September 27th, 2012 ?|? Published in pets
by Zach Buckley
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If you?re the kind of pet guardian who?s always looking for a way to make your furry companion?s life a little sweeter, installing a doggie door might be on your list of home improvement projects. Doggie doors allow your pets to go in and out of the house independently (yes, cats can use them, too), so pets don?t have to interrupt you when they want to go outside. It sounds like an ideal scenario for both pets and owners, but there are pros and cons to installing a permanent doggie door.
Resale value
Installing a pet door does require cutting a hole in an exterior wall or door. If you end up not liking the door, you?ll have a major wall repair on your hands or you?ll need a new door. And potential buyers?? especially if they don?t have pets???may see a doggie door as detracting from a home?s value. Remember: Most buyers will decide?within the first eight seconds whether they?re interested in your home. If you plan to move in the next few years, think carefully about whether you should install a doggie door.
Creating convenience
Having a pet door means you won?t have to worry about rushing home to let the dog out. Dogs can snooze on the couch all day while you?re gone and go outside when they need to. And dogs that prefer to be outside can come inside if the weather changes unexpectedly. Plus, you may be able to sleep better knowing your dog can zip out at night for a restroom break.
But, dog doors don?t discriminate ? other neighborhood cats and dogs can enter your home, and even in urban areas, wildlife like rats, squirrels or?raccoons can get into the house through a pet door. Wild animals can do considerable damage to your home, but the errant rodent isn?t the biggest security breach to worry about. Recently,?four burglars gained access to a home?by crawling through a doggie door in the middle of the day. Electronic pet doors may be more secure than standard models, but you can take other steps to thwart burglars, too. Install the smallest possible door, adding a deadbolt at the top of the door where the pet door is installed, so burglars can?t reach through a doggie door and unlock the door to your home.
When your pets are part of your family, you want to do everything you can to make their lives happier. A pet door gives your animal companions more freedom while you?re away, and that makes your life happier too. Not everything about a pet door is positive, but for many pet lovers, the pros outweigh the cons. If you feel the same, installing a doggie door is a great weekend project that could offer benefits for years to come.
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About the Author
Zach Buckley is a freelance writer based in the Midwest.?He enjoys exploring developing trends in education, technology and culture.? When he isn?t reading or writing blogs, he enjoys sampling good music and good food. Follow him on Twitter! @Zach_buckley
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