
How much does it cost to install an invisible dog fence?
For dogs who love to roam, a fence is usually necessary to ensure they stay in the safety of their yard. An invisible dog fence is one option, and there are many reasons why you might consider one. If want to save money, a DIY invisible dog fence is the best way to do it. Installing a traditional fence in an average-sized backyard can cost more than $2,500. The total DIY invisible fence cost can be as little as $300, depending on your needs. Let’s take a look what you can expect to spend on an invisible dog fence.
What is the cost of purchasing the system?
A. Most basic dog fence systems include the following: a transmitter box, 500 feet of boundary wire, and one standard e-collar. These start up kits can cost less than $300 total. After that, all you’ll need to do is install the system yourself, which can be done as a weekend project, with no prior skills or experience necessary. If you want an even easier setup, you can purchase a wireless dog fence system, which can cost anywhere from $260 to $800.
Careful research and reading of invisible fence reviews will help you choose the basic system you need. This PetSafe Yard Max dog fence review, for example, gives you all the information you need to determine if it’s the right one for you. The size of your yard is one important factor, because while some systems can contain up to 100 acres of land, others have much smaller ranges. There are several other features that invisible dog fences may or may not have, so you’ll have to decide which ones you want and choose your system accordingly. Here are some examples:
Battery Backup
This feature will ensure that your electronic dog fence continues working even if there is a power outage. If you live in an area with frequent outages, you may want to get this feature.
Correction Levels
If you have several different types of dogs, you may want a system that allows you to adjust the correction levels of the e-collars. Larger or more stubborn dogs, for example, may require a higher correction level.
Remote Training
Some invisible dog fences have a remote training feature, too, which you may want if your dogs have issues with barking or digging, for example.
Extra Accessory Costs
If you need to enclose a perimeter that’s longer than 500 feet total, you’ll need to purchase additional boundary wire for your electric dog fence. Depending on the wire you need to get, it may cost $22-$150 for every additional 500 feet. Over very large areas, this extra cost is still much less than if you needed to purchase additional sections of a traditional fence.
It may also be necessary to purchase additional e-collars if you have more than one dog, and they typically cost between $60 and $100 each. Sometimes the standard e-collar that comes with the basic electric dog fence system won’t work for your dog, and you may need to purchase one that better suits their size, such as an e-collar specially designed for very small dogs.
Some e-collars have rechargeable batteries, and if this is the case with your system, there are no additional e-collar costs to consider. If your e-collars have replaceable batteries, however, you can expect to spend up to $40 per year on extra batteries for one e-collar.
What are the installation & maintenance costs like?
With a DIY electric fence, you’ll save the $1,200+ installation fee that most professional companies charge. If you have a large yard to enclose, you may want to rent a trencher to help you with digging the bury the wire, and that typically costs $50 per day from your local home improvement store. Installing your own dog fence will also give you the knowledge required to perform any necessary repairs throughout the years without spending money on a technician’s visit. However, electronic dog fences are quite reliable and not exposed to the elements, so breaks are rare. As for running the system, you can expect your electric bill to increase only about $1-$2 per month.
The reliability of an invisible dog fence - with the right training, coupled with the big savings of installing it yourself, make it an excellent option for just about any yard or dog. It’s incredibly important to remember, however, that the most important aspect of installing an invisible dog fence is training your dogs on it. Proper, consistent training will ensure that your dogs are safe and happy in the yard. It's also important to remember that invisible fencing does not keep intruders out of your yard/property. There are many worthwhile dog trainers who routinely offer invisible fence training services as well - this can be an extremely efficient tool in your toolbox.
Weigh all of these factors properly when making your decisions and you'll have a good experience.
For more information about dog fences please visit our educational partner www.dogfencediy.com. We encourage you to share your experiences with a variety of dog containment systems in the comments section. Comment-ers and those who share the post in social media qualify for a drawing of a $25 Amazon gift card!