How to Install a Dog Door in a Wall (Step by Step)

To install a dog door in a wall, you measure the wall's thickness, mark the opening between two studs, cut through both sides of the wall, fit the pet door's tunnel to the wall thickness, then screw the inside and outside frames together and seal the exterior. On a standard wood-framed wall it's a half-day DIY job with a jigsaw or reciprocating saw. Brick, block and stucco walls need a masonry saw or a contractor.

This guide uses Security Boss wall-mount dog doors as the example, but the steps are the same for most through-the-wall pet doors. Always follow the instructions that come with your door.

Before you start: choose the right door for your wall

Measure the wall from the inside surface to the outside surface. That number decides which door and tunnel you need.

Compare every model in dog doors for walls. For very cold climates, see insulated dog doors.

Size the door to your dog

Measure your dog's height at the shoulders and their widest point (usually the chest). The top of the flap should sit 1.5" to 2" above the shoulders, and the flap should be a little wider than the chest. Then check the step-over: the bottom of the opening should be low enough for your dog to step through without jumping. Size for your largest dog. Our dog doors for large dogs guide has more on sizing.

Tools and materials

• Tape measure, level and pencil
• Stud finder
• Drill with a long bit (to drill through and mark the outside)
• Jigsaw or reciprocating saw (masonry saw for brick or block)
• Tin snips, if you need to trim the tunnel
• Screwdriver
• Exterior-grade caulk or sealant

How to install a dog door in a wall, step by step

1. Pick the spot

Choose an exterior wall that opens onto a fenced yard or dog run. Use a stud finder to locate the studs. Walls framed 16" on center have about 14.5" of clear space between studs, which fits most small to large pet doors without cutting a stud. Check for electrical wiring, plumbing and ducts. If you're unsure what's inside the wall, cut a small inspection hole first.

2. Mark the rough opening

Use the template or the rough-cut size from your door's instructions. Mark the opening on the inside wall with a level, at the right height for your dog. Security Boss suggests adding at least 1/8" to the width and height so the tunnel slides in easily.

Rough-cut sizes for the MaxSeal Wall Mount:

3. Cut the inside wall

Drill a hole in each corner of the marked opening, then cut along the lines with a jigsaw or drywall saw. Remove the insulation from the cavity.

4. Transfer the opening to the outside

Drill straight through the outer wall at each corner from the inside. On the outside, connect the holes to mark the matching opening, check it with a level, and cut through the siding and sheathing.

5. Frame the opening (recommended)

Line the opening with wood framing between the studs. It gives the frames a solid surface to screw into and stops pests from getting into the wall cavity.

6. Fit the tunnel

Measure the finished wall thickness again and trim the tunnel to fit. On the SB Standard, the tunnel trims with tin snips. MaxSeal and MaxSeal PRO tunnels are trim-to-fit; for thicker walls choose the 16" tunnel or add a trim-to-fit wall tunnel insert.

7. Install the frames

Slide the exterior frame and tunnel in from the outside and the interior frame in from the inside. Screw the two frames together through the wall as the instructions show. Don't overtighten.

8. Seal and finish

Run a bead of exterior-grade caulk around the outside frame to keep water out. Test the flaps and the locking security panel. Optional upgrades: tunnel carpet for grip, a Rain Guard if there's no overhang, and high-wind neo magnets for windy sites.

Brick, block and stucco walls

Masonry walls need a masonry saw, and often a lintel or framing to support the opening. Most homeowners hire a contractor. Measure the full wall thickness; brick-veneer and block walls are often thicker than 10", so you may need a 16" tunnel.

Wall or door: which is better?

A wall install lets you put the pet door anywhere, keeps your doors intact and suits thicker, insulated tunnels. A door install is quicker and easier to undo. If you'd rather cut a door, see how to install a dog door in a door, or browse dog doors for doors.

Don't want to DIY?

Cost guides put a professionally installed wall pet door at roughly $200 to $2,000+, depending on the wall and the door. See how much it costs to install a dog door. We can arrange a professional installer anywhere in the US. Call 737-215-3211 or email support@puppyfeverpro.com.

Frequently asked questions

Can you put a dog door in any wall?

Most exterior walls can take one, as long as the opening fits between the studs and there's no wiring, plumbing or ductwork in the way. Load-bearing changes, such as cutting a stud, should be done by a contractor. Don't cut the wall between an attached garage and the house; it's part of a fire separation. See dog doors for garages.

How thick a wall can a dog door go through?

Security Boss wall mounts fit walls from 2" thick. The SB Standard handles up to 10"; MaxSeal, MaxSeal PRO and SB72W go up to 16" with the longer tunnel.

Do I need to cut a stud?

Usually not. With studs 16" on center you have about 14.5" between them. The MaxSeal Wide Tall, Mammoth and Behemoth sizes need a rough cut over 17" wide, so a stud has to be cut and the opening framed with a header. Have a contractor do that.

Will a wall dog door let in cold air?

A well-sealed, insulated door keeps drafts to a minimum. Choose a dual flap for cold climates. Security Boss recommends a dual-flap model if the door leads directly outside.

How long does it take to install a dog door in a wall?

Cost guides estimate 1 to 3 hours for a professional. Allow half a day if it's your first time.

Is a wall dog door secure?

Every Security Boss pet door has a security panel that slides in and locks the opening. The MaxSeal PRO for Walls can add an exterior security panel too. See how to secure a dog door.