How to Install the Large SmartDoor™ Connected Pet Door in a Wall That Contains Metal


Before installing the SmartDoor™, make sure:

Important: Remove the batteries from the pet door prior to installation.

The following instructions explain how to install your SmartDoor™ in a wall using traditional framing and drywall/plasterboard construction. To install the SmartDoor™ in brick or masonry, please consult a licensed builder.


Mark the Pet Door Location

Mark pet door on wallMark pet door on wall

Choose a location for the SmartDoor™. It should be in a section of wall that is easily accessible by your pet and away from any electrical wiring or plumbing.

Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs in the area you have selected for the pet door. Using a pencil, draw a vertical line midway between the studs, 10 to 12 inches (25.4 to 30.5 cm) above the floor.

Cut a small hole in the wall and look inside to verify there is no wiring or plumbing present.

Mark shoulder height on vertical lineMark shoulder height on vertical line

Measure your pet’s shoulder height when standing. Make a note of this measurement.


If you have more than one pet, measure the tallest one.

Make a pencil mark at your pet’s shoulder height on the vertical line. Using a level, extend the horizontal and vertical lines several inches in both directions.

This will help you place the cutting template correctly. The pet door must be installed level to swing properly.

Make a second pencil mark on your wall, 3 ½ inches above the floor.


Position the Cutting Template

Position template on wallPosition template on wall

Cut out the cutting template for installation in metal doors with adaptors.

Hold the cutting template up to the interior side of the wall, matching the shoulder and center lines on the cutting template with the shoulder and center lines you drew on the wall.

Note where the bottom of the cutting template is and make any necessary adjustments:

  • The bottom of the cutting template must be at or above the line you drew 3 ½ inches above the floor. (This is to allow room for the installation adaptor.)
  • If you have both large and small pets, make sure your shorter pets will be able to step up over the bottom edge of the pet door.
Drill center locator holes in wallDrill center locator holes in wall

Once you are satisfied with the placement of the cutting template, tape it to the wall.

Use a long drill bit to drill three holes through the center locator holes on the cutting template and all the way through the interior and exterior surfaces of the wall. Use both hands to hold the drill steady, straight and level.

You will use these holes to align the cutting template on the exterior side of the wall.

Trace cutting template for interior wallTrace cutting template for interior wall

Use a pencil to trace the outside edge of the cutting template. Remember to connect the corners.

Make sure the cutting line is clearly marked on the wall, and then carefully remove the cutting template and excess tape.

Save the cutting template; you will need it for the exterior side of the wall.


Cut the Opening

Drill pilot holes for interior wallDrill pilot holes for interior wall

Drill 1/2-inch (12 mm) holes through the interior wall, just inside the corners of the cutting line.

These holes will be the pilot holes for the jigsaw blade.

Cut opening for interior wall installCut opening for interior wall install

Using a jigsaw, cut the interior wall between the holes you just drilled, along the cutting line.

Trace cutting template for exterior wallTrace cutting template for exterior wall

You are now ready to work from the exterior wall. Line up the three holes in the cutting template with the three holes you drilled through the wall.

Make sure the cutting template is level and then tape it into position.

Use a pencil to trace the outside edge of the cutting template. Remember to connect the corners.

Make sure the cutting line is clearly marked on the wall, and then carefully remove the cutting template and excess tape.

Drill pilot holes for exterior wallDrill pilot holes for exterior wall

Drill 1/2-inch (12 mm) holes through the exterior wall, just inside the corners of the cutting line.

These holes will be the pilot holes for the jigsaw blade.

Cut opening for exterior wall installCut opening for exterior wall install

Using a jigsaw, cut the exterior wall between the holes you just drilled, along the cutting line.

Important: If the exterior wall has vinyl siding, carefully score and cut the siding before cutting through the wood behind it.


Prepare the Interior Frame

Fit installation adaptor over tunnel of interior frame, secure installation adaptorFit installation adaptor over tunnel of interior frame, secure installation adaptor

Fit an installation adaptor over the tunnel of the interior frame. The smooth side of the installation adaptor should face the front. Use four short screws to secure the installation adaptor to the back of the interior frame.

Connect tunnel extension to pet doorConnect tunnel extension to pet door

Connect a tunnel extension to the pet door by fitting the lip of the tunnel extension over the tunnel of the pet door.

Connect additional tunnel extension to pet doorConnect additional tunnel extension to pet door

Connect additional tunnel extensions as needed.

Test fit interior frame in openingTest fit interior frame in opening

Test fit the interior frame (with installation adaptor and tunnel extensions attached) in the opening. The last tunnel extension needs to protrude from the wall by at least 1 1/4 inches (33 mm).

Use glue to connect tunnel extensionsUse glue to connect tunnel extensions

Once you are satisfied that you have connected the appropriate number of tunnel extensions, remove the tunnel extensions from the pet door and use permanent glue to attach the tunnel extensions to one another.

Attach the tunnel extensions to the interior frame using all-weather tape. Do not glue the tunnel extensions to the interior frame.


Install the Interior Frame

Insert interior pet door assembly in wallInsert interior pet door assembly in wall

Insert the interior pet door assembly (interior frame with attached installation adaptor and tunnel extensions) into the opening in the interior wall.

Make sure the pet door is centered horizontally and vertically in the opening. You can use the spacer provided with the installation adaptors to support the bottom of the tunnel if desired.

Hold the interior pet door assembly in place and use a pencil to mark the location of the holes for the screws.

Drill holes in wall for interior assemblyDrill holes in wall for interior assembly

Remove the interior pet door assembly. Drill holes in the marked locations, making sure the holes are the appropriate size for the hardware you selected based on your wall construction.

Replace interior assembly and secure to wallReplace interior assembly and secure to wall

Replace the interior pet door assembly in the opening and secure it to the wall with appropriate hardware for your construction (not included).


Prepare the Exterior Frame

Install spire clip to installation adaptorInstall spire clip to installation adaptor

Place the second installation adaptor on a flat surface, smooth side up. Install a spire clip in each of the four rectangular holes in the installation adaptor. (The spire clips were provided with the installation adaptors.)

The flat side of the spire clip should face the front, and the round hole in the spire clip should line up with the round hole in the installation adaptor.

Secure exterior frame to adaptorSecure exterior frame to adaptor

Place the exterior frame of the pet door on top of the installation adaptor. Use four short screws to secure the exterior frame to the installation adaptor.


Install the Exterior Frame

Mark hole locations for exterior assemblyMark hole locations for exterior assembly

On the exterior side of the wall, line up the exterior pet door assembly (exterior frame with attached installation adaptor) with the tunnel of the pet door.

Hold the exterior pet door assembly in place and use a pencil to mark the location of the holes for the screws.

Drill holes for exterior assemblyDrill holes for exterior assembly

Remove the exterior pet door assembly. Drill holes in the marked locations, making sure the holes are the appropriate size for the hardware you selected based on your wall construction.

Important: If inserting screws through vinyl siding, first drill holes through the siding slightly larger than the screw heads. This will allow the screws to tighten flush with the wood and not buckle the vinyl siding

Secure exterior assembly to wallSecure exterior assembly to wall

Replace the exterior pet door assembly and secure it to the exterior wall with appropriate hardware for your construction (not included).

Apply caulk to exterior frame and adaptor on wallApply caulk to exterior frame and adaptor on wall

On the exterior side of the wall, apply exterior-grade caulk around the edges of the installation adaptor and the exterior frame, making sure to leave the weep holes open.

If there are any gaps larger than 1/4 inch (6 mm), you will need to fill them with foam backer rod or other appropriate material before applying caulk

Apply caulk to tunnel on wallApply caulk to tunnel on wall

Apply exterior-grade caulk around the edge of the pet door tunnel where it meets the exterior frame.

Insert plugs into exterior adaptorInsert plugs into exterior adaptor

Insert blanking plugs into the holes in the exterior frame.

Insert blanking plugs into the holes in the installation adaptor.

Insert plugs into interior adaptorInsert plugs into interior adaptor

On the interior side of the wall, insert blanking plugs into the holes in the installation adaptor.

Reinstall the batteries in the pet door.

Now that your pet door is installed, it is time to train your pet to use it! See How to Train Your Pet to Use the SmartDoor™ Connected Pet Door.


Contact Customer Care

If you need further assistance, please contact our customer care team.

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