How to Install the PetSafe® Extreme Weather Aluminum Pet Door™

Important Information

When you first open the box, do not throw away any included cardboard/paper pieces, these are used during installation.

Before beginning installation, it is best to gather the supplies you will need. This pet door fits doors that are 1 ½ inches to 2 inches thick. If your door is less than 1 ½ inches thick, you will need to purchase the Installation Adapter, which can be purchased here. More than 2 inches, you may need additional tools and materials, such as wood framing.

What is Included:

Package contentsPackage contents
  • Closing Panel
  • Interior Frame with Flap
  • Cutting Template
  • Exterior Frame with Extreme Weather Flap
  • Screw Sleeves
  • Nylon Screws
  • Metal Screws

Tools You Will Need:

Needed toolsNeeded tools
  • Hammer
  • Jigsaw
  • Drill
  • Drill Bit: 3/4 inch and 1/4 inch
  • Philips and Flat-Head Screw Drivers
  • Masking Tape and Duct Tape
  • Wire Cutter
  • Scissors
  • Pencil
  • Tape Measure
  • Level
  • Weatherproof Caulk
  • Safety Gear

*Installation Adapter if your door is less than 1 1/2 inches thick.

Measure and Mark

It is important to your pet’s well-being to measure and mark your pet’s shoulder height for proper installation placement. If there are multiple pets, use the tallest pet’s shoulder height measurement.

Measure & mark pet's shoulder height on doorMeasure & mark pet's shoulder height on door

Measure and mark your pet’s shoulder height on the door with a pencil using either method:

  • Have your pet stand next to the door and mark their shoulder height.
  • Use a measuring tape to measure your pet from the floor to their shoulder. Then apply that measurement to the door.

Use a level to draw a horizontal line through the height marking to extend it.

Use Level And Pencil To Mark DoorUse Level And Pencil To Mark Door

Decide where on your door to install the pet door.

  • The pet door does not have to be installed in the center of your door. You may choose to adjust it to the left or right.
  • If you are installing it in a paneled door, align it within a panel for ease of installation.

Use a level to draw a vertical line for the pet door to be centered on. If you are placing the pet door centered on your door, draw a vertical line for the center of your door.

Prep the Door

Remove pinsRemove pins

Remove the pins from the hinges using the flat-head screwdriver and hammer to remove the door from the doorframe.

Place Door On TablePlace Door On Table

Place the door, interior side up, on a raised level surface suitable for drilling and cutting, such as a pair of sawhorses. Clamp or weigh down the door to prevent it from moving.

Place the Template

Tape Template Onto DoorTape Template Onto Door

Cut the template according to your pet door size and tape it on your door, aligning the height and center lines you marked to the ones on the template.

Trace TemplateTrace Template

Make sure the template is at least 3 inches from the bottom and sides of the door to keep the structural integrity of the door. If it is less than that, you will need to adjust your lines accordingly to ensure the 3-inch minimum.

Carefully trace around the template, making sure to trace underneath the tape and connect the corners. Then remove the template.

Cut the Pet Door Opening

Using a DrillUsing a Drill

Ensure the area underneath where you have marked for removal is clear before drilling and cutting.

Drill 3/8 inch holes on the inside corners of the traced outline. Hold the drill steady at a 90-degree angle and use a framing square to keep it straight.

Using a JigsawUsing a Jigsaw

Place the jigsaw blade into a corner hole, making sure the blade goes entirely through the door, and cut along the marking. Continue until an opening is made. You may need to finely trim the corners to create a 90-degree angle for the door to fit.

Check fit of frames in openingCheck fit of frames in opening

Check the fit of the frames in the opening. If either frame does not easily fit inside the opening, you may need to make adjustment cuts to the opening before proceeding with installation.

Mark screw holesMark screw holes

With the interior frame (with vinyl flap only) placed in the cutout, mark the frame screw holes on your door.

Drill HolesDrill Holes

Remove the frame. Using a drill and ¼ inch drill bit, drill the screw holes in your door, making sure to keep the drill straight.

Install the Frame

If you purchased an Installation Adaptor, place the installation adaptor plate on either the interior or exterior pet door frame before installation. The Installation Adaptor is necessary only if you are installing the pet door in a door less than 1 1/2 inches thick.

Place pet door with screwsPlace pet door with screws

Place the interior frame (with vinyl flap only) into the cutout from the interior side of the door. Then, place the exterior frame (with extreme weather flap) into the underside of the door. Hold the two frames together. Insert the screws (metal or nylon, whichever you prefer) into the frame, then twist a screw sleeve on the end of the screw. Pull up on the screw to position the screw sleeve into the exterior frame and hold in place while tightening the screw until the frames come together.

Evenly tighten screws screwsEvenly tighten screws screws

Using a Philips screwdriver, evenly tighten the screws moving from one screw to the next in a Criss-Cross pattern as much as possible, until all screws are hand tight. It may be necessary to adjust the screws to ensure the pet door is fit correctly.

Cut off excess screw lengthsCut off excess screw lengths

If you used the nylon screws, cut off excess screw lengths with wire cutters. Hold wire cutters flush with frame for a clean, level cut. Any rough edges of nylon screws left by wire cutters should be removed with a metal file.

Caulk around exterior frameCaulk around exterior frame

Reinstall your door on its hinges. Caulk around the exterior frame and fill any gaps between the door and the frame for weather resistance.


Contact Customer Care

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

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