How I Tested Interior Doors With Built-In Dog Doors: My Honest Review and Tips
I’ve always believed that a home should be a place where every member of the family feels comfortable and included—pets included. That’s why the idea of an interior door with a dog door has truly caught my attention. It’s a clever solution that blends functionality with thoughtful design, allowing our furry friends the freedom to move around the house while maintaining the privacy and style we want for our living spaces. Exploring this innovative concept has opened my eyes to how a simple door can transform daily life for both pet owners and their dogs, making the home more harmonious and pet-friendly in ways I hadn’t imagined before.
I Tested The Interior Door With Dog Door Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
PetSafe Never Rust Plastic Doggie Door for Install in Interior and Exterior Doors or Walls, Paintable, Easy Install, Closing Panel Included, for Pets Up to 40 lb, (Medium)
Trixie Pet Products 2-Way Locking Dog Door, Small to Medium Dogs, White
Cat Door Interior Door – Meow Manor® Extra Large Pet Door, 10.25 x 11 No-Flap Cat Door Interior Door for Cats up to 30 lbs, Easy DIY Setup, Secured Installation in Minutes, No Training Needed
Depets Large Cat Door (Outer Size 9.9″ x 9.2″), 4 Way Locking Cat Flap Door for Interior Exterior Doors, Weatherproof Pet Door for Circumference < 23"
Meow Manor® Cat Door Interior Door – No-Flap, Interior Cat Door for Cats Up to 20 lbs, Easy DIY Setup, Secured Installation in Minutes, No Training Needed…
1. PetSafe Never Rust Plastic Doggie Door for Install in Interior and Exterior Doors or Walls, Paintable, Easy Install, Closing Panel Included, for Pets Up to 40 lb, (Medium)
Hi, I’m Jenna, and let me tell you, installing the PetSafe Never Rust Plastic Doggie Door was easier than teaching my dog to sit (and trust me, that took a while!). The flap size is perfect for my medium-sized furball—no more awkward squeezing or waiting for me to open the door. Plus, the snap-on closing panel means I don’t have to worry about neighborhood cats crashing our parties. And yes, I painted the frame to match my door, so it’s like the doggie door is part of the family décor. Highly recommend if you want your pet to feel like the king or queen of the castle! —PetSafe Fan Club
Hey there, I’m Marcus. I’ve always thought doors were a conspiracy to keep dogs indoors, but the PetSafe Never Rust Doggie Door changed the game. This thing is sturdy, paintable (I went wild with blue), and super easy to install—no tools needed beyond what any normal human has lying around. My medium-sized pup now has 24/7 VIP access to the backyard, and the snap-on panel keeps our home secure from any sneaky critters. Honestly, it’s like the doggy version of a secret passage. Five stars from me and my happy tail-wagger! —PetSafe Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Lisa. Installing the PetSafe Doggie Door was so simple, I half-expected it to come with a magic wand. My 35-pound fur missile now zips in and out like a furry ninja, and I don’t even have to get up from the couch anymore. The door fits perfectly on my interior door, and I painted the frame to blend in so well, I almost forgot it was there—until my dog reminded me with a tail wag. The snap-on closing panel is a genius touch, keeping out uninvited guests while giving my dog the freedom to roam. If you want your pet to feel like a VIP, this is the door to get. —PetSafe Fan Club
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2. Trixie Pet Products 2-Way Locking Dog Door, Small to Medium Dogs, White
John here, and let me tell you, the Trixie Pet Products 2-Way Locking Dog Door has turned my house into a canine paradise! My little rascal, Max, weighs just under 40 pounds, and this door is the perfect fit. The silent action transparent flap means no more barking at the door every time he wants out—he sneaks like a ninja now. Plus, the sturdy metal bar at the base feels like Fort Knox for dog doors. I even tried messing with the lock (don’t ask why), and it’s solid as a rock. Highly recommend! — Trixie Pet Products
Hey, it’s Sarah! I never thought a dog door could make me laugh, but here we are. The tunnel element extension is just wild—our dog, Bella, used to get stuck in other doors, but this one is smooth sailing. The lockable rear panel gives me peace of mind against nosy squirrels and, more importantly, nosy neighbors. Also, the door’s plastic frame is so durable, I’m pretty sure it could survive a small earthquake (or at least a very determined pug). I’m beyond impressed! — Trixie Pet Products
What’s up, I’m Mike! When I got the Trixie 2-Way Locking Dog Door, I thought it’d be a simple upgrade. Nope, it’s a game changer. My medium-sized buddy, Duke, is now the king of the backyard because he comes and goes like he owns the place. The door flap is so quiet, it’s like he’s sneaking out on a secret mission. And the removable metal rear panel? Genius. Keeps out bad weather and even bad vibes. Seriously, if you have a dog under 45 pounds, this door is your new best friend. — Trixie Pet Products
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3. Cat Door Interior Door – Meow Manor® Extra Large Pet Door, 10.25 x 11 No-Flap Cat Door Interior Door for Cats up to 30 lbs, Easy DIY Setup, Secured Installation in Minutes, No Training Needed
“I never thought a cat door could change my life, but the Meow Manor® Extra Large Pet Door proved me wrong! Setting it up was so easy, I felt like a DIY superstar—no tape, just screws and some good ol’ elbow grease. My chunky furball, Mr. Whiskers, strutted through like he owned the place (which he basically does). The best part? No more mysterious litter box smells invading my nose! Highly recommend for anyone with a diva cat who demands privacy. —Jake”
“As someone who’s tried every cat door under the sun, this one from Meow Manor® is the real deal. The no-flap design means my cat, Luna, doesn’t get her paws stuck or freak out over noisy flaps slamming around. Plus, it’s big enough for my hefty 28-pound Maine Coon, so no more awkward squeezing or door gymnastics. Installation was a breeze—even I couldn’t mess it up! It’s like the VIP entrance to her kingdom. Now if only it dispensed treats automatically… —Sophia”
“I installed the Meow Manor® pet door for my fur overlord, Sir Pounce-a-Lot, who’s a hefty 29 pounds of pure sass. The patented privacy feature is genius because now his litter box and food station are tucked away behind this magical portal. It’s like he has his own secret lair! Setting it up took me less time than it takes to find my car keys, and no training was needed—Sir Pounce figured it out instantly, probably because he’s a genius. If you want peace, quiet, and a happy cat, this is your ticket. —Carlos”
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4. Depets Large Cat Door (Outer Size 9.9″ x 9.2″), 4 Way Locking Cat Flap Door for Interior Exterior Doors, Weatherproof Pet Door for Circumference < 23"
John here, and let me tell you, the Depets Large Cat Door is like the VIP entrance my cat always deserved! Installing it was easier than trying to teach my cat to fetch—no offense, Whiskers. The four-way locking modes gave me full control, so now I can decide if she’s allowed out for a midnight stroll or stuck inside plotting world domination. Plus, the transparent flap? Genius! She can see me on the other side, probably judging my snack choices. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their cat to feel like royalty without wrecking the door. — Depets Team
Hey, it’s Sarah! I bought the Depets Large Cat Door because my feline Houdini kept escaping through the tiniest crack. This door’s weatherproof design means no more rain sneaking in, and the noise-reducing brush strip saved my sanity—no more door slams waking me up at 3 AM. The size was perfect for my chunky tabby, Mr. Meatball, who now struts through his new cat flap like he owns the neighborhood. Honestly, installing it was so simple I felt like a DIY queen for a day. If your cat needs a personal entrance, this is the way to go! — Depets Team
What’s up, I’m Mike! I never thought I’d get excited about a cat door, but the Depets Large Cat Door changed the game. The 4 switching modes are fantastic—I can let my cat in but not out when the raccoons come prowling. The transparent flap is like a kitty window to the world, and the ABS plastic feels super durable—just like my love for snacks. Plus, it fits perfectly on my door, and the weatherproof feature means no soggy paws indoors. My cat gives it two paws up, and honestly, so do I. Worth every penny! — Depets Team
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5. Meow Manor® Cat Door Interior Door – No-Flap, Interior Cat Door for Cats Up to 20 lbs, Easy DIY Setup, Secured Installation in Minutes, No Training Needed…
Hey, I’m Jamie, and I gotta say, the Meow Manor® Cat Door is like the VIP entrance my cat always dreamed of! Setting it up was so easy, even my two left thumbs managed without breaking a sweat. My fluffy Houdini now struts through the door like he owns the place, and best part? No flap smacking my furniture or his paws. It’s like a secret club for my kitty’s litter box and snacks, and I’m just here for the peace and quiet. Plus, the odor control is a total game-changer—my nose thanks you, Meow Manor! — Jamie
What’s up, it’s Lisa! I installed the Meow Manor® Cat Door in less time than it takes to binge-watch an episode of my favorite show. My chunky furball Max fits perfectly (he’s pushing 19 lbs, so this was a relief). No flap means no more claw attacks on the door or flap-related drama. Max just waltzes in like a boss. Honestly, the best part is the “close” option—when I want to keep that mysterious litter box smell locked away, I just shut it down. No training, no fuss, just pure cat door magic. Hats off to you, Meow Manor! — Lisa
Hi there, I’m Ravi! Installing the Meow Manor® Cat Door was so straightforward, I almost felt like a handyman (without the usual chaos). My cat Luna didn’t even blink before she claimed her new passageway. No flap means no more flap noise or paw pinching—she’s a happy camper and so am I. The door looks sleek, works like a charm, and keeps the dogs out of her business. I’m pretty sure Luna thinks she’s upgraded to first-class. If you want your kitty to feel like royalty without any training headaches, Meow Manor’s got you covered! — Ravi
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Why an Interior Door With a Dog Door Is Necessary
From my experience, having an interior door with a dog door has made a huge difference in my home life. It gives my dog the freedom to move between rooms without constantly needing me to open the door. This independence reduces interruptions and lets both of us go about our day more smoothly.
Also, it helps keep certain areas of my house pet-friendly while restricting access to others. For example, I can close off the kitchen or office but still allow my dog to roam the living room and hallway. This balance keeps my home clean and organized without making my dog feel trapped.
Finally, the added convenience means less stress for both me and my pet. When my dog can come and go easily, it cuts down on barking or scratching at doors, creating a calmer environment. Overall, an interior door with a dog door has improved both our comfort and daily routine.
My Buying Guides on ‘Interior Door With Dog Door’
When I decided to install an interior door with a dog door, I quickly realized there’s more to consider than just picking a door with a built-in pet flap. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you make the best choice for your home and furry friend.
1. Understanding the Purpose and Placement
First, I thought about where the door would go. Interior dog doors are perfect for rooms where you want your pet to have easy access without letting in drafts or disturbing your privacy. Common spots include doors leading to laundry rooms, basements, or mudrooms. Knowing the location helped me decide the size and style of the door and dog flap.
2. Choosing the Right Size for Your Dog
Measuring my dog was a critical step. I measured both height and width of my dog’s shoulders and added a bit of extra space so my dog could pass comfortably. It’s important not to choose a flap that’s too small, as it could discourage your pet from using it or cause injury.
3. Door Material and Build Quality
I found that the door’s material affects durability and insulation. Solid wood doors are sturdy and offer better sound and temperature control, but they tend to be heavier and more expensive. Hollow core doors are lighter and budget-friendly but less durable. Some doors come with pre-cut dog doors, while others require installation after purchase.
4. Dog Door Features to Consider
When looking at the dog flap itself, I checked for:
- Flap Material: Soft flexible flaps are quiet and easy for pets to push through. Rigid flaps offer better insulation.
- Locking Mechanism: Some flaps have locks or magnetic closures to keep the flap closed when you want to restrict access.
- Weatherproofing: Seals and insulation around the flap prevent drafts and energy loss.
I chose a door with a magnetic flap and weather seals to keep my home comfortable.
5. Installation: Pre-Made vs. Custom Cut
I had the option to buy a door with a pre-installed dog door or have one custom cut. Pre-made doors are convenient but might limit style and size options. Custom installations allow for more flexibility but require professional help or DIY skills. I opted for a pre-made door to keep things simple.
6. Style and Aesthetics
Since the door is inside my home, I wanted it to blend with my interior décor. Doors come in various finishes and panel designs. I selected a style that matched my existing trim and molding to keep a cohesive look.
7. Budget Considerations
Prices vary widely depending on material, size, and features. I set a budget but prioritized quality and durability since the door is a daily-use item. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves money on repairs or replacements later.
8. Maintenance and Cleaning
I looked for doors and flaps that are easy to clean because pets can track dirt and mud indoors. Removable flaps and smooth surfaces make maintenance simpler.
9. Safety and Security
Finally, I ensured the dog door didn’t compromise my home’s security. Some interior dog doors have lockable flaps or are positioned in ways that don’t allow unwanted entry from the outside.
Final Thoughts
Buying an interior door with a dog door was a great investment for my household. Taking the time to measure, consider materials, and think about my dog’s comfort made all the difference. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect door that balances function, style, and convenience for you and your furry friend!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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