Pet Flap Installation Cost

Want to know how much a pet flap installation costs?

Cat flaps (or dog flaps) are a great idea to give your furry friends the freedom to come and go as they wish, saving you time and energy too!

So, what does this cost guide offer?

Here we breakdown the prices for different pet flaps in terms of size and the type of door.

On average, you're looking at a fee of around £100 to fit a flap, depending on if it's installed in a door or a wall, for example. We'll also look at what types of work a cat flap fitter typically performs.

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How Much Does Installing a Pet Flap Cost?

If your cat or dog often gets locked out, or if you are sick of draughts coming into the home because the back door is almost always open – then fitting a dog or a cat flap could be the answer to all of your problems!

Pet flaps are fantastic as they allow for you to no longer worry about letting your cat or dog in or out at times that are inconvenient to you. Plus, with modern technology and things such as microchip-detecting cat and dog flaps available, there’s no need for you to worry about other animals gaining access to your home.

Cat or dog flaps can vary tremendously in price depending on the size, construction, quality, technology, and the manufacturer. With this in mind, any potential buyers are advised to do their research before making a decision on which pet flap to have installed to their home.

A classic two-way pet door can cost as little as £10 for a basic model, however, more advanced pet flaps such as microchip-detecting pet flaps tend to cost a minimum of around £50.

Pet Flap Installation Prices

The following table indicates the prices of installing a small, medium, and large pet flap into various surfaces.

Please refer to the measurements below to determine whether you will be looking at purchasing a small, medium, or large pet flap.

Small: 20cm by 15cm or under.

Medium: 30cm by 20cm or under.

Large: Over 30cm.

Supply Only Costs

Perhaps you are thinking about installing a pet flap yourself. If that is the case, you may be looking for prices of pet flaps alone. There are many different types of pet flap and each one varies in prices. Below is a list of the different types of pet flap you can buy and the advantages of each one.

Classic Pet Flap

A classic pet flap is nothing more than a two-way pet door which allows for your pet to come and go from the house whenever it chooses to. These conventional cat doors are relatively inexpensive to buy and are perfectly sufficient, that is if there are not many other cats or free-roaming pets around your property.

Other pets in the surrounding areas of your home can easily make their way into your home through a classic pet flap if you’re not careful. A further disadvantage of a classic pet flap is that they do not offer the same kind of control as a more high-tech pet flap, which also offers more protection from external factors such as bad weather.

Pros – Low cost, budget-friendly.
Cons – Offers no security.
Price: £10-£25

Lockable Pet Flap

A lockable pet flap allows you to keep the pet either inside or outside the house. This ensures that you always know where your pet is and that it always stays where it should whenever it is required.

A locking pet flap usually comes with some kind of security barrier or a cover to keep other animals outside the property at night. This security barrier also offers protection against bad weather.

Pros – Low cost, budget-friendly, lockable.
Cons – Won't protect against other animals entering the home when unlocked.
Price: £10-£30

Infrared Pet Flap

An infrared cat flap tends to be more expensive, however, they give you a lot more control over which animals enter your property through the pet flap. These pet flaps work with an infrared key which matches up to one on your pet in order for the door to open up.

Each infrared key comes with a colour code that depends on the frequency that it uses. This allows you to ensure that your infrared sensor is not the same as your neighbour’s pet flap. There is also an option of buying more than one key if you wish to allow your relatives’ or friends’ cats to enter your home as well.

Pros – Good security, option to buy multiple keys.
Cons – Infrared frequency may be the same as neighbour’s pet.
Price: £50-£100

Magnetic Pet Flap

A magnetic pet flap allows your pet to enter your home by way of a special collar or tag. This is a wonderfully secure method of allowing your pet in or out, however, it is important to bear in mind that the system can take a little time to recognise your pet.

This means that the pet will be unable to enter the property instantly. Also, similar to infrared cat flaps, other pets in your area may have the same magnetic device, and so they may still be able to enter your home.

Pros – Good security, cheaper than infrared or microchip models.
Cons – Can take a while to recognise your pet, magnetic device may be the same as neighbour’s pet.
Price: £20-£80

Microchip Pet Flap

Microchip pet flaps are the most expensive option, however, they are also the model that offers the highest level of control. A microchip pet flap works by either placing an electronic tag on your pet’s collar or by embedding the chip under the skin of your pet.

Every microchip is coded uniquely to your pet. This prevents any other pets from being able to access your home, even if they follow behind your pet. You can also program a microchip pet flap to work with multiple pets in your household.

Pros – Very secure.
Cons – Expensive.
Price: £50-£100

Labour Costs and Time Frames

The cost of labour for fitting a pet flap depends on a number of variations including the type of pet flap and the surface in which it is being installed in to. Some surfaces are much more difficult to install into such as glass, and so this will make the job a lot longer and therefore increase the overall labour cost.

A simple installation into a regular UPVC or wooden door would take around one hour and would cost approximately £40-£50. A more complex installation into a surface such as a glass French door or an external wall would take somewhere between 2-4 hours and would cost approximately £80-£120.

Many homeowners may think that attempting the DIY project themselves may save them money, however, many times they end up spending more time and money than they originally expected to.

With this in mind, it is important to consider hiring a professional tradesperson to install your pet flap. Although it may cost you a little bit more, it would save you a lot of stress over doing it yourself. Also, you know that you will be getting the job done effectively and correctly.

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Additional Costs

There are a number of additional costs involved with fitting a pet flap that you may need to consider. For example, you may wish to purchase a new door to make it easier to fit the cat flap into, you may wish to install some kind of outdoor light for your pet, or you may want to install some kind of CCTV system if you are worried about intruders.

Below is a list of some of the additional costs that you may wish to consider when installing a pet flap.

• UPVC Door – Approximately £220-£850
• Wooden Door – Approximately £90-£1300
• Composite Door – Approximately £520-£800
• Security Light – Approximately £10-£200
• Outdoor Light – Approximately £5-£210
• CCTV System – Approximately £225-£850

A motion sensor light is a great idea if you install a pet flap as it offers better security and also allows your pet to see to flap much better in the dark. The cost of installing an outdoor security light can vary depending on the model. To install a motion sensor outdoor light, you would be looking to pay between £150-£500.

CCTV systems are also a great idea for those with pet flaps, especially if you are very worried about the security of your home. There are a number of different types of CCTV security systems. The cost of installing CCTV will depend on the complexity of the model that you choose. The following table shows the prices you would expect to pay to install a CCTV security system.

Cost Factors of Fitting a Pet Flap

There are many different elements that may affect the cost of fitting a pet flap. This can include things like the type of surface that it is being fitted to, the size of the pet flap, and the type of pet flap that you are choosing to have installed.

For example, installing a cat flap into a wooden door will cost around £80 in total whereas installing a pet flap into a glass door will cost around £160.

Similarly, if you choose to purchase a basic pet flap, you will likely spend around £10-£20 whereas if you prefer a more technological model like a microchip pet flap, you would be looking at paying around £50-£250.

Some surfaces are more difficult to cut into or may be more difficult to install into and so, therefore, will incur a higher cost. Larger and more technological flaps are also likely to incur a higher cost than the installation of a small basic pet flap.

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Where Can I Install a Pet Flap?

Pet flaps can be installed on several different surfaces. Bear in mind that the desired location may change the cost. If you install a pet flap in a door then you need to consider that this is a permanent change and it can't be undone, if you change your mind at a later date, you'll need to at least replace part of the door, if not the whole thing.

Pet Flap Fitted in a Wooden Door

To fit a pet flap into a wooden door, a hole is cut into the wood on the door. The flap will then be fitted into the hole and sealed into the wood.

Pet Flap Fitted in a UPVC Panel

When fitting a pet flap into a UPVC panel, the panel is firstly removed so that a hole can be cut as low as possible into it. If the door UPVC panel that you have has a design on it or has a double glazed unit within it, then it is recommended that you replace the panel with a new reinforced UPVC panel.

Pet Flap Fitted in an External Wall

To fit a bit flap into an external wall, the fitter must use power tools into the brickwork. This must be done on both sides of the wall to prevent excess damage to the plaster and brickwork. The pet flap fitter will usually use UPVC boxing to line the wall as it is larger than tunnel extensions and also easier for your pet to use.

Pet Flap Fitted in a Composite Door

Composite doors usually come with either a steel or plastic skin and are filled with high-density foam for insulation. Unlike UPVC doors, they come with a wood grain feel, and they can be painted in any colour you like.

When fitting a pet flap into this type of door, a hole will need to be cut in both sides just above the storm guard. The pet flap will then be installed into this hole and sealed around the edges.

Pet Flap Fitted into Single Glazed Glass

To fit a cat flap in glass, a hole will need to be cut into the glass. The pet flap will then be installed into the hole and sealed off to avoid unnecessary draughts coming in and to protect it from bad weather.

What Is Involved in Fitting a Pet Flap?

There are a number of things to think about when fitting a pet flap. Below is a list of the tools that you will need to install a basic pet flap into a wooden door as an example.

Tools Needed

• Ruler
• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Safety Glasses
• Jig Saw
• Set Square
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• File
• Sand Paper

Installing The Pet Flap

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to install a cat flap into a wooden door as an example.

1. Firstly, measure the belly height of your pet and then put a mark on the door to indicate your pet’s height.
2. Use a set square and a ruler to draw a rectangle. Do this starting at the line that you have just drawn. This rectangle will mark the outer edges of the pet flap. Check the measurements of the rectangle carefully and then make sure that you are happy with the positioning of the pet flap. This should all be done before you start the installation process.
3. Put on a pair of safety glasses and then drill a hole all the way through the door at each of the corners of your rectangle drawing.
4. Use a jigsaw carefully to cut from corner to corner. This will create a rectangular hole in the door.
5. Be sure to sand the wood down so that the edges are nice and smooth.
6. Remove any blanking plugs from the pet flap and then lay the flap up against the door. Make sure that you place the lock side of the flap on the inside of the door.
7. With a pencil, mark the places where the screw holes are on the pet flap.
8. Finally, remove the pet flap and screw holes carefully into the door where you have just marked. Then, replace the pet flap and screw it into place. Cover the screw holes with blanking plates to give it a more professional-looking finish.

Important Dos and Don’ts

✔ Measure how thick your door is before installing the pet flap. The pet flap should be able to fit into any door. However, if your door is thicker than most, you may have to purchase longer screws to fit the pet flap.

✔Be sure to fit your pet flap on the hinge-side of the door. This will ensure that you can prevent any possible intruders from being able to reach your door handle or latch through the pet flap.

✖ Don't leave your keys anywhere within reach of the pet flap after it has been installed. If you have a pet flap fitted, it should not affect your insurance policy. However, if your home is broken into without any sign of forced entry, your insurer may refuse to pay out if they believe that a thief may have been able to reach your keys or somehow access your home via the pet flap.

Benefits of Fitting a Pet Flap

There are many benefits to installing a pet flap in your home. Below are some of the main advantages of installing a pet flap.

Convenience

A pet door is very convenient as you no longer need to worry about letting your pet in and out of the house. A pet door can improve your quality of life as well as convenience as you will no longer need to play a doorman ever again.

This is especially convenient if you work long hours and would like some rest when you get home.

Door Protection

With a pet door in place, your pets will not damage your door. When a pet is left out too long or wants to go outside, they may scratch or bite at the door. With a pet door, you will never need to worry about that again.

Fewer In-House Accidents

With a pet door installed, your pets will have all the freedom they want or as much freedom as you allow for them to have. With that in mind, your pets will be able to leave the house whenever they please.

This is especially useful for young and old pets that may not have as much bladder control.

Healthy Mental Stimulation

Being outdoors has many benefits for your pets. Sights, sounds, and smells can provide your pet with greater mental stimulation.

This healthy stimulation is great for your pet and will help them to act younger, stay aware of their surroundings, and be more alert.

Less Boredom

With a pet door, your pets will be able to have an endless amount of fun by having the ability to come in and out whenever they please. Many pets prefer to spend time outside rather than inside.

What Size Pet Flap Do I Need?

In order to determine the size of the pet flap that you need, you will need to measure your pet.

How to Measure Your Pet

Measuring your pet’s height is important so that you can ensure that your pet can comfortably use the pet flap for their entire life.

You must keep in mind how high off the ground the pet flap will be installed. This space between the bottom of the flap and the ground is called the step over.

The step over should be as low as possible so that your pet can go through comfortably. As your pet gets older, they may struggle to get through a pet door with a high step over.

Measure Your Pet’s Height

• Get your pet stood up straight
• Find the tallest part on your pet’s back, usually just below the neck, between the shoulder blades. Measure your pet’s height from the floor up to this point on their back.

Measure Pet Flap Width

• Measuring how wide of an opening your need can be done by blocking a portion of your doorway off and leaving just the intended width open. Then call your pet through, and you will be able to determine if the space is too small for your pet’s width. They should be able to move fluidly through the door.

The top of your flap should be at least 1 inch taller than your pets back. Even small pets have a tendency to barge through pet doors. If the top of the pet flap isn’t tall enough, your pet may end up hurting themselves every time they go through the door.

You also want to ensure your pet’s collar doesn’t get caught on the top of the flap as this will wear it out and could also hurt your pet.

The step over height should not be more that 1/3rd of your pets height. Pet flaps that are mounted to a door require a step over of at least 3 inches as to not ruin the integrity of the door. The step should be as low as possible so your pet can comfortably get through. This will make it easier as your pet gets older.

Create a Mock Pet Flap on Cardboard

• Once you have determined the dimensions needed for your pet flap, we would recommend taking the dimensions and then replicating them into cardboard to see if your pet can get through. This isn’t always necessary, but it’s a good way to ensure there aren’t any doubts.

Things to Consider When Fitting a Pet Flap

It is well worth reading online reviews before making a purchase or hiring a tradesman. Depending on the type of door or wall, the cat flap installation cost can vary greatly.

The range of dog and cat flaps on offer is incredible these days. You can get bite-proof doors, secure microchip reader doors and fully insulated doors. It’s always worth shopping around to find the right model for you.

Below is a list of things that you should consider when fitting a pet flap.

• The size of the pet door should be sized around 2 inches larger than the pet in height and width for easy access.
• The basic, manual, dog or cat flap simply has a flap on a spring for entry and exit. This basic type of flap is the most affordable, but there is no control or regulation over which pets can enter using the door.
• More advanced models offer greater security.
• If you fit a basic pet flap, there is nothing to stop the neighbour’s cat or dog coming into your home.
• An automatic pet door can be specific to your pet as the door opening is activated by a chip or transmitter on your pet’s collar.

The things you need to consider when installing a pet door really depend on what you are looking for from your pet flap.

In the UK, some sort of a weather seal on the pet flap is highly recommended for energy conservation. This also stops rain, dampness, and draughts from entering the home.

DIY Pet Flap Installation

Many homeowners may believe that by attempting to fit a pet flap themselves, they will save money; however, most of the time, this is completely untrue.

When people attempt to fit a pet flap themselves, and it goes wrong, they will always end up spending more to cover the costs of repair or replacement, and will eventually end up having to hire a professional tradesperson anyway.

Although installing a pet flap into a wooden or UPVC panel may seem quite easy, it is still worth hiring a tradesman for the job so that you can ensure that it is done right. If you are considering installing a pet flap into an exterior wall or glass door, this is a job that is definitely best left to professionals.

Will Installing a Pet Flap Affect My Insurance?

Installing a pet flap to your home should not have any effect on the cost of your insurance policy, however, cat and dog flaps may cause a problem for homeowners who have to make a claim to their insurer for stolen items.

• If there is no sign of forced entry, it may be in terms of your insurance policy that the insurer won't payout, no matter the circumstances.
• Other insurers may decide that the claimant has been negligent in keeping the basic security of their home. This is especially true if your keys were left in reach of the pet flap.
• Another issue with this is that, if there is no sign of forced entry, the insurer has to agree that the insured is telling the truth. If there is no proof, then they may not meet the claim.

Pet Flap Repair and Maintenance

One of the most common issues you can come across with a cat flap is that the flap stops working or doesn’t open. This is most common on microchip pet flaps. There are several things that may cause this, but usually, it is because the flap can no longer read the chip on your pet.

Below is a list of things that you can do to potentially repair and maintain your pet flap.

• It is worth starting by checking the battery. Ensure that the battery of your pet flap is in good health, they are aligned properly, and that there is plenty of life left. A replacement battery will cost around £5-£15.
• Also, check that the pet flap has been installed properly. Problems can occur if the device is not installed correctly. This is most common on metal doors.
• You should also make sure that there are no electrical disturbances nearby. Make sure the area is clear or flickering lights or any other sources of electrical interference.
• Be sure to clean your pet flap regularly to avoid dirt and grime from becoming embedded in any areas of it. This may cause problems down the line if left for too long and could prevent your pet flap from working efficiently and correctly.
• If all else fails, a factory reset may be just the thing that brings your pet flap back to life. Check the instruction manual that came with the pet flap to see the correct procedure for performing a factory reset.

Pet Flap Removal

Perhaps you are looking to remove your pet flap completely. Have you recently moved into a new home with a pet flap installed that you don't want? Or maybe you no longer have the need for a pet flap.

Pet flaps can be removed, but there are some costs and labour work involved with the process.

There are a number of ways in which your pet flap can be removed. We have listed some of the best options below.

Remove and Replace the Panel

Depending on the type of door that the pet flap was installed in, you may be able to purchase a replacement panel. This means that you can remove the entire panel that the pet flap was installed into and then replace the entire thing with a new one. This is probably the easiest method of removing a pet flap.

Remove and Cover the Hole

Another option may be to remove the pet flap and then cover the hole and fill the gaps, however, if this is not done properly, it can cause some security risks and may be prone to weather damage.

Replace the Entire Door

Some people may prefer to just replace the entire door completely, but this can incur some heavy costs depending on the type of door that you are looking to purchase.

It is possible to remove a pet flap yourself, however, it is always recommended that you seek professional advice from a tradesperson. A professional will charge around £30-£80 to remove a pet flap depending on the complexity of the job.

The likelihood is that you will need to replace the entire door or pane of glass. This will incorporate much higher costs.

Hiring a Pet Flap Installer Checklist

Below is a checklist of some things that you should be wary of when hiring a professional dog or cat flap fitter.

• Always get at least 2 tradesperson quotes before hiring
• Never pay the full amount upfront
• Get the quote in writing
• For any payment you make, always get a receipt
• On more expensive jobs, ask for references
• Check if the tradesman is a member of any trade associations
• Make sure the tradesman has public liability insurance

Depending on the type of surface that your pet flap is being fitted into, it may be worth looking into hiring a specialist for the job. For example, if you are looking to hire someone to install your pet flap into an external wall, it would be a good idea to seek advice from or hire someone who specialises in installing pet flaps into brick walls.

Hiring a specialist for the job is beneficial because they will have all of the right knowledge and experience necessary to complete your job to a high standard.

FAQs

Sources

http://catflapfitter.co.uk/cat_flap_fitting_service_36.html
https://content.tailster.com/microchip-cat-flap-problems/
https://www.petdoors.com/measure-your-pet.html