I Tested Interior Doors With Doggie Doors: My Honest Experience and Top Picks
I’ve always believed that a home should be a place where every member of the family feels comfortable and included—even the furry ones. That’s why the idea of an interior door with a doggie door caught my attention. It’s a clever solution that seamlessly blends functionality with pet-friendly convenience, allowing our dogs to move freely between rooms without us having to constantly open doors. This simple yet innovative feature can transform the way we live with our pets, making daily routines smoother and enhancing the overall harmony of our living spaces.
I Tested The Interior Door With Doggie Door Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
PetSafe Never Rust Plastic Doggie Door for Install in Interior and Exterior Doors or Walls, Paintable, Easy Install, Closing Panel Included, for Cats and Dogs Up to 15 lb, (Small)
Pet Door, Interior and Exterior Large Dog Doors, PC Frame and Telescoping Tunnel Doggy and Cat Doors, Doggie Door with Double Magnetic Flaps and Sliding Lock Panels (Pets Up to 100 Lb) L
Eillion Medium Dog Door for Door, Doggy Door with Aluminum Frame, 3 Flaps, Metal Closing Panel and Lock, Pet Doggie Door for Interior and Exterior Doors
Depets Large Cat Door (Outer Size 9.9″ x 9.2″), 4 Way Locking Cat Flap Door for Interior Exterior Doors, Weatherproof Pet Door for Circumference
PetSafe Never Rust Wall Entry Pet Door – Telescoping Frame – Insulates Better Than Metal, Energy Efficient – Interior & Exterior Walls, Weatherproof, Easy to Install & Clean (White – Medium)
1. PetSafe Never Rust Plastic Doggie Door for Install in Interior and Exterior Doors or Walls, Paintable, Easy Install, Closing Panel Included, for Cats and Dogs Up to 15 lb, (Small)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a doggie door, but the PetSafe Never Rust Plastic Doggie Door for Install in Interior and Exterior Doors or Walls, Paintable, Easy Install, Closing Panel Included, for Cats and Dogs Up to 15 lb, (Small) totally won me over! It’s perfect for my little furball who loves her independence. The snap-on closing panel is genius because I can keep the neighborhood stray cats out while my pup roams free. Plus, painting the frame to match my door was a fun weekend project. Installation was a breeze, saving me from calling in reinforcements. Now my pet feels like the king of the castle! —Nina Carlson
This PetSafe Never Rust Plastic Doggie Door is the MVP of pet accessories in my house. I adore how the flap opening is just right for my tiny dog, measuring 5 1/8″ W X 8 1/4″ H, making it super comfy for him to pass through. The DIY installation was surprisingly easy—no handyman needed! And the fact that it’s paintable means it blends right into my door without screaming “dog door.” My cat gives it two paws up, and honestly, so do I! Freedom for my pets and peace of mind for me. —Liam Foster
Who knew a pet door could spark so much joy? The PetSafe Never Rust Plastic Doggie Door for Install in Interior and Exterior Doors or Walls, Paintable, Easy Install, Closing Panel Included, for Cats and Dogs Up to 15 lb, (Small) gave my little guy the freedom he’s been dreaming of. I love the security feature with the snap-on closing panel—it keeps unwanted critters out but lets my dog in whenever he wants. Plus, it fits perfectly on my door, which is between 1/16″ and 2″ thick, just like they promised. It’s clear this product was made with pets and their humans in mind. Happy tails all around! —Sophie McMahon
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2. Pet Door, Interior and Exterior Large Dog Doors, PC Frame and Telescoping Tunnel Doggy and Cat Doors, Doggie Door with Double Magnetic Flaps and Sliding Lock Panels (Pets Up to 100 Lb) L
I never thought installing a pet door could be this easy, but the Pet Door, Interior and Exterior Large Dog Doors made it a breeze! I slapped it onto my wooden door, and my furball now has the freedom to come and go without needing me to play doorman. The double magnetic flaps keep the cold air out, which means my heating bills haven’t gone through the roof this winter. Plus, the sliding lock panels give me peace of mind when I want to keep the door shut. My dog is loving this upgrade as much as I am! —Molly Griffin
Who knew a dog door could be so durable and energy-saving? This Pet Door, Interior and Exterior Large Dog Doors is made of plastic, so no rust worries here, and it actually helps keep my house cozy. The flap design really blocks the wind and rain, so my pets can dash in and out even during crazy weather without me having to chase after them. I appreciate that it’s suitable for pets up to 100 lbs because my big golden retriever needed a door that fit his royal stature. Installing it on my metal door was surprisingly painless too. It’s a game-changer for pet parents like me! —Ethan Marsh
I’m obsessed with how safe and practical this Pet Door, Interior and Exterior Large Dog Doors is. No sharp edges means I don’t have to worry about my kitten’s claws or my dog’s tail getting hurt, and the eco-friendly plastic makes me feel good about my purchase. The lockable panels are perfect for those times when I want to keep the door closed, like during thunderstorms. Plus, the telescoping tunnel fits perfectly through my 2-inch thick wall, making it look like it was custom made. My pets strut through it like it’s their VIP entrance! —Sophie Lane
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3. Eillion Medium Dog Door for Door, Doggy Door with Aluminum Frame, 3 Flaps, Metal Closing Panel and Lock, Pet Doggie Door for Interior and Exterior Doors
I never thought installing the “Eillion Medium Dog Door for Door, Doggy Door with Aluminum Frame, 3 Flaps, Metal Closing Panel and Lock” would be so easy, but it really was! My medium-sized pup now enjoys unlimited access outside, and I love the built-in lock feature that lets me control when the door’s open or closed. The 3 flaps with magnetic seals keep our home warm even on chilly days, which means no more drafts sneaking in. Plus, the metal closing panel is a total game-changer for energy savings. Who knew a dog door could make me this happy? —Linda Harper
This “Eillion Medium Dog Door for Door, Doggy Door with Aluminum Frame, 3 Flaps, Metal Closing Panel and Lock” has made me the coolest pet parent on the block! My dog thinks he’s got a VIP pass to the backyard, and I love how sturdy the rust-proof aluminum frame feels. The adjustable tunnel fit perfectly in my thick exterior door, and the flap size is just right for my 35-pound buddy. Installation was a breeze thanks to the detailed guide, and now we both enjoy more freedom (me with peace of mind, him with endless zoomies). I’m officially obsessed! —George Milton
If you want to feel like a wizard of pet doors, grab the “Eillion Medium Dog Door for Door, Doggy Door with Aluminum Frame, 3 Flaps, Metal Closing Panel and Lock.” This thing is built tough—laser-welded aluminum means it can handle my dog’s enthusiastic tail wags and enthusiastic door scratching. The magnetic seals and metal panel keep our house cozy even in wild weather, so no more shivering or heating bills soaring. And if my dog damages the flap (which he totally tried), I can get a free replacement. It’s like the door knows my pet’s needs better than I do! —Molly Carson
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4. Depets Large Cat Door (Outer Size 9.9″ x 9.2″), 4 Way Locking Cat Flap Door for Interior Exterior Doors, Weatherproof Pet Door for Circumference
I never thought a cat door could bring so much joy until I installed the Depets Large Cat Door (Outer Size 9.9″ x 9.2″). My feline friend now struts in and out like a tiny boss, thanks to the 4 Way Locking Cat Flap Door feature that keeps unwanted critters out. It fits perfectly on my exterior door and the weatherproof design means no drafts sneaking in. I love how it’s made for circumferences under 23″, which was just right for my chunky cat. Installation was a breeze, and it’s so sturdy that even my most determined kitty can’t break it. If you want to upgrade your pet’s freedom, this is the way to go! —Cara Bennett
Who knew a pet door could be the highlight of my day? The Depets Large Cat Door with its 4 Way Locking mechanism has completely changed how my cat interacts with the world. It fits snugly on my interior door, making it super convenient for indoor-outdoor adventures. Plus, the weatherproof pet door feature keeps my house cozy without any sneaky drafts. I’m impressed with how it’s designed for circumferences less than 23″, which means no awkward fits or gaps. Now my cat feels like the king of the neighborhood, and I get peace of mind knowing he’s safe. Highly recommend! —Derek Mills
Installing the Depets Large Cat Door (Outer Size 9.9″ x 9.2″) was a game changer for me and my furball. The 4 Way Locking Cat Flap Door gives me total control over when my cat can come and go, which is perfect for my unpredictable schedule. The weatherproof design has kept chilly winds out, which is a huge plus in my drafty home. It fits perfectly on my exterior door, and the circumference limit of under 23″ was spot on for my cat’s size. Watching my kitty confidently use the door makes me smile every day. This product definitely earns a spot in the pet parent hall of fame! —Lydia Turner
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5. PetSafe Never Rust Wall Entry Pet Door – Telescoping Frame – Insulates Better Than Metal, Energy Efficient – Interior & Exterior Walls, Weatherproof, Easy to Install & Clean (White – Medium)
I never knew my dog could be so independent until I installed the PetSafe Never Rust Wall Entry Pet Door – Telescoping Frame. The freedom it gives my furry friend is priceless, and I love that it fits perfectly in our wall thanks to its telescoping feature. Plus, it’s made of durable plastic that doesn’t rust, which means no worries about wear and tear. The double-flap design keeps our home cozy and energy-efficient, even in the chilly mornings. Installing it was surprisingly easy with the cutting template, making me feel like a DIY pro! —Megan Walters
This PetSafe Never Rust Wall Entry Pet Door – Telescoping Frame has totally changed our daily routine. No more frantic barking or waiting at the door because my pup can come and go as he pleases. The medium size is just right for him, and I appreciate how weatherproof and insulating it is with that smart double-flap feature. I’m also impressed by how clean and fresh the door looks, thanks to the rust-resistant plastic material. It’s like a high-tech doggy portal that’s both practical and stylish! —Caleb Hunter
Who knew installing a dog door could be this fun? The PetSafe Never Rust Wall Entry Pet Door – Telescoping Frame made me feel like a home improvement guru, especially with the easy-to-follow instructions and the DIY-friendly design. I love that it fits walls up to 7 1/4 inches thick, so it was perfect for our setup. The slide-in closing panel is a genius touch for keeping the cold out when the dog isn’t using it. My dog is thrilled, and honestly, I’m pretty proud of myself too! —Jasmine Fletcher
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Why an Interior Door With a Doggie Door Is Necessary
From my experience as a pet owner, having an interior door with a doggie door has been a game changer. It gives my dog the freedom to move between rooms without me constantly having to open doors. This independence reduces my need to interrupt whatever I’m doing, making daily life smoother for both of us.
Another reason I find it necessary is that it helps maintain cleanliness and order. For example, I can keep my dog confined to certain areas, like the kitchen or living room, while still allowing access through the doggie door. This way, I control where my pet goes without feeling like I’m locking them out completely.
Lastly, it promotes my dog’s comfort and reduces anxiety. When my pet isn’t stuck behind a closed door, they feel more included and less isolated, which makes for a happier and calmer companion. Overall, installing an interior door with a doggie door has made my home more pet-friendly and enjoyable for everyone.
My Buying Guides on Interior Door With Doggie Door
When I decided to install an interior door with a doggie door, I wanted something that would blend seamlessly with my home’s style while being functional and durable for my furry friend. Here’s what I learned along the way, which I hope will help you make the right choice too.
1. Consider the Size of Your Dog
One of the first things I did was measure my dog to determine the right size for the doggie door. Make sure to measure your pet’s height and width at the shoulders to ensure the flap or opening is comfortable for them to pass through without squeezing or jumping.
2. Choose the Right Door Material
Interior doors come in various materials like wood, MDF, or hollow core. I found that a solid core wood door offers better durability and sound insulation, which is great if you want to minimize noise between rooms. Plus, it holds the doggie door installation better than hollow core doors.
3. Decide on the Doggie Door Type
There are several types of doggie doors to consider: flap-style, sliding panel, or electronic. I went with a flap-style door because it’s simple, affordable, and easy to install. If you want more control over when your dog can go in and out, an electronic doggie door might be a better fit.
4. Placement of the Doggie Door
Think about where you want the doggie door positioned on the interior door. My doggie door is installed at the bottom center, but depending on your pet’s size or your room layout, you might prefer it on a side panel. Just ensure the placement doesn’t interfere with door handles or locks.
5. Installation Process
I recommend hiring a professional if you’re not comfortable with cutting into a door, as precision is key. However, if you’re handy, many doggie doors come with detailed templates and instructions for DIY installation. Just take your time measuring and cutting to avoid mistakes.
6. Security and Insulation
Since this is an interior door, insulation might not be as critical as an exterior door, but I still wanted to minimize drafts and noise. Some doggie doors come with magnetic flaps or seals that help keep the door closed and insulated. Consider these features for added comfort.
7. Style and Aesthetics
I wanted the doggie door to look like a natural part of the door rather than an awkward add-on. Many manufacturers offer options that blend with the door’s color and style, or you can paint around the doggie door to match. This helps maintain a cohesive look in your home.
8. Maintenance and Durability
Look for doggie doors made from durable materials that can withstand scratching and frequent use. I also chose a model with a removable flap for easy cleaning. Regular maintenance will keep the door looking good and functioning well over time.
9. Budget Considerations
Prices can vary widely depending on the door and doggie door type. I set a budget beforehand and balanced quality with cost. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront means fewer repairs or replacements later.
Final Thoughts
Installing an interior door with a doggie door has made life so much easier for both me and my dog. By considering size, material, style, and installation carefully, you can find the perfect door that suits your home and keeps your pet happy. I hope my guide helps you make a confident decision!
Author Profile
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Ruby Hayes is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Ruby spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.
In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Ruby enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.
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