Pet doors can be convenient for your cat or dog, but they can also create opportunities for wild animals to gain access to your home. If you are considering installing a pet door into your home, there are a few things you should definitely factor in first.
Pet Doors and Animal Invasion
Pet doors can open up your home to all sorts of different wild critters. Depending on the size of the pet door you install, animals such as raccoons, squirrels, opossums, skunks, and snakes can all gain access to your house. Generally, wild animals may use a pet door if they understand that there is warmth, shelter, and other necessities on the other side.
Animal Mimicry and Pet Doors
Many animals watch other critters to learn about foreign objects. If they see your dog using a pet door, they may assume that they can safely use it as well. Raccoons and squirrels are especially adept in determining safety by watching other animals.
Locking Mechanisms
Generally, you want a pet door that can lock. This helps prevent wild animals, or even humans, from using it to gain entry into your home. Because it is generally not a good idea to leave pets unsupervised outside, a pet door is best for letting your pets travel in and out of the house while you are out there. When not in use, the pet door should be able to lock from the inside. You should never leave a pet door unlocked and unattended.
Microchips and Access for Pets
Some high-end pet doors feature mechanisms that react to your pet’s microchip. In theory, this can be a good way to limit access for wild animals. However, these doors can unlock if your dog is barking at a wild animal close to the pet door. Be sure to consider all options before choosing to invest in a pet door.
If a Wild Animal Enters Your Home
If a wild animal does enter your home, contact a professional wildlife removal service. NY/NJ Wildlife Removal Inc. offers 24/7 emergency services for wild animal exclusion and removal. Capturing and removing the wild animal is important to ensuring the safety of you, your pets, and your family.