As dog or cat owners, we want to give our furry little companions a loving and comfortable home. And this is certainly possible whether we have a pet door or not. Things might be a little less convenient if they don’t have constant access to the outdoors, but that doesn’t mean we can’t give them all the love and attention they need.
However, one aspect that many pet owners overlook is just how much money they could save when they install a dog door. It may seem like a luxury we could do without, but when you factor in all the hidden costs, is it more expensive not to get one?
If you don’t have a pet door in your home, it might be time to consider one. After all, a pet door isn’t just about convenience. They also come with a range of health benefits, and even help to improve the bond between pet and owner. But if you’re still on the fence, this might be the one benefit that helps you make up your mind – saving money!
To learn more about how pet door installation can help you save, just have a read through this blog. We’ll explore a few of the hidden costs of going without, the financial benefits of installation, the best kinds of pet doors for saving money, and where to get the best deals.
Hidden Costs of Not Installing a Pet Door
When it comes to our beloved pets, it’s easy to overlook the financial implications of our decisions. We might not notice some of the following expenses, but with the rising costs of living, every dollar saved can help us to avoid stress and enjoy the time we spend with our pets. Here are a few of the hidden costs that might not have crossed your mind:
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Increased Energy Bills
Without a pet door, you may find yourself opening doors to let your pet in and out fairly often. This can lead to a significant waste of energy, as it lets out conditioned air as well. As a result, your heating or cooling systems have to work extra hard to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to higher energy bills. For elderly, indecisive, or unwell pets, this can be even more pronounced.
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Potential Property Damage
Pets often get restless when they’re unable to go outside at will. In their eagerness for mental stimulation, they may scratch at doors or chew on furniture and other household items. These damages can be costly to repair, especially if your pet has an unfortunate taste for expensive belongings, or if they require professional training to break the habit. Additionally, a responsible pet owner may spend quite a lot of money on chew toys in order to relieve their pet’s boredom.
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Extra Cleaning Costs
Any pet owner who’s been in the position where they couldn’t get home on time will know the feeling of walking in to find an accident on their carpet. Of course, this isn’t your pet’s fault, and a house-trained pet will no doubt try their best to wait for you, but it can still be frustrating to find stains on our floors. In the long term, it leads to higher cleaning and maintenance costs.
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More Pet Care Service Fees
In order to prevent our pets from being trapped inside for too long, we sometimes need to consider other options. For those times when we have to spend all day out and about, it can be cruel to make them hold in their business. Pet care service fees include pet sitters, doggy daycares, or the money we spend in commute to such places, especially if we need them regularly.
How Installing a Pet Door Saves You Money
In contrast to all the ways that not having one can cost you money, installing a doggie door helps to generate long term savings and relieve the financial burden of pet ownership. It goes without saying that most loving owners don’t consider their pet to be a burden at all, but saving this extra money can still be freeing for the both of you. After all, it’s money that you can spend on other things that make you both happy.
A high quality, well-sealed pet door will prevent the issue of wasted energy consumption that comes with opening and closing your doors all day. Allowing your furry friend to come and go as they please results in a reduced workload for your heating or cooling systems, ultimately leading to a more energy efficient household with lower energy bills.
It also keeps your pet’s mind occupied. Along with preventing property damage to your belongings and the interior of your house, this sense of freedom promotes better mental health for your pet, which is also true for cleaning expenses – not only will a pet door save you from costly clean ups, but they can also relieve the stress your pet feels when they are unable to avoid indoor accidents.
As you can see, most of the money-saving benefits of pet door installation are beneficial for you and your pet as well. Yet another good example is reducing pet care service fees. Allowing your pet to stay at home when you leave the house for longer periods removes the stress of travelling in the car and being left with strangers. While it’s never a good idea to leave our pets home alone for too long, garden access can turn a long, stressful day into a relaxing one.
The Best Kinds of Pet Doors for Saving Money
It’s safe to say that a good pet door will help you cut costs in lots of different ways, but not all pet doors are created equal. Older, outdated models tend to lack the insulation and security features of new products. So, to really get the most out of this money-saving pet accessory, you should look out for the following:
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High Quality Pet Doors
It might sound counter-intuitive to suggest that you spend more money on a pet door if the objective is to save! However, we have to keep in mind that a cost-effective pet door is a once off investment that will save you money in the long run. If you buy a cheap, low-quality product, you will probably need to repair or replace it before too long. Instead, look for reputable brands with plenty of good reviews.
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Insulated Pet Doors
Trying to reduce your energy bills with a pet door is all well and good, but if you live in an area with very hot summers or very cold winters, this is easier said than done. Insulated pet doors are designed to minimise air leakage and provide better insulation compared to traditional pet doors. Look for features such as double-flap systems and weather stripping to ensure maximum efficiency.
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Electronic Pet Doors
This type of dog door is activated by a signal from your pet’s collar or microchip. It only opens when your pet is nearby, ensuring that stray animals or pests cannot enter your home. Not only do these microchip doors save you money, but they could also save you from a few unwelcome visitors as well. Electronic pet doors for sliding glass doors can even provide added security against break ins.
How to Save Money When Installing Your Pet Door
Installing a pet door may seem like an added expense, but this is another long-term money saver that only needs to be done once – if it’s done right! Fortunately, there are plenty of pet door installation options for every budget. Here are a few ways to ensure your installation costs are as low as possible:
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Proper Sizing
Before purchasing a pet door, make sure to measure your pet. An extra large dog may develop back issues from stooping under a small door, and even if you only have very small dogs, it’s important to make sure they aren’t straining to push open the flap. Appropriate sizing prevents unnecessary replacements or modifications, but many pet door suppliers will be happy to assist you in determining the right size.
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Permissions or Advice
If you’re renting, it’s always a good idea to speak to your landlord before making permanent modifications to your home. But this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to use a pet door. Pet door inserts can be a good option for renters, as they don’t require cutting into doors or windows. However, even if you own your own home, it might be best to seek advice about things like placement.
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Professional Installation
Although DIY options may seem more affordable, they can easily backfire if you make any mistakes. Because most pet door installation involves cutting holes into timber doors or working with glass, safety precautions are a must. On top of the potential damage you might do if you try installing the door on your own, you could also harm yourself. So, considering these risks, it’s best to hire a professional.
A good supplier of high quality pet doors won’t just offer installation services, but will also have a number of handymen contacts to refer you to. This way, you can have the assistance of trusted professionals no matter where you live. And that’s just one of the ways that Aussie Pet Doors goes above and beyond!
How Aussie Pet Doors Can Help You Cut Costs
For pet door products and installation, Aussie Pet Doors is the go-to choice. As pet lovers and qualified tradespeople, they provide professional installation all over Melbourne, working alongside you to ensure the perfect sizing, fit, and placement. But no matter where you live in Australia, this extensive network of glaziers, frame manufacturers, and sub-contractors are just a phone call away.
Aussie Pet Doors is dedicated to delivering the highest quality services at the best possible prices. Friendly and efficient, they offer a huge range of cat door and dog doors for all sizes and breeds, as well as leading brands in the latest pet accessories. Start saving money today by investing in long-term convenience, reduced pet care fees, and energy efficiency. You can check out the range at australianpetdoors.com.au, or call 1300 558 577 for more information.