How Much Does an Electric Pet Fence Cost - Is It Worth It?

An electric dog fence, either wireless or in-ground wired, will usually cost between $957 and $1,444 including professional installation, for an average price of $1,200.

Naturally, the size of the area you want to enclose will affect the overall cost of your in-ground dog fence. Expect to pay $1.75 to $2.75 per linear foot of boundary, or $2.25 per linear foot on average.

If you choose to skip the pro installation, you can purchase a DIY wireless dog fence kit from retailers like Amazon, PetSmart, and Petco for $54 on the low end and $780 on the high end. Most mid-range electric pet containment systems for residential-sized yards will cost around $238.

Although there are many other readily available, reasonably priced options for wireless, in-ground fencing systems, Invisible Fence is one of the most well-known brands of wireless dog fence.

How Much Does In-Ground Dog Fencing Cost?

It might be simpler for you to install an electric fence for your pet than to construct a conventional fence out of wood, metal, or vinyl. However, what will a dog fence that is buried cost?

• National average cost: $1,200
• Typical price range: $957 – $1,444
• Extreme low end: $550
• Extreme high end: $1,883

To hire a professional fence company to install your pet fence, you would pay around $1,200 total in material and labor costs combined. The typical price range is $957 to $1,444, but the exact amount you pay will depend on the size of your property and the specific fencing system you choose.

Buying a premium system from a well-known brand or hiring an expensive contractor could run your bill close to $1,883 total. If your yard is particularly small or you live in a rural area with low labor rates, you could pay as little as $550 for a professionally installed underground dog fence.

Cost Estimator by Size

A dog fence that is buried has the advantage of virtually taking on any size or shape that is required. A single one can be used to enclose your entire property, your backyard, or both.

The range of a wireless electric fence system may be constrained, but you can always buy and install more wire to increase the wired system's perimeter.

Whichever type of in-ground pet containment system you use, you'll most likely pay between $1.75 and $2.75 per linear foot. That makes an average cost of $2.25 per linear foot. This ballpark cost includes both materials and labor.

Based on the size of your project, you can estimate your overall budget by using that average cost. An American typical lot size is about 12,632 square feet. To enclose a full property of that size, an underground dog fence boundary would have to be about 448 linear feet, which would cost around $1,008 total.

A small lot of 6,098 square feet would need 312 linear feet of wireless dog fence, and the overall cost would be about $702. For an extra large lot of 75,794 square feet, you should expect to pay about $2,475 for a 1,100-linear-foot dog fence.

Types of Electric Fences

Electric fences can be powered by batteries, solar energy, or the electrical grid. Every one of them depends on a part called an electric fence charger to transform the incoming charge into a less dangerous form of electricity. The way each charger is powered accounts for the difference.

Electric fence chargers that operate on ac plug into an outlet and use the grid for power. The versions that are powered by batteries and the sun are exactly what their names suggest. Batteries are needed for solar chargers, but because they are constantly being recharged by the sun, the batteries last a very long time.

Most experts advise choosing that option if you have access to power because A/C-powered electric fence chargers typically tend to be less expensive and simpler to maintain. Where there is no access to the electrical grid or where access is difficult, solar- and battery-powered versions are typically chosen.

Electric Pet Fence Cost Factors

The cost of labor and materials, as well as a few less obvious ones, are among the factors that affect the price of an electric fence. In addition to the price of clearing any trees or brush that may be in its way, the accessibility of the fence's location may increase labor costs.

Find out below how each influences the overall price of installing an electric fence.

Labor Costs

The length of the fence is a major factor in how much most electric fence companies charge for installation. With that in mind, expect to pay between $0.12 and $0.20 for labor, depending on the terrain and the number of wires in the fence. Based on that rate, the labor cost for a 1 square acre fence (which has a perimeter of about 830 feet) would be between $100 and $166.

Permits and Requirements

When it comes to putting up an electric fence, municipalities have different rules. Some businesses might demand a permit from the client, while others might not. Generally speaking, homeowners are not allowed to build an electric fence in a residential area by most cities.

In rural areas, electric fences are typically only allowed if they are specifically needed to contain livestock or keep out wild animals.

Accessibility

Rugged terrain can make it harder to transport supplies, equipment, and materials to the fence location, which would increase the cost and duration of the fence installation project.

A fence that might cost $1 per linear foot to install for materials and labor can end up costing $2 per linear foot or more if the fence line is difficult to access.

Prep Work

The fence line must be cleared of all vegetation before the fence is put in place. Additionally, additional clearing might be needed to give the installation equipment access to the fence line. The cost to remove trees and shrubs can range from $165 to $2,400, depending on the size of the job.

Number and Type of Strands

The number and type of wire strands a fence has affects its cost in addition to its overall length. From thin wire to high tensile steel, there are one to eleven wire strands in an electric fence.

For the majority of livestock, such as cattle, horses, and hogs, three wires are usually adequate, though the height and spacing of the wires will vary depending on the species. In order to build a fence that is taller and has smaller openings and can keep out predators or deer, more wires are required.

The separation between the fence's posts and its permanent or temporary nature are two additional elements that may affect the cost of the fence. Keeping these factors in mind, the total cost for materials can range between $.07 and $0.78 per linear foot.

Cost by Type of Electric Fence

The price of an electric fence varies depending on its type; an above-ground electric fence is more expensive than an invisible electric fence. The cost of the electric fence will also depend on how it is powered. Find out more about the price of a fence and how the type of power it uses affects the cost.

Invisible Electric Fence

When an animal tries to cross an invisible fence line, an electric shock is delivered via a collar to keep it within the confines of the designated area.

This type of electric fence is typically less expensive than a physical wood or chain link fence but pricier than an above-ground electric fence, with a local dog fence installation company charging between $1,000 and $1,600, depending on the length of the fence.

Since an invisible fence is buried, the cost to repair an invisible fence is less than the cost to fix an above-ground electric fence.

Editor's Note About Invisible Electric Fencing

Some owners believe electric fences are a good option, but other owners claim their dogs have grown accustomed to the shock. Invisible fences are also strongly disliked by some people who believe they pose a risk to canines.

Amelia Weiber, PDT-KA, CCBC, fear-free certified, who runs Caring Behavior Animal Behavior Consulting and sits on the advisory board for Daily Paws, noted that "electric fences can result in behavioral side effects and may not be able to keep a dog safely in the yard so they should be avoided as a containment option."

You should discuss your particular dog with your veterinarian if you decide to proceed with an invisible fence. Additionally, installing this kind of fencing may not be permitted in some states and counties, so always check local ordinances.

Above-Ground Electric Fence

Expect to pay between $1,675 and $2,500 for an above-ground electric fence for livestock. The size of the fenced area affects how much the fence will cost overall, just like with any other type of fence.

The price of the fence increases with the number of strands and wire quality. Keeping that in mind that the average cost to fence in 1 square acre of land is broad, running from $200 to $2,500.

Solar Or Battery

If powering the electric fence with an electrical connection is difficult, one option is to power it with a solar charger. Install the solar energizer where it will receive full sun all day if you intend to use one.

The majority of solar chargers can be mounted to a fence post. Solar chargers range in cost from $100 to $500, depending on the length of the fence the charger will be powering. Some fences can also be powered by a 12-volt marine battery, which costs between $30 and $300.

Extra Services

High-tech dog fences have the significant advantage of requiring much less upkeep than a conventional fence. You won't need to apply rust protection or paint or stain the fence like you would with wrought iron or a wood one.

Nevertheless, there are some dog fencing-related services for which you might still want to hire a professional. When determining the overall budget for your pet containment system, keep these potential needs in mind.

Pet Training

Your dog needs to be trained to recognize the sound warning and avoid static correction in order for a wireless or wired dog fence to work effectively. While some pet owners may be able to train their pets on their own, others may require professional assistance.

The business may charge extra for pet training if a professional installs your wired or wireless system. You could also hire a qualified trainer who has experience teaching animals how to react to static correction fences if you install the fence yourself. Depending on who you hire and how long it takes to train your pet, the additional cost of training will vary.

Customer Support

If you ever experience problems with your in-ground fence or require repairs, brands that are professionally installed (like Invisible Fence) frequently provide warranties and specialized customer support. While there isn't a separate cost for this customer support, it is included in the higher price of high-quality underground fencing brands.

Landscape Improvements

To place your wireless fence boundary where you want it, you might need to slightly change the landscape.

For instance, the landscaping requirements associated with your fence may require anything from a minor adjustment, such as excavating a small portion of a walkway or moving a tree, to a complete remodel.

Before installing your fence, think about how your yard is laid out and add any renovations you anticipate needing to your budget. Depending on the work you need done and the labor costs charged by local contractors, the cost of your landscape renovation will vary.

DIY Electric Dog Fence Cost

Installing your own pet fence will significantly reduce costs. For the majority of homeowners, it ought to be a straightforward do-it-yourself project. The most labor-intensive system is a wired one because you have to bury the wire; in contrast, a wireless system only requires training and any additional services you might require.

On average, you can expect to pay about $238 for a DIY pet fence kit. The smallest and most affordable models can cost as little as $54, while larger and more advanced systems can run up to $780.

Pros and Cons of In-Ground Pet Fences

Among many pet owners, animal lovers, and veterinarians, electric pet fences are a contentious subject. Although these fences are affordable and practical, some people worry that they might have a negative impact on pets. To determine whether a wired or wireless pet fence is best for you, you must compare the benefits with the possible drawbacks.

Pros:

✓ Less expensive than a traditional above-ground fence
✓ A lot less work to install and maintain than a traditional fence
✓ Won't block views or interrupt landscaping (perfect for the front yard and can be useful in the backyard, too)
✓ Pets can't dig under or jump over the fence

Cons:

✗ Takes time to be effective because pets need time to get used to the boundary
✗ Doesn't keep wild animals, strays, or strangers off your property
✗ Ineffective when the power goes out or batteries in the collar die
✗ Although it's just a mild shock, electric fences still use pain and fear to keep your pet in bounds, which can cause anxiety, aggression, and other behavioral issues
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Cost of Electric Fencing by Location

You can rely on the national average prices in this pricing guide to be correct for you if you intend to install your own fence and train your own pet. No matter where you live, the price of a DIY dog fence kit should be similar.

Though you should anticipate that the cost of your wired or wireless dog fence project will vary depending on where you live once you factor in professional labor costs. A major metropolis will probably have higher hourly rates for underground dog fence contractors than a more rural area. The price you pay for supplementary services like landscaping or pet training will also be influenced by local labor costs.

FAQ About Electric Fences

Do Electric Fences Hurt Animals?

Your animals won't suffer any harm from electric fences. Smaller pets are intended to receive a gentle signal from an underground invisible fence line, while larger animals are safely contained by an above-ground electric fence with wooden posts by receiving a shock proportional to their body mass. They offer a light stimulus that is safe for them.

Can a Dog Run through An Electric Fence?

Yes, this is possible due to wire breaks, dead batteries, or particularly obstinate dogs. Once the pet escapes, the boundary will shock them when they attempt to enter your yard again.

Although escapes are uncommon (or high-tech dog fences wouldn't be so well-liked), they are still a possibility.

How Deep Are Underground Dog Fences Buried?

usually between one and three inches.

How Much Electricity Does a Wired Or Wireless Dog Fence Use?

With an annual cost of only about $10, an underground dog fence uses about the same amount of electricity as a 5-watt nightlight.

What Are the Benefits of Installing An Electric Fence?

Installing an electric fence will stop small pets or larger farm animals from straying, so it is a good idea. It gives you the assurance that your animals are safe without causing any harm to the animals.

Conclusion

The national average cost of a professionally installed dog fence is about $1,200. Typical prices can range from $957 to $1,444.

To figure out the price your own project would be closest to, you can take the average rate of $2.25 per linear foot and multiply it by the size of the boundary you need in linear feet.

It would be much less expensive to install your own fence. The equipment will usually cost around $238. Some models might cost as much as $780 or as little as $54.

A more expensive pet containment system with special features might be worthwhile depending on your property and your pet's individual needs.