Dog or Cat Flap Installation Cost

How Much Does Dog or Cat Flap Installation Cost?

The average dog or cat flap installation cost for a simple wooden door is around £100 in total, while fitting a cat or dog flap into a glass door is closer to £200 because of the extra work and materials.

The cost of dog or cat flap installation comes down to three things:

• The type of door or wall you're cutting into.
• The size of the dog or cat flap.
• How high-tech you go.

A basic manual dog or cat flap is around £10 to £20 for materials only. If you'd rather go for magnetic flaps, microchip flaps, or an automatic model that only opens for your own pet, you're looking at £50 to £100+.

Cat or dog flaps can be fitted into almost any type of door, including wood, uPVC, composite, or even glass, though some materials take longer to work with and cost a little more to fit. However, pet flaps can't be fitted onto fire doors, such as internal garage doors or flat front doors that lead onto a communal hallway.

Modern microchip models also mean there's much less chance of other animals gaining access to your home, although this can't be fully guaranteed. If your cat or dog often gets locked out, or if you're sick of draughts because the back door is always open, installing a cat flap or dog flap could be the answer.

Dog & Cat Flap Installation Price List

The following table indicates the prices of installing a small, medium, and large dog or cat flap into various surfaces, with the small flaps at the lower end of the range and large dog and cat flaps costing the most.

Please refer to the measurements below to determine whether you will be looking at purchasing a small, medium, or large dog or cat flap.

• Small — 20cm by 15cm or under.
• Medium — 30cm by 20cm or under.
• Large — Over 30cm.

What Affects Dog and Cat Flap Installation Costs?

Fitting a dog or cat flap is a relatively straightforward job for a professional tradesperson, but there are a few factors that will affect how much your dog or cat flap installation costs.

• Type of Pet Flap — Your choice of pet flap will affect your costs, with a basic model costing around £20, but high-tech infrared and microchip models can cost up to £100.
• Pet Flap Size — The bigger your pet, the bigger the pet flap you need, with larger models naturally costing more than the smallest versions.
• Door or Wall Type — Simple installs in a solid timber door will usually be the easiest and cheapest, but fitting a flap in a wall, composite door, or double-glazed door will usually mean more labour, materials, and costs.
• Installation Complexity — Linked to the above point, if your installation has any added complexity, this could also mean spending more on materials and labour to have your pet flap installed.
• Your Location — Where you live will probably affect your costs, too, with handyman rates in London and the South East likely to be higher than average rates for the rest of the UK.

How Much Does a Dog or Cat Flap Fitter Cost? (Labour Only)

The cost of labour for fitting a dog or cat flap depends on how long your particular installation will take, so the more challenging your install, the higher your labour costs will be. The table below shows how your labour costs could vary with different types of installation:

To avoid the higher costs if a DIY installation goes wrong, many homeowners choose to hire a professional to properly and securely install a dog or cat flap, which usually makes paying a little more worth it.

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Cat Flap Installation Cost by Door and Wall Type

Where you put the flap has a big impact on price. Fitting into a simple uPVC or wooden panel is usually the cheapest option, while glass, windows, and solid walls sit at the top end of the scale.

Below, you'll find typical prices for each main fitting type, plus a quick average so you can see what you're likely to pay.

Installing Cat Flap in a uPVC Door Cost

If you're looking at the cat flap in uPVC door cost, this is often the most budget-friendly option. On average, expect to pay around £100 to have a flap fitted into a flat uPVC door panel, depending on the size.

Installing Cat Flap in a Wooden Door Cost

Fitting into a standard timber door is similar money to uPVC. As a rough guide, a wooden door cat flap installation averages around £100, with smaller flaps at the lower end and large flaps costing a bit more.

Installing Cat Flap in Glass Door Cost

Glass is more involved, as the panel is replaced with a new unit that has a pre-cut hole. That's why the installing cat flap in glass door cost, the dog flap in glass door price, and the cat flap in window cost are all higher than simple uPVC or timber jobs.

The same process applies to installing a cat flap in double-glazed patio doors, as the glazed panel is replaced in the same way. Costs will be similar to fitting a dog or cat flap in French doors, but will depend on the size of the patio door panel.

Realistically, you're looking at around £210 for a flap fitted into a glass French door, depending on flap size.

Installing Cat Flap in an External Wall Cost

Wall fittings take more time, as the installer has to cut through brickwork and often line the tunnel. Because of this extra work, the run-of-the-mill cost to fit a cat flap in a wall comes in at around £375.

Installing Cat Flap in a Composite Door Cost

Composite doors are strong and well insulated, so cutting into them needs a bit more care. Because of this, the average cost to fit a flap in a composite door is around £150, with larger flaps at the higher end.

Pet Flap Installation Cost Calculator

Types of Cat and Dog Flaps

Prices for different types of pet flaps can vary quite a lot. How much you'll pay depends on how secure or high-tech you go, from simple two-way doors to smart microchip models that only open for your pet.

The different types of dog or cat flap can be fitted to most common door types and walls, but they may require more specialist fitting in walls and glass, so it's worth checking with your installer.

What type of pet flap are you having installed?

Basic manual pet flap

1 votes - 20%20% of votes

Magnetic pet flap

0 votes - 0%0% of votes

Automatic pet flap

0 votes - 0%0% of votes

Microchip pet flap

4 votes - 80%80% of votes

5 votes See results Hide results

It's also worth checking what kind of weather sealing the dog or cat flap has, as better models with brush strips or magnetic seals might cost a little more but will do a much better job of keeping draughts, rain, and damp out of your home, and can make a difference to energy efficiency.

Classic Dog or Cat Flap Cost

Average cost: £10 to £25

The standard 2-way flap is the cheapest option and does the job for most pets. It swings both ways and gives your cat or small dog freedom to nip in and out as they please. Ideal if you live somewhere quiet with few visiting animals.

Pros

• ✔ Cheap and easy to fit yourself.
• ✔ Works for cats and small dogs.

Cons

• ✖ No control over other pets coming in.
• ✖ Lets in draughts if not sealed well.

Lockable Dog or Cat Flap Cost

Average cost: £10 to £30

A lockable flap is a small step up. You can slide it shut at night or when you're out, so your pet stays in (or out) as needed. It's simple, practical, and ideal if you like a bit of extra control without spending loads.

Pros

• ✔ Budget-friendly with basic security.
• ✔ Easy to lock and unlock manually.

Cons

• ✖ Still open to other pets when unlocked.
• ✖ Basic weather protection.

Magnetic Pet Flap Cost

Average cost: £20 to £80

These use a magnetic tag on your pet's collar so the flap only opens for them. It's a good middle-ground if you want more control but don't need anything too fancy. Just note, some nearby pets might have matching tags. It happens!

Pros

• ✔ More secure than a basic flap.
• ✔ Affordable compared to tech models.

Cons

• ✖ Takes a moment to unlock.
• ✖ Some tags share the same magnetic code.

Infrared Dog or Cat Flap Cost

Average cost: £50 to £100

Infrared flaps use a coded key or collar tag that sends a signal to open the door. It's clever and helps keep out any random visitors. You can even set up spare keys for friends' pets if needed.

Pros

• ✔ Excellent control over which pets get access.
• ✔ Adjustable settings for multiple animals.

Cons

• ✖ More expensive upfront.
• ✖ Battery-powered — needs occasional checks.

Microchip Cat or Dog Flap Cost

Average cost: £50 to £100

The top-end choice. A microchip cat flap or dog flap recognises your pet's unique chip and opens just for them, not the neighbours' pets. Great for security, and you can program multiple pets if needed.

Pros

• ✔ Maximum security and convenience.
• ✔ Works automatically for chipped pets.

Cons

• ✖ Higher cost than other types.
• ✖ Requires batteries or power source.

What's Involved in Fitting a Dog or Cat Flap?

Getting a dog or cat flap fitted is a fairly speedy job. Having said that, it does need care, especially if you're working with glass or composite doors.

Many homeowners choose to hire professional cat flap fitters for their dog or cat flap installation.

With MyJobQuote you can request several quotes from dog and cat flap fitters near you. It's fast, free, and there's no obligation to go ahead.

Here's a quick look at what happens when you hire a professional tradesperson to do it properly for you.

Before the Job

• Measuring Up — The cat flap fitter will measure your door or wall, check the height that suits your pet, and mark up exactly where the flap will sit.
• Confirming the Type — They'll double-check the material (wood, uPVC, glass, or brick). Also, they'll make sure the dog or cat flap you've chosen is compatible before cutting anything.

During the Job

• Cutting the Opening — For cat flaps fitted into doors, the fitter will drill a hole in each corner of the marked outline then cut it out with a jigsaw. And to stop splinters or cracks, your fitter will smooth down the edges.
• Fitting the Flap — The dog or cat flap is fixed into place and sealed all the way around to stop draughts or leaks. On glass jobs, a new pane with a pre-cut hole is fitted instead of cutting your existing one.

After the Job

• Final Inspections — Your installer will double-check the flap opens as it should and closes tightly. If it's a microchip or magnetic model, they'll take a look at the sensor to see if it's working correctly.
• Clean-Up and Handover — Any dust or offcuts, they'll clear away. Next, you'll be shown how to use and maintain the cat flap — like how to lock it when needed.

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What Size Dog or Cat Flap Do I Need?

Don't worry too much about the size label on the box. Instead, focus on how your pet gets about. Take a look at these quick tips. They'll help you pick a flap that fits them comfortably now as well as when they're grown up.

• Measure Your Pet Standing Up — Measure from the floor to the top of their back between the shoulder blades. This will give you a pretty good idea of where the top of the opening should sit.
• Add a Bit of Wiggle Room — Aim for an opening that's around 2 inches taller and wider than your pet. This way, they'll be able to walk through without squeezing or bumping their sides.
• Get the Step-Over Right — The gap between the floor and the bottom of the flap (the "step over") should be as low as you can make it. And it shouldn't be any more than about a third of your pet's height. On doors, you'll need at least 3 inches. This keeps the door strong.
• Check Collar Clearance — The last thing you want is for their collar or tag to catch on the top edge every time they push through! So, you'll want to make doubly sure there's enough space above their back.
• Do a Doorway Test — Block off part of a doorway to your planned width and call your pet through. If they hesitate, shuffle, or have to turn sideways, you need a bigger flap.
• Use a Cardboard Template — Cut the size you're thinking of out of cardboard. Next, hold it at the right height and let them try it. This is a really easy way to check everything feels right before anyone cuts into the door.

Dog & Cat Flap Repair and Maintenance

One of the most common issues you can come across with a dog or cat flap is that the cat flap stops working or doesn't open. This is most common on microchip cat flaps. There are several things that may cause this, but usually, it is because the flap can no longer read the chip on your dog or cat.

Below is a list of things that you can do to repair and maintain your dog or cat flap.

• Start by checking the batteries by making sure they're the right way round, that they've got some life in them, and they're sitting properly. A new battery will cost around £5 to £15.
• Look for any nearby electrical disturbances and ensure the area is clear of flickering lights or anything else that could cause electrical interference.
• Clean your dog or cat flap regularly to avoid dirt and grime. This may cause problems if left for too long and could prevent your dog or cat flap from working efficiently.
• If all else fails, a factory reset may be just the thing that brings your dog or cat flap back to life. Check the instruction manual that came with the dog or cat flap before performing a factory reset.

Dog and Cat Flap Removal Cost

Perhaps you are looking to remove your dog or cat flap completely. It is possible to remove a dog or cat flap yourself. However, it is always recommended that you seek professional advice from a tradesperson.

How much it will cost to remove an existing dog or cat flap will depend on the size of the flap, type of door or glass, and what needs replacing to make it good, but on average, for a straightforward removal you could expect to pay between £50 and £120.

There are a number of ways in which your dog or cat flap can be removed. We have listed some of the best options below.

Remove and Replace the Panel

Depending on the type of door that the dog or cat flap was installed in, you may be able to purchase a replacement panel. This means that you can remove the entire panel that the dog or cat flap was installed into and then replace the entire thing with a new one.

This is probably the easiest method of removing a dog or cat flap, and removing the flap and replacing the panel should cost between £120 and £250, depending on the type of door and panel size.

Remove and Cover the Hole

Another option may be to remove the dog or cat flap and then cover the hole and fill the gaps. However, if this is not done properly, it can cause some security risks and may be prone to weather damage.

While less ideal, this is probably the cheapest option, and you could expect to pay £60 to £150 to remove a pet flap and cover the hole, depending on how much repair work is required.

Replace the Entire Door

Some people may prefer to just replace the entire door completely, but this can incur significantly higher costs depending on the type of door that you are looking to purchase.

Installing a basic uPVC door could cost between £400 and £850 depending on the size and type of door and fittings you choose, while a premium timber or composite door could cost £1,500 to £2,500 or more.

Checklist: Hiring a Dog and Cat Flap Installer in the UK

Consider these key points before you book someone to fit your dog or cat flap:

• Do they regularly fit dog and cat flaps in your type of door or wall? Find out if they're confident working with uPVC, composite, timber, glass, or brick — especially if you're going through a double-glazed unit or an external wall.
• Who's supplying the dog or cat flap itself? Some fitters are happy to fit a flap you've bought, others prefer to supply and fit the whole lot. If they're supplying it, check the make, model, and warranty so you know what you're getting.
• Do they have public liability insurance? It's there to cover damage to your property or injury to you if something goes wrong while they're working on the door or glass, so it's always worth asking.
• How will they deal with glass or double glazing? Your fitter will order a new glass unit with a pre-cut hole rather than cutting into your existing panel. This keeps the glazing safe and under warranty.
• Is all sealing and tidying afterwards part of the price? Check that finishing touches are covered in the quote. That's things like trim, sealant, finishing off rough edges, and repainting any small scuffs around the opening.
• Can they show photos or reviews of comparable jobs? Before-and-after pictures and recent feedback from other pet owners will give you a good feel for the quality of their work.
• Will you get a written quote and any guarantee? Ask for the price, what's included, and how long their workmanship is guaranteed for, all in writing before you say yes.

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