A Guide to Pet Screens, Doors, and Guards

Owning a pet can be extremely rewarding… except when they’re destroying everything in your home. While some problems like peeing inside or scratching at the furniture are harder to fix, protecting your screen door from your pet has some pretty easy solutions. Screen doors are a pet owner’s necessity; they improve airflow, let in extra light, and protect you and your fur babies from bugs and other critters. In addition, your pet probably really appreciates a cool breeze and a nice view, even if they accidentally end up destroying the screen that allows them to enjoy it. Screens can also be necessary to your pet’s safety, keeping them inside and away from other animals, off busy streets, and saving them from potentially getting lost. 

How Can Pets Damage Doors?

While they may not mean to inflict damage, if a screen door is all that’s standing between your dog and being able to go outside, chances are they will scratch at it until they get what they want. Cats also tend to claw at anything they can get their little paws on, especially something that offers resistance like a screen. Scratching at the door can lead to the screen itself ripping or fraying, or can damage the frame the screen is attached to. Also, because the screens are so thin and sometimes hard to see, pets may not realize the screen is there and go barreling into it if they see a squirrel or bird walking by. Again, this can easily rip the screen or damage the frame. 

How Do You Prevent Your Pet From Destroying Your Screens?

So how do you prevent your pet from destroying your screens? There are three very effective and cost-efficient ways to prevent your screens from your animals: 

• Pet-resistant Screens

Probably the easiest solution is to invest in pet-resistant screens (also known as “pet-proof screens”). These heavy-duty pet-resistant screens are designed to fit in the frames you already have but are made of stronger and more durable materials that can withstand most scratching and pushing from your furry little friends. In addition, pet-resistant screens blend in with the rest of your decor, so the untrained eye wouldn’t even know you have a dog. Pet-resistant screens also work for windows and other enclosures like doors and pet patios. 

• Your pet’s size and the damage they cause will determine the best screen to fit your needs. Talk to your local Screenmobile technician to figure out the best pet screen solution for you. The three most popular types of pet-resistant screens are Pet Screens, Tuff Screens, and Super Screens.  

• Pet Guards

Pet guards are stylized metal gates that protect your door from your pet. For larger or “more determined” dogs, screen door pet guards offer a more robust barrier than a pet-resistant screen because they are made out of metal instead of mesh. You don’t have to worry about your pet damaging the existing screen because they won’t be able to physically get to it.  However, these are harder to install on sliding screen doors and patio doors. 

Additionally, our door guards not only protect your screens from the claws of your four-legged friend but also family feet, knees, and other items that can potentially ruin your screen door.

• Pet Doors

A pet door (also known as a doggie door) can help your pet control when they enter and exit your home themselves, so there’s no need for scratching to get out. Traditionally, doggie doors are installed directly into a front door or as a panel for sliding doors. However, Screenmobile offers screen doors with a pet door pre-installed, or you can easily have a pet screen door installed in whatever door you already own. Screen doors with pet doors are great for more independent cats and dogs who have the ability to safely come and go whenever they choose, with the added benefit of providing excellent scratch protection. We will install the best option to suit your needs – pet doors can be mounted inside both swinging and sliding screen doors.

What are pet-resistant screens made of?

Pet resistant screens are usually made from PVC-coated polyester yarn, making them seven times more resilient than standard screens. The strong, pliable mesh is able to withstand repeated clawing by your cats and dogs. Thanks to the PVC vinyl lining, the screens can also hold up to the sun and other elements longer. While the mesh is thicker than a regular screen, the spaces are also larger to facilitate airflow and light. But don’t worry, the holes are still small enough to keep out the bugs. 

Do pet-resistant screens work?

The short answer is yes! Pet resistant screens are tear and puncture-resistant, but if your dog runs full force into a pet-resistant screen door, they can still damage the frame if they’re large enough. But yes, pet-resistant screens do a fantastic job of preventing constant replacements and repairs.

How do you pet-proof a window screen?

The best way to pet-proof your window screen is to use a pet-resistant screen. If your dog or cat has a specific favorite window, you could pet-proof it with a scratch-resistant material and use standard screens for your other windows. While you could use a screen guard, you may not be happy with how it looks. It is also not recommended to put a pet door in a window, especially one that isn’t on the first floor. 

Whichever option you choose to protect your screens from your pet (and protect your pet from the outside world), Screenmobile offers multiple products to make pet-proofing your home easy and affordable. With excellent customer service, local Screenmobile technicians can help you decide what’s best for you and your pet, give you a quote on what it will cost, and then travel to your home and install it for you.