Pet Doors
Orange County Pet Doors opening suggestions for size and rise.
Sizing: The chart below gives general size suggestions based on weight. The combination of rise and pet opening height will determine your pet's ease of use.
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First, measure your (tallest) pet from the floor to the top of the shoulder. Record this number.
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Second, establish your doors minimum rise. Measure 3" above the bottom of the GLASS being converted. A close guess is O.K. Place a piece of tape on the glass to mark the spot.
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Measure from the taped spot on the glass to the floor. This is your doors minimum "rise" or step-over height after installation of the conversion system. Standard patio doors generally have between 5-7" of minimum rise. French rail and other doors with taller bottom rails can total 8-10".
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Review this page, the Determining Rise chart and our video to get the ideal combination of rise and pet opening height and width for your pet. The combination of actual rise and the pet door opening height should total 1-2" above the tallest pets back.
Click below to view additional documents (PDF format - the documents will open in a new window):
Determining rise and pet opening size.
Pet Opening Placement Guide.
Determining rise diagram before installation.
Conversion diagram after installation.
Determining additional rise for taller dogs.
Click here to watch our video.
How high should the pet opening be?
You will want the top of the pet opening to be approximately 1"-2" above the high point of the tallest pet's back. This will reduce wear on the flap. Example: a medium pet door with a minimum rise of 6" added to the opening height of 11" will total approximately 17". This combination will work well for pets with a shoulder height of 16" or less.
How low to the floor should the pet opening be?
If you have several pets, it should accommodate the smallest pet's ability to see through. With larger pets, keep in mind an appropriate "rise" that will allow for ease of use now as well as in the future as they grow older and slow down with age. As noted above, rise plus opening height should total 1"-2" above the tallest pets back. Don't be afraid to order a larger (taller opening) door if you need low rise (step over) and additional height for clearance.
How big should the opening be?
The pet opening should allow your pet to pass through comfortably. The chart below has opening flap dimensions. If in doubt, create a cardboard opening for your pet to step through using the opening sizes noted below.
Sizing Guide
Rise plus net opening height should total 1"-2" above the high point of the tallest pet's back
Size |
Net Opening |
Pet Weight |
| Small | 5"X7" | Up to 12 Pounds; |
| Medium | 8"X11" | Up to 40 Pounds |
| Large | 10"X15" | Up to 100 Pounds |
| X-Large | 13-3/4"X23" | Up to 220 Pounds |
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