How to Stop Pets from Running Through Your Screen Door

Imagine you’ve just picked up your new furry member of the family and brought them home. You feel prepared after purchasing the food and water bowls, treats, pet beds, collar and leash set, and all the other fun supplies your pet needs. You’re ready to go on your first walk together, but as you go to open your front door, your dog sees a squirrel through the screen. Before you know it, your cherished pet is halfway across the yard, and your screen door has a Husky-sized hole in it. This scenario is a pet owner’s nightmare but can be avoided with proper planning. 

Dogs are not the only pet perpetrators of screen damage, either. Cats are infamous for climbing screen doors and will scratch right through a flimsy screen to chase a bird or another cat. Protecting your screen doors from pets may not be your first thought when embarking on the pet-ownership path, but it should be on the list. Repairing and replacing your screen doors aren’t the most fun way to spend a weekend, and no pet owner wants to put up lost pet posters around the neighborhood because you want to enjoy some fresh air. 

Pet-Friendly Screen Solutions

Whether you’re looking to update your existing screen door or replace it with something more pet-friendly, there are easy and affordable solutions to protect screen doors from pets. From pet-proofing your window and door screens with pet-resistant screens to metal pet guards and customized pet doors, there are many ways to protect your screen door from pets. To help you decide which solution is best for your needs, here is a comprehensive review of the different pet screen solutions.

Pet Resistant Screens

Pet-resistant screens are the best solution for smaller pets that can paw or scratch at and climb your screen door. Pet-resistant screens are made of heavy-duty vinyl-coated polyester and are more durable than aluminum or fiberglass screens. Though these screens are made with thicker material, they function as standard screens without sacrificing natural light, airflow, and visibility. Consider installing pet-resistant screens in high-traffic areas such as front doors and patio screen doors. Your pet will still be able to enjoy looking outside through the screen but will have a more challenging time damaging it. 

Pet Guards

Some dogs need a clear boundary to help prevent them from bounding through a door to get outside. Regular screen doors can be so “see-through” that to an eager dog, they might look like an open door to freedom. Pet guards are an extra shield between your pet and your screen door. Pet guards are made with woven metal and are suitable for larger pets that have the strength to charge through a screen door. You won’t need to update your existing screen to a pet-resistant screen if you install a pet door guard since your pet won’t have access to the screen itself. Pet guards come in varying designs and colors to complement the design of your home. Whether you have a sliding or swinging screen door, pet guards can protect your screen from pets and other forces that may cause damage. 

Pet Doors

Doggie doors, or pet screen doors, are great for pet owners with enclosed yards or patios. Pets can easily come and go as they please, and pet owners don’t have to worry about pets scratching at the door to let them know they want to go outside. If you have a pet that you let in and out all the time, you may benefit from installing a doggie door. Screenmobile offers screen doors with pet doors already installed, or you can have a doggie door added to your existing screen door. 

Things to Consider About Pet Doors

If you’re thinking about installing a pet door, be sure to consider the following:

• Pet doors may not be suitable for households with small children as they may be able to crawl out of the pet door.
• Ensure your pet door leads to an enclosed space free of poisonous plants or other things that could harm your pet.
• Be aware of other predators in your area, such as coyotes or large birds that might endanger your pet.
• Be mindful of your pets hunting habits, and don’t be surprised if they bring you a well-meaning gift of a dead animal!

Extra Tips to  Stop Pets from Running Through Your Screens

Maybe you have a party later in the day and can’t get Screenmobile’s speedy service in time, or you just want to further pet-proof your screens; beyond choosing durable materials and guards, try these simple strategies:

• Visual Cues: Add stickers or post-it notes at pet eye level on screen doors as a reminder of the barrier.
• Training: Use positive reinforcement to teach pets to respect screen boundaries and wait for commands before exiting.
• Regular Inspections: Check screens regularly for wear or damage for timely repairs.
• Furniture Placement: Keep furniture away from screens to prevent pets from using it to jump or climb on screens.
• Scent Deterrents: Use non-toxic scents, like a mild vinegar solution, around screens to discourage pets from approaching.

These additional actions, combined with pet-resistant screens, guards, and doors, help ensure pet safety and help avoid more mishaps.

Pet-Friendly Solutions Made Easy

If you’re still unsure which screen door protector is best for you, Screenmobile can help! Our experts will guide you through the entire process, assessing your specific needs and advising you on the right pet-friendly screen solution. We offer customized screen windows and doors that will match your home’s design and withstand your pet’s unpredictable behavior. We guarantee our screen installation will fit correctly, and our technicians will ensure that you understand everything you need to know about the product and the service. 

Call your local Screenmobile today to explore all your screen protection options!