Choosing the right pet door for your furry friend can feel overwhelming, but with a few simple measurements, you can ensure a perfect fit! At Dog-Proofer, we proudly partner with Hale Pet Doors, offering high-quality pet doors for walls, doors, screens, and glass. The key to a seamless experience is selecting the right size—too small, and your pet will struggle to fit; too big, and it may not be as secure or efficient. Follow this easy guide to determine the best fit for your pet.

Step 1: Measure Your Pet’s Width

The width of the pet door should allow your pet to pass through without squeezing. To get an accurate measurement:

• Measure your pet at thewidest part of their chest and add1-2 inches for a comfortable fit.

• If your pet has thick fur, make sure topress gently to get an accurate measurement.

• If your pet won’t stand still, open a door just wide enough for them to slip through andmeasure the width of the opening, then add an extra inch or two.

Step 2: Measure Your Pet’s Height

The height of the pet door should be based on your pet’sshoulders, not their head since they naturally duck when pushing through the flap. To determine the proper height:

• Measure from the groundto the top of your pet’s shoulders (also known as the withers).

• The flaps of the pet door should be at least1-2 inches above the top of your pet’s back.

• Keep in mind that pet doors are usually installed slightly above the ground, so the door doesn’t necessarily need to be as tall as your pet (see Step 3 for more information).

• For multiple pets, measure the tallest one to ensure all animals can pass through comfortably.

Expert Tip: If your dog won’t stand still for measurement, try marking your own leg with your finger at their shoulder height, then measure from the floor to that point.

Step 3: Determine the Step-Over Height

Thestep-over height is the distance from the floor to the bottom of the pet door opening. It’s important to make sure this is low enough for your pet to step over easily, especially for:

• Senior dogs or pets with mobility issues.

• Short-legged breeds, which may struggle with higher step-overs.

The total heightof the pet door opening plusthe step-over height should be 1-2 inchesabove the pet’s shoulder height to ensure comfortable and safe passage.

Step 4: Select the Perfect Size

Now that you have your pet’s width and height, and step-over measurements in mind, choose the door size that ensures asafe and comfortable passage for your furry friend.

For easy reference, check out the chart below to find the best fit!

By following these simple steps, you can confidently choose the perfect Hale Pet Door size and give your pet the freedom they deserve. If you need help selecting a model, feel free to reach out to our team at Dog-Proofer—we’re happy to assist!