The truth about installing a dog door in your home that every dog owner should know. If you're a dog owner who’s away from home for long hours, giving your pet safe, independent access to the yard is a game-changer. But before you buy, let’s talk about what matters: installation.
5 Dog Doors Compared by Installation Ease and Fit
From high-tech smart doors to old-school flap inserts, not all dog doors are created equal, especially when it comes to their installation. Some require cutting into walls. Others can be set up in minutes with no tools. Choosing the right one depends on your comfort level with DIY projects and how permanent (or reversible) you want the changes to your home to be.
In this article, we’ll break down the installation process for five popular pet door options, including our own Wayzn Smart Pet Door, so that you can choose with confidence.
How Difficult Is It to Install a Dog Door?
We compared five leading pet doors on the market:
Wayzn Smart Pet Door
LycheeThings SmartSlyder
AutoSlide Motion-Activated Pet Door
PetSafe Sliding Glass Pet Door (2 Piece)
HighTech Pet Model PX-1 Medium Power Pet® Door
Here’s how the dog doors stack up across the four most important installation factors:
Dog Door Installation Comparison Table
|
Product |
Install Time |
Tools Required |
Home Modifications |
Difficulty |
|
Wayzn Smart Pet Door |
30 minutes |
Screwdriver |
None |
🔧 |
|
LycheeThings SmartSlyder |
1.5 hours |
Drill, screwdriver |
4 small wall holes |
🔧🔧 |
|
AutoSlide Pet Door |
2 hours |
Drill, screwdriver |
Door frame screws + sensor wiring |
🔧🔧 |
|
PetSafe Sliding Glass Insert |
45 minutes |
None (or screwdriver) |
None |
🔧 |
|
HighTech Pet PX-1 |
3–4 hours |
Drill, jigsaw |
Cut the wall opening |
🔧🔧🔧🔧 |
🔧 = Approximate level of installation effort
Note: Fewer wrenches = easier and more renter-friendly
In-Depth Dog Door Installation Reviews
1. Wayzn Smart Pet Door
Best for: Renters, tech-savvy pet parents, or anyone who wants a quick install
Install Time: 30 minutes
Tools Required: Screwdriver (optional, adhesive also included)
Modifications: None
Experience: Just align, mount, plug in, and pair with your phone. No cutting, no drilling. You’ll be up and running before your next lunch break.
2. LycheeThings SmartSlyder
Best for: Homeowners comfortable with light drilling
Install Time: 1.5 hours
Tools Required: Drill, screwdriver, measuring tape
Modifications: Screws into drywall above the door
Experience: The rail and motor system mount above your sliding door. Requires pilot holes but minimal visible impact.
3. AutoSlide Motion-Activated Pet Door
Best for: Tech-lovers who want automation and don’t mind a moderate DIY
Install Time: 2 hours
Tools Required: Drill, screwdriver, level
Modifications: Screws and sensor wires around the door
Experience: Involves mounting a motor to the track and wiring sensors. Once set up, pets can activate it with motion.
4. PetSafe Sliding Glass Insert
Best for: Quick-fix pet access with zero commitment
Install Time: 45 minutes
Tools Required: None (screwdriver for optional lock bracket)
Modifications: None
Experience: Just pop it into your sliding door track and seal with weather stripping. Great for renters or seasonal use.
5. HighTech Pet PX-1 Power Pet Door
Best for: Permanent installations by experienced DIYers or professionals
Install Time: 3–4 hours
Tools Required: Drill, jigsaw, screwdriver, caulk
Modifications: Cut a hole through the wall or door
Experience: This is a full-blown project. It looks clean when finished, but it’s not for the faint of heart, or lease agreements.
What’s the Right Dog Door for You?
Ask yourself:
Are you renting your home or planning to move soon?
Do you feel confident drilling into drywall or cutting through a door?
Do you want a smart, sensor-based solution or a manual one?
Do you need a solution that works with your sliding glass door?
Wayzn Smart Pet Door is ideal for most homeowners and renters alike. It’s the only fully smart, sliding-glass-compatible pet door that installs in under 30 minutes without requiring permanent changes to your home. Additionally, it provides full app control and motion detection, allowing your dog to come and go while still enabling you to remotely lock the door when needed.
Final Thoughts about Dog Door Installation
Installing a dog door doesn’t have to mean breaking out a jigsaw or giving up your security deposit. Whether you’re all about smart tech or need a simple access solution, understanding the installation process is key to choosing the right door for your home and lifestyle.
If you're looking for a modern, non-invasive, and hassle-free way to give your dog more freedom, Wayzn Smart Pet Door delivers all that without the headache of a weekend-long install.
Ready to Upgrade Your Pet’s Freedom?
Learn more about the Wayzn Smart Pet Door
