Can You Add a Dog Door to a Fence or Gate?

Yes. Empire Fence can build a pet opening into a fence or gate, commonly a framed doggy window with chain link, so your dog can pass from one area to another safely. We build these for homeowners across Tulsa and northeast Oklahoma as part of a new fence or as an addition.

A pet opening in a fence usually takes one of these forms:

• Doggy window. A framed opening, often fitted with black chain link, that lets a dog move between a yard and a side run or kennel.
• Pet pass-through in a gate. A small, framed opening built into a gate for everyday access.
• A dedicated small gate. A low, narrow gate just for the dog, latched out of reach.

We have built dog-friendly fences across northeast Oklahoma since 1955, and most qualifying new installations earn our Gold Seal Certificate of Excellence after a 31-point inspection.

How a Doggy Window Works

The most common pet opening we build is a doggy window: a framed cutout in a wood fence or gate, usually fitted with black chain link so the opening is sturdy and the dog cannot widen it. It lets a dog move between, say, the backyard and a dog run on the side of the house, without leaving a gate propped open. We size it to your dog and frame it cleanly so it looks like part of the fence. A wood and chain link build pairs naturally with this idea.

Placing It Safely

Where the opening goes matters as much as the opening itself. We place a pet pass-through where it connects the areas your dog actually uses, away from the street side, and we keep the rest of the fence secure with a tight bottom and self-latching gates. If your dog is also a digger, see how to stop a dog from digging under a fence, and our guides to the best fence for dogs and the best pet-friendly fence.

Building It Into Your Fence

The cleanest way to add a pet opening is to plan it into a new fence, so the framing is built in from the start. We can also add one to an existing Empire fence in many cases. Tell us your dog’s size and how you want the yard to flow, and we will design an opening that is safe, secure, and tidy. See our gate options for matching hardware.

Related Questions

Pet opening questions from Tulsa homeowners.

Can you put a dog door in a wood fence?

Yes. We build a framed doggy window, usually with black chain link, into a wood fence or gate so your dog can pass through while the opening stays sturdy and secure.

Is a pet opening secure?

When sized to your dog and framed properly, yes. We fit it with chain link so it cannot be widened, place it away from the street, and keep the rest of the fence tight and self-latching.

Can you add a dog door to my existing fence?

In many cases, yes, especially on an Empire-built fence. Tell us your dog’s size and the layout, and we will design a clean, secure pet opening that fits.