French Dog Doors

It is definitely possible to install a dog door in a glass door. There are even panels that fit into the same track as your sliding glass door, and then lock in place. These can usually accommodate small to medium size dogs, and sometimes dogs up to 130 pounds. It depends on the height and clearance of the sliding glass door itself.

If you need a panel that is between 77-3/4" to 82" high, they may be available with flaps that can accommodate small animals up to 12 pounds, medium-sized dogs up to 40 pounds, large dogs up to 100 pounds, and taller dogs up to 130 pounds. Check for 77-3/4" clearance above or below any lip the sliding door installation might have. Patio doors that are 93" to 96" have similar features and a clearance requirement of 93".

These glass door panels are usually shipped by ground freight because they must be cautiously handled at all times. If you need a see-through panel for an interior sliding door, such as between a den and an enclosed sunroom, some manufacturers have acrylic pet doors available. Acrylic panels weigh less than glass, of course. However, they tend to be brittle, and must be handled with care during shipment and installation. They are more suitable for small, lighter-weight pets.

French Dog Doors

A small dog door can be installed in a French panel door, but only if the French door actually has individual panels. That may sound a little strange, but at times, molding strips are applied to a single sheet of door glass to simulate panels. If that's the case, the glass cannot be cut. The reason is that the single sheet is tempered glass, and cutting will shatter it.

For the most part, only a small door (plus its security panel and deadbolt pin) can be installed, since only one glass panel should be removed from the bottom of the French door. This type of installation is definitely a job for an experienced glazier. Sometimes, the glazier may be willing to remove two panels, replace part of the second panel with a half-panel of glass, and then install the pre-ordered dog door. Alternatively, he may consider cutting into the wooden side panel or the kick (bottom) panel. (Ask before you place a custom order online or through a catalog.) Either option will accommodate a slightly larger animal, although the results will be less pleasing to the eye.