Tips For Securing Doggy Doors Against Intruders

Pet doors keep your furry friends happy, but they also make your home more inviting for burglars. These doggy door security tips should come in handy.

Any dog or cat owner will tell you that they love their furry friends and they would do anything in their power to see them happy and safe all the time. This is one of the reasons why so many people choose to have small doggy doors carved into their doors. These solutions enable pets to freely move in and out of the house without any hassle. You can say goodbye to unfortunate pet accidents around the house as well, not to mention your feeling of guilt every time you cannot take your dog out for a walk.

However, besides all of these benefits that come with any pet door, there are a few vulnerabilities that should be considered. Among them, the higher risk of home break-ins is ranked the highest. Also, the possibility for more debris, dirt, raccoons, insects and other small elements reaching into your home without interference. The good news is that modern-day pet doors have been specially designed with this particular concern in mind. Let's find out more about these tiny, but significant entryways some homes have and what you can do to further secure them.

How Big Is Your Dog?

This is no random question, as the answer to it will actually determine the size of the doggy door you should get. Plus, the material this small door is made of, its shape and brand are also important factors that will establish the degree of security this door will provide you with.

Owning a gorgeous Alaskan Malamute, a Boxer or a Collie means the size of your doggie door will need to be slightly bigger compared to standard doors. This could lead to something or someone other than your pet sneaking in when you are not watching. Additional security measures might be required to keep all potential intruders away.

The Dangers Of Having A Pet Door

Installing a doggie door in your home usually means also installing a small fence in your yard, so your pet can freely roam around. While this fence might be suitable for your pets, it may do a lousy job keeping burglars and critters at bay. While the majority of pet doors come with covers, they won't do much in the event of a neighborhood burglar trying to make their way in through force.

Newer pet door models do come with improved security design. These features usually come in the form of keyholes and hinges. They allow owners to lock these tiny doors from the inside. There are also models of doggie doors that rely on combination lock systems that are known to add more protection. Nonetheless, these types of reinforced doors tend to set significant limits in use. Simply put, they will most likely prevent your furry friend from going in and out whenever they please. So how else can you make sure your pets are happy and your home is well protected against perils?

Fast Tips To Secure Doggie Doors

• Make sure the pet door is the right size. If you are like most concerned dog owners, you will tend to buy a bigger sized door than the one your dog actually needs. You would like to make sure they will be as comfortable as possible when going in and out. If you are the owner of a small-sized dog, don't buy more doors than they need. You will be doing nothing more but sending an open invitation to a potential burglar. As in the case of many Los Angeles residents confronted with a series of pet door burglaries, the criminals used pepper spray and hurt the dogs guarding the homes while taking off with the owners' prized possessions. The solution would be to only buy the actual door size your pet needs.

• Buy a safe door with added security features. There are special door covers made from steel that you could use for added protection. These covers will usually fit most doggie doors on the market. With 4-digit combo locks and 12-gauge steel reinforcement, these are definitely excellent options. Make sure you shop for a pet door that has interior bolts that can only be removed from the inside of your house. You could also opt for a door with a frame that effectively covers the hinges so burglars cannot dismantle the door when the door locks are engaged.

• Use a powerful locking system. When you are on vacation or you know you will be away from home, we strongly advise you to use the locking mechanism.

• Re-adjust the doors on your front/back door. Measure the distance between the lock on your regular entry door and the point of reach that an intruder could potentially use by sticking a hand through the doggie door. Have the door's lock re-adjusted to lower the risk of such a thing happening.

• Choose the best location for your pet door. Make sure to fit the small entryway for your pet in a location where it will not be easily spotted by passers-by in the street. The back door might be the best idea if you have one.

• Try the automatic doggie dog alternative. Check out a few prices, brands and reviews online and opt for a reliable automatic pet door. There are models that can be controlled with the help of keys located only your dog's collar. Others can be managed with the help of RFID chip identification. These doors use specific radio frequencies that will communicate with the dog's collar through a special tab. Whenever your furry friend will come within a certain distance of the door, the sensor in their collar will trigger the door to open. Needless to say, this is an excellent solution for keeping critters and potential intruders away, while letting your dog run free whenever they feel like it.

Burglars will usually opt for front/back doors and windows to make their way into a house. However, you can never be too safe, and minimizing the risk of having a doggy door installed will give you more peace of mind. For help securing your pet dor, or any door in your home, call Locksmiths Locator for an expert residential locksmith.