"I'm looking for a company or contractor that would install pet doors. What kind of company should I be looking for, and what should I expect out of the job?" — Angie's List member Hector Sosa

Hire a licensed and bonded contractor familiar with building codes, says Greg Haigh, general manager of highly rated Handyman Matters in Everett, which also services portions of Seattle. An experienced contractor's understanding of how the whole house operates means they'll be able to install a pet door in a wall or an existing door.

"A poor installation could lead to rotting siding if the door isn't sealed properly," Haigh says. "Here in the Pacific Northwest, continual moisture can cause extensive damage or mold growth."

Double-flapped pet doors and caulking will help limit air intrusion from the outdoors, Haigh says, but a little energy loss is inevitable.

Pet door installation through walls, however, can be made more weather tight. "We use flexible flashing to seal walls," Haigh says. "However, if you choose to install it into a door, you generally don't want to puncture materials such as fiberglass, because it may compromise the door's structural integrity.

"Cutting into metal doors may void your warranty, so wood doors tend to be easier to work with. Lastly, keep in mind that the door going to your garage is fire rated. Putting a pet door through it will violate its burn barrier."

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