Dog doors bring convenience and freedom, but installing one in glass is very different from timber or aluminium. Because dogs use the door with speed and force, the glass must be strong enough to withstand impact safely.
Key Considerations for Cat Door Installations
1. Size and Fit
Measure your dog’s shoulder height and width, and allow extra clearance for comfort. Large breeds or growing puppies may need custom solutions.
2. Suitability for Glass
Not all dog doors are compatible with every type of glass. Single glazing, double glazing, and sliding doors often require different fittings. Larger doors add more stress to the glass, so expert advice is essential.
3. Placement
Dog doors must be positioned at the correct height for your pet, with the surrounding glass panel strong enough to support the cut-out.
4. Safety Glass Requirements
If the panel is low to the ground, NZ safety standards may require toughened glass. This ensures durability, compliance, and peace of mind. However, because dogs enter at speed, toughened glass is almost always required. This prevents shattering and ensures compliance with NZ safety standards.
5. Security Options
Dog doors can include lockable flaps, one-way access, or smart-locking features for added peace of mind.
6. Weather Resistance
The Waikato climate can be wet and windy. Quality seals around the dog door help prevent draughts, moisture, and energy loss.
7. Double Glazing
Like cat doors, double-glazed homes need new sealed units manufactured with the hole pre-cut.
Dog Doors and Double Glazing
For double-glazed homes, the safest option is to order a new sealed unit with the dog door opening pre-cut in the factory. Although the upfront cost is higher, it ensures:
- Maximum energy efficiency
- The unit remains under warranty
- Your home stays warm, dry, and secure
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Dog Door in Glass?
Pricing depends on several factors:
- Door size – larger breeds need bigger doors, which require stronger glass.
- Glass type – most installations require toughened or laminated safety glass.
- Double glazing – a new sealed unit must be manufactured with the hole pre-cut.
- Placement – correct positioning is essential to maintain strength and compliance.
💡 General price guide: For single-glass installations, dog doors usually start from around $230–$500. If your home has double glazing or large/custom-sized panels, prices typically range from $500–$900+, depending on the door size and glass requirements.
While dog doors are more expensive than cat doors, the investment gives you a durable, compliant, and long-lasting solution that keeps your home warm, dry, and secure.
Get a tailored quote for your home by contacting our Waikato glazing team.
Professional Dog Door Installation in Waikato
At Glasswise, we install dog doors into both single and double glazing across the Waikato. Our experienced team ensures every job is safe, compliant, and designed to last – giving your pet freedom while keeping your home secure.
📞 Book your free consultation today
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🌐 www.glasswise.co.nz
📍 Locally owned & operated | Trusted Waikato experts | Proud partner of the RetroGlaze® network
FAQ:
Can a dog door be installed in double glazing?
Yes but it requires a brand-new double glazing unit with the hole pre-cut at the factory.
How much does it cost to install a dog door in glass?
Dog doors cost more than cat doors because of size and safety glass requirements. Double glazing adds additional cost.
What size dog door should I choose?
Measure your dog’s height and width, then select a door with extra clearance. Large breeds may require custom solutions.
Do I need safety glass for a dog door?
No, not necessarily but if the existing glass is safety glass then we will need to replace it with new safety glass with a pre-cut hole.