Pet Owners Look No Further: 5 Fencing Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe

Pet owners have many concerns when it comes to their beloved companions – and one of those is keeping them safe. Fencing can be an effective way of containing your pet and keeping potential threats out, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are 5 tips for installing the best fence for your pet's safety and happiness.

Install High, Quality Fencing

Installing the right kind of fencing is key for keeping your pet safe. Choose a fence material that is strong and durable enough to withstand any climbing attempts from your pet, as well as potential intruders. Opt for a tall height – six feet is ideal for many pets – to prevent escape attempts. Make sure all weak spots are fortified and that there are no large gaps in the fencing where your pet could squeeze through.

Consider the Material You Choose for Your Fence

When it comes to fencing material, there are several options to choose from. Before making your selection, consider the needs of your pet and the amount of care and maintenance each material requires. Wooden fences can be a good choice for privacy, aesthetic appeal, and keeping out wildlife. Chain link fences are durable and offer maximum visibility, but you may need to add additional materials to make them more pet-friendly. Vinyl fencing is another great option that requires minimal upkeep but may not be strong enough to keep out pests like raccoons or possums.

Don’t Use Sharp-Edged Rails or Posts 

To ensure the safety of your pet, it's important to avoid using sharp-edged posts or rails when installing a fence. This is especially important when dealing with curious and active pets that may be tempted to test the boundaries of their new enclosure. If sharp edges aren't avoided, they may cause serious injuries or entrapment of hair, toes, or other body parts.

Close any Openings in Your Fencing

Before allowing your pet outside, be sure to check all areas of your fence, including gates and panels, to make sure there are no openings or spaces where your pet can escape. If you need to create an opening for access, use a lockable gate or secure latch. Additionally, watch out for any potential gaps between the ground and bottom of the fence that may provide a space for smaller animals or pests to enter or exit.

Check for Buried Utilities Before Digging

​Before digging a post hole, it’s important to make sure there are no underground utility lines nearby. If you happen to dig in an area with underground connections, it’s possible that a wire or pipe may be damaged, leading to potentially hazardous circumstances. You or your fencing contractor should contact Ontario One Call to ensure there is no buried infrastructure (cables, pipes, wires) in the way before you dig.

If you're especially concerned about your pet escaping, for extra peace of mind, you can consider spraying the fence and adjacent shrubbery with a pet deterrent spray.  You can find these products at:

PetSmart - 183 Silvercreek Pkwy N.
Pet Valu - Speedvale Centre, Stone Square, 378 Speedvale Ave E, 158 Clair Rd E, 1005 Paisley Rd.