Homeowners with pets tend to want two basic things when looking for a fence. The first one is a fence that will safely keep their beloved “family member” in the yard. The other thing is a fence that’s actually an enhancement or complement to their landscape and exterior features. If you’re in the process of choosing a fence that meets both of these requirements, here are some factors you’ll want to consider.

 

Size of Your Pet

Smaller dogs and other household pets often have a knack for getting through fence posts where there’s a gap that’s large enough for them to make their escape. Even if fence posts aren’t spaced wide enough for a clean getaway, there’s always the risk that a determined pet could get stuck.

One way to prevent issues like this with small pets is with vinyl or aluminum fencing that has smaller spacing between posts. Another option is a solid wood fence with no gaps at all that’s firmly secured into the ground. Not only will you have no gaps, you’ll also enjoy privacy in the area where your pets normally roam, which is a good thing for the humans who like to hang out there, too.

For larger pets, fence height is important. You can opt for any type of fence if you have a large dog. Just make sure it’s high enough to prevent them from jumping over the fence when something on the other side catches their attention.

Your Pet’s Skills

As any pet owner knows, some animals are smarter than others. Dogs, in particular, may pick up skills you didn’t even know they had, such as the ability to open a latch on a fence. If you have a smart pet, options include:

 

• Keeping your fencing away from elevated things in your backyard, such as trash cans, that may be jumped up on to get over a fence
• Using child–safe gates
• Installing a gate lock that can have a padlock attached to it

 

Your Existing Fencing

Pets may get used to a certain type of fence over time. They may eventually find ways to get out, or figure out how to get the gate open. Other times, you may get a new pet that’s more active than the one you had before and more likely to be determined to find ways out.

A solution worth considering is updating to a different type of fencing that offers similar aesthetic benefits but few opportunities for cherished pets to get out. For instance, aluminum fencing can be a smart upgrade from traditional chain-link fencing.

 

Durability of Your Fencing

If your pets are frequently outside, you’ll want a fence that’s not going to be easy to break or require a lot of maintenance. Pets can easily find weak spots that may give way if they push hard enough. If you have your heart set on wood fencing, choose a type of wood that’s strong and durable. Another option is vinyl or aluminum fencing. Both of these materials are low in maintenance and less susceptible to damage.

 

Less than 20 percent of lost dogs are returned to their owners, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This is a very compelling reason why you’ll want to keep factors like the ones discussed here in mind when choosing the right fence with pets. Armor Fence has a wide selection of fences available in varying sizes, styles, and designs that are sure to fit the needs of any pet owner.