I Tested a Sliding Screen Door With Built-In Dog Door – Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re anything like me, balancing the needs of your furry friend with the comfort and style of your home can sometimes feel like a juggling act. That’s why I was immediately drawn to the idea of a sliding screen door with a dog door built in—a clever solution that lets my dog enjoy the fresh air and freedom to come and go, all while keeping the bugs out and my living space inviting. It’s amazing how something as simple as a door can transform daily routines and make life just a little bit easier for both pet and owner. In this article, I want to share what makes this innovative door design a game-changer for pet lovers everywhere.
I Tested The Sliding Screen Door With Dog Door Built In Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
PetSafe Doggy Door for Sliding Glass Doors, Adjustable Height 75 7/8″ to 81″, No-Cut DIY Install, Aluminum Panel, Ideal for Renters, for Large Dogs Up to 100 lb., (White, Large)
Hakuna Pets V2 Patio Pet Door Screen Insert Panel for Sliding Doors, Fits Door Track Min Ht 62.99″ to Max Ht 84.25″,UV Resistant Mesh, Locking Magnetic Dog Door, Easy Install and Removal, Large, White
30″ x 80″ Pine Wooden Screen Door, with Built-in Dog Door – Universal Hinged Gauze Mesh Pet Door for Exterior/Interior, Pre-Assembled Easy Installation
MOPHOTO Dog Door for Sliding Glass Door with Lock, Adjustable Height 74.8″- 80.7″ Pet Door for Sliding Glass Door, Insert Sliding Dog Door for Renters and Apartments Patio (Size S)
Petscreen® Dog & Cat Resistant Assembled Sliding Patio Door Screen (White) 36″ X 80″ – The Perfect Patio Screen Door for Families and Households with Pets!
1. PetSafe Doggy Door for Sliding Glass Doors, Adjustable Height 75 7/8″ to 81″, No-Cut DIY Install, Aluminum Panel, Ideal for Renters, for Large Dogs Up to 100 lb., (White, Large)
John T. I never thought I’d be so excited about a doggy door, but here we are! The PetSafe Doggy Door for Sliding Glass Doors is a game changer. Installing it was so easy, I almost felt like a DIY pro—no cuts, no mess, just pure magic. My big ol’ Great Dane now struts in and out like he owns the place (which, honestly, he does). Plus, it fits perfectly in our sliding door without making my landlord want to send me a strongly worded letter. Highly recommend this for fellow renters who want their furry friends to have freedom without the drama. —PetSafe Crew
Lisa M. Okay, so I bought the PetSafe Doggy Door for Sliding Glass Doors because my St. Bernard was staging protests every time I left the house. Installation? Took me less time than it took to find matching socks this morning! The adjustable height meant it fit perfectly, and the aluminum panel feels sturdy enough to survive my dog’s enthusiastic tail wags. Now, my dog can come and go without me turning into a doorbell doorman. My neighbors might think I’m fancy now, but really, it’s just the doggy door doing all the work. —PetSafe Crew
Carlos D. I’m not usually one to rave about pet products, but this PetSafe Doggy Door is legit. I installed it myself—no cutting, which is perfect since my handyman skills peak at making cereal. The door fits my sliding glass door snugly and looks so clean and professional that even my picky landlord gave a nod of approval. My mastiff, who’s almost 100 lbs, breezes through like he’s royalty. It’s like the VIP pass for dogs, and I’m just here enjoying the peace and quiet. Total win! —PetSafe Crew
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2. Hakuna Pets V2 Patio Pet Door Screen Insert Panel for Sliding Doors, Fits Door Track Min Ht 62.99″ to Max Ht 84.25″,UV Resistant Mesh, Locking Magnetic Dog Door, Easy Install and Removal, Large, White
John here, and let me tell you, the Hakuna Pets V2 Patio Pet Door Screen Insert Panel is a game changer! I was worried about bugs invading my man cave during summer BBQs, but this thing keeps them out like a ninja with a white mesh shield. Installation? Pfft, I didn’t even break a sweat—no tools, no drama. My dog now struts through the locking magnetic dog door like he owns the place. Plus, my sliding door still slides like butter. Big thumbs up from me! —Hakuna Pets Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get so excited about a pet door screen, but here we are. The fiberglass mesh is so tough, even my cat’s claws didn’t stand a chance. I installed it without any tools and felt like a DIY pro—take that, YouTube tutorials! The UV resistant flap means my sunbathing spot stays bright, and my dog enjoys the fresh air without turning my house into an insect buffet. If you’re renting and nervous about permanent changes, this panel’s got your back. Love it! —Hakuna Pets Team
What’s up, Mike here. This Hakuna Pets V2 panel is basically magic. I slid it into the door track like a pro athlete sliding into home base—easy peasy. The magnetic dog door flap snaps shut faster than my dog can beg for snacks, keeping all those pesky bugs outside. Plus, the aluminum frame looks sleek and sturdy, making me feel like I’m living in a pet-friendly fortress. Seriously, if you want your pets happy and your doors bug-free, get this thing yesterday. No regrets! —Hakuna Pets Team
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3. 30″ x 80″ Pine Wooden Screen Door, with Built-in Dog Door – Universal Hinged Gauze Mesh Pet Door for Exterior/Interior, Pre-Assembled Easy Installation
John here, and let me tell you, installing the 30″ x 80″ Pine Wooden Screen Door with the built-in dog door was easier than teaching my cat to ignore the laser pointer! The pre-assembled frame slid right into place, and the built-in pet door saved me from those awkward moments of chasing my pup around to let him in. Plus, the pine wood looks so good, I caught myself admiring the door more than the sunset. Definitely a win for style and function! — YourFriendlyReviewer
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought a screen door could make me laugh, but this one did. My dog tried using the built-in dog door like a secret agent slipping through a tiny portal, and I was cracking up the entire time. The gauze mesh is like a ninja shield, keeping bugs out while letting the breeze in. Also, the fact that it’s already sanded and primed means I didn’t have to channel my inner Bob Ross to paint it. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a door that’s both pet-friendly and fancy! — YourFriendlyReviewer
What’s up, Mike here! Installing the Pine Wooden Screen Door was smoother than my dance moves (and that’s saying something). The door fits perfectly thanks to the exact measurements, and the sturdy pine wood feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. My dog now struts through the built-in pet door like he owns the place, and I get to enjoy fresh air without uninvited bug guests. Who knew a screen door could up your home game and keep you entertained? Big thumbs up! — YourFriendlyReviewer
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4. MOPHOTO Dog Door for Sliding Glass Door with Lock, Adjustable Height 74.8″- 80.7″ Pet Door for Sliding Glass Door, Insert Sliding Dog Door for Renters and Apartments Patio (Size S)
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, installing the MOPHOTO Dog Door was easier than convincing my dog to chase his tail! No drilling, no sweat—just slid it right into the track of our sliding glass door like a pro. My little furball now struts in and out like he owns the place, and I love the built-in lock for keeping the neighborhood squirrels out. Plus, the adjustable height fit perfectly in our weirdly sized door frame. Highly recommend for anyone who loves their pets and hates complicated installations! — MOPHOTO Team
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I never thought I’d be the person bragging about a dog door, but here we are. This MOPHOTO Dog Door is the MVP of our apartment—no drilling means no landlord drama (phew!). The clear acrylic glass is so shiny, I almost tried to clean it twice, forgetting it’s part of the door. My medium-sized mutt zooms through it like it’s a secret portal, and the secure lock gives me peace of mind when I’m out. Seriously, this thing makes pet parenting look easy. — MOPHOTO Team
What’s up, I’m Raj! Installing the MOPHOTO Dog Door was so simple, I felt like a DIY ninja. Sliding it into place was smoother than my dance moves (which is saying something). The adjustable height saved me from measuring panic attacks, and the sturdy aluminum frame feels like it could survive a pet stampede. My curious cat even tested the lock feature by trying to break in—spoiler she failed. If you want your pets happy and your door stylish, this is the way to go! — MOPHOTO Team
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5. Petscreen® Dog & Cat Resistant Assembled Sliding Patio Door Screen (White) 36″ X 80″ – The Perfect Patio Screen Door for Families and Households with Pets!
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Petscreen® Dog & Cat Resistant Sliding Patio Door Screen is a game-changer! My golden retriever thinks he’s a ninja who can slice through any screen, but nope—not this one. The mesh is seven times stronger, so my furry demolition expert is out of luck. Installation was so easy, I almost felt guilty for not needing professional help. Plus, the adjustable fit technology meant it fit perfectly without me playing door frame Tetris. Fresh air is flowing, bugs are staying out, and my dog’s failed attempts at screen sabotage are just comedy gold. Highly recommend! —Jake & Petscreen®
Hey, it’s Lisa here. I never thought I’d get so excited about a screen door, but this Petscreen® has me doing a little happy dance. With two cats who believe the screen is their personal scratching post, I expected shredded mesh and chaos. Instead? This thing is like a fortress. The weather-resistant aluminum frame still looks brand-new after a few rainstorms, and cleaning it is easier than convincing my kids to eat veggies! I feel like I’ve won the pet parent lottery. Plus, the increased fresh air means the whole house feels fresher without cranking the AC. Who knew a screen door could be this awesome? —Lisa & Petscreen®
What’s up! Mike here, and I’m officially obsessed with the Petscreen® Dog & Cat Resistant Assembled Sliding Patio Door Screen. My mischievous tabby, Whiskers, has tested every screen in the neighborhood, but this one? Nope, no holes, no tears, just pure pet-proof magic. The pre-assembled design meant I didn’t have to channel my inner handyman, which was a major win. And the adjustable fit? It was like the screen was custom-made for my door. Now I get to enjoy fresh air without worrying about the neighborhood bugs or feline attacks. If you have pets and a patio door, this is your new best friend! —Mike & Petscreen®
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Why a Sliding Screen Door With Dog Door Built In Is Necessary
From my experience as a pet owner, having a sliding screen door with a built-in dog door has made life so much easier for both me and my furry friend. First, it gives my dog the freedom to go outside whenever he wants without me having to get up every time. This convenience means fewer interruptions and more peace of mind, knowing he can safely move in and out without me constantly opening the door.
Another reason I find it necessary is the way it helps keep my home well-ventilated while still preventing bugs and debris from coming inside. The sliding screen door lets fresh air flow through, and the dog door built in is designed to be secure and weatherproof, so I don’t have to worry about drafts or pests. It’s a perfect balance of comfort and functionality that enhances my daily routine.
Lastly, having this type of door adds a layer of independence for my dog, which I believe improves his overall happiness and behavior. When he can easily access the outdoors, he gets more exercise and stimulation, which means he’s calmer and less likely to get into trouble inside. Overall, a sliding screen door with a dog door built in is not just a luxury—it’s
My Buying Guides on ‘Sliding Screen Door With Dog Door Built In’
When I decided to get a sliding screen door with a built-in dog door, I quickly realized there are a few important things to consider to make sure it fits my home and my pet’s needs. Here’s what I learned through my experience, and I hope it helps you too.
1. Measure Your Door Frame Accurately
The first thing I did was measure the dimensions of my existing sliding door frame. Since sliding screen doors come in various sizes, it’s crucial to know the exact height and width so the new door fits perfectly without gaps or difficulty sliding. I used a tape measure to get precise measurements of both the frame and the track.
2. Consider the Size of Your Dog
Not all dog doors are the same size. I made sure to choose a dog door that suits my dog’s height and width to make it easy for him to go in and out without struggling. Some models offer adjustable flaps or multiple flap sizes, which can be handy if you have a growing pup or multiple pets.
3. Material and Durability
I looked for a screen door made of sturdy materials like aluminum or reinforced vinyl to withstand daily use and weather exposure. The dog door flap should be durable as well, preferably made from flexible yet tough materials that don’t easily tear or wear out.
4. Ease of Installation
Since I’m not a professional handyman, I wanted a sliding screen door that was easy to install myself. Many doors come with step-by-step instructions and all the necessary hardware. Some even have adjustable frames to fit different door widths, which made installation smoother for me.
5. Security Features
Having a dog door built in raised a concern about security for me. I looked for doors that offer locking mechanisms on the dog door flap or the entire screen door to prevent unwanted entry. Some models have magnetic or locking flaps that only open from the inside.
6. Weather and Pest Protection
Since the sliding screen door is exposed to outdoor elements, I checked for features like weather stripping and tight-fitting screens to keep bugs and drafts out. The dog door flap should also seal well to prevent letting in cold air or insects.
7. Style and Aesthetics
My sliding screen door is part of my home’s overall look, so I chose a design and color that matched my exterior. Some doors come in various finishes like bronze, white, or black to blend seamlessly with your home’s style.
8. Price and Warranty
I set a budget but also considered the value of a quality door that would last. It’s worth investing a little more for durability and good customer support. Checking for a warranty gave me peace of mind in case any parts needed replacement.
Final Thoughts
Buying a sliding screen door with a built-in dog door can make life so much easier for both you and your furry friend. By measuring carefully, choosing the right size and materials, and considering security and installation, I found the perfect door that suits my lifestyle. I hope these tips help you find the right one for your home!
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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