Sliding Glass Dog Doors

Sliding Glass Dog Doors FAQs

How do sliding glass door pet doors work?

They are panels with a built-in pet door that fit directly in your sliding glass door track. 

How do I secure the pet door into my track?

Pet door inserts are springloaded so that the top of the panel presses into the upper track. Once your panel is fully extended, you can lock it in place.

While most panels require no drilling or nailing, some panels may require a hole drilled in the track. The Endura Thermo Panel 3e, High Tech Armor Flex, and Ideal Fast Fit are drill-free options.

Can I purchase the entire glass door or just the pet door insert?

Pet door inserts are easy and do not requre you to purchase a brand-new sliding door. However, there are in-glass pet door options that require you to fully switch out the glass panes of your slider.

The Pet Door Guys' In the Glass pet door replaces the existing glass in your door with a new glass pane that has a pet door built into it. The "In the Glass" unit has a weatherproof, energy-efficient Endura Flap. The "In the Glass" unit is idea for large sliders and installations into sidelight panels. 

How do I install a sliding glass pet door?

First. measure your pet and sliding glass door track so that you can order the correct size.

Upon receipt, install it in the track against the door jamb, or in the outer screen track. Secure the panel and adjust the height extension.

Finally, install the lock by drilling a hole into the side of the adjacent sliding door.

How to install a patio pet door if my sliders meet in the middle?

Luckily, the installation process is easy. Install your panel in the middle of the track so that the two doors will need to slide into it to close.  

In order for the panel insert to remain secure and stable, you will need to make one of your sliders stationary. In essence, you will only be allowed to slide and walk through one of your two sliders.

What is the difference between a 'temporary' and a 'semi-permanent' pet door?

A temporary door can be easily put in and taken out. A semi-permanent pet door must be fastened into the track. The lock on the pet door mates to a bracket on the sliding glass door, requiring the panel to be fastened. Alternatively, some pet doors require tools to set up but aren't fastened into your track.

Do pet doors keep out the weather?

Yes, some do it better than others. Brands like Endura Flap Thermo Panel 3e and Hale Standard Panels are top choices for weatherproof doors.

How to seal a sliding glass door with a dog door?

Attach adhesive weather stripping to both sides of the panel insert. Install the panel and secure it to the frame. Close the slider against the panel to seal potential gaps. The panel usually comes with a locking mechanism to seal your slider against the dog door.

Does the glass in my slider need to match the glass in the dog insert?

No, both single and dual pane inserts are compatible with all kinds of glass. Single-pane inserts work well in more moderate climates, while dual-pane ones are recommended for areas with harsh weather conditions as they offer better insulation. The main thing is to ensure the insert fits securely into your sliding door track.

Can the pet doors be locked?

Yes, most sliding glass pet doors come with a locking mechanism. This allows you to control when your pet can use the door. Some models even offer the ability to use a key lock for added security. Always refer to the product's specific instructions for information on how to operate and secure the lock.

What if my pet is afraid to use the pet door?

It's normal for some pets to feel hesitant about using the pet door initially. You can help them get used to it by using positive reinforcement such as treats and praise. Patience and consistent training are key. Over time, your pet should become comfortable with using the door.

Do you have pet doors for vinyl-framed sliding glass doors?

Yes, we offer options like the Endura Flap Vinyl Sliding Glass Dog Door and Ideal VPP Panel Pet Door. They fit in tracks at least 1.5" thick, engage with your existing lock, and have weather-resistant features.

The Dragon Vinyl Sliding Glass Door is an economical choice.

Will a pet door interfere with my alarm system?

It might. Please consult your alarm company to avoid possible interference.

Will bugs enter through the pet door?

You can prevent bugs from entering by aligning the screen with the pet door. The Bug Warden is a reliable solution.

How do I measure the track on sliding glass doors?

Measure from the deepest parts up inside the top track and down into the bottom track. Accurate measurements are crucial. Endura Flap offers custom heights for odd-sized sliders.

At which height would a dog door insert need to be custom?

Anything between 80 ¼" - 96 ¼" would need to be a custom order.

What are the differences between Aluminum and Vinyl panels?

Aluminum is suitable for warmer climates and easy removal. Vinyl is better for cold climates and semi-permanent installation. Your track must be 1-½” - 1-¾” for vinyl. The PetSafe Freedom Dog Door for Sliding Glass Door is a great option.

What height adjustment ranges are available?

Various height adjustment ranges are offered. Be sure your track height fits the range of the dog door you're considering.

What if my sliding glass door doesn't have a track?

You can use an In The Glass unit or a Hale Omni panel.

Will it work in my Pella/Andersen sliding glass door?

Pella and Andersen doors are compatible with Hale Omni Panels as they use a tension nut for installation.

How much does it cost to install a pet door in the glass?

Prices vary. We recommend contacting local glass companies for estimates.

Are there doggy doors for sliding glass doors?

Yes, such as the Endura Flap Thermo Panel 3e, which also comes in custom heights for taller sliders.

What is the best doggie door on the market?

The Endura Flap Thermo Panel 3e is an excellent adjustable doggy door for sliding glass doors.

How does a sliding glass door pet door work?

A typical dog door for sliding doors is a glass panel with a built-in pet door that sits in the track of your sliding glass door. The slider of your existing door will slide into the stationary patio panel inserted in the track, rather than sliding against the edge of the door frame. Some customers have also used thinner models of patio panels in their screen door tracks. While this is a great option for ventilation, keep in mind that many screen door tracks are not as wide as the panel or don't have track walls to stabilize the panel. If you would like a dog door for a screen door, we recommend instead considering a pet door in a screen door rather than using a patio panel insert.

How is the pet door secured on my track?

A sliding door pet door insert is secured into your existing sliding glass door track using a pressurized system that expands the top of the panel into the top of the upper track. Simply lock the panel in place once it is extended into the upper sliding door track. Some panels require that you drill a hole through the track to secure the sliding glass dog door insert, however, most install with no tools required! Two of our best-selling tool-free options are the Thermo Panel 3e and the Ideal Fast Fit.

Can you buy the entire glass door or is it just the pet door insert?

Another great choice is a sliding glass door with a dog door built-in, one of the best sliding glass door options that allow you to use your existing lock. The “Pet Door Guys - In the Glass” pet door for sliding glass door works by replacing the existing glass in the door with a new pane that has a pet door built through it (you will need to contact a glass company to install). The "In the Glass" unit uses a durable, energy-efficient Endura Flap, so if you are looking for a weatherproof dog door for sliding glass door, this is a great option! This is also a perfect choice when putting a dog door in sidelight panels. The "In the Glass" Unit is becoming increasingly popular, especially if you need an extra-large dog door for a sliding glass door, seeing as they don't take up space in your door frame like a patio panel does.

How to install a Sliding Glass Pet Door?

To order your panel, you will need to measure your pet to determine the correct pet door size, and measure your sliding glass door track to specify a track height adjustment range. Once you receive your patio panel insert from us, you will install it either in the track for sliding glass doors (such that it will flush against the door jamb) or in the outer screen track. Note: In some cases, you might be able to remove the stationary panel of your sliding glass door and then place it closer to the middle of the track to accommodate the patio panel insert. This allows the sliding panel of your door to lock as usual rather than sliding into the patio panel insert. Place the panel in the sliding door track and twist the screws at the bottom to secure the panel before adjusting the height extension at the top to expand the panel into the upper track. Once you have the right fit, tighten the thumbscrews at the top of the panel to fasten it in the track (in order to keep the insert semipermanent and lockable). Drill a hole into the side of the adjacent sliding door in order to install the lock. Read our blog post on How to Install a Dog Door in a Sliding Glass Door for further installation help.

How can I install a patio pet door if my sliders meet in the middle?

Installation can work the same way. In order for the panel inserts to remain secure and stable, you will need to make one of your sliders stationary. In essence, you will only be allowed to slide and walk through one of your two sliders.

Are these easy to install? Can I do this myself?

It depends on how handy you are. If you want something that is easy to install, I would recommend either the Endura Flap Thermo Panel 3e or the Ideal Fast Fit. These pet door panels do not require any tools for installation. For more information, you can visit the 'Installation Instructions' tab on each product page.

Do I want a 'temporary' or a 'semi-permanent' pet door installed?

A temporary installation doggie door for sliding glass door may be put in and taken out again easily. This will be the better option if you do not want the panel to be located in one position all the time. For example, you may wish to use the panel only during warm weather or only when you are at home. Having a temporary panel presents a flexible solution.

A semi-permanent pet door for sliding glass doors, on the other hand, must be fastened into the track. The panel must be fastened because the manufacturer has put a lock on the pet door, which mates to a bracket on the sliding glass door. For that lock to work, the panel must be fastened in place. To make the installation semipermanent, you can nail the panel into the track on the top and/or bottom. Note: Any modifications to the panel will void the warranty and return policy.

On top of those two options, there is a group of pet doors for sliding doors that are neither a temporary install nor a semipermanent install, but somewhere in between. That is, they may require tools to set up but are not fastened into your track.

If a semipermanent install is desired and your sliding glass door uses an alarm, it is possible to install the panel on the side of the stationary half of the sliding glass door. This type of installation may help avoid needing to reset your alarm system. Keep in mind that every sliding glass door's stationary panel is different, so moving and reinstalling tactics vary and do not have one specific answer that would suffice.

Another installation possibility that is commonly overlooked is that all pet doors that are designed for temporary installation may be made semipermanent by fastening them into the track with sheet metal screws. A temporary type panel has the broadest range of installation choices.

Why is the Thermo Panel so expensive?

Pricing takes into consideration the materials and overall durability of the pet door panel. The Endura Flap Thermo Panel is made to last with durable aluminum framing, dual pane glass, and the best dog door on the market. With a warranty of 15 years, this model can outlast extreme weather and permit the most active pets. With this model, you really get what you pay for and would be one of many satisfied pet owners.

Will the pet door keep out the weather?

Some pet doors guard against the weather better than others. The best sliding glass doors pet doors will keep the weather outside while letting your pets outside to potty and then back inside, as well as be durable enough to withstand the elements! Top choices for weatherproof dog and cat doors for sliding glass doors would be brands like Endura Flap (Thermo Panel 3e) and Hale (Omni and Standard Panels).

How do I seal a sliding glass door with a dog door?

Attach adhesive weather stripping to both sides of the panel insert. Most inserts will come with some. Insert the panel so the top piece is secured to the frame. Most sliding glass inserts will have a height adjuster to lock in place. When the slider is shut against the panel, the weatherstripping will close off any potential gaps. Panel inserts will often come with a locking mechanism to seal your slider against the dog door.

Does the glass in my slider need to match the glass in the dog insert?

No, we have single and dual pane inserts available, but the installation will be the same. The reason to match might depend on aesthetics and fit. Dual-pane does offer better insulation, so if you have a single pane in your slider, you can still consider this option. The biggest deterrent might be the thickness of the panel versus the thickness of your slider's track. Be sure to check whether the panel will fit by taking a look at its minimum track width.

How will I lock up my house with the installed sliding door doggie door in place?

Panel pet doors designed for a semi-permanent installation only will have a lock built into the pet door that you will use instead of the lock on your sliding glass door. That lock will engage a bracket mounted on your sliding glass door above your existing lock and lock the sliding door to the pet door. This system requires that the pet door be fastened semi-permanently in place. The panels that use this method would be:

• PetSafe Freedom
• Hale Standard Panel

A second approach is to use a pin lock, c-clamp lock, or dead-bolt lock to lock the glass door against the pet door. These can be used for both temporary and semi-permanent types of installations and are extremely effective. Note that pin locks are most readily used when the sliding panel is on the inside track. If it is on the outside track (an uncommon situation), it may be easier to install a threshold mount dead-bolt type lock. These are available from us in the Flaps and Parts-Accessories section but also in any local hardware.

Some very specialized pet patio doors will actually mate to the lock on your sliding glass door. These doors would be the Ideal VIP 150 Panel and the Ideal VPP Panel. A great idea is to use a 'Charley Bar'. The Charley Bar mounts behind the sliding glass door on the jamb and locks the sliding glass door against the pet door. You don't need a pet door to use a Charley Bar. They're frequently used just to improve the security of a sliding glass door. When used with a pet door, the Charley Bar has an important added benefit. The pressure applied is near the center of the sliding glass door which results in more even pressure between the sliding door and the pet door. This, in turn, helps make a tighter seal between the two and reduces the chance of a leak.

Will the aluminum panel fit with my vinyl slider track?

Sometimes the aluminum panels are not as wide as the tracks on the vinyl sliders, as typically they tend to be about 7/8" to 1" in thickness. In some cases, customers have actually shimmed in at the top and bottom to make up for any wiggle room in front or behind the panel. Or they have toe-nailed the panel in, where the screws are installed at an angle to go through the panel and into the track, making the installation more semipermanent.

In other cases the doors have fit in just fine and been perfectly stable, even if the facing of the frames are not flush with each other when viewed from the interior of the house, it is merely an aesthetic issue. Many customers have to go with the aluminum sliders simply because the doors specifically for vinyl have very limited flap dimensions and height and ranges available.

How do I know the correct track position to install the panel pet door in?

Many choose to install their sliding glass pet door in the glass track against the sliding door jamb. Then the sliding glass door opens and closes against it. The pet door is always stationary. Some choose an outside screen track. In that case, we suggest you use a 'spring-load' (no tools installation) type that is particularly thin such as the Ideal Fast Fit. If the glass track height and screen track height are close enough in width, you may be able to move the sliding door pet door from one another as the weather dictates.

Please note that the thickness of the pet door will not be the same as the thickness of your track. There are too many track widths to make a separate panel for each one, and so no manufacturer does. They are all built on the 'thin' side in order to make them compatible with any sliding door track. Properly installed, this fact is not noticeable.

The vinyl-framed pet doors will be thicker to more nearly match vinyl-framed sliding glass doors.

With the installation of my new Sliding Glass Door Patio Panel, the total width of walking space decreases with the panel in place, how do I make sure that I will still have enough room to walk through?

The 'Overall Panel Width' column under the size chart will tell you how wide each panel is. You can find out if there is enough space to still use your sliding glass door by subtracting the overall panel width of the pet door from the total width of the opening of your sliding glass door.

After fitting your pet, be sure the remaining opening in your sliding door fits you. If it's tight and this situation displeases you, look for a dog door sliding glass door with a higher aspect ratio for the flap. For example, why get a 14" x 23" flap if your pet can easily use a 12" x 23"? You just saved two inches. Or you can put a pet door directly through the glass of your sliding glass door: See Pet Doors "Through The Glass" Category Page.

Does PetDoors.com have anything for my newer vinyl framed sliding glass door?

A newer type of dog door for sliding door is built specifically for installation in vinyl framed sliding glass door tracks. We think they are a great choice because, with vinyl frames themselves, they look more like they "belong" and will generally engage with the lock on your sliding glass door.

However, there are disadvantages as well. They are relatively hard to install, they're not easily removable, and they come in a very limited range of flap sizes and 'step-over' heights. Based on our customer experience, we find some prefer the vinyl-specific option, while others have decided on the more general-purpose dog doors for sliding glass doors to get a broader range of feature choices. The best two pet panels are recommended.

Will the panel interfere with my alarm system?

It is possible that a pet door insert in your patio door may interfere with your alarm system. You will want to check with your alarm company to determine how this can be avoided.

Will bugs be able to come through the doorway, between the sliding glass door doggie door and sliding screen door?

You can still get ventilation with a glass track installation by opening the sliding glass door and bringing the screen up even with the pet door. But how do you stop a bug from flying in between the screen and the pet panel?

The best solution we know about is the Bug Warden which can be purchased directly from them. The Dreaded "Bug Gap"

How do you measure the track on sliding glass door models?

Measure the inside of the track with measuring tape or a ruler from the deepest part up inside the top track and down into the deepest part down inside the bottom track. Don't assume that it's a "standard" size track; it's very important to have accurate measurements.

Always compare your track height to adjustment ranges shown for the various dog doors. Endura Flap offers custom heights for odd-sized sliders and windows. Hale panels require a slightly different measuring method (Standard and Omni panel), these products require you to measure from the deepest part of the bottom track up to the track wall, or the first feature you touch when measuring to the top of the track.

At which height over 74 3/4" would a sliding door dog door insert need to be custom?

80 ¼" is the maximum height of the more standard sizes. Anything between 80 ¼" - 93 1/4", would need to be a custom order. Furthermore, there is a tall height range, and anything above the maximum of the tall height range, which is 96 ¼" will need to be custom ordered.

I am trying to decide between an Aluminum panel and a Vinyl panel, what are a few major differences between the two?

When considering the two options, we recommend basing the decision on the type of climate you are living in, and also whether or not you want the panel to be semi-permanent or temporary. The aluminum option would be better in a warmer climate, whereas vinyl is better in colder climates because aluminum creates condensation on the door from the cold climate.

On the other hand, aluminum would be the better option if your major concern is the ease of removability. The PetSafe Freedom Aluminum Pet Door is a great option with a variety of size options. The vinyl option would be a semi-permanent installation and less easy to remove. Also with the vinyl, your track has to be 1-½” - 1-¾”, and the flap sizes are fairly restrictive so for larger pets the aluminum might be the only option.

What height adjustment ranges are available?

Dog doors for sliders are offered in various height adjustment ranges and the single most important problem is to be sure that your track height is in the adjustment range of the sliding glass door dog door you're considering. You measure inside the sliding glass door track, the very top to the very bottom. When measuring, don't do it all at once.

If you do, the top of the tape will be curving and hard to read where it ends. Instead, measure inside the top track down to a convenient height—say 2 feet—and make a pencil line. Then measure up from the bottom track to that line and add. This method is extremely accurate. Height adjustment ranges will be shown on the product page for each of these sliding door dog doors.

What can I use if my sliding glass door doesn't have a track?

You can use an In The Glass unit, or you can install a Hale Omni panel if your slider has a rail.

How do I decide which direction my slider closes?

This needs to be done while you are on the inside of the house looking out. You do need to specify whether your slider closes to the left or to the right so that they can mount the lock correctly.

Will it work in my Pella/Andersen sliding glass door?

Pella and Andersen doors don't have the standard metal railing on the bottom of the track or the standard grooved track at the top that Endura Flap, Ideal, and PetSafe use for installation. Hale Omni Panels would be the best panel to install on these locations as they use a tension nut instead of a spring-loaded topper for installation. Visit the Details tab on the Hale Omni Panel page.

I need a Sliding Door Doggy Door but I have a raised, monorail track. What can I do?

Pet doors for sliders use the track walls to hold the panel in place. With a monorail, you can toe-nail a screw through the panel into the track, order a custom In the Glass replacement unit, or If your monorail is 3/4" or less thick, you can install the Thermo Panel 3e with some modification. It is best to contact customer service at (800) 826-2871 x2 to ensure you're finding the best solution for your situation.

I need a raccoon-resistant Cat Door for Sliding Window - what do you recommend?

There are two custom height option pet doors we recommend. The Thermo Panel with Sureflap Microchip Door or the Thermo Panel with DualScan.

How much does it cost to install a pet door in the glass?

We do not install the dog door in glass sliding door. There are many factors that can influence the price of your In the Glass pet door installation. We recommend you contact two or three local glaziers (glass companies) for estimates in your area.

How do I determine the size of my In the Glass Pet Door?

The combination of your pet door's 'step-over' plus the pet opening height you select should total 1" or more above the tallest pet's back.

When determining size for dog door height first, measure your tallest pet from the floor to the top of the shoulder (base of the neck). Record the number. Determine the pet door size best suited for you and your pet's needs.

Next, establish "your doors" minimum step-over. This is the minimum step-over height for your door after install.

First, locate the bottom of your existing glass. This will be approximately 3/4" below the top of the bottom framing.

Measure from the floor to the bottom of the glass. Record the number. Add 3 3/4" for the Endura Flap framing.

The total equals your door minimum step-over height after installation. Most trim line vinyl and aluminum doors will have between 5"-8" of minimum step-over depending on bottom rail thickness and the pet door you select. French rail doors and swing doors with kick panels will be higher.

Review the "In the Glass" Pet Doors page to find the ideal combination of step-over, pet opening size, and height for your application. We can add step-over if needed. Review the adding additional step-over page. We can add an insulating spacer between the frame and pet door to raise the door up for taller pets' ease of use.