How to Measure Your Pet

There are three measurements to take into consideration when choosing the correct size door for your pet, the following guidelines will help you get accurate measurements.  If you get stuck or need any help please contact us, our experts are ready to help.

#1 - Measure Width – Simply measure your pet at the widest point and add an inch or two for safety. If your pet is long-haired, don’t forget that this may make them appear wider than they really are. Alternately, you can open a door just wide enough for your pet to pass through and measure the width of the opening, again adding an inch or two for safety.

#2 - Measure Height – The pet door flaps should be at least an inch or two above the top of your pet’s back not the head. To get this length, measure your pet from the withers (top of the shoulders) to the floor. Remember that your door won’t be placed completely at floor level.

#3 - Measure Rise – This measurement is only applicable for panel models which come with the rise built in. Door, wall, screen, and window models can be mounted at whatever height is comfortable for your pet. If you have a short-legged dog or an older dog that can’t lift his feet very high, or if the door is installed with a step on either side, consider ordering a “no rise” door. Our standard rise is 5” or 10”.

Alternate method: You can also make a sample door opening out of a large piece of cardboard based on the above size chart. Place it in a door opening and experiment with height placement. Order the size most comfortable for your pet.

Door Sizing Chart

Size	Passage Opening	Rough Opening	Outside Frame Dimensions	Shoulder Height	Pet Width	Pet Weight	Breed Example
Small	5 1/2" w x 7 1/2" h	7 3/8" w x 9 3/8" h	8 3/8" w x 10 3/8" h	Up to 7"	Up to 4"	Up to 8 lbs.	Cats (only very small)
Small Medium	6 1/2" w x 9 1/2" h	8 1/2" w x 11 1/2" h	9 9/16" w x 12 9/16" h	9" - 13"	Up to 5"	6-12 lbs	Most Cats, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Mini Poodle
Tall Small Medium	6 1/2" w x 12 1/2" h	8 1/2" w x 14 1/2" h	9 9/16" w x 15 3/8" h	12" - 15"	Up to 5"	12-25 lbs	Mini Pinscher, Some Terriers, Maltese
Medium	8 1/2" w x 12 1/2" h	10 1/2" w x 14 1/2" h	11 9/16" w x 15 3/8" h	12" - 15"	Up to 8"	10-35 lbs	Terriers, Pug, Corgi, Shiba Inu
Tall Medium	8 1/2" w x 16" h	10 1/2" w x 18" h	11 9/16" w x 19 1/16" h	15" - 20"	Up to 8"	30-45 lbs	Cocker Spaniel, Sheltie, Beagle
Large	11" w x 16" h	13" w x 18" h	14 1/16" w x 19 1/16" h	15" - 20"	Up to 10"	40-55 lbs	Basset, Chow, Keeshond, Husky
Tall Large	11" w x 19 1/2" h	13" w x 21 5/8" h	14 1/16" w x 22 9/16" h	21" - 24"	Up to 10"	50-95 lbs lbs	German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever
Tall Large Plus	11" w x 23 1/2" h	13" w x 25 5/8" h	14 1/16" w x 26 9/16" h	25" - 27"	Up to 10"	Up to 110 lbs	Standard Poodle, Irish Setter, Greyhound
Extra Tall Large	11" w x 27 1/2" h	13" w x 29 5/8" h	14 1/16" w x 30 9/16" h	25" - 31"	Up to 10"	Up to 120 lbs	Afghan, Irish Wolfhound, Borzoi
Extra Large	14" w x 19 1/2" h	16" w x 21 5/8" h	17 1/16" w x 22 9/16" h	22" - 24"	Up to 13"	Up to 120 lbs	Rottweiler, Akita, Bulldog
Extra Large Plus	14" w x 23 1/2" h	16" w x 25 5/8" h	17 1/16" w x 26 9/16" h	25" - 27"	Up to 13"	Up to 150 lbs	St. Bernard, Newfoundland
Giant	15 1/2" w x 27 1/2" h	17 5/8" w x 29 5/8" h	18 9/16" w x 30 9/16" h	25" - 31"	Up to 14"	Most Giant Breeds	Great Dane, Mastiff, Great Pyrenees

Other Considerations for Choosing the Correct Door Size

Older pets don’t like to use pet doors that are uncomfortable. Make sure you get a door that your pet will always be able to use. If you currently have a kitten or puppy, remember that they will grow.

Mount the pet door so that it is low enough for your pet to comfortably step over. Young pets can raise their legs up to their chest but older pets may have trouble with this.

Make sure the pet door is tall enough for your pet. Hunching over can be hard on your pet’s hips, especially as they age. And the flaps on your door will last longer if your pet isn’t rubbing against the top of the door as he passes through.

If you have more than one pet, make sure you get a door that will work for all of them: low enough for the shortest one to step over but tall enough for the tallest one to fit through comfortably.

Don’t forget that your pet needs access from both sides of your pet door. If you are installing the door in an area that has steps outside, please take into consideration how your pet will have to get through the door. This is especially true of our panel models. They have a standard rise of 5” but can be ordered with no rise (actually about 1” of frame to step over) instead to make it easier for your pet.

Hale Pet Doors Ship from Colorado via FedEx Ground

• Doors normally take 5-7 days to build and assemble for shipment.
• Transit time to you can be found using the map below.

Fast Shipping

We do our best to ship FAST and make it easy for you.  At the top of this page, we have noted how long it normally takes to process and ship your order.  You can then use the map above to estimate delivery times.  We will send you an email confirmation with the tracking number as soon as your order ships

Please see our Shipping Policy for full details.

Easy Returns

Things don't always work out, we get it.  We'll do our very best to make your return simple and easy.  Please email us and we'll provide all the return instructions for your specific item and an RMA number (required).

Please see our Return Policy for complete details.

Specifications: 

Flaps: Single flap made of flexible 3/16” clear PVC vinyl. 

Main Frame: Extruded 6063-T5 aluminum with .063” wall thickness.  Straddles the screen frame on outside and bottom.  Designed to accept frame thicknesses up to ½”.  Can be factory modified for thicker frames by removing the outside leg.

Spline Frame:  Extruded 6063-T5 aluminum with .063” wall thickness.  Attached to main frame and is the top and inner side of the pet door.

Alnico5 Magnets: A ¼” rod magnet 1 ½” long made from an aluminum, nickel and cobalt alloy known for its strength and durability. Door size determines number of magnets.

Strikes:  Made of ferrous stainless steel.  1 ½” long, ¾” tall and 1/32” thick.  U shaped with interior prongs, when squeezed onto the vinyl flap, the barbed prongs hold firmly.

Weather stripping:  Flap is surrounded by ½” nylon pile for maximum insulation. Nylon is woven into a backing 9/32” wide and 1/32” thick.

Easy Installation Instructions

Please read these instructions carefully and completely before attempting to install your pet door; they will guide you through the steps and precautions needed for a screen installation. Illustrations and photographs have been added to help our customers understand various instructions

Screen Door PDF Installation Guide Download 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why do Hale Pet Doors cost more than other brands?

Hale pet doors are made with the highest quality workmanship and of the finest materials available.  We use only extruded aluminum framing, pvc vinyl flaps and King Starboard® security covers.  Because these materials are superior, the pet doors are much heavier for greater strength and durability. 

What is the difference between Single and Double flaps?

Double flap mounts increase resistance to extreme weather. These are great options for blazing summer and snowy winters. While a Hale single flap can do the job of some double flap models, the additional vinyl can safeguard from wind and single-digit temperatures.

Can I lock my pet door?

Absolutely.  All of our pet doors (except the screen model) come standard with a King Starboard® security cover.  Starboard is manufactured for marine applications and is virtually indestructible.  This cover can be locked into place with our steel positive action pin lock to make your pet door virtually impregnable.

What prevents insects, rodents or other animals from getting inside?

Hale pet doors are designed to seal very tightly.  We use heavy pile weather stripping and strong alnico magnets. Therefore, insects and small animals cannot push their way in through the pet door. Since the flaps are also sealed and do not hang open, larger animals do not see an opening to get started. Most animals need a little conditioning to get used to using a pet door and won’t push against something that isn’t already open.  We recommend keeping all food and water away from the area of the pet door, either inside or outside the house, so unwanted animals are not even attracted to the area in the first place.  If you have further security or animal intrusion concerns, we offer a full line of security products to complement our pet doors.

Can I add or remove magnets?

Yes, you can attach and remove magnets. Removing magnets makes it easier for smaller pets to push through. With a screwdriver head, you can push the magnets off the flap. Adding magnets is a great way to combat weather as well.

Do I install my pet door by myself?