Installing pet doors: Save the hassle, hire a pro

Pet doors give your furry friend the freedom to come and go as he pleases. Installing a pet door is a labor-intensive task and requires construction know-how. One Angie's List member had that in mind when he submitted this question:

"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?"

Highly rated handymen and contractors from Angie's List weighed in and offered this insight into pet door installation:

• An experienced handyman or contractor should be able to get the job done in a couple of hours.
• Pet doors are best installed in an entry door rather than a wall.
• Installing one in a metal door can be very expensive.
• Buy the pet door yourself to save money and to make sure it's large enough for your pet.
• Energy loss is inevitable, but caulking and weather stripping can help.
• Consider security features like magnets to keep unwanted pests out.

Learn more about what the experts had to say by reading the articles below.

Keep out rascally raccoons using pet doors with magnets
San Jose door expert urges homeowners to keep a close eye on the flap's quality to minimize loss of heating and cooling.

Buy your own pet door kit, but make sure it fits
Handyman Bob Vecchio also suggests sealing the area with high quality caulk to reduce energy loss.

Pet door wall installation takes longer, looks better
Before hiring a handyman to install a pet door, purchase the door yourself. Evaluate the different size and safety options to decide on the one that is right for your home.

Reduce the cost of pet door installation
By researching and picking out a pet door ahead of time, you can spend less on a handyman to install it.

Buy pet door yourself, hire handyman to install it
Contractor Tom Sims says a handyman should be able to install on in around an hour for about $70.

Need a pet door? Consider where you're installing it
Atlanta handyman service recommends homeowners buy the door for installation to ensure proper size and fit.

Pet doors pose security risks
A Worthington, Ohio, handyman makes recommendation that will let your dog in and keep intruders out.

Install pet doors on entry doors, not walls
There's no way to get around the draft a pet door will create, but sealing the outside with caulk can reduce some of the energy loss.

Pet doors risk insulation loss
Giving Fido freedom can be helpful, but a pet door can also present concerns of energy efficiency. Make sure yours is properly installed and sealed to limit your insulation loss.

Location can raise pet door cost
Where you install your pet door can introduce other concerns and add to your bill; carefully consider all of your options before making a decision.

Wall installation allows pet door removal
Don't skimp when installing pet doors; higher costs associated with location and type of door pay off in the long run.

Higher quality pet doors reduce energy loss
All pet doors decrease your energy efficiency, but doors with features such as double flaps can help limit the loss.

Buying a pet door? Consider energy loss and security
Look for a handyman with carpentry experience who has installed pet doors before to ensure quality work.

Best pet doors still allow draft
Once you put in a pet door, you can't return the door to its original state. It's important to consider the energy and security implications before installing one.

Avoid energy loss in pet doors by using silicone caulk
A handyman can install a pet door for between $200 and $450. Price depends on the type of door and material that needs to be cut.