Doggy Doors & Pet Access: How to Safely Integrate Pet Doors into Melbourne Security Screens

Melbourne is a city of pet lovers. Whether you have a playful Cavoodle in South Yarra or an energetic German Shepherd in Melton, ensuring your pets have free access to the backyard for toilet breaks and exercise while you are at work is a priority for any homeowner.

However, pet owners frequently face a frustrating dilemma: *How do you give your dog or cat independent backyard access without leaving your doors unlocked or compromising home security?*

Here is how TBT Security Doors custom-integrates certified Australian Petway Pet Doors directly into security doors.

1. The Pet Freedom vs Security Dilemma

Cutting an open hole into a security door can introduce vulnerability if done incorrectly. DIY installations often involve cutting into diamond grilles or mesh with tin snips, leaving sharp metal edges, weakening the door's diagonal stiffness, and creating an opening where a burglar could reach inside to manipulate a door handle.

Professional installation avoids these pitfalls through structural framing, strategic placement, and deadlock key protection.

### 2. Australian Petway Flap Specifications

At TBT, we install genuine Australian Petway Access Doors:

Crafted from UV-stabilized, high-impact polycarbonate designed to withstand Australian sun without cracking or yellowing.

Equipped with silent magnetic bottom latches that automatically seal the flap shut against wind gusts and drafts.

Features a built-in 4-way manual locking mechanism:

1. *Unlocked (two-way entry & exit)* 2. *Fully Locked (no access)* 3. *In-Only (pets can return inside during rain, but cannot go back out)* 4. *Out-Only*

3. How TBT Reinforces the Door Frame

When installing a pet door into an Alu-Gard perforated aluminium door or diamond grille door:

1. We construct a dedicated aluminium perimeter sub-frame using matching extruded box section. 2. The sub-frame is welded or heavy-riveted directly into the main door structure, restoring 100% of the door's original torsional stiffness. 3. The mesh or perforated sheet is mechanically anchored around the cutout, ensuring zero exposed jagged edges that could harm your pet.

4. Sizing Guide: Cats to Large Dogs

Selecting the correct door size ensures your pet enters comfortably without hesitation:

Small Petway (Opening 240mm H x 190mm W): Ideal for cats, Maltese, Pugs, Chihuahuas, and small Terriers.

Medium Petway (Opening 305mm H x 225mm W): Ideal for French Bulldogs, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and Cavoodles up to ~15kg.

Large Petway (Opening 400mm H x 260mm W): Ideal for Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, and Boxers up to ~35kg.

5. Security Standards Impact & Best Practices

Under Australian Standard AS 5039, any door featuring a pet opening cannot technically hold an official NATA security door certificate because an opening exists. However, by adhering to two key rules, you maintain formidable security:

1. Always use a 3-Point Deadlock: Ensure your door lock requires a physical key turn from the inside to unlock, rather than a simple thumb-turn snib. This prevents an intruder from reaching an arm through a pet flap to unlatch the door.

2. Pair with Alu-Gard or Stainless Mesh: The rigid sub-frame prevents intruders from enlarging the cutout without heavy industrial power tools.