Dog doors give your pet freedom and make life easier for you. Installing one in glass, however, differs from timber or aluminium. Because dogs often push through with speed or force, the glass must be strong enough to handle impact without breaking.
Key Considerations for Dog Door Installations
Size and Fit
Measure your dog’s shoulder height and width. Choose a door with enough clearance for comfortable movement. If you have a puppy, select a door based on its expected adult size. The shape and size of the cut-out (round or rectangular) depend on the door and your dog’s build. Always read the specifications or talk with an expert before buying.
Suitability for Glass
Not every dog door works in glass. Some only suit timber. The door size and shape must also match the glass pane you plan to use. As a rule, leave at least 50mm from any edge of the glass. Keep the hole smaller than half the pane’s height or width. Larger doors add stress, so always seek professional advice before purchase.
Single vs Double Glazing
Check whether your window or door has single or double glazing. Some dog doors fit single panes, others fit double. Always confirm that your choice matches your glass type.
Safety
Glass comes in many types and thicknesses. Select glass that matches the door’s requirements so it won’t crack under pressure. In many cases, New Zealand safety rules call for toughened glass. If your door is very large, you may need clear acrylic instead of glass for safe performance.
Security Options
Wellington homeowners often prefer microchip-activated dog doors. These open only for your pet and keep strays out. Other models use magnetic or smart locks for added security. Microchip doors often need an adaptor for glass. Some also connect to a Wi-Fi hub and app, so you can manage your dog’s access from your phone.
Placement and Profile
Install the door at a height that suits your dog. Make sure the surrounding glass is strong enough. If you want a door in a sliding panel, choose a slim-profile model so the glass can still slide freely.
Weather Resistance
Wellington’s weather demands a durable solution. Choose doors with strong seals to block draughts and rain while keeping warmth inside.
Dog Doors and Double Glazing
If your home has double glazing, you cannot cut into the existing unit. A glazier must order a new sealed panel with the hole pre-cut at the factory. Once complete, the glazier replaces your old unit with the new one.
Although this option costs more, it gives you the safest and most durable finish. You keep your home energy efficient, warm, and under warranty. You can also keep your old panel if you want the option to remove the dog door later.
Explore our double glazing solutions
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Dog Door in Glass?
Prices range from $250 to more than $1500, depending on several factors:
- Door type and size – Basic flaps start at $20. Microchip doors cost over $400. Large breeds need bigger doors, which require stronger glass.
- Glass type and size – Standard annealed glass costs the least. Toughened glass costs more, especially with thicker or larger panes.
- Double glazing – This option costs the most, since a new sealed unit must be made with the hole pre-cut.
- Placement – The pane must leave enough glass around the hole to stay strong. In some cases, we install thicker glass or acrylic for safety.
In summary:
For double glazing or weaker panes, we replace the glass with a new unit designed for the door. This option costs more but lasts longer.
With single glazing, our glaziers often cut a hole in the existing pane and install the dog door in one visit. This approach keeps the cost lowest.
Professional Dog Door Installation in Wellington
At Wellington Glass & Mirror, we specialise in installing dog doors safely and securely into both single and double glazing. With more than 25 years’ experience, our team ensures every job is done right the first time.
Book your consultation today and give your dog the freedom they deserve.
Got cats at home too? Explore our Cat Doors in Glass guide to see how we can make life easier (and safer) for your feline friends.
FAQs
Measure your dog’s shoulder height and width, then choose a door with a little extra room for comfort. Large breeds may require custom solutions.
Yes but it requires a new sealed double-glazing unit with the hole pre-cut at the factory. Cutting into existing double glazing breaks the seal and voids the warranty.
No — it’s not possible to cut a hole in existing toughened or laminated safety glass. This needs to be replaced with new safety glass that has the hole pre-cut at the factory.
Costs depend on the dog door type, glass size and type, placement, and whether double glazing is involved. If a hole can be cut on-site and a dog door fitted to standard annealed glass, this can be very affordable. However, safety glass and double glazing must be replaced, making this more expensive.
Sometimes, no for small dogs, unless the existing glass is already safety glass. Our expert team may be able to assess this from a photograph, otherwise a site visit is needed to be sure. If safety glass is required, it’s best to invest in this to ensure the safety of your pet, and for long-term durability, peace of mind and compliance with NZ safety standards.
Yes — modern dog doors can be microchip-activated so only your dog can use them, preventing stray dogs and wildlife from entering.