6 Questions to Ask About Electronic Pet Fence Installation

Electronic pet fences help keep your dogs within bounds in your yard without you having to build a traditional vinyl, wood, or chain-link fence. If you opt to install an invisible fence for your pets, answer these questions before hiring an invisible fence installer near you to complete the project.

1. When do you need the work done?

The urgency of your project will affect the price. Contractors may need to shuffle their schedules to fit you in ASAP, which usually comes at a premium. Invisible fences can be installed during the winter when the ground is frozen, though the contractor might need to come back to bury the wires once the ground has thawed.

2. What type of electronic pet fence do you want?

Electronic pet fences create a boundary around your home that triggers a warning on a linked collar that alerts your dog when the pet is nearing the boundary. There are three types of electronic pet fences to choose from: underground, GPS, and wireless. Underground fences cost the most to install but are better suited for large properties with a significant boundary to fence in. GPS fences are a mid-range option that can be moved to new locations, while wireless fences are the most budget-friendly option and are suited for DIY installation.

3. How big is the area that needs to be fenced?

The size of the area to be fenced will directly affect the cost of installing an invisible fence. A half-acre yard can be fenced for $1,000 to $1,500, while a full-acre yard will cost $1,500 to $2,100. The beauty of an electronic pet fence is that it’s invisible, so you can fence a smaller perimeter of your yard without worrying it will look odd if the fence isn’t extended to the yard boundaries.

4. How many pets need collar receivers?

When you hire an invisible fence installer, they’ll typically quote you a price that includes one collar for your dog. However, if you have multiple pets, you must purchase additional collars so the fence will contain all of your animals. You’ll also want to factor in training costs for multiple pets rather than one pup.

5. What obstacles can get in the way of installing an electronic fence?

If you're installing an underground electronic pet fence, consider potential obstacles such as trees, roots and other landscaping. Before digging, you (or your contractor) will need to call 811 to have the utility lines marked by a professional. Any obstacles that are in the way, may need to be removed or have a way to work around during installation. 

6. Is there an existing fence that needs to be removed?

If you have an existing fence on the property, you or your contractor may need to remove it before installing the electronic pet fence. If this is the case, let your contractor know before they provide a quote to prevent unexpected surprises when the final bill arrives.