Door Mount Dog Door Installation — Professional Pet Door Installation for Any Door

Portal Pros can install dog doors through any type or style of door - hollow, solid, metal, fiberglass, wood, etc. 

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Door mount installation is the fastest, most straightforward way to give your pet independent access to the outdoors. Portal Pros installs pet doors into virtually any door type — wood, steel, fiberglass, hollow core, and solid core — with licensed and/or insured installers nationwide and a craftsmanship guarantee on every job.

Standard Door Installation (Wood, Fiberglass, or Steel) The most common door mount installation. We cut a precise opening in your existing exterior door and install a door mount pet door with a clean interior and exterior frame finish. The result looks factory-intentional on both sides of the door.

Hollow Core Door Installation Hollow core doors require additional framing around the cut opening to provide structural support for the pet door frame. Portal Pros installers are trained to reinforce hollow core openings properly — so the finished result is solid, stable, and sealed.

Solid Core and Steel Door Installation Solid core and steel doors are denser and require specialized cutting equipment for a clean opening. Our installers are equipped for both and will finish the frame and seal on both sides of the door to the same standard as any other installation.

Replacement & Retrofit Installation Replacing an existing pet door with a new one? Portal Pros handles retrofits — including non-standard openings where the existing cut doesn't match standard sizing. Custom MaxSeal door mount options are available to fit any existing rough cut exactly.

Not sure if your door is a good candidate? Send us a photo (sales@theportalpros.com) and we'll assess it and recommend the right product and approach for your specific door.

What Is a Door Mount Dog Door Installation?

A door mount dog door installation — also called a door-mounted pet door or through-door pet door — integrates a pet door directly into your existing exterior door. Unlike wall mount installation, no cutting through drywall or exterior siding is required. Unlike glass or patio installations, no custom glass fabrication is needed. Door mount is the fastest, most cost-effective installation method and the right choice for most homeowners who have a suitable exterior door near where their pet needs access.

Portal Pros installs door mount pet doors into wood, fiberglass, steel, hollow core, and solid core doors of virtually any thickness. Every installation is completed by a licensed and/or insured installer with a craftsmanship guarantee.

What Door Types Can Have a Dog Door Installed?

Portal Pros installs door mount pet doors into virtually every residential exterior door type, including:

• Wood exterior doors — solid wood and wood composite; the most common door mount installation
• Fiberglass doors — standard residential fiberglass entry and back doors; clean cut and finish
• Steel doors — requires specialized cutting equipment; clean frame finish on both interior and exterior sides
• Hollow core interior doors — additional framing support installed around the opening for a solid result
• Solid core doors — standard installation with heavier-duty cutting tools
• Pre-hung door units — installation into the door panel only; hardware and frame stay intact
• Panel doors — installation typically centered in the lower panel for the cleanest aesthetic result

Not sure what type of door you have or whether it's a good candidate? Send us a photo (to sales@theportalpros.com) of the interior and exterior and we'll confirm the right approach.

Which Door Mount Pet Door Is Right for Your Home?

Choose the MaxSeal PRO Door Mount if: You want the absolute best in seal, insulation, and security. The PRO features a robust composite aluminum and HDPE locking panel, dual vinyl flap insulation, and a precision weather seal that performs in extreme heat and cold. Available in 10 sizes and 5 frame colors. The right choice for high-traffic pets, large breeds, and any climate that demands serious performance.

Choose the MaxSeal Door Mount if: You want excellent Security Boss performance at a step down in price from the PRO. Dual vinyl flap insulation, magnetic seal, and a locking security panel — the same core performance as the PRO in a streamlined package. Available in White, Beige, Brown, and Silver. A perennial top seller.

Choose the Custom MaxSeal PRO Door Mount if: Your existing door cut is a non-standard dimension and you need the PRO built to fit. Also the right call if you're replacing a pet door and want the PRO-level product to drop into your existing rough cut exactly — no resizing, no guesswork.

Choose the Custom MaxSeal Door Mount if: You have an existing opening that doesn't match standard sizing, or you want a custom-dimensioned MaxSeal to replace a previous pet door without modifying the cut. The same excellent MaxSeal insulation and seal, made to your exact dimensions.

Choose the SB72 Chew Proof Pet Door if: You have a dog with chewing tendencies and need to protect at least one flap from being torn out. Dogs will chew on virtually any material, but the hard aluminum swing panel deters chewing, so even if they tear out the vinyl flap, there is still a hard aluminum flap to act as a weather barrier.

Still not sure? Call 855-DOG-DOOR or send us your door type, door thickness, and your pet's shoulder height and width and we'll recommend the exact right product.

Why Choose Door Mount Dog Door Installation?

Door mount is the most popular pet door installation method for good reason — it's clean, efficient, and works for the majority of homes.

Fastest installation method. No wall cutting, no glass fabrication, no tunnel installation. A door mount installation is typically completed in one to two hours in a single visit.

Most cost-effective option. Because door mount installations don't require custom fabrication or masonry work, they are generally the most affordable professional pet door installation method. Door-mount installs are the most accessible entry point into professionally installed pet door ownership.

Your door stays functional. The door continues to operate exactly as it did before — the pet door simply adds a second point of access in the lower portion of the door panel. Nothing about your door's operation, lock, or weatherstrip changes.

Works for any breed and any size. Portal Pros carries door mount pet doors from XS through XXL. The MaxSeal PRO is available in 10 sizes, and custom dimensions are available for non-standard openings or giant breeds.

Superior insulation and seal. Our door mount pet doors feature dual vinyl flap insulation and a precision magnetic seal that holds tight against drafts, moisture, and outdoor air. The MaxSeal PRO is specifically rated for extreme climate performance.

Maximum security. Every door mount pet door includes a rigid locking security panel that installs from the interior, completely blocking access when you need it. The MaxSeal PRO's composite aluminum and HDPE panel is the most impact-resistant locking system in the lineup.

Clean, intentional result. A properly installed door mount pet door has clean frames on both the interior and exterior sides of the door, fully sealed against air and moisture. Most customers describe the finished result as looking like it was designed that way from the start.

How the Door Mount Dog Door Installation Process Works

Step 1 — Measure & Quote Contact Portal Pros with your pet's shoulder height and width, and a photo of the door you'd like the dog door installed into. Include the door type and thickness if you know it. We'll confirm the right product for your door, recommend the best size, and provide a same-day quote.

Step 2 — Scheduling Once you order, a Portal Pros installer contacts you within 24–48 hours to schedule your installation. Door mount installations are typically completed within a few days of ordering in most markets. Dog doors arrive typically within 1-5 business days.

Step 3 — Professional Installation A licensed and/or insured Portal Pros technician arrives with the right tools for your specific door type. We mark the opening precisely for your pet's shoulder height, cut the opening using appropriate equipment for your door material, and install the interior and exterior frames — sealing the perimeter on both sides for an airtight, weatherproof finish.

Step 4 — Final Test & Walkthrough Your installer tests the flap operation, confirms the seal around the frame perimeter, demonstrates the locking security panel, and walks you through care and use. Most door mount installations are complete in one to two hours.

How Much Does Door Mount Dog Door Installation Cost?

Door mount dog door installation is the most cost-effective professional pet door installation method. Because it requires no custom glass fabrication, no wall cutting, and no tunnel installation, door mount projects are generally priced lower than wall mount or glass installations.

Factors that affect pricing:

• Door material (wood and fiberglass vs. steel vs. hollow core)
• Door thickness
• Pet door size (XS through XXL or custom)
• Product selection (MaxSeal vs. MaxSeal PRO vs. custom)
• Any additional reinforcement required for hollow core doors

To get an accurate quote, contact Portal Pros at 855-DOG-DOOR or fill out the quote form above. Most customers receive a quote the same day.

Door Mount Dog Door Installation — Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dog door be installed in any exterior door? In most cases, yes. Portal Pros installs into wood, fiberglass, steel, hollow core, and solid core exterior doors — send us a photo and we'll confirm compatibility before you order.

Can a dog door be installed in a steel door? Yes. Steel doors require specialized cutting equipment for a clean opening, but the installation process and finished result are the same as any other door type. Pricing for steel door installations may be slightly higher than wood or fiberglass — your quote will reflect the specific door.

Can a dog door be installed in a hollow core door? Yes, with proper reinforcement. Hollow core interior doors require additional framing around the cut opening to give the pet door frame solid material to mount against. Portal Pros installers handle this reinforcement as part of the installation.

Where should the dog door be positioned in the door? The bottom of the pet door opening is typically set 2–8 inches above the floor to keep the step-over height comfortable. The top of the opening should be 1–2 inches above your pet's shoulder height. Your Portal Pros installer will mark the precise position based on your pet's measurements before cutting.

Can I install a door mount dog door myself? Door mount is the most DIY-accessible pet door installation type, and Security Boss products do include installation instructions. However, professional installation ensures a proper seal on both interior and exterior sides, correct positioning for your specific pet, and a finished result that won't allow drafts or moisture infiltration. If you want it done right the first time, professional installation is the better choice.

What if my door already has a pet door cut that I need to replace? Portal Pros handles replacement and retrofit installs. If your existing opening matches standard Security Boss sizing, a standard MaxSeal or MaxSeal PRO will drop right in. If your existing cut is a non-standard dimension, a Custom MaxSeal or Custom MaxSeal PRO is made to fit your exact rough cut — no resizing needed.

How long does door mount dog door installation take? Most door mount installations are completed in one to two hours in a single visit. Steel doors or hollow core doors requiring reinforcement may take slightly longer.

What size dog door do I need? Measure your dog's shoulder height from the floor to the top of their shoulders and add 1–2 inches for the door height. Measure the widest point of their body — chest or hips — and add at least 2 inches for the door width. If you're between sizes, always size up. Contact us if you need help sizing for a giant breed.

Is the pet door lockable? Yes. Every Security Boss door mount pet door includes a rigid locking security panel that slides in from the interior, completely blocking pet access when needed. The MaxSeal PRO features a composite aluminum and HDPE panel for maximum impact resistance.

Do you install door mount dog doors nationwide? Yes. Portal Pros operates a nationwide network of licensed, bonded and/or insured installers. A professional will contact you within 24–48 hours of placing an order.

Can you install a dog door in a door with a window or glass panel in it? It depends on the door configuration. If there is enough solid panel space below the glass to fit the pet door opening, standard door mount installation applies. If the glass panel extends too low, we may recommend a different installation method. We also install dog doors in glass, that may fall into that category (order new glass custom made to fit the pet door and it can be recessed into the footer for smaller pets). Send us a photo to sales@theportalpros.com and we'll assess your specific door.

Why Portal Pros for Door Mount Dog Door Installation?

Portal Pros is the nation's leading professional pet door installation company with over 20 years of industry experience.

• All door types supported — wood, fiberglass, steel, hollow core, solid core, and more
• Fastest installation method — most door mount jobs completed in one to two hours
• Licensed, bonded and/or insured installers nationwide
• Craftsmanship guarantee — if there's ever an issue with our installation, we make it right
• 1,100+ five-star reviews from homeowners across the country
• Free shipping on all pet doors, always
• Giving back — a portion of every sale is donated to no-kill animal shelters across the United States

Ready to Get Your Door Mount Dog Door Installed?

Call 855-DOG-DOOR today or request a free quote above. Send us a photo of your door and your pet's shoulder height and width and we'll come back to you with the right product, the right size, and a same-day quote.