Dogs, and Cows, and Horses- Oh My! Knowing What Fencing Is Right for Your Pet

According to a recent poll, the US is leading the world in the number of dogs kept as pets, with nearly 70 million. We are also first in birds, cats, and fish. 

Are you sure that you’re meeting all of your pets’ needs? 

You probably have food, walks, and affection covered, but what about your backyard? If you’re a homeowner, choosing the right fencing around your yard should be one of your highest priorities in terms of your pet. 

This applies to not only residential homeowners with dogs, but if you own farmland with goats, cows, or pigs as well. Maybe your pride and joy is your new stable! Horses need very specific fences. 

Don’t worry, you’re not alone in your quest to find the perfect fencing for your pet. We’ve compiled a list of everything you should know before you buy!

Fences for Pets

It’s important to remember that your fence decision will boil down to two main factors: function and display. 

The function is relevant when considering your pet’s behaviors. Are they likely to jump over or dig under? Squeeze through the fence panels? 

Many homeowners like to prioritize the safety of their fence and the security it will provide. This is a great factor! Typically the safer the fence is for your pup, the safer it will be for you as well so the two go hand in hand. 

As for the display, there’s no shame in choosing a fence based on the aesthetic (as long as this isn’t the only factor). Are you wanting to completely block out the outside world, or have a nice view of other properties? 

Depending on your furry friend, you may have more wiggle room with favoring the aesthetic. For example, if you have an older dog with much less energy, they are probably less likely to jump or try to break out.

Chain Link Fence

Economically, a chain link fence would probably be your best bet. They are easier on the wallet than a wooden or vinyl fence, while still providing the same basic functions. 

For added security, you can add your own lock to the gate. This will help keep your pet from flipping up the latch with their nose or paw. 

Bonus: these fences are great for families! Since you can see straight through them, you can keep an eye on your kids if they’re playing in a neighbor’s yard. 

Chain link fences may not be your ideal choice if your dog is a master high-jumper seeing as how they’re not very tall. Also, if your pup is easily excitable, the openness of a chain link fence provides a front-row seat to every squirrel, rabbit, or new stranger that passes by. 

If your dog is prone to digging under a fence, you can try an L-footer! 

Wooden Fence

What we love about wooden fences is that they rank high on both function and display scales. If you have some room in the budget, a wooden fence provides you and your pet with the extra security and comfort to help you sleep a little sounder at night. 

Speaking of sleeping soundly – if the panels on your wooden fence are solid, your pup won’t have as many visual distractions to keep them barking. 

Wooden fences are one of the tallest fence options as well, perfect for larger dogs or jumpers. 

For you, wooden fences provide extra security and privacy. Their height can be daunting to people trying to climb over.

If you already have a wooden fence around your home, you may need to replace it. To catch the warning signs early, read through our article about Residential Fence Replacement.

Vinyl Fence

Last but not least, vinyl fences have a lot of distinct qualities that are worth considering. 

They provide much of the same height and privacy that a wooden fence will obtain while being a bit more efficient. 

If your dog likes to play in the mud, cleaning your fence will be a breeze. Some nice soapy water does the trick! 

These fences are also much more durable and will weather the wear and tear of everyday life without cracking or splitting like a wood fence. If you can sacrifice a bit of the visual appeal, vinyl fences are incredible options. 

Farmyard Fences 

We haven’t forgotten those beautiful commercial fences! 

The function may outweigh the display in this category, but not in every scenario. If you’re a business catering to more wealthy clients, like a professional training stable, your fence should be eye-catching. 

However, if aesthetics don’t matter as much to you, the fencing you choose will likely be based more on function:

Woven Wire Fencing

For an all-around efficient choice, woven wire fencing is your best bet. These work great for goats, pigs, and other hoofstock. They are sturdy enough for smaller animals and will prevent climbing or escaping due to their tiny holes. 

These fences don’t have as much physical strength, so young horses may easily try to escape. However, if your horses are older and have been together for a while to develop a strong sense of herd boundaries, chances are they will stay contained with this base layer of protection. 

Wooden Fencing

Wood fences are a timeless choice for fencing in your pasture. If you only cater to horses, then the horizontal panels don’t have to be solid. Providing the visual barrier and a bit of height will keep them happy and safe within their defined area. 

However, do keep in mind that wooden fences require a little more upkeep. It will need to be repainted every few years and inspected for any cracks or nails that could injure your horses. 

These fences also don’t provide as much protection from outside animals like opossums or wild dogs. 

Let Us Help You Get Started

When it comes to choosing the right type of fencing for your needs, there are a lot of options to choose from! From vinyl to wood, wire to chain, your specific animal deserves the best.

That’s why we’re here to help! Contact us with any questions you may have, or for a free instant quote. 

You can also check out the other posts on our site for a lot of helpful information!