Our pets are a part of our family, so we all want to make sure we care for their needs. Many of us like to install pet doors to allow our pets the freedom to go outside to relieve themselves or to play if we are away from home for a period of time. In fact, most pets need to be let out about every four hours. In Arizona, there are a couple of options, install a pet door in a wall or through a door. There are many things to consider when shopping for a pet door. When shopping for a pet door here are some things to consider:

• What type of materials is the door made of, plastic or aluminum?

• Will the pet door be energy efficient, especially in the middle of our summer heat?

• When away for a long period of time, can the door be locked?

• What kind of warranty is offered on the pet door?

• How sturdy is the pet door?

• If you have a lot of pets, it may get a lot of use and wear out quickly, so be sure you invest wisely. If the door is being installed through a wall, be sure to pick up an extension kit.

Before installing the pet door, make sure there are no electrical outlets or water lines nearby. Moving an outlet requires a licensed electrician. Moving a water line requires a licensed plumber. Some homes even have termite prevention lines installed in the walls.

When measuring your pet for the right size door, you need to measure for a little wider than the widest part of the cat or dog. When measuring for the height, you need to measure from the bottom of the chest to the top of the shoulders. Pets duck their heads as they push open their doggie door or cat door and step through it. So, ideally you should install the dog or cat door with the top of the opening just above your pet's shoulder. But any position will do as long as you dog or cat can open the door and get through comfortably. A wrong measurement or incorrect cut can be a costly error. Why not contact a professional handyman who can offer suggestions and ensure the job is done correctly the first time?