Doors4petsandpeople.com makes a door similar to that. They said that they used a high pressure water jet to cut out the hole in the glass for the door. It was simple process to replace the existing glass with their insert. You might also check out Moore Pet Supplies. They have something similar as well.

 

There are several options to brain storm. Unfortunately tempered or safety glass can't be cut to change it's size like regular glass.

Does the dog door need to be in the middle of the door or could it be to one side or the other?
Putting it on the side would only require one glass panel next to it (or it could be a wood panel) and two wood frames (green in the image below) to support it all….plus a new top glass panel. The small bottom glass would not need to be safety glass and if the framed in door is over 18" off the floor the top panel would not have to be safety either.

 

I like it centered for symmetry and aesthetic reasons. And yeah, I figured I would need new glass as tempered glass cannot be cut. I'm guessing that will be most of the cost.

 

Most code requires tempered glass in doors like that. Plus with dogs going through it roughly, they could cause it to shatter, not to mention what could happen if the door slams or some kid tries to push on it too hard. I would not risk it.

 

If you are dealing with old wood doors, then yes, you could do it cheaper than $1700.

If your doors are metal or fiberglass clad like the ones pictured , best thing you can do is fuggedaboudit

 

Code requires temper in any door for obvious reasons. New glass will be needed and possibly a new door or custom glass cut & then tempered. This doesn't sound cheap. Something to consider may be cutting a access door in the wall next to the door. Check for wires that may be running to near by outlets. Also don't forget to add some sort of lock to keep unwanted guests out.

 

Replacement glass with the cutout is between $735-1060 depending upon which size door you select. The glass dimensions including frame are 24×66. The glass is easy to replace. It is simply held in place by screws. It is a little cheaper at Moore Pet Supplies but the dog door is not centered in the glass.

 

I think i'd just find a spot in ext wall and make it work. have done this in quite a few homes, even block homes
good luck, looks like quite the project
rj in az

 

I guess I should have already mentioned that. We just bought this house and there is an existing doggie door in the wall (that our dog loves). But it is limiting our sofa selection for this room. My stud finder shows there are a lot of studs next to the door, plus the electrical box would have to be re-located. The other side of the door doesn't really work either, so I was entertaining the idea of a doggie door in one of the french doors. But at $1,500+, we may just end up with a smaller sofa.

 

If you go directly to a glass dealer and buy a shorter replacement pane to diy install, it might only cost a few hundred bucks.
Add a wood rail above the doggy door and make wood panels for each side to center the insert.
Shorten the existing glass trim molding to fit the new pane.

 

For me the value, and especially the security of a doggie door is completely based on the doggie.

Because of the possibility of this happening.

Unless this is your Doggie

Then you have abandoned any suggestion of security.

 

Did you have a pet door at your last house ?

 

I guess I should have already mentioned that. We just bought this house and there is an existing doggie door in the wall (that our dog loves). But it is limiting our sofa selection for this room. My stud finder shows there are a lot of studs next to the door, plus the electrical box would have to be re-located. The other side of the door doesn t really work either, so I was entertaining the idea of a doggie door in one of the french doors. But at $1,500+, we may just end up with a smaller sofa.

- NLarson801

All of those studs by the door are there because the door is so wide. A wide door requires a wide header. The wide header requires a lot of support. They're called jack studs.

 

Did you have a pet door at your last house ?

- xedos

We did not, but it was a rental and there wasn't an easy way to add one.

I found a local company that will build me the glass insert for $1,100 and I can install it myself. I believe this is the best option at this point.

 

I'd insist on seeing one they've done before before in person I placed an order.

 

My parents have one from this company. It is solid.

I had originally received a quote from them for $1,500, but after talking to the owner he could do it for closer to $1,100 if I install it myself. The install is simple, so I think this is a better route than trying to DIY my own door.