1. Another exception to the prohibition of tzad relates to a door with an animal inside that was opened. In such a case, one may close the door again if the area inside is big enough that the animal is not defined as halachically trapped (i.e., it cannot be caught in one swoop). Since this case is defined only as rabbinic trapping, it is permitted if the animal was already inside (Orchot Shabbat 14:17-18).

2. In cases where a pet is in a smaller cage than the one described above, one may not open the door to the cage normally. For example, one may not open the cage of a rabbit or similar animal to give it food unless one blocks the opening with one’s body. Alternatively, one may open the door only slightly so that the animal cannot escape (ibid.).

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for everlasting peace in Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.