where the top of their shoulders reaches on your leg. Mark or remember that spot, then measure from the floor to that point on your leg. This gives you a good estimate of your dog's shoulder height.
For the most comfortable fit, we usually recommend adding 1-2 inches to your dog's height measurement when comparing it to the flap opening.
Step 2: Measure Your Dog's Width
Next, measure the widest part of your dog's body. This is usually around the shoulders, chest, or rib area depending on the dog's build.
Use a measuring tape to get the width across the widest part of your pet. Then add 1-2 inches so they have enough room to move through the pet door comfortably.
If your dog will not stand still, you can use a door-opening method instead. Open a sliding glass door or standard door just wide enough for your dog to walk through comfortably. Then measure the width of that opening. This gives you the minimum flap width your dog will need.
Your pet door should not require your dog to squeeze through the opening.
Step 3: Compare Your Measurements to the Flap Opening Size
JGM Pet Door sizes are based on flap opening, not the overall frame size. The flap opening is the space your pet actually walks through.
Use your dog's height and width measurements to choose the size that gives them enough clearance.
|
JGM Size |
Flap Opening |
|
Small (S) |
7" x 11" |
|
Medium (M) |
9" x 13" |
|
Extended Medium (EM) |
9" x 17" |
|
Large (L) |
11" x 17" |
|
Extended Large (EL) |
11" x 21" |
|
Super Extended Large (SEL) |
11" x 25" |
|
Extra Large (XL) |
14" x 21" |
|
Extended Extra Large (EXL) |
14" x 25" |
|
Jumbo (J) |
16" x 30" |
When in doubt, it is usually better to choose a size that gives your pet a little extra room rather than a size that may be too tight.
Step 4: Consider Your Dog's Age, Build, and Mobility
Every dog is different, even within the the same breed. Weight and breed can be helpful starting points, but they should not be the only way you choose a pet door size. Take a look at our Size Chart, each letter on this chart indicates the first letter of each dog breed.
A few things to consider:
- Broad-chested dogs may need more width.
- Taller dogs may need a taller flap opening.
- Senior dogs may need more comfortable height clearance.
- Puppies may grow into a larger size.
- Dogs with shorter legs may need a comfortable step-over height.
If your dog is still growing, consider their expected adult size before choosing a pet door.
Step 5: Choose the Right pet Door Model for Your Home
Once you know the correct size, the next step is choosing the right model for your home.
JGM wall models and door models are available in the same standard flap opening sizes, so your dog's size recommendation will stay the same whether you choose a wall installation or a door installation.
A wall model is typically used when the pet door is being installed through an exterior wall, including surfaces like wood-frame, stucco, block or brick.
A door model is typically used for standard exterior doors.
For glass installations, such as sliding glass doors or French doors with glass, customers should contact JGM directly. Glass installations require measuring the existing glass and ordering a new replacement pan with the pet door cutout already made. Existing glass is not cut on site.
What If You Are Replacing an Existing JGM Door Flap?
If you are replacing an existing JGM pet door model flap, do not choose a replacement based only on your dog's size. Replacement flaps need to match the pet door model and flap dimensions.
If you are unsure what size replacement flap you need, refer to our replacement flap product pages for instructions on how to measure your existing flap.
This helps you make sure you order the correct replacement flap or flap kit for your current pet door.
Common Pet Door Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is choosing a pet door based only on breed. Breed charts can be helpful, but dogs within the same breed can vary a lot in height, weight, and body shape.
Another mistake is measuring the outside frame instead of the flap opening. The flap opening is what determines whether your pet can comfortably pass through.
Customers also sometimes choose a size that fits their dog exactly, with no extra room. A little additional clearance helps make the pet door easier and more comfortable for your dog to use.
Need Help Choosing the Right Size?
If you are not sure which pet door size is the best, JGM Pet Doors can help. You can contact our team for help choosing the right size, model, or installation option for your home.
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