FAQ
What if my doors are taller than 2.11m?
Extension kits are available for Medium and Large flap sizes. One kit extends the door and adapter to 2.4m (2.4m-2.7m with TWO kits). The kits are $85 each.Please NOTE handy skills and tools are required to fit the kits to the pet door.
Click on the SHOP drop down menu, then PET DOOR OPTIONS, then the extension kit item will be seen. Click on this and select your size and colour to ADD the kit to your order.
For XL doors, you would need to get a local sheet metal worker or laser cutter to cut two sheets of aluminium/steel sheet metal (e.g., 1.0mm thick sheet metal) and rivet them to the existing top panel to create a sandwhich per se. Make sure you allow enough room for the pet door to swing under the top track- so you would fit the pet door and measure from the BOTTOM of the panel at the top of the pet door (when the pet door is at its LOWEST setting of 199cm), to 5cm below the lowest edge of the top track- this would be the height of the two panels. The width would be 492mm. Spray the sheet metal Satin Black (the only colour the XL comes in).
Do I need to the Screen Door Adapter if I don't have a screen door?
Usually, yes, because it creates a channel for the glass door to close in to which has a number of benefits including: enhanced security (no prying risk), conceals the patiolocks, superior weather/bug proofing and aesthetics. With the adapter fitted there are no visible gaps between the pet door and glass door (unlike when the pet door only is fitted).
Does it matter if my doors open to the left or to the right?
No, the systems are universal re opening direction.
What if I have two sliding doors that close together in the middle?
The pet door will work if you height is within the 199-211cm guidelines. The video near the bottom of this FAQ page shows a door inserted in to double doors.
However, there are a few things to be aware of with twin doors:
1. The original lock mechanisms will NOT transfer onto a Screen Door Adapter like they do on single glass sliding doors. So, the only and easiest way to lock double doors using the existing locks is with the PatioLockTM system.
1.1 If the PatioLockTM system is not purchased, alternate options involve screwing & drilling fitting patiobolts (key operated pins from Hard Wares) or a rod cut and dropped in the floor track behind the sliding doors (a rod is included with the pet door for this purpose). Note rods in tracks are pretty crude and can be inconvenient to many.
2. The security screen doors (if there) won't lock together with a pet door fitted to allow the flap to swing, so you lose the 'security' function of your security screen doors. However, if you buy a screen door adapter you can often transfer the locks for the left security door into the adapter and with the PatioLockTM kit, you can keep using the left door (usually) as the security door.
3. Some double-glazed double doors can be tricky whereby the frame of the aluminium sliding door is thicker than approximately 3cm. If your frames are thick and commercial like, please email through pics before ordering so we can check compatibility for you.
Will the PatioLockTM kit work on every type of sliding door lock?
It is compatible with common sliding door handle locks that have a hook/s that ROTATE (up or down) from the sliding door handle and lock into a catch plate on the wall frame.
Locks that do not have a rotating hook/s or that consist of internal mechanisms located inside the centre of the aluminium/timber door frames are not compatible with the PatioLockTM system. If this is the case read the internal lock info below.
If you are not sure what type of lock you have or you think you may have an internal style lock, take a picture of the mechanism and email it through to us before you order to clarify lock compatibility.
NOTE: Rare single hook locks that slide up and down with the door handle (they do NOT rotate) can work with a modified two hook lockset. Handy skills and a grinder needed to do the simple mod.
What if I have rare internal style locks?
You can use the base model and a screen door adapter. There are a few locking optons:
1. Use a patiobolt or rod in the floor track to lock/wedge the sliding door into the pet door.
2. You can transfer the hook in the wall frame that the glass door locks on to into the screen door adapter if the distance from the centre of the screw to the inside edge of the channel the glass door closes into is between 8-12mm. Refer to the picture below. Handy skills & screwing involved to transfer the catcher:
What is the difference between the PatioLockTM model & and all other inserts?
PatioLockTM system: Locks GLASS door with: No screwing/drilling/cutting. No handy skills/fees. Multiple-use (adjustable). No extra hardware. Easy installation & removal. No screw holes left in pet door or sliding door. The Adjustable Screen Door Adapter means no cutting! You can also keep using the Adjustable Adapter when you move house.
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Our Base Model & other Pet Doors: To lock using existing locks requires: cutting; drilling; screwing; tools; handy skills; hardware to lock GLASS door; handyman fees $200; takes 3+ hours to setup; tricky removal & re-installation; screen door adapter requires cutting & thus is single-use (non-adjustable). NOTE: Unlike our Base Model and Screen Door Adapter package, pet doors at hardwares and most pet shops do not have a Screen Door Adapter accessory, so you cannot lock them using the existing locks!
Should I buy the PatioLockTM Model or the Base Model?
Click here to see a comparison table of features and benefits or keep reading:
If you are renting and/or not handy and/or time poor and/or prefer fast convenient installation/removal and/or have double sliding doors, then the PatioLockTM system is recommended.
The extra outlay for the locks is less than half the cost of installation charges to fit a pet door and adapter as it takes about 3 hours to do properly. You can also keep re-using the PatioLockTM model at multiple properties so it really does offer the ultimate in security and convenience.
If however, you have free access to someone handy and you are a home owner so screwing into the sliding door frame etc to secure the pet door is not a concern and you are also not planning on moving home and you have 3+ hours to spare, then the Base Model Pet Door with a Screen Door Adapter will lock the glass door securely. It needs to be disassembled though in order to be removed.
How are locks transferred on the Base Model with a Screen Door Adapter?
Hardware is included to fix the pet door into the wall frame (door jamb). We also include pre-drilled holes inside the top panel of the pet door so it can be fixed up inside the top track for a second fixing point (tek screw included).
You can see the bracket half way up the right side of the pet door (silver for demo puprose) in the pics below. This secures the pet door into the wall frame. The brackets are the same colour as the pet door. The screw for the top panel is concealed:
Will the pet door fit in the screen door track?
No, the pet door frame is too big/thick. Buy a screen door adapter if you want to use your screen door. Note security is greatly enhanced with the Screen Door Adapter fitted and locks for security screen doors can be transferred onto the adapter, so if you have the room in your door for a pet door then our system makes more sense as you are not leaving your glass door open to let the pet in/out like you do with pet doors fitted to screen doors!
Will common external locks transfer on to the Screen Door Adapter?
Yes, lock mechanisms for both the glass and screen/security door tend to transfer on to the Screen Adapter. The picture below shows transferring common lock catch plates. Refer to the internal lock section above for internal style locks.
What if my doors are timber?
The pet door on its own will work and butt up against the timber door. However, the Screen Door Adapter will NOT work because timber frames are too thick.
The PatioLockTM locks can work with timber doors of the door handle is only 10-15mm back from the leading edge of the timber sliding door frame. If it is more than this then the locks can be relocated to the edge of the pet door if the handle is approximately 25mm or less away from the leading edge of the sliding timber door frame. For locks to align, the pet door also needs to be offset in the inner 19mm of the floor track so that the pet door is closest to the inside of the house. If the pet door can not be located in the inner half/19mm of the floor track then you may need to add an aluminium channel section ($3 from hard wares) to the bottom of the pet door to space it all the way so the pet door frame is flush with the timber frame. Some handy skills and tinkering is often required with timber doors. If the locks can not be set up then a patio bolt ($25 from hard wares) can be fitted to the timber door to pin lock the timber door against the pet door.
Can the pet door be installed into the fixed panel behind the glass door?
Most customers who have tried this have found they can't slide/move the fixed panel to put the pet door insert. However, if you can release the fixed panel, you still lose the same amount of opening space once the pet door is installed so its benefit is neglible compared to fitting the pet door and an adapter. Sealing the pet door with the fixed panel could also be a challenge because the screen door adapter won't fit there.
What if I have more than one sliding glass panel (stacker doors)?
Stacker doors or multiple sliding glass door have unusually wide frames due to the extra sliding panels. The screen door adapter is only 100mm deep to suit standard (common) sliding door frames and thus the adapter will not extend far enough to capture the screen door.
The glass door can be locked if compatible with the PatioLockTM kits (providing the stacker doors are single glazed standard door frames that are thinner than 30mm).
If you want to be able to use your screen door then modification to the standard adapter is required. Any rubber/aluminium section (e.g., 100x3mm) can be riveted or glued to the rear of the adapter to extend it to reach the screen door. Alternatively, a section of 1.0mm thick galv sheetmetal can be cut and folded (e.g., 130mm x 20mm x adapter length) by a local sheet metal worker and riveted to the rear of the adapter to make it capture both the glass and screen doors. This can then be sprayed the same colour as the pet door with a spray can from a hard ware. Please check to make sure you frames are not wider than 100mm before ordering unless you are willing to do some tinkering above or utilise a local tradesman/shop (e.g., sheetmetal worker).
What if I have double-glazed sliding doors?
Double-glazed sliding doors that are approximately 30mm or less in thickness often still work like common single glazed doors. However, if the frame the door handle is screwed on to is thicker than 30mm the screen door adapter will be too narrow. Sliding door frames thicker than 30mm can also cause problems for the PatioLockTM system lock alignment.
If your doors are thicker than 30mm then you can either get the pet door on its own and use one of the base model locking methods (patiobolt, rod in the floor track) and/or get the patiolock model with the appropriate single or two hook lock. If the locks do not align a piece of aluminium channel can be added to the bottom of the pet door ($3 from hard wares) to offset the pet door closer to the inside of the house for the locks to align. Handy skills needed to fit the 20mm aluminium channel sourced from your local hard ware.
What if my glass door is on the outside track and my screen door is on the inside track?
The PatiolockTM system will still work to lock the sliding door if the locks are compatible (common sliding door locks) but the Screen Door Adapter will NOT work when the glass door is in the outer track.
If you buy the Base Model Pet Door with a Screen Door Adapter and you can remove the catch plate from the wall frame, then you can usually locate the pet door as far out as it will go in the outside track and run the adapter backwards into the house. Handy skills etc are required to transfer locks.
Will there be any gaps once the pet door is installed without an adapter?
Sliding door frames are typically ‘out of square’ by varying degrees. It is not noticeable with aluminium frames as the door closes in to a channel section that conceals how out of square the doorframe truly is.
So, if your doorframe is poorly constructed (not very square), there can be gaps between the pet door and sliding door in some places (e.g., top or bottom of the sliding door). Weather seals are included for this but in rare cases a second weather strip may be needed to fill the gap. Soft foam strips (e.g., 6mm x 10mm) can be bought from hard ware stores for around $6.
What is the overall width of the pet doors?
Medium = 32.2cm
Large = 37.2cm
Extra Large = 49.2cm
What if I want a custom colour?
Sorry, we no longer do custom colours due to high one-off costs.
Can the flap be locked to keep the pet in/out?
Yes, each doggie door for sliding doors comes with a steel powder coated locker panel to lock the pet in or out.
Will the pet door fit tightly inside the wall frame?
Sliding door frames vary from 15-40+mm in width so patio pet doors tend to locate around the centre ridge in the floor track and they can move back and forth if pushed by some millimetres but this is not a functional problem because it is a stationary panel and sits inside the floor track, wall frame and top track. We also include holes for the top panel to be secured into the top track to firm up the installation if desired.
Which model pet door is better suits for a main living area vs a laundry?
Essentially, home owners and/or renters who are putting the pet door into a main living area tend to buy the PatioLockTM model with a screen door adapter, especially if they do not want to drill, cut and screw; the patiolock model can also be reused.
Customers looking for the cheapest solution for the laundry can get away with the Base Model without an adapter (if security and/or using the screen door is not desired).
What benefits will I get if I select the Screen Door Adapter at the checkout?
Watch the clip below for an overview of the traditional Pet Door +/- a Screen Door Adapter:
As noted, there are a number of extra features when the pet door is combined with the screen door adapter.
If you are putting the pet door in a laundry door that you never see or use, then the pet door on its own is usually suffice unless you need to use your screen door for when the dryer is used (e.g., in winter) to prevent the room getting wet. The benefits of the screen door adapter accessory include:
1. Functionality: If you want to continue to use your screen or security door for AIR FLOW in/out of your house then you will need the screen door adapter (note if you buy the pet door on its own, the screen door has to remain open for the flap to swing in and out of the house, which means it can no longer be used as flies/mosquitos will get through the gap between the pet door and the screen door if you open the sliding glass door).
2. Security: If you want to continue to use your sliding door handle locking mechanism and screen/security door locks- The adapter copies the wall frame that your doors close in to on the wall, so transferring locks is possible using the base model or the PatioLockTM model locks are concealed behind the adapter so they are out of the way. You can not use your security or screen door without an adapter.
3. Superior Weather Seal: - gaps are hidden which improves weather seal and bug proofing capacity.
4. Aesthetics/Design/Looks: gaps are hidden which looks better, particularly in main living/entertainment areas.
What doggie door for sliding doors should I buy if I am on a budget?
The Base Model Pet Door on its own is the cheapest option- you can use a rod (included) cut to length and dropped into the floor track behind the sliding door as a cost effective but crude way of locking the sliding door against the pet door.
The Screen Door Adapter Accessory can be added to the Pet Door to lock up your glass door AND screen door (if you have one) using your existing externally mounted common sliding door handle lock mechanisms. However, this requires handy skills, cutting, drilling and screwing and about 3 hours to install. It will also leave screw holes in the sliding door frame and pet door.
First, the pet door needs to be screwed into the sliding door frame (hardware included). The adapter then needs to be cut to length with a hacksaw to fit the specific door frame height. Then lock mechanisms need to be removed from the wall frame and relocated (screwing/drilling) on to the adapter. Note the adapter is needed for the catch plate to work as it needs to be offset past the pet door frame (ie., close to the sliding door handle). The base model takes our professional installers 3+ hours to fit.
What are the cons associated with Base Model Pet Door and Non-adjustable Screen Door Adapter?
To install it securely using the existing locks involves screwing, cutting, drilling, handy skills, and up to 3+ hours of time.
If you move or want to take the pet door out (e.g., holidays) then you will need to dismantle the system and the lock mechanisms will need to be transferred back onto the wall frame before the glass door will lock again. This involves tools, skills, time and screw holes will be left in the sliding door frame and pet door.
All sliding door heights and lock mechanisms vary from house to house, so if you move and the next house has shorter door frames, you would need to buy another adapter. If you can reuse the original adapter, then the holes from the former locks will be visible and installation time will be similar.
The basic set up cannot lock double doors using the existing sliding door locks.
The video below is an older clip that explains the Base model (Max Security package) & Screen Door Adapter option:
Who is best suited to buy the Base Model?
If you are on a tight budget and/or just want a pet door insert to put in the laundry and are happy to cut the rod in the pet door box (included) to wedge the sliding door against the pet door, then the pet door on its own is an affordable option.
For those who know someone that is handy (and FREE in terms of time and money!), have tools and like tinkering and are not planning on moving house for a long time, then the pet door with an adapter (adj or non-adj) is a bit cheaper than the PatioLockTM model and will lock up the glass door and screen door (if you have one).
Note if you wanted to make the pet door installation more secure by utilising the existing locks and to also minimise the risk of an intruder prying the doors apart, then the screen door adapter accessory is needed.
How do I train my dog to use the flap if it does not get it on their own?
If the dog is food motivated, get something they really like (e.g, roast chicken, little pieces of hot dogs were a fav of my dog) and wait until they are hungry, then put them outside, flick the flap open with your hand and catch it so it is open 3 or 4cm towards the inside of house. Left hand holds flap open, right hand holds a treat. Hold the treat in the bottom corner of the flap and they should come up to it with their nose, bring your hand further inside the house to tease them into the house per se. Keep bringing your arm in (you are squatted down and off to the side of the flap area) so they follow the food all the way into the house and give them the treat and verbal praise once they are FULLY through the flap and the flap has CLOSED behind them. Note if you give them the treat before they are fully through they might try to back out and then freak out and then it is very difficult to train.
Put them out again through the sliding door and close the sliding door behind them. They should be motivated to come in to be with you. Then repeat above a few times. If they are struggling just do 2 or 3 trials then leave it but DO NOT feed them, keep them hungry and try again in 20 mins or so. Frequent short trials are much better than single longer trials.
Once they get the idea, you then hold the food in the corner of the flap with the flap closed. They will then bring their nose up and try and get to the food either with their nose or using their paw, but keep it there until they come through the flap. Again, do not give them the food until the flap has closed behind them. You can even try and bring your hand rapidly away from the flap (inside the house in the direction they would be coming if they come through the flap as this can trigger play or prey drives in some breeds which works better than food drive).
Usually, the above method works within a few trials with most breeds. Some breeds are smarter than others but unless the dog is super anxious then this works well. Key is they need to me motivated with hunger or play or prey drive or proximity (if they like being with you then they will be motivated if kept outside with the flap the only means to get in to the house). Depends on the dog.
Do not get up and open the sliding door for them to let them in, otherwise smarter breeds will just train you to open the door for them instead of doing it themselves.
Just needs some patience and training for some who are slow on the uptake.
What benefits does the PatioLockTM model have over other pet door inserts?
The PatioLockTM model locks the glass door without screwing, drilling or cutting. It does not require handy skills/tools to lock up securely. It is fast and easy to install and once set up can be installed or removed in seconds. No holes are left in the sliding door or pet door. The system is fully adjustable so it can be reused at multiple properties.
Conversely, traditional pet doors require cutting, drilling, screwing, tools and handy skills to lock using the existing locks on the sliding door. It takes approx. 3 hours to fit and cannot be removed or re-installed quickly or easily as disassembly is required. So, it is not an easy nor fast install or removal. Unless you order the adjustable adapter separately to the base model pet door, the adapter sold with the base model package requires cutting to length with a hacksaw and thus is usually single use only as every house has different height sliding doors.
What is a summary of the PatioLockTM features as I didn't watch the video guide:
If you want to be able to easily lock your sliding glass door without needing anyone to help and/or without the expense of a handyman ($200+) then the PatioLockTM system is for you.
The PatioLockTM system is also great for renters/owners that want to be able to re-use the system in other doors/properties without needing to leave screw holes in sliding door frames and on the pet door and without the need to buy another adapter at the next property. Note every sliding door tends to be a different height and also has different lock locations and mechanisms. Fortunately, the PatioLockTM solves all these problems because you can re-use it without tools/screws/skills!
If you have twin doors (two doors that open away from each other), then the PatioLockTM system is the ONLY pet door that will lock the glass doors easily and quickly using the existing locks. No other pet door can do this with twin doors because you cannot transfer the catch plate on to the Screen Door Adapter as per the base model method because the catch plate is part of the door handle on one of the doors. Thus it makes no sense to remove a door handle and this also leaves that door unlocked. The PatioLockTM system solves all these issues and there is also no need to use patiobolts (cost/skills/tools/drilling) or rod in tracks to try and lock the sliding doors against the pet door!
If you are time poor and do not have a 3+ hours spare to fit the base model pet door with the screen door adapter that requires notching/cutting/screwing/tools/handy skills, then the PatioLockTM is a great solution.
If you are buying our XL pet door, then the PatioLockTM system is very helpful because you can quickly remove the pet door system in seconds to allow for instant human access through the sliding door. After which, you can pop the pet door back in and it will immediately lock to glass door again in seconds. When the pet door is out you can also immediately lock the glass door without having to relocate catch plates back on to the wall!
We supply pet doors for sliding glass doors to most pet shops in South Australia, however, the pet door and non-adjustable adapter retail for $400-$500.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call 0431 908 929 or email modpetdoors@gmail.com
"A product that delivers as promised at an affordable price and it's easy to install. It'll be a blessing in winter with no longer needing to leave the sliding door open for my dog to go in and out during the day. I have already recommended it to family and friends. Thank you." Lisa, Hamilton QLD
"This dog patio door is amazing, extremely secure and looks great! I'm so happy with my purchase it was definitely worth it. Now I can get rid of that horrible kitty litter from the house and my cat has freedom to come and go as he wishes, best of all my sleep will no longer be interrupted :)." Angela, Sunshine Vic
"The pet door insert is as described and supplied, doing exactly what our family needed. No need for tradesmen or alterations to your home. Easy to install and remove, for a product that is totally relocatable. I have already recommended this product to friends, within a few days of installing." Stewart, Tapping WA
"Received it quickly, easy to install and have our puppy loving it!" Mick, Pyremont NSW
If you didn't watch the video at the top of the page, below is a written guide to help you decide whether you would want to select the 'Screen Door Adapter' option at the checkout.
The Pet Door Only is the 2m tall insert/panel that usually only fits in the glass door track because it is too thick-framed to fit in typically narrow screen door tracks. Please note the screen door then needs to be left open once the pet door is in place to allow the flap to swing in and out of the house. So, once the pet door is fitted, the screen door is rendered useless because insects will fly into the house in the gap between the pet door and the screen door if you fully open the glass sliding door. So, the pet door only option is popular amongst those who:
a. Don't care about using the screen door (if there is one) AND/OR
b. Don't care about transferring the existing locks onto the pet door system but rather are happy to use a patiobolt or rod (included with every pet door) that is simply cut and laid in the track behind the sliding door to wedge it against the pet door (for security).
Hence, the Pet Door only option is popular with renters and/or those who plan on putting it in the laundry, for instance, and are happy not to use the screen door and/or do not want to put any screws into the sliding door frame as required when transferring lock mechanisms in the Max Security package installation. The Pet Door Only can be installed and removed in seconds. Feel free to watch the third video re fast-fit installation on the home page below to see it in action.
Remember: If you want to LOCK the sliding door to the pet door using the existing locks AND/OR want to be able to use your screen/security door, then you need to purchase the Screen Door Adapter accessory at the checkout process (Base model pet door). We used to refer to the Base Model as the MAX security package until we invented the PatiolockTM model.
If you are not fussed about using the existing sliding door locks to lock the pet door to the sliding door and/or it is going in a laundry, then you could just select the pet door on its own and not select the Screen Door Adapter at checkout. The fast-fit option (Pet door only) starts from only $249 including delivery*.
If you have any questions, use the contact us link and we will get back to you asap.
Order NOW to get freedom for you and your pet!