Hello all,

I am seriously considering getting a dog flap, but would like some input from anyone who has one.  There seems to be two makes, petmate and staywell, but I'm not sure which one to go for.  The door is to go in a upvc back door, and it needs to be large enough for 2 x labs as well as being lightweight enough for 1 x spaniel and 3 x cats.  My main concern is that I want to have a drop in barrier that I can use at night and when I am out as security. Both manufacturers state that their doors have security barriers, but as they easy to put in/take out or are they mainly for if you are away for long periods (eg holidays).
Any input, good or bad, greatly apprec.

Ali :)

Remember to check your house contents insurance cover - many companies insist that dog flaps can only be fitted to a door giving access to a room which also has an external-quality lockable door to the rest of the house. If a person can get their head through, the rest of the burglar can follow, and your insurance might be invalid.

We have the Staywell large flap on our uPVC utility room door. It cost about £60 from Argos and easily accommodates my big crossbreed (Chow X Rott, 45kg, 25" at shoulder) but was light enough for the puppy to use since we got her (although being a Newf, I think we might need to upgrade to a bigger door soon ). I looked at the petmate too but the Staywell felt sturdier and, so far, no problems...even though my boy tends to hurtle through it at an alarming rate. Sorry, I can't advise on the drop barrier as we've never used it but the door we have is lockable in a variety of combinations.

JG makes a good point about your insurance. My utility room has no access to the rest of the house. My 6'2", 13.5 stone (ish) OH can fit through the flap so it would be a really easy access point for burglars.

I'd consider it from the point of view: what's my dog like?

We have a rigid Staywell flap, the largest, for my dogs - but we're on the 3rd one now, as the dogs thunder through it and break it.  So it all depends.  I'm considering the flexible flap next time - soon I think, as they've broken the top off the inside of the current one so we can't lock it anymore - it's something like £70, but for us it may be worth it.

Same here with the burglar point though - I can fit through that flap, my brother can as well and he's 6', so a burglar could.  Having said that, a burglar wouldn't want to try and face our dogs - Remy is very territorial and why he may look like a weim, he sure isn't :D

We've had a clear double glazed acrylic pet door (it opens like a door, sideways if you know what I mean) for years. It's large enough for my GSD's. It has a metal security plate that you lock in if you go away. It's quite easy to do. The problem is - we've had it so long I don't know who makes it! In fact we brought it with us from our last house (and that was 10 years ago!) We should get another one really, so I will have to start looking. I like the fact the dogs can see through it, and it's completely silent in operation. It was quite expensive (around £60 over 10 years ago I seem to remember, but it's been brilliant). Sorry I don't know who makes it. Perhaps you could search for double glazed dog door?
Kat

Kat,

Just had a look and I think the one you mean is called Plexidor.

Hope this helps

Ali :)

We had a Staywell and moved to a Ferplast recently.

It is better as much more sturdy and the flap stays closed and is also lockable.

Our flap is in the wall of our conservatory which is an open plan kitchen/diner/conservatory. We have had double bi-folding exterior doors fitted which are dead bolt lockable plus a proper external door lock which conforms to insurance standards.

I would never be without the flap as it give the girls (Labs) access at all times to the outside (secured open area) It was a god send with Min when she was alive with her collitis as she could always get out in time if she needed !

Lucy
xx

Edited to say you need a sturdy flap as Labs are like bulls in a china shop coming in and out ;)

shaynlola, sorry to get of the point but i just wondered if you have any photos of your rott cross chow, just unusual.

Hi Louise123

There are photos of both my dogs here. Shay is the Chow X Rott and Lola is our (not so) little Newfie pup.

Thankyou for the pics i enjoyed them and fed my curiosty, gorgeous puppy love the picture on top of dog kennel.

Mentalcat

That's the very one! I have just sent for a catalogue - thanks.

Kat