23/08/2026
Glass Installation 101
When it comes to installing a pet door into glass, there are two main installation options at Sydney Paws Petdoor:
1. Cut your existing glass
2. Replace the entire glass panel with a new toughened glass panel manufactured with a pre-cut opening
The right option depends mainly on the type of glass you already have and the size of your dog.
Small & Medium Dogs — Laminated Glass
For small and medium-sized pets, we can generally cut into suitable laminated glass, including:
* 6.38mm laminated glass
* Hush laminated glass
* 8.38mm laminated glass
* 10.38mm laminated glass
* 12.38mm laminated glass
Is it safe to cut laminated glass?
We hear this one a lot:
“You can’t safely cut laminated glass.”
That isn’t correct.
Laminated glass is specifically manufactured with an interlayer that holds the glass together if it cracks. If a laminated panel does crack, the glass generally remains bonded to the interlayer rather than falling apart like ordinary glass.
However, laminated glass can still crack, particularly from sudden impact, excessive heat or sunlight, or poor preparation of the cut edge.
Sudden impacts can come from everyday situations such as children kicking a soccer ball, hitting the glass, or applying significant pressure to the panel.
Why experience matters
Glass cutting is a specialised skill. Most glaziers are primarily trained and equipped for glass replacement and repair, rather than cutting existing glass on site.
At Sydney Paws Petdoor, glass cutting is something we have specialised in for many years.
We are also confident in our workmanship. If we crack your glass during the installation process, we will replace the panel at no charge.
That is how confident we are in our installation process.
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Toughened Glass — Large & XL Dogs
There is one important rule:
Toughened glass cannot be cut after it has been toughened.
Once glass has been toughened, attempting to cut or drill it will cause it to shatter.
If you have toughened glass, we need to manufacture a new toughened glass panel with the pet door opening pre-cut, then replace your existing panel.
This option is generally more expensive because you are paying for a completely new glass panel, and the manufacturing process also means there is usually a longer turnaround time.
What about large and XL dogs?
For large and XL dogs, we generally recommend a toughened glass replacement.
A larger dog creates significantly more movement, pressure and impact around the pet door during everyday use. For these installations, we want to make sure the glass is appropriately specified for the application.
Your dog’s size is therefore an important part of determining the safest installation method.
How do I know if my glass is toughened?
Most toughened glass will have a small compliance stamp in one of the corners.
If you’re not sure what type of glass you have, simply send us a photo of the corner of the glass and we can help identify it.
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Laminated vs Toughened Glass
A common question we get is:
“I have a new build, so toughened glass must be better, right?”
Not necessarily.
Laminated and toughened glass are designed for different purposes. One isn’t automatically better than the other.
Laminated Glass
Advantages
* If cracked, the interlayer helps hold the glass together
* Generally provides better sound insulation than standard toughened glass
* Can significantly reduce UV transmission
* Provides excellent security because the glass can remain bonded together after impact
Security
Laminated glass can be difficult to pe*****te completely because the interlayer continues holding the broken glass together. This can provide an additional barrier compared with glass that shatters completely.
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Toughened Glass
Advantages
* Much stronger than ordinary annealed glass
* Excellent for areas where impact resistance is important
* Designed to withstand greater everyday stresses than standard glass
Disadvantages
* Once broken, it shatters into many small pieces
* It cannot be cut after toughening
* Replacement is required if you want to install a pet door into an existing toughened panel
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So Which Glass Is Better?
There isn’t one simple answer.
Laminated glass and toughened glass have different properties and different applications.
If you already have good-quality laminated glass, don’t automatically assume that replacing it with toughened glass is an upgrade.
Depending on your home’s location, security requirements, noise levels, dog size and existing glass specification, laminated glass may actually be the better choice for your situation.
At Sydney Paws Petdoor, we don’t simply recommend replacing your glass because it is easier for us.
We look at the glass you already have, the size of your dog and the installation requirements, then recommend the most suitable option.
That’s the difference between simply installing a pet door and doing the job properly.
Sydney Paws Petdoor — professional pet door installation since 2011.
