How Much Does an Invisible Fence Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

An invisible fence is a training tool, most often used for dogs, that allows your pet to play outside safely without being chained to anything.  When an invisible fence is installed, a wire will be placed around your property, usually a few inches underground.  The dog will then wear a collar called a receiver which receives a small electric shock anytime it crosses the wire.  This helps your dog learn its boundaries and is safe for dogs of all sizes.

That’s My Phoenix by Javcon117*, on Flickr
That’s My Phoenix” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Javcon117*

How much does an invisible fence cost?

When purchasing an invisible fence, there are two options: Do it yourself or professionally installed.  Do it yourself invisible fences will cost $150-$500 depending on the brand, quality, and features such as adjustable receivers.  Dogfencediy.com provides reviews and prices of many different brands of do-it-yourself invisible fences.

If you feel safer getting the invisible fence professionally installed, the invisible fence cost will usually be between $700 and $2,000 depending on the company, the cost of living in your area, the specific fence you purchase, and the size of your yard.

For example, a company based in Michigan called MichiganHiddenFence.com installs invisible fences on an acre of property for $499.

PetStreetMall.com, a popular retailer has a few invisible fence choices available that range from $169 to $350.  For instance, the PetSafe UltraSmart fence can cover 25 acres, it’s lightweight and comes with a 20-gauge wire for $299.  On the other hand,  the Perimeter PTPWF-100 uses no wires and can cover up to 2.5 acres and retails for $329.




Invisible fence overview

A do-it-yourself invisible fence will come with approximately 500 feet of electric wire, a transmitter, a receiver collar (usually adjustable), splice caps, border flags to help with training, and a manual with usage and installation instructions.  Dog-fence-guide.com gives a walk-through of how to install an invisible fence as well as useful tips for doing so.

A professionally installed invisible fence will always include the installation of the wire and border flags as well as the transmitter and receiver collar.  Some companies also provide a training service for the dog.

During the procedure, the installer will make small indentations into the ground that are four to six inches deep.  Once the indentations have been made into the ground, the wire will be placed inside connecting to a control panel that is located near a garage or inside.

Once the invisible fence has been installed, it will keep your dogs contained within your yard.  It may take up to a few weeks for your dog to learn the ropes of the system.  With most systems, a small beep will sound on their collar as they enter the “fence” area.  As they get close, the beep will get louder.  If they pass through the fence, a shock will stop them from going through.

Most companies will come out and help train you and your dog with the system.  With most systems, this can take up to two weeks to fully train your dog.

Most companies will also include a warranty of some sort.

What are the extra costs?

If the included wire is not enough to go around your yard, the extra wire will cost about $.05-$.07 per linear foot.  For example, a 500-foot spool of PetSafe boundary wire costs about $30.  One of the most common problems with these fences is that the wire can go bad.

Depending on how often your dog receives a shock from the fence, the battery in the collar will need to be replaced.  A battery will cost $5-$15.  Plan on changing this battery every three to four months.

If your receiver collar breaks, a replacement collar will cost between $50 and $150 depending on the brand, strength, and features.  Petco, for example, sells the Innotek Smart Dog extra receivers for $140.  Dog owners may opt to purchase an additional collar, just in case one breaks down the road.

An extra collar for additional dogs can be $50 to $65.

If your device doesn’t have built-in lightning protection, you may want to purchase a separate device.  These devices can cost less than $100.

Top brands to consider:

Innotek

Perimeter Technologies

PetSafe

PetStop

Tips to know

It’s best to wait until your dog reaches the age of 8 weeks before considering an invisible fence.

Be sure to know how long the battery lasts.  If the battery doesn’t work, the collar won’t beep, allowing the dog to escape.  Most collars today will have some sort of indicator that specifies when the battery gets low.

Typically, this fence will work in any yard size and be placed anywhere a wire can be buried.

If the power goes out, the fence will not work.

Remember that this fence won’t keep wild animals out of your yard.  Even if your dog is outside, it’s still a good idea to supervise it.

If your dog has a thick patch of fur around its neck, some recommend shaving a small area so the collar can work 100%.

Try not to make it a habit to keep the collar on 24/7.  Since it can develop a rash if you keep it on all the time, it’s best to put it on when you send the dog outside.

The benefits

No obstructions

You don’t have to worry about putting up a tacky chain link fence in your yard.  Instead, everybody won’t even know that you have a fence to keep your dogs in the yard.

Training

Installing a fence is very simple to install.  Most dogs will find that they can easily adapt to the system easily.

Installation

Even if you don’t hire a company to install the fence, you will find that the process isn’t that hard at all.  Once the fence is installed, all you will have to worry about is changing the batteries in the collar.

How can I save money?

Used invisible fence systems can be purchased through services such as eBay.  Some of these may require a purchase of some new or extra wire but could potentially be much cheaper than buying a new system or having one installed.

If considering an invisible fence to allow your dog to receive exercise outside, consider building a kennel.  Smaller dog kennels can start at $200 and go from there.

Consider installing the system yourself as the job isn’t that hard to do.  There are many resources online that can assist you with the process.  If you’re going to hire a professional to complete the job for you, consider using websites such as HomeAdvisor.com to find the best quotes in your area.  Here, you describe your job and contractors will email you with free quotes.

You don’t have to bury the wire around your yard.  Instead, consider flags and wireless systems to prevent your dog from going through a certain area.

Always shop around.  If you insist that you need a professional installer to help with your fence, you will want to make sure that you get at least three quotes.   You will find that most companies will greatly vary with their pricing.


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