Article Highlights
- A pet door can be added to a sliding glass door, but the glass panel usually needs to be replaced rather than cut.
- Temporary panel inserts can work for renters, but they may reduce insulation, security and usable door space.
- A professionally installed toughened glass panel or security screen pet door is the safer, more permanent option.
- A security screen door fitted with a pet flap is often the smarter solution, giving your furry companion access while keeping your home secure and well-ventilated.
- Professional installation ensures compliance, a proper weather seal, and a result that lasts, which is especially important in Perth’s climate.
If you’ve got a dog or cat that wants in and out all day, you’ve probably looked at your sliding door and wondered whether adding a pet door is even possible. The short answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as cutting a hole and fitting a flap. Because sliding doors are made from glass, there are safety, security and installation requirements to consider before getting started. In most cases, a proper pet door for a sliding glass door requires replacing the glass panel entirely or installing a security screen with a built-in flap.
Clearview Security has been helping Perth homeowners find the right solution for over 25 years, and pet door installations are something we get asked about regularly. Here’s what you need to know.
How a pet door for sliding doors actually works
There are two main approaches to installing a pet door in a sliding door.
The first is installing a panel insert. This pre-made panel slots into your existing door track alongside the glass, filling the gap with a built-in pet flap. These are available online and through some hardware stores, and they don’t require any glasswork. They’re a popular option for renters or anyone wanting a temporary solution. Whilst they’re a short-cut method, they run the risk of lower insulation and household security.
The second, more secure, more permanent option is to have your existing glass panel replaced with a custom-cut toughened glass panel that has a cat or dog door fitted directly into it. This gives you a seamless integration that looks like it was always there.
However, there is a third, often more sensible, option: installing a security screen with a pet panel insert. We will expand on this below.
Why your existing sliding glass door panel can’t simply be cut
This is where a lot of people get caught off guard. Under Australian Standard AS 1288:2021, any glazing lower than 700 mm from the floor or fitted in a door must be Grade-A toughened safety glass. Most patio sliding glass doors contain standard annealed glass, which cannot be cut or drilled without shattering.
So the process for installing a pet door in your sliding door involves removing the existing panel entirely and replacing it with a new toughened glass panel that’s been pre-cut to include the pet flap opening. This is work for a professional glazier, not a weekend DIY project.
If your home has double-glazed sliding doors, there’s an added layer of complexity. Retrofitting a pet door into a double-glazed unit requires specialist panels that maintain the insulated seal. These are available, but they do cost more.
The security screen option: often the better fit for Perth homes
Here’s something worth considering. Rather than modifying your glass door at all, many Perth homeowners find that a security screen door fitted with a secure pet flap is the more practical and cost-effective solution.
With a Crimsafe security screen in place, you can leave your glass slider open for airflow on warm days, while the screen keeps insects out and your home secure. A pet flap built into the screen gives your dog or cat the freedom to come and go without you needing to be home. Our fly screen pet doors are designed exactly for this purpose.
Given Perth’s hot summers and the constant battle with flies and mozzies, this setup is a great option. It’s also worth noting that Crimsafe screens are tested to exceed Australian Standards for impact and forced entry, so the added security isn’t compromised by the pet flap.
Professional vs DIY pet door installation in Perth
DIY insert panels are widely available and can be a reasonable short-term fix. They slot into the door track and require no glasswork, making them accessible for renters or people who aren’t ready to commit to a permanent change.
That said, they do reduce the effective opening width of your door and typically provide a lower level of security than a properly installed solution. The flap size options are also more limited, which can be a problem for larger breeds.
For a permanent, quality result, a professionally installed pet door is a no-brainer. Quality pet flaps come with a proper weather seal, a secure frame, and the peace of mind that the glazing meets Australian Standards. Some WA councils also require compliance with NCC 2022 if the panel being replaced forms part of a required exit, which is another reason to have an expert handle it.
Our team services the full Perth metro area, including Joondalup, Canning Vale, Osborne Park, and surrounding suburbs.
A smarter solution for your furry companion
Adding a pet door to your sliding glass door is absolutely achievable, and when it’s done properly, it works beautifully. The key is understanding that the glass panel needs to be replaced, not modified, and that a security screen with a built-in pet flap is often the more practical path for Perth homes.
If you’re ready to give your furry friend the freedom they deserve without compromising your home’s security, get in touch with us for a free measure and quote. We’ll help you find the right fit.
Frequently asked questions
In many cases, adding a pet door to a sliding glass door involves replacing the existing glass panel with a new toughened glass unit that includes the pet door opening. Because the door frame itself is generally not cut, drilled or structurally modified, this may not affect the frame warranty.
However, warranty conditions can vary between manufacturers, suppliers and installers. Before going ahead, it is worth checking your door warranty or asking the original door manufacturer, especially if your sliding door is new, custom-made or still covered by a builder’s warranty.
Yes. Renters can often use a temporary sliding pet door insert that sits inside the existing door track. These panel-style inserts are popular because they do not usually require cutting glass, replacing panels or making permanent changes to the property.
They can also be removed when you move out, making them a practical option for rental homes. That said, renters should still check with their landlord or property manager first, as some properties may have rules around door inserts, locking systems, weather sealing or changes that affect security.
A doggy door can affect home security if it is poorly positioned, too large, or fitted without a secure locking cover. Larger pet doors may create a possible entry point, especially if someone can reach through the flap to access a nearby lock or handle. Choosing the right size, using a lockable flap, closing the cover when the door is not in use, and placing the pet door away from internal locks can help reduce risk.
If you are considering a pet door in a security screen, ask the installer whether the finished door will still meet the relevant Australian Standards, as adding an opening may change its security classification.
