Frequently Asked Questions

A: When the PlexiDor is closed, the panels and weather seal will keep flies and other bugs out of the house. There is no guarantee an insect won't come into the house with a pet - or that a pet won't lie down in the opening, propping the panels open, but that is true for any pet door. We do have feedback from pet owners in areas with many black flies, and the flies have not entered their homes through the PlexiDor.

A: The PlexiDor is constructed and manufactured in the USA, in Bradenton, Florida. Bradenton is located just south of Tampa, on Florida's east coast. Manufacturing, warehouse, and offices are located in Bradenton and the door has been made here since 1985.

A: The PlexiDor has a higher up-front cost than many other pet doors, but it is also one of the cheapest doors to own over its lifetime. The PlexiDor's frame is made from aluminum and will never crack or warp like other pet door frames may do. It will keep working and look just the same through the years. The see-through panels won't need replacing - no more worrying about flaps. The panels are made from a special material called K9Glass that is designed to withstand daily use and abuse by rambunctious pets as well as weather and time. These high-grade materials make the door more expensive to manufacture than cheaper competitors, but saves both money and work in the long run. Depending on climate and usage, many owners of cheaper dog doors and cat doors have to replace flaps several times every year. Others need to replace them once a year or once every second year. The panels on the PlexiDor will keep looking good and keep working. Over a ten-year period, the PlexiDor will require little maintenance, no replacement flaps, and saves energy - which in turn saves money on heating and cooling. In hot climates, the PlexiDor saves AC costs, and in cold climates, it saves heating costs. The PlexiDor locks from the inside and comes with a metal security plate. It is very difficult to force a PlexiDor open when it's locked and has the security plate attached.

A: The PlexiDor Glass Series is designed to replace the glass in a French door or a sliding glass door. It is a prefabricated glass pane with a factory installed PlexiDor, making installation in your home a breeze. The product uses glass that has been tempered and is insulated, to help keep weather outside. The glass is the same kind used in car windows, shower doors, and diving masks, and it is very strong. Both glass and frame have a five-year warranty. You can get the product with any size manual PlexiDor: small, medium, large, or extra large. The PlexiDor has a ten-year warranty. We can help you find an authorized installer who will help you measure, store the original glass in case you want to revert the door to functioning without a pet door, and of course perform the installation. Call 888-PET-DOOR (888-738-3667).

A: The American Cocker Spaniel The history of the American Cocker Spaniel goes back to the 14th century, and the first one in America is believed to have arrived on the Mayflower in 1620. Since then, these dogs have developed  differences from their English relatives. The breed is sturdy, good-natured, intelligent, and well balanced. They also possess remarkable speed and endurance. However, they do not like to be alone. They need to be with their family. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for Cocker Spaniels.

A: The Portuguese Podengo The Portuguese Podengo has developed into three sizes: Pequeno, Medio, and Grande. Each size can be smooth or wire coated, and the different varieties are not interbred. They’re all referred to as the Portuguese Podengo. Podengo Grande is the largest with a weight range of 44 to 66 lbs. They were originally developed for hunting deer and wild boar, and they are tough, hardy, and very observant. Nowadays this size is rare, even in Portugal. A Portuguese Podengo Grande needs a Large PlexiDor dog door. Podengo Medio weighs between 35 and 44 lbs. They are great at chasing, but can also stalk like a cat, and have a funny way of jumping to see over things. They are very active and make great dogs for active families. A smaller Podengo Medio can use a Medium PlexiDor dog door, but large individuals might need a Large PlexiDor dog door. The Podengo Pequeno is the most common in the USA. They are watchful, observant, and very active. Many owners say these dogs are silly and funny indoors. The Portuguese Podengo is a hardy breed that often lives into its late teens. They excel at agility and other sports, and love to have a job to do. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for a Podengo Pequeno or Podengo Medio.

A: The Jagdterrier At the time, German nationalism was strong along with an interest in genetic engineering, and many wanted to recreate animals from the country's mythology. This showed itself in attempts to recreate extinct and primitive horses, cattle, and even zebras. When the focus turned to dogs, breeders wanted a German hunting dog that would be able to best foreign hunting dogs. The Jagdterrier was created through a massive breeding program that included 700 dogs at any given time. To start with, no dogs were allowed to leave the kennels, and any individual that didn't look just right or show the right temperament was put down. After ten years, the dog bred true each time, and the new breed was embraced through the country. Jagdterriers are known to be courageous, reliable, adaptable, and intelligent. They are small in size, but big at heart, and have been seen to stand their ground against mountain lions and bears. Their smarts and adaptability make them great family dogs, as long as they get physical and mental exercise. Just know that they still have a strong hunting instinct and will pursue perceived prey if given the chance. The PlexiDor Medium is the right size dog door for a Jagdterrier.

A: The English Bulldog Bulldogs are calm dogs that like to relax in a comfortable chair and watch TV with their owners. They need a walk every day, but they’re far from the explosive bundles of energy characteristic for many other dog breeds. Take care with bulldogs during summer – they are extremely heat sensitive and must be protected so they don’t get heat stroke. Also watch over your bulldog near water. Most bulldogs are unable to swim and will sink no matter how much they paddle to stay afloat. These dogs are known for being gentle, loving, dependable, and protective. They often form strong bonds with children. English Bulldogs seek out human affection and require a lot of attention to be content. They are also known for being courageous when the occasion calls for it, and if needed they will protect their family. The PlexiDor Large is the right size dog door for an English Bulldog.

A: The Norwich Terrier Norwich Terriers were originally created to hunt small vermin and foxes, and the strong hunting instinct remains in the breed. Even the most well behaved dog can succumb to instinct and take off after a squirrel or other animal considered prey, and it is wise to not let them off leash outside a fenced in yard. These dogs love their families. They’re adaptable, eager to please, and generally get along well with children. They do need ample exercise – at least two long and brisk walks every day – and they’re happiest when they have something to do. If your Norwich barks a lot or digs a lot of holes in the yard he or she is probably bored. When it comes to grooming they need a weekly brushing. Most owners strip the coat twice a year – stripping means to pull out the dead top coat – and doing so maintains the dog’s characteristic appearance and gets rid of a lot of the shedding. They don’t need frequent baths, unless they find something stinky to roll in, of course. Depending on the individual, a Small or Medium PlexiDor will be the right size dog door for your Norwich Terrier.

A: The Poodle Poodles are the national dog of France, but the breed is believed to come from Germany. The standard Poodle is the oldest variety that was bred down to Miniature and Toy sizes. The words “standard,” “miniature,” and “toy” are only used to describe the size – all sizes of the dog are one breed. These dogs were originally water retrievers, and the traditional haircut was designed to help the dogs swim more efficiently. Patches of hair were left to protect vital organs and joints. Many associate the Poodle with their traditional haircut – and avoid getting them if they don’t like the cut – but there are many different ways to trim the dogs’ hair. Many like the “Sporting Clip” where the coat is cut to follow the body’s outline. This breed is active and needs exercise to stay happy. They do great in many dog sports, as circus dogs, and service dogs. Depending on the individual, a Small, Medium, or Large PlexiDor will be the right size dog door for Poodles.