Securing your home is a top priority, and one of the most vulnerable entry points for burglars is often overlooked: the windows.
Pets
Dog door security tips to help prevent burglars
Dog doors are convenient but can provide an entry point for thieves. Here’s how you can help prevent burglary and theft by securing your dog door.
Theft is on the rise in Victoria, with the highest number of residential burglaries reported in the year to March 2025 since 2018, according to the Crime Statistics Agency. But with many Victorians looking to consolidate their home security, there’s one common household feature that can leave pet owners vulnerable to burglary.
While dog and cat owners appreciate the convenience of pet doors, as they allow their pets to travel in and out of their house at their leisure, the downside is that poorly located or insecure dog doors can also allow thieves to do the same.
The good news is that you can keep your dog door and still feel confident in your home security set-up. Here's how you can achieve this balance without compromising on safety.
Tips for creating a secure dog or pet door
Install your dog door in a secure location
Wherever possible, install your dog door in a location that cannot be seen from the street. This helps prevent opportunistic thieves. If possible, have the pet door open into a room that has few valuables and a lockable door between it and the rest of the house (such as a laundry).
Installing the dog door in a wall is also more secure than installing it into a door. Dog doors installed into regular doors can allow thieves to reach their hand through the flap and potentially undo any door locks. This can give them access to your house even if they can’t fit through the dog door.
Depending on the composition of your walls, a competent handyperson may be able install a pet door into a wall. If you have any doubt, contact a licensed tradesperson.
Buy the smallest suitable dog door
Some pet owners opt for dog doors that are larger than necessary to ensure their dog can use it comfortably. The risk here is that larger dog doors make it easier for thieves to break into your house.
To ensure you choose the correct size dog door for your pet, start by measuring your cat or dog. Stand them up straight on all fours and measure between the ground and the tallest point of their back. Add 2.5cm to this measurement to help prevent collars being snagged or your pet hitting their back when using the door.
Use this measurement as a guide to find a suitably sized dog door. Once you’ve found one, it can be helpful to mock-up a cardboard version of it at home to test on your pet to confirm it will work before committing to the purchase.
Get a lockable dog door
A wide variety of pet doors are available for sale in Australia, including those which can be locked.
The locking mechanisms on these vary from clips and latches to microchips. A locked pet door may not stop a determined thief, but the effort and noise required can serve as a deterrent.
A lockable pet door also has the added benefit of preventing stray animals and wildlife entering your home.
With home security in mind, carefully consider the size and location of the dog door. Image: Matt Harvey
Improve your general home security measures
There are a few simple measures that can improve your overall home security, in addition to making your pet door more secure.
Upgrade your locks
Strong, secure locks on your external doors and windows are a great first line of defence against home intruders. Deadbolts are one of the most effective locks to prevent and deter thieves because they are much harder to pick or force open compared to knob or lever-handle locks.
Install sensor lights
Sensor lights are a relatively economical way to deter thieves. Place the sensor lights around entry points, including doors, windows, pet doors and even balconies. These lights will turn on when they detect movement, which can help deter thieves.
Install security cameras
The benefits of security cameras are twofold. First, they deter thieves who do not want to be caught on camera. Second, they can provide evidence to assist police should theft or burglary occur.
Choose security cameras that are sturdy, weatherproof and provide high-definition footage. Many systems come with an app that allows you to watch or even replay footage on your phone.
Have adequate home and contents insurance
Home and contents insurance can help protect against financial loss should you experience an insured event, such as a burglary or theft.
It’s important to assess your policy and level of coverage regularly to ensure your belongings are adequately insured.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
