'Self-framing' means that the frame of the pet door wraps from the inside around to the outside of the door.  The result is that the 'core' of the hole that you cut is hidden or 'framed off'. This is a desirable feature because it is neat and finished-looking.  If the core of the door that you are cutting into is hollow or insulation-filled, it must be framed out which is difficult to do yourself without a table saw and some carpentry skills. Instead, let the pet door do it for you!  The illustration at far right shows a cross sectional view of a self-framing pet door.

The illustration at near right shows that a self-framing pet door can be adjusted in a range of thicknesses. The illustration shows a self-framing pet door installed in a thin panel. All self-framing pet doors can be installed in standard dimension interior or exterior doors. But be sure to check the adjustment range if you plan to install in a thinner material--such as a metal kick panel in a screen door--or a thicker material--such as a wall--to be sure that the pet door you choose will adjust to the particular installation.

For installation in particularly thin materials such as a thin metal kick plate, a security grill or the siding between studs in an unfinished wall consider the PetSafe Classic pet door as it will adjust to as thin as 1/16th inch.

None of the pet doors in the conventional pet door section are able to frame out a wall. For self-framing wall mounts please go to 'Wall Mount'.

By contrast, a 'Standard' pet door will provide a frame for both sides of the door or wall, but the frames won't meet in the middle so the core, or interior, of the door or wall will remain exposed.

Please note that even though you use a self-framing pet door, you should still use caulking to ensure that no moisture gets through a seam to damage the interior of your door or wall.

Any self-framing pet door will have an adjustment range.  For example, the PetSafe Classic series will adjust to any thickness panel or door from ¹/₁₆" to 2". So it will install successfully in a thin metal kick plate, a security grill, an exterior door or the siding of an unfinished garage between the studs. However, if you install it in anything thicker than 2"--a wall, for example--it will no longer be self-framing although it may still be successfully installed if the wall is first framed by the installer.  The adjustment range for some doors may be limited so it is important to check before buying.