Well, we know that playing doorman for your dog or cat gets old pretty quickly. Whether it’s the 6am scratching, the mud-covered paws leaving prints across your freshly mopped floor, or just the constant back-and-forth every time your furry mate wants a lap around the backyard, a pet door is one of those investments that pays for itself almost immediately. In pure sanity saved, if nothing else.
But how much does it actually cost to get one fitted in 2026? The answer, like most things in life, is: it depends. Let’s break it all down for you – from basic flap doors to the trickier business of fitting a pet door in glass door panels – so you can go in with realistic expectations and no nasty surprises.
What’s the Typical Price Range?
For most Australian homes, you’re looking at somewhere between $120 and $550 all up – that’s the pet door unit itself plus the cost of having it professionally installed.
For pet doors in Melbourne specifically, prices tend to sit toward the higher end of that range. That’s not unique to Melbourne – it’s pretty standard across major cities where tradie rates and demand for skilled installers is higher. Regional Victorian towns can sometimes come in a touch cheaper, but don’t bank on a huge difference.
The overall cost depends on a few key things:
● The type of pet door you choose
● The size of your pet (and therefore the size of the door)
● The material you’re installing into – timber, aluminium, or glass
● The complexity of the job
Types of Pet Doors and What They’ll Set You Back
Classic Flap Doors ($50–$150 installed)
The humble flap door – a flexible panel that swings open when your pet pushes through. These are the most affordable options and work a treat for cats and smaller dogs. Simple to fit into timber or aluminium doors, and you can often grab a decent one from a pet accessories shop without breaking the bank.
Sliding Door Inserts ($200–$400)
A brilliant option for renters or anyone who doesn’t want to make permanent changes. These panels slide into the track of your existing sliding door, no cutting required. You pay a bit more upfront, but you can take the whole thing with you when you move. Absolute lifesaver if your landlord is the “no modifications” type.
Door-Mounted Pet Doors ($50–$250)
These go directly into a standard timber or aluminium door. Solid, reliable, and available in a good range of sizes. If you’re handy, some of these can be a DIY job – but precision matters. One wrong cut and you’re shopping for a new door, which is a significantly more expensive day than you planned.
Wall-Mounted Pet Doors ($100–$300)
For homeowners who want a permanent solution that doesn’t touch any of their doors at all. A hole is cut through the wall and the pet door is fitted directly into it. You’ll definitely want a professional for this one – getting through brick or weatherboard cleanly and weatherproofing it properly is not a casual weekend project.
Electronic and Microchip Pet Doors ($150–$350+)
These are the flash option. The door only opens when it detects your pet’s microchip or a special collar tag – which means the neighbour’s cat can’t just let itself in for an uninvited dinner. Great for households with multiple pets who have different access needs, or for anyone living in an area with a bit of local wildlife that might try their luck through an open flap.
Does Your Pet’s Size Affect the Price?
Absolutely. The bigger the pet, the bigger the door – and that means more material, a larger cut, and more work for whoever’s fitting it.
Here’s a rough guide:
| Pet Size | Examples | Estimated Cost Range |
| Small (under 7kg) | Chihuahua, cat, Toy Poodle | $105–$150 |
| Medium (7–18kg) | Beagle, Cocker Spaniel | $150–$250 |
| Large (over 18kg) | Labrador, German Shepherd | $250–$375+ |
If your dog is basically a small horse, budget toward the upper end – especially if you’re going into glass.
The Glass Door Situation: What You Need to Know
This is where a lot of people get caught off guard – and understandably so. If you’ve been Googling “pet door installation near me” and assuming any handyman can handle it, it’s worth knowing that glass installs are a different beast altogether.
You cannot cut standard toughened or double-glazed glass on-site. It’s not like timber, where you can just measure up and run a jigsaw through it. Toughened glass – which is what most modern sliding and hinged glass doors are made of – will shatter if you try to cut it after the fact. So when it comes to fitting a pet door in glass door panels, the process is:
1. The existing glass panel is removed
2. A new panel is ordered with the pet door opening pre-cut to size
3. The new panel (complete with your pet door) is installed in place of the old one
It’s a more involved job, which is why the cost is higher. For a pet door installation in a glass door in Melbourne, expect to pay somewhere in the range of $150–$300 for the installation component alone, on top of the cost of the door unit itself. If your glass is double-glazed or a larger panel, you could be looking at more – always get a proper quote.
The key thing is to make sure you’re using a qualified glazier, not just a general handyman. A glazier has the right tools, training, and insurance to remove and replace glass panels safely and properly. Don’t let anyone quote you cheap and then turn up with a jigsaw. That’s a story that ends very badly.
That said, don’t let the extra complexity put you off. A pet door in a glass door installation, done properly, looks incredibly neat and doesn’t compromise the look of your home at all. It’s a popular choice for Melbourne homes with modern sliding glass doors that open to a backyard or courtyard – and once it’s in, it just works.
Installation Costs at a Glance
| Installation Type | Estimated Labour Cost |
| Timber or aluminium door (basic) | $70–$200 |
| Glass door (with glazier) | $150–$300 |
| Wall or brick installation | $150–$250 |
Tips to Get the Best Value
Get multiple quotes. This is always worth doing. Prices vary between installers, and some include extras (like weatherstripping or sealing) that others quote separately.
Bundle jobs where you can. If you’re already having a glass panel replaced for another reason, it’s the perfect time to have the pet door opening added at the same time – you save on the glazier’s call-out fee.
Don’t go too cheap on the door unit itself. Budget plastic doors can warp, crack, or start letting in draughts after a Melbourne summer or two. Spending a little more on a quality unit from a reputable Australian pet accessories supplier means you won’t be redoing the job in eighteen months.
Check your warranty. Some door and window manufacturers will void warranties if modifications are made to glass panels. Always ask before proceeding.
Search for specialists, not just anyone. When you’re searching for pet door installation near me, try to find someone with specific experience in pet doors – especially for glass work. A glazier who’s done dozens of these jobs will be faster, neater, and more reliable than one who’s figuring it out as they go.
Should You DIY It?
For a basic flap door into a timber door, a confident DIYer can absolutely have a go – just measure twice and cut once. But for anything involving glass, please don’t. The risk of injury, the cost of replacing a cracked panel, and the potential for voiding your home insurance if something goes wrong just isn’t worth it.
And if you’re ever unsure, pet door installation near me searches are a great starting point for finding local specialists who can give you a proper, no-obligation quote.
Ready to Give Your Pet a Door of Their Own?
At Aussie Pet Doors, we stock a wide range of pet doors to suit homes across Australia – from simple flap doors perfect for small cats, right through to heavy-duty options for larger breeds. Whether you’re in the inner suburbs or out in regional Victoria, we can help you find the right door for your home and your pet.
Browse our range online or get in touch with our team – we’re always happy to point you in the right direction, no matter what kind of door (or wall, or glass panel) you’re working with.
Because every pet deserves a door of their own.
FAQs
How much does it cost to install a pet door in Australia?
Most Aussie households spend somewhere between $120 and $550 all up – that’s the door unit plus labour. Where you land in that range depends on your pet’s size, the door type, and whether you’re going into timber, wall, or glass.
What is the average labour cost for pet door installation?
Labour alone typically runs between $70 and $300, depending on the job. A basic timber door installation is on the lower end, while glass or brick wall installations cost more due to the specialist skills involved. Always get a few quotes before committing.
Does the type of door affect installation cost?
Absolutely, it does. Timber doors are the most straightforward and affordable. Aluminium and sliding doors are a step up. Glass panels cost the most because they require a qualified glazier. The more complex the material, the higher the labour cost – simple as that.
How much does it cost to install a pet door in glass?
Installing a pet door in glass typically costs $150–$300 in labour, on top of the door unit itself. Because toughened glass can’t be cut on-site, the existing panel needs to be replaced with a new one pre-cut to size – so factor that in too.
Is installing a pet door in a wall more expensive than a door?
Generally, yes – especially if it’s a brick or double-brick wall. Cutting through masonry takes more time, equipment, and effort than a standard door. Budget around $150–$250 for wall installations, and make sure proper weatherproofing and sealing are included in your quote.
What is the price difference between dog doors and cat doors?
Cat doors and small dog doors are the most affordable, starting around $50–$100 for the unit. Larger dog doors cost more – bigger openings mean more material and cutting work. A large breed door can run $250–$375 installed, sometimes more for glass or wall installs.
Are microchip pet doors more expensive to install?
The door unit itself costs more – usually $150–$350 compared to a basic flap. Installation labour is similar to a standard door, though. The extra spend is worth it if you want to keep neighbourhood cats from wandering in uninvited for a cheeky feed.
Can I install a pet door myself to save money?
If it’s a basic flap into a timber door, a confident DIYer can manage it – just measure carefully. But for glass, brick, or anything structural, please call a professional. Injuries and damage occur at much greater frequency than whatever small savings there might be in doing things solo.
What other expenses should I be aware of when it comes to installation?
Don’t forget that extra items such as weatherstripping, sealing, draught proofing, and even the replacement glass itself can cause additional expenses which aren’t always automatically included in initial pricing.
How long does a pet door installation usually take?
A standard timber or aluminium door install takes around 30 minutes to an hour. Glass installs take longer – sometimes a couple of hours – especially if a panel needs to be ordered and replaced. Wall installations can take a half day, depending on the material involved.
