"Who actually installs this for me? I have two left hands!" When Ralf Schmidtke from Ralfs Katzenlandschaft picks up the phone in Spalt near Nuremberg, that's the absolute classic question. Ralf has been a petWALK installation partner since 2015 and has since professionally installed well over 100 pet doors. His service area extends over a radius of about 200 kilometers – for one special project, the drive even took five hours to Gladbeck.
It gets particularly exciting when Ralf Schmidtke is called to implement large-scale animal welfare projects. Because installing animal access systems in animal shelters and foster homes brings its own unique, extreme challenges. We spoke with the professional about what really matters when installing pet doors in animal welfare.
The Biggest Pain Point in Animal Shelters: Energy Waste and Drafts
When people think of animal shelters, they often have the welfare of the animals in mind. But behind the scenes, operators primarily struggle with a huge cost factor: energy.
"The most common demands that animal shelters have for a flap revolve around thermal insulation," Ralf knows from experience. "Often, conventional sliding systems are still used there. The consequence? Enormous energy waste and constant drafts."
This is where the biggest difference to a simple flap lies: a petWALK pet door closes completely airtight. "Animal shelters can typically save up to 50% of their energy costs in the access area." Ralf puts it in a nutshell: "If you want to build with KfW funding today, there is essentially no alternative to petWALK."
Thermal image comparison: Top before petWALK, Bottom after petWALK.
Custom-made products: When the installation partner becomes a problem solver
The company philosophy of Ralfs Katzenlandschaft is: "You have a problem? We think in solutions." And that's immediately apparent when you look at Ralf's special modifications for animal shelters. Since installation in such facilities is usually at ground level and the doors are in continuous use, the trained professional has developed his own upgrades:
In animal shelters, some animals are under stress. To prevent urine from "stress-pee-ers" from penetrating the building envelope, Ralf additionally and meticulously seals the tunnel with silicone. According to him, the most common mistake in self-installation is an imprecisely fitted or poorly sealed tunnel.
Animal shelter interiors are often cleaned extensively with a water hose. Ralf's specially developed splash guard ensures that the door's electronics remain absolutely dry. For shelters with more challenging dogs, Ralf upgrades the doors with robust bite protection.
A real highlight in large projects, i.e., when several pet doors are installed, Ralf has developed a switch system with which all doors can be manually deactivated simultaneously with just one movement – an enormous relief for the caregivers in everyday life.
The Process: From Initial Contact to Tailor-Made All-round Service
An animal shelter is not a private household – decisions are usually made by the team or the board. Therefore, Ralf Schmidtke relies on a transparent process:
- On-site inspection: The structural situation is precisely analyzed. Ralf always brings a model with him. This allows decision-makers to test the product on-site, touch it, and experience the quality themselves.
- Configuration: The configuration is precisely tailored to the specific conditions.
- Installation: Depending on the type of installation, mounting in the animal shelter, including all modifications, takes about 1.5 to 3 hours per pet door.
Professional tips for installation: Whether animal shelter or private household – Ralf has two golden rules for anyone planning a pet door:
1. Don't underestimate the location! The pet door should be installed in a protected place. "Personally, for example, I wouldn't install it directly in the main entrance door," advises Ralf Schmidtke.
2. Read the instructions or let the professional handle it! If you install it yourself, you should accurately follow the manual and installation instructions. If you have two left hands or if the installation is too tricky for you, it's always safer to go with a professional installation partner.
Service and Maintenance: Pet Door in Continuous Use
Because pet doors in animal welfare are subjected to extreme wear and tear due to continuous use by comparatively many dogs and cats, Ralf recommends that shelters conduct a brief monthly self-check. In addition, he offers annual professional maintenance for these heavily used doors – ensuring that the investment remains absolutely reliable, safe, and durable for many years.
Conclusion: More Freedom for Animals and Humans
Ultimately, animal welfare is about two things: the well-being of the animals and easing the burden on the people who do incredible work there every day. An automated, airtight pet door achieves exactly that: security, tangible relief in daily work, and maximum energy efficiency.
Are you from Bavaria and looking for a professional all-in-one solution? Then Ralf's Katzenlandschaft is the perfect contact for expert petWALK installation. Click here to go directly to Ralf's website: katzenlandschaft.de
