Invisible Fence Cost

• Invisible pet fence kits that pet owners install themselves are available at pet stores and websites like radiofence.com and discount-pet-superstore.com, and will cost from $100 to $350.
• A professionally installed invisible pet fence can be $850 to $1,500. Brands include PetStop and DogWatch. Advantages can include customized installation, training for the dog and training techniques for the owner. Some companies, like Invisible Fence, also customize the receiver collar, so that it emits a stronger or weaker shock depending on the dog's size, age and temperament.

• Here's how electric fences work: a wire is placed under or on top of the ground around the perimeter of the area the pet needs to be kept inside. The pet -- usually a dog, but this works for cats as well -- wears a "receiver" collar that responds to the signal sent by a transmitter corresponding with the wire. If the pet gets too close to the wire, it receives a "correction," typically in the form of a small electric shock similar to a static burst.
• Invisible fences are considered a training enhancement tool, not a "dog sitter."
• Electric fence kits include a transmitter, a receiver, an adjustable collar, extra receiver probes, 500 feet of boundary wire, splice caps, boundary flags (to help with training) and a manual that covers installation and a dog training guide. Some kits also come with an installation and training video. The commercial site DogFenceDIY.com provides a detailed description on how to install an invisible pet fence kit. Professionally installed systems typically include all of the above, plus training for the dog and/or owner.

• Additional collars for additional dogs cost between $55 and $130.
• A do-it-yourself kit may not include enough wire. Additional wire costs between $23 and $70 depending on length (usually between 500 and 1,000 feet) and durability.
• The collar battery will last between three months and a year depending on how often the pet "challenges" the system. Batteries cost between $5 and $15 through online pet stores like discount-pet-superstore.com
• Since electric fences conduct currents of electricity, they attract lightning, although this is uncommon. If living in an area with frequent thunderstorms, consider buying a lightning protector. These cost between $35 and $55.

• Keep in mind that an invisible fence doesn't keep other dogs, animals or people out of the yard. The commercial site Dog-Fence-Guide.com provides an overview and links to reviews of various invisible fence products.
• There is some debate online over the ethics of administering even light electric shocks to pets. Some feel any negative or painful training is wrong; others feel it's safe and necessary. DoggyBehave.com explains why good training is necessary.
• Visit HealthyPet.com for a list of electric fence pros and cons.

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