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Whether you're tired of constantly opening the back door or want to give your dog a bit more independence, installing a dog flap can make life much easier for both you and your pet.

This guide explains typical dog flap installation costs, the different installation options and the factors that affect the overall price.

If you're fitting a flap for a smaller pet, see our cat flap installation cost guide for a direct comparison.

Dog flap installation costs

The size of the flap is one factor that affects cost, but the material you're fitting it into often has an even bigger impact.

Most homeowners pay between £160 and £280 to have a dog flap professionally fitted into a timber or uPVC door.

Installing a dog flap into a composite door, glass panel or external wall is usually more expensive because of the additional labour and specialist skills involved.

These figures generally include labour costs but not always the dog flap itself, so check exactly what's included before accepting a quote.

Compare quotes from checked dog flap installers

The easiest way to understand what your installation is likely to cost is to compare quotes from a selection of checked dog flap installers working in your area.

When requesting quotes, tell each installer your dog's size, the type of flap you'd like and what material you're fitting it into. Photos of the door or wall can also help installers provide a more accurate quote before visiting your home.

Dog door installation costs

The surface being cut into is the biggest factor in how much you'll pay for dog flap installation:

• Timber door: Typically £80–£125. The simplest and most affordable option, usually taking around 1–1.5 hours

• uPVC door panel: Typically £80–£120. Straightforward for an experienced installer and usually completed within 1–2 hours

• Composite door: Typically £130–£190. Composite materials require more specialist tools and generally take 1.5–2.5 hours

• Glass door or glazed door: Typically £160–£250. A replacement glazed panel is often required, with installation taking around 2–5 hours

• External wall: Typically £240–£450. This is the most labour-intensive option, requiring masonry work and a tunnel liner. Installation usually takes 1.5–4 hours

What affects the cost of dog flap installation?

Several factors influence the final cost of installing a dog flap:

• Door material: This is usually the biggest cost factor. Cutting into uPVC or composite doors takes more specialist skill than cutting into timber, so installers typically charge more. Glass panels are the most expensive surface and require a glazier. In many cases, a new double-glazed unit will need to be manufactured with a pre-cut opening

• Flap size: Larger dogs need larger flaps, which generally cost more to buy and install

• Flap type: Manual flaps are usually the most affordable. Microchip-operated flaps cost more but offer greater security by only allowing access to registered pets

• Location: Labour rates are generally higher in London and the South East than elsewhere in the UK

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Benefits of installing a dog flap

A dog flap gives your pet the freedom to access the garden independently while making day-to-day life easier for you.

Some of the main benefits include:

• Greater independence: Your dog can come and go without needing you to open the door every time

• Fewer indoor accidents: Easy access to the garden can help reduce indoor accidents, particularly for younger or older dogs

• Convenience: No more interrupting work, meals or relaxing at home every time your dog wants to go outside

• Improved security: Modern microchip dog flaps only unlock for your pet's registered microchip, helping to keep out neighbouring cats and other animals

If you're concerned about home security after installing a dog flap, simple measures such as improving your outdoor lighting, installing CCTV or upgrading your locks can provide additional peace of mind.

Can you fit a dog flap in a uPVC door?

Yes. A dog flap can usually be fitted into a solid uPVC door panel without any problems by an experienced installer.

If your uPVC door has a glazed lower section, it's normally best to replace the glass with a new double-glazed unit manufactured with a pre-cut opening for the dog flap. Existing double-glazed units generally can't be cut after they've been made.

Before work begins, your installer should also check whether the flap position could interfere with the door's multi-point locking mechanism.

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Dog flap installation cost calculator

The calculator below provides a guide price based on previous Checkatrade jobs.

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This calculator provides a guide price only. For a more accurate cost, compare quotes from a selection of checked dog flap installation services in your area.

Can you install a dog flap yourself?

Installing a dog flap into a timber door is a realistic DIY project if you're confident using basic woodworking tools.

Most dog flaps include a template showing exactly where to cut. After marking the opening, you'll typically drill pilot holes before cutting with a jigsaw and fitting the two halves of the flap together.

For uPVC, composite, glass or wall installations, it's usually best to use a professional. These materials are much less forgiving and mistakes can be expensive to rectify.

Dog flap installation cost checklist

Before requesting quotes:

• Measure your dog at the widest point (usually the shoulders) and from the floor to shoulder height. Add around 40mm to both measurements when choosing a flap size

• Check what material you're fitting the flap into. Timber, uPVC, composite, glass and external walls all affect the installation cost

• Decide whether you'd like a manual or microchip-operated flap before requesting quotes

• If you're concerned about home security or insurance, check your policy and consider additional security measures such as CCTV, outdoor lighting or upgraded locks

• For uPVC, composite, glass or wall installations, choose an experienced tradesperson rather than attempting the work yourself

• Compare itemised quotes from a selection of checked installers and confirm whether the flap, installation, disposal and any replacement panels are included in the price

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

Find a checked dog flap installer near you

Whether you're fitting a dog flap into a timber door or installing one through an external wall, an experienced installer can recommend the best location and ensure it's fitted securely and weatherproofed correctly.

When comparing installers:

• Read verified customer reviews

• Compare itemised quotes from a selection of checked tradespeople

• Check whether the dog flap is included or supplied separately

• Confirm what's included in the installation price, including any replacement panels or making good

• Ask whether the installer has experience fitting dog flaps into your type of door or wall

Providing your dog's measurements and photos of the installation area will often help installers provide a more accurate quote before visiting.

FAQs

From the cost of installing a dog shower to dog-friendly garden ideas and pet bed inspiration, at Checkatrade, we've got you covered.

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