Do you worry about keeping your furry friends safe and secure in your yard? In the United States, nearly 10 million cats and dogs are stolen every year (according to data from the AVMA). Roughly half of the ones who made their way home had microchips.
If you aren't a fan of chipping your pet, then the next best thing is to provide them with a secure and safe home. Residential fencing can ensure that your furry friend has a space to run around without getting lost in your neighborhood.
Here's your guide to finding the best pet-friendly fences for your home.
It's important to understand why you need residential fencing for your pets. That way, you can invest in the right one.
For example, a chain-link fence may provide a good border for your dog. However, many larger ones can scamper over or jump higher than them.
One of the main reasons pet owners get fences is that it establishes a barrier for the animal. A locked gate and a high enough fence will keep your dog in, which can be helpful if you want them to roam the backyard unattended.
Cats are a bit more problematic since they easily climb most traditional fences. However, some fences provide sheer surfaces that are more difficult to scale.
Fences provide more than a boundary line. They can keep other animals out of your property and protect your pets. This is especially helpful if you own a smaller dog or a cat, as they can rely on the fence to keep larger dogs away.
A benefit of a privacy fence is that it can help keep reactive dogs calm. If they don't see a person or animal passing by the house, they won't start barking or trying to chase them. Secure fences for dogs should always take visibility into account.
The best pet-friendly fence will depend on your budget, your home's overall aesthetic, and your particular animal. Some fences can be cleared by dogs big or strong enough. Others may allow your dog to burrow under them.
Assess your current needs to make the right decision. An important note is to avoid invisible fences, such as with the use of shock collars. These can cause more harm than good to your pet.
Wooden fences are a popular choice for all homeowners due to their durability and visual appeal. Homeowners can buy these fences in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit their pet's breed and behavior.
A solid wooden fence can give extra privacy to your yard and prevent pets from seeing past them. This will help reduce the chance they'll start barking or become aggressive.
Ideally, you should get a fence tall enough to prevent your pet from jumping over it. Even if you own a smaller dog, a tall fence can keep aggressive animals from getting onto your property.
Vinyl fences are another great option for pet owners. They're lower-maintenance than wooden fences, but you can buy some that are made to look like real wood.
A vinyl fence is smooth, which makes it good for two reasons. First, pets are unlikely to chew or scratch it up. Second, they're much more difficult for pets to climb over or scale.
In addition, a vinyl fence provides great privacy for your yard.
Chain-link fences are a cost-effective and classic way to keep your pets secure. They're durable and are easy to upgrade with various pet-proofing yard fencing attachments, such as angled extensions to deter climbing.
The main problem with chain-link fences is that they allow a clear view of the street by default. Your pet will still see its surroundings and can react to things.
Homeowners may also not like the visual appearance of chain-link. The fence and its attachments may look more commercial than you would like.
Metal fencing options for pet owners are ideal if you want something sturdy and stylish. These fences are particularly suitable for containing larger dogs. Keep in mind that the gaps between the bars may allow smaller animals to climb through them.
If you do have a smaller dog, then a mesh panel can help keep them in and keep other small animals out.
Before you invest in a new fence, always make sure to consider your pet's size and strength. Larger, more active dogs may require taller and stronger fences. Smaller dogs need protection from gaps and escape routes.
Digging is a major threat to any fence. Even if you have a tall fence, your dog may find their way underneath it.
In that case, you can install barriers or extend the fence further below the ground. A concrete base helps secure your fence as well as prevents animals from digging under them.
Your dog may decide to chew on your fencing material. Make sure that you don't have treated wood that contains harmful chemicals. You should also check for sharp edges or nails that may cause them harm.
Add security features to prevent accidental escapes or unauthorized access to your yard. This may take the form of self-closing gates or locks.
Take the time to maintain your fence on a regular basis for damage or loose panels. Timely repairs can help prevent your pet from creating an escape route. Regular maintenance will also help keep your fence in good condition.
Residential fencing is one of the best ways to keep your pet from getting into trouble. The only problem is finding the right fence for both them and your home. In most cases, a fence that prioritizes privacy will serve you best.
City Fence is a locally owned fence company based out of Windermere, Florida. We specialize in aluminum, wood, vinyl, and chain link fencing, as well as automatic gate installation. Get in touch with us with any questions and to tell us about your fencing needs.
