One of the first considerations in the type of pet fence system you should use on your pet dog is cost. Being aware of the general cost of a pet fence will enable you to make an informed choice and ensure that you get the most out of your money. Be it an underground pet fence, wireless dog fence or even a GPS pet fence, knowing what to expect about pricing and budgeting will help you to plan accordingly.
In this case we will de-budget the prices of the different types of pet fences, we will make you aware of what affects the price charged and offer some budgeting tips to help you get the best system possible for your pet and your wallet.
1. Types of Pet Fences and Their Costs
Various types and price ranges of pet fence systems are available. We will discuss the cost of each of these options.
A. Underground Pet Fences
- Starting Cost: Generally, there is an installation and equipment cost of $1,000 – $2500.
- Ongoing Costs: Maintenance, collar batteries, and some repairs can be between $50 and $150 every year.
What’s Included in the Cost:
- Wire installation, the transmitter and the collar are typically included in the price.
- In case you have a large yard or complicated terrain, the cost can go higher because of the quantity of wire needed and the installation labor.
Why Choose Underground Pet Fences?
- Flexible and accurate boundary marking, which is compatible with large or irregular shaped yards.
- High-endurance investment with low maintenance after installation.
B. Wireless Dog Fences
- Starting Cost: $200 to $800 on the system and the collar.
- Ongoing Costs: $30-50 annually to collar batteries and some maintenance.
What’s Included in the Cost:
- The price is usually encompassing the transmitter and collar, with a range that could be adjusted to suit the pet with its own boundary zone.
- Wireless systems are mobile and need no installation and it makes them cheaper in smaller yards or in rented houses.
Why Choose Wireless Pet Fences?
- Ideal for smaller yards or those who need a portable solution.
- No trenching or hardship to install, and offers flexibility in installation.
C. GPS Pet Fences
- Starting Cost: Around $250 – $1,500 for the system, depending on the brand and features.
- Ongoing Costs: GPS pet fences typically have monthly subscription to tracking, which is $10 – $20/month.
What’s Included in the Cost:
- It has a collar which links with satellites to know where the pet is at any given time.
- Most GPS systems support numerous boundary zones which give flexibility in traveling or open spaces.
Why Choose GPS Pet Fences?
- Ideal in large open areas or when one travels often with their dogs.
- Real-time tracking will help the pet owners rest assured of the location of their pet.
2. Factors That Affect the Cost of Pet Fences
The general price of a pet fence system may change based on a number of variables. The key factors influencing the price are these:
A. Yard Size and Terrain
The bigger the yard area or the irregular the ground, the more money you will spend on the pet fence system. The bigger the yard, the more wire you need in an underground system, or radius in a wireless system. In case your yard is hilly, has trees, or any other impediments, the installation can be more complicated.
- Learn more about how yard size impacts pet fence installation costs in our Complete Guide to Installing an Underground Pet Fence.
B. Type of Fence
As we’ve discussed, different systems have different price points. Underground pet fences are more costly to purchase initially because of installation, whereas wireless and GPS may be cheaper to install but charge higher monthly fees (particularly with GPS systems).
- Check out our comparison of wireless vs underground dog fences in Wireless vs Wired vs GPS Pet Fences.
C. Professional Installation vs. DIY
By installing the fence yourself, you will avoid installation costs but may have to include tools and time. An additional cost of professional installation may be between $300 to $1,000, depending on the system complexity and the yard.
D. Additional Features and Accessories
Some systems may have enhanced capabilities, like adjustable collar options, additional collars to suit several dogs, or improved signal transmission. Other accessories such as extra collars or signal booster can also increase the total price.
3. Ongoing Costs to Consider
Although the original price of the pet fence is significant, it is also essential to consider the long-term expenses of having a pet fence.
A. Collar Batteries
Majority of the pet fence collars require recharging or changing the batteries after every few months. Expect to spend $30 – $100 per year on batteries, depending on how frequently the collar is used.
B. Maintenance and Repairs
Your underground fence might also require some maintenance with time like repairing the wires, particularly when the wire is damaged or accidentally cut. The wireless systems might require modifications to bring about optimum performance.
4. Budgeting Tips for Your Pet Fence System
A. Set a Realistic Budget
Budgeting is a key factor when it comes to a pet fence, and it is important to ensure that you have an affordable budget that covers the cost of installing the fence and the maintenance costs. It’s important to factor in potential repairs, collar batteries, and any accessories.
B. Shop Around for Deals
Find offers or deals on pet fences. Numerous brands provide coupons or bundles, which include the collar, transmitter, and installation.
C. Plan for Future Expansion
When you have an idea of increasing the size of your fence in future (adding more dogs, increasing the range, etc.), ensure that the system you settle on can be easily extended or upgraded.
5. Conclusion
When deciding on the pet fence system, one should not just pick the type of fence to install, but also to know the expenses of both installation and upkeep. It doesn’t matter if you choose an underground pet fence, wireless dog fence or a GPS pet fence, being ready for both the initial costs and maintenance costs will guide you to make the best decision to ensure the safety of your pet and your budget.
Keep in mind that the appropriate pet fence is the one that can bring peace of mind, your dog is in the safe area that is enclosed by the yard.
Need Help Deciding on the Right Fence?
Still unsure which pet fence system is the best fit for your yard and budget? Contact our experts for a personalized consultation to help you make an informed choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
An underground pet fence can cost between $1,000 and $2,500 to install and equip, depending on the size of your yard and the installation complexity. Collar batteries, and some maintenance, would be additional costs of around $50 – $150 annually.
Yes, wireless dog fences tend to be cheaper, and the system and collar cost between $200 and $800. The coverage area of the system is however normally less than an underground fence and you could even have to replace collar batteries every year.
Cost of pet fence system mainly depends on the following factors:
- Yard size and layout (larger or irregularly shaped yards need more materials).
- Fence type (underground fences are more costly than wireless fences or GPS).
- Professional installation or DIY (administration fees may vary between $300 and $1,000).
Yes, most GPS pet fence systems have a monthly subscription fee to track their location, and it is generally $10-$20 a month. This charge will cover the real time GPS tracking option, which may be very worthwhile to those pet owners who use their car a lot or have expansive lawns.
Yes, you can install wireless pet fences or underground systems yourself to save money on installation. But DIY installation needs planning particularly with underground fences which may involve digging wiring. Additionally, ensure that your instructions are obeyed, or you may always consult the services of a professional in case you are not conversant with the procedure.
Depending on the use, collar batteries require replacement or charging after 3 to 6 months. There are systems that have rechargeable collars and some that you have to replace the battery with. Plan for $30 – $100 per year for battery replacements.
Yes, besides battery replacement, there are periodic maintenance costs such as repairing wires (underground systems), calibration, and updates. Maintenance may be as low as $50 to $150 annually, depending on the type of system and the yard.
Large yards and irregular shaped areas do not mostly use wireless pet fences because they have a limited range. They can be used on small to medium size areas. When dealing with larger yards, an underground pet fence or GPS pet fence is more dependable.
Yes, the majority of pet fence systems (underground systems and wireless systems) may be multi-dog. You will have to buy more collars for each dog and in other instances, the correction levels may be adjusted on each pet separately.
GPS pet fences have the most flexibility and range, particularly in the case of the large open area or when you are traveling with your pet. They not only enable you to establish custom boundaries virtually anywhere, but also give you real time information about the location of your pet. They however have an increased start up cost and monthly subscription charge.