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Click 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
Simple Training Tips for Pet Door Passage

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.

How low to the floor should the 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 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.