Before you race out and get your family a pet, STOP! There are a few things you need to consider before taking on this responsibility.
Responsible pet owners know that there is more to caring for a pet than purchasing a food bowl, leash and bed. What about pet fencing? This is one of the most important, yet frequently overlooked, preparations of buying a pet.
Pet fencing is important – here’s why!
Just like kids, your pets want room to run around. They want space outside in the fresh air to be free and roll in the grass. However, along with this freedom, safety also needs to be taken into consideration; the safety of your pets and also everyone else in your neighbourhood.
Depending on the personality characteristics of your pet, they may be content to stay put in their yard. But there are occasions when animals just see an opportunity and take it! If something especially tempting grabs your pet’s attention, even the most obedient animal might try to break free of the yard. Cats and dogs, in particular, are very good at escaping, so they certainly require a strong boundary. You don’t want your beloved pet becoming a regular escape artists and spending more time out of the fence than in it.
This is just one of the reasons you need to ensure you have sufficient fencing for your animals. While it is in their best interest to have open space to play, it is best not to let them roam completely free.
Knowing what fence you need can be confusing, especially as there are so many variations. Here are a few suggestions to help you make a decision.
Solid fences – slats and concrete
If you want a minimalist design that is strong, durable and can effectively keep your pet contained, this could be the answer. The horizontal steel slats and concrete panels offer a look of sophistication and elegance yet maintain a tough structure.
Like everything, there are pros and cons to this variety of fence for pets.
Pros:
- You won’t be required to sand timber back and stain it every year. Ongoing maintenance is as simple as giving it a hose or quick scrub down.
- Your pets won’t be able to squeeze through any small gaps in the fence to escape, nor will they be able to see animals and neighbours walking by that might make them bark.
- Your animals will be less likely to scratch at it due to its tough materials.
Cons:
- Initial costs can be quite expensive.
- As a result of this fence being so solid and durable, it also eliminates your view of the neighbourhood.
Wooden fences
Wooden fences are great for families and their pets because they offer the benefit of height. Timber fences can easily be constructed to six feet, or higher – ideal for those households with animals that like to jump. On the other hand, you can always take your fence to eye height, or a standard four feet if your animals are not prone to jumping or climbing.
There are several options for wooden fencing; your lifestyle and location will dictate which option is best for you.
Pros:
- Regardless whether you choose lapped and capped or picket fencing, wooden fence options are simple yet effective at providing a secure area for your pets to play safely.
- Wooden fences are budget friendly.
Cons:
- Wooden fencing requires ongoing maintenance, such as sanding, painting or staining.
- Cats and dogs will often scratch at the wood requiring you to sand it back.
Colourbond fences
Colourbond fencing has been growing in popularity over the past several years and for good reason. With a wide range of colour options and heights available, homeowners and pet owners are given yet another great fencing option that is durable and long lasting.
Pros:
- Requires no ongoing maintenance.
- Available in a variety of colours and heights.
- Durable and long lasting.
Cons:
- Colourbond fencing can be expensive.
- Should one panel have damage and need to be replaced, it can often be a struggle to colour match as the rest of the fence will have a degree of sun fade.
Aluminium panel and timber post
If you want a fence that keeps your pets safe without compromising on appearance, an aluminium panel and timber post fence could be just what you are looking for. Offering a sturdy structure, this style of fence allows you to see through without letting your pets escape.
Pros:
- Allows visibility of your neighbourhood.
- Looks attractive and is effective without being an eyesore.
Cons:
- The timber posts require sanding annually for maintenance.
Gabion
This style of fencing isn’t typically thought of as pet fencing, however due to its tough design, it is actually perfect. Gabion fencing is made from rocks or stones, enclosed within wire caging. It’s an ancient fencing method, but the modern designs are attractive and hard wearing.
Gabion walls offer affordability, solid foundations and no gaps for pets to escape through. It’s a common approach for retaining walls due to the many different shapes and sizes it is available in, however it is gaining popularity as a full fencing material.
Pros:
- Solid and structurally sound.
- Minimal maintenance required.
- Can be built in a range of shapes and sizes due to the ‘cage’ material being malleable.
Cons:
- The look of gabion fencing is somewhat ‘industrial’ and not to everyone’s taste for a home.
TIP: If your animal is a digger, bury the fence at least six inches below the surface to avoid your pet tunnelling its way out of the yard.
2Not every fence is created equal, which is why you must take into consideration your individual needs. Does your neighbourhood require a certain style of fencing? Do you have a limited budget? The most important thing about pet fencing is that it ensures the safety and happiness of your animals. If in doubt, let a fencing expert create the ideal pet fencing for you!