Security Tips For A Burglary Proof Dog Door

There’s no two ways about it, when you have a pet they need to have easy access to the outdoors to be able to do their business. The last thing you want is your puppy stuck indoors the whole day and choosing your brand new rug as the perfect place to go to the toilet. Of course, for many people, adding in a dog door brings to light the issue of security. After all, if your dog can get in and out when they choose, does this mean intruders can do the same?

Are Dog Doors A Security Risk?

The simple answer is yes. If you are feeling a little apprehensive about putting a dog door in for your pet, you are justified. There have been burglaries carried out using them, making them an inherent risk to you and your family. But there are ways to protect against this to ensure your pet still has access to the outdoors when they need it. Whilst, keeping your home nice and secure from unwanted guests.

Steps To Secure Your Pet Door Against Burglary

Don’t let the thought of security put you off installing a dog door in your home. After all, this will just have you cleaning up accidents in every room! Instead, follow these simple tips to keep your pet door nice and secure against intruders:

  1. Buy the right size door

It all starts with making sure you buy the right-sized door for your pet. While it can be tempting to get something nice and big so your dog doesn’t have issues getting in and out, this lends itself to more room for someone getting in. In general, dogs are smaller than people, so go for a door that is the right fit for your pet.

  1. Install in a wall

Many people opt for the door when it comes to installing a pet door as it is easier to put one in there. But for the sake of security, it is a much better option to put your dog door in a wall. This way, a burglar can’t reach into the door and use their hands to unlatch the door above and let themselves into your home.

  1. Put it out of sight

Just like you don’t want your pet door to be installed in an actual door, you also want to make sure it is out of sight. All that matters is your dog knows where it is, so choose a spot that gives them easy access to the yard but isn’t in a noticeable area.

  1. Install An Alarm

If you are still feeling worried, using technology is a great way to deter criminals. You can do this in two ways. You can weigh your pet and set your sensors to alarm if anything over that weight comes through the door. The second way is using motion sensor lights. Just having these in place to turn on when they detect motion is often enough to scare off any intruders.

  1. Install a Security Camera

You can go a step further and install a security camera in your home for extra protection. This also acts as a great deterrent for criminals, while offering you the perfect peace of mind. Of course, these can be a lot more expensive and aren’t always great at actually preventing the burglary from occurring.

  1. Invest in a More Secure Door and Locking Mechanisms

Upgrade beyond the standard doggy door flap and get a more secure door with a locking mechanism. Hakuna Pet's Aluminum Pet Door has a durable frame and slide-in closing panel to control your pets’ access and provides added security.

At the end of the day, it’s important your dog has access to getting outside as they please to go to the toilet. There are plenty of measures you can put in place to ensure this doggy door is as safe and secure as possible to protect against any unwanted visitors. With just a few adjustments you will have peace of mind that your animal has the access they need, while your family is as safe as possible. It’s a win/win for everyone!