Start with the pet—not the product label

A listed weight range is only a starting point. Two dogs of the same weight can have very different shoulder widths, chest depths, and leg lengths. A broad bulldog may need a wider opening than a taller, lighter dog. Older pets may also need a lower step-over height than young, agile animals.

Before ordering, measure the widest part of the pet’s shoulders or chest and measure from the floor to the top of the shoulders. Then compare those dimensions with the actual flap opening and its position above the finished floor. Allow comfortable clearance rather than expecting the animal to squeeze through.

Current Larson pet-door sizes at a glance

Larson’s current pet storm-door models cover several sizes and viewing styles. Product availability, colors, custom-size options, and specifications can change, so confirm the exact model before quoting.

Always verify the manufacturer’s current opening dimensions and fit guidance. “Up to” weight ratings do not guarantee that every animal at that weight will fit comfortably.

Highview or fullview: which looks and works better?

Highview pet storm doors

A highview door places glass and screen above a more substantial lower panel. The solid lower section feels visually grounded and can conceal paw marks better than a mostly glass design. It is often the practical choice for larger dogs, busy back entrances, and animals that react to pedestrians, delivery drivers, or wildlife.

Fullview and split-fullview pet doors

A fullview design preserves daylight and keeps more of the primary entry door visible. It can make a small foyer feel brighter and may be the more attractive choice over a decorative Therma-Tru door. The tradeoff is that curious or reactive pets can see more activity outside, and fingerprints, nose marks, and paw marks are more visible.

The best recommendation is behavioral as well as architectural. A dog that calmly watches the yard may enjoy pet-height glass. A dog that lunges at every squirrel may be happier—and the household quieter—with a more solid lower panel.

Security: useful cover, not automatic protection

Current Larson pet-door models include a slide-in panel that closes the pet opening. That cover is useful at night, during severe weather, when the household is away, or when wildlife is active. Homeowners should build closing the panel into their routine.

A pet flap should never be treated as a substitute for supervising an animal or securing the primary entry door. A very large pet opening may provide more access than the homeowner realizes. Contractors should discuss the location, the animal’s routine, nearby fencing, and whether the door faces a public sidewalk or secluded yard.

• Lock the primary entry door when appropriate.
• Insert the pet-door cover when access is not needed.
• Check that the flap and cover seat correctly after cleaning.
• Do not represent the pet flap as child containment or a security-rated opening.
• Consider whether raccoons and other Quad Cities wildlife can reach the door.

The honest energy and weather tradeoff

Every operable pet flap creates a less continuous barrier than a solid lower panel. Good seals and a properly fitting cover can reduce drafts, but no frequently used flap should be described as airtight. During a Davenport cold snap, the homeowner may notice cooler air around the lower portion of the entry.

The storm door still helps shield the primary door from wind and precipitation, but the complete opening matters. Inspect the primary door sweep, sill, weatherstrip, frame, and latch alignment. Recommend using the slide-in cover during extreme cold, high wind, or extended periods when the pet will not be using the opening.

For homes where maximum thermal performance is the overriding priority, a pet flap may be the wrong compromise. It is better to say that clearly than to sell convenience as though it has no cost.

Why cutting a standard storm door is a poor shortcut

Homeowners sometimes ask a contractor to cut a pet opening into an existing standard storm door. That can damage the internal structure, create sharp edges, weaken the lower panel, introduce leaks, and affect warranty coverage. The result often looks improvised because the opening was never integrated into the original proportions of the door.

A factory-designed pet storm door is the cleaner recommendation. The flap location, surrounding panel, finish, and closing cover are designed as one product. That usually produces a more professional exterior and avoids transferring unnecessary risk to the installer.

Screens, claws, and daily durability

Pet traffic changes where a door wears. Contractors should look beyond the flap and consider the screen, lower frame, closer, handleset, and latch. Larson offers pet-oriented configurations with tear- or puncture-resistant screen materials, but resistant does not mean indestructible.

• Choose a lower panel suited to the pet’s size and tendency to jump or scratch.
• Keep retractable or adjustable screens away from the pet’s most active contact zone when possible.
• Set the closer so the storm door closes reliably without striking the animal.
• Teach the pet to use the flap rather than pawing at the main door.
• Inspect flap edges, fasteners, weather seals, and the slide-in cover periodically.

Make the entrance look intentional

Pet function does not have to cheapen the front elevation. Frame color should coordinate with the siding, brick, trim, primary door, and exterior hardware. Black creates definition and often suits contemporary homes. White can disappear into light trim. Bronze and warm neutral finishes can soften the contrast against traditional brick or earth-tone Gentek siding.

The amount of glass also changes the composition. Fullview models allow a decorative Therma-Tru entry door to remain prominent. Highview models visually emphasize the storm door’s lower panel, which can look appropriate on a casual side or rear entry. Match the model to the importance of the elevation instead of using the same answer at every door.

Contractor ordering checklist

1. Measure the storm-door opening at the top, middle, and bottom, plus both vertical sides.
2. Measure the pet’s shoulder width and height; note age, mobility, and future growth.
3. Confirm pet-opening dimensions rather than relying only on the stated weight limit.
4. Choose highview or fullview based on behavior, daylight, privacy, and curb appeal.
5. Verify hinge side, handleset clearance, swing path, railings, lights, and porch depth.
6. Discuss drafts, wildlife, security-panel use, supervision, and screen durability.
7. Confirm current model, color, warranty, lead time, and custom-size availability before final pricing.

Frequently asked questions