Best Pet Electric Fences

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 2, 2024
If you are looking for a way to keep your pet within the yard territory, it is high time to consider a pet containment system. In ...Read more
PROS

The transmitter is equipped with a surge protector that guards the unit against lightning strikes. The included collars are totally waterproof and each weighs only 1.1 oz. Every item that comes with the dog fence is made in the USA.

CONS
The collars are not rechargeable so you should always have an extra set of batteries.
OUR VERDICT
This electric fence is perfect for outdoor application and may be used with most breeds. The maximal containment area is measured up to 10 acres so if you have a got large surrounding area, this model is just for you.
detailed parameters
TYPE
In-ground
EFFECTIVE COVERAGE

Up to 6 acres

Quantity / Recommended Dog Weight

1 / 8 pounds and up

COLLAR'S CORRECTION LEVELS

7 correction levels + beep-only level

COLLAR BATTERIES
Replaceable
Warranty

1 year (extends to 5 years after registration)

PROS

The tone-only mode alerts your buddy with naught but a beep. The static corrections here are sparing enough too, stopping after 15 seconds to prevent harming the dog. The system allows you to add a practically unlimited number of pets.

CONS

Programming the perimeter on the machine is a little counterintuitive. 

OUR VERDICT

With the PetSafe PIF00-12917 Stay & Play, you don't need to place and establish an actual physical fence. Plus, once your pet figures out and gets used to the system, you can introduce travel and start establishing play areas in parks and other locations far away from your backyard.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Wireless 

EFFECTIVE COVERAGE

Up to 3/4 acre

Quantity / Recommended Dog Weight

5 pounds and up

COLLAR'S CORRECTION LEVELS

1 tone, 5 static

COLLAR BATTERIES

Rechargeable CR123A battery 

Warranty

1 year (limited)

PROS
The transmitter powers up to 100 acres of property. The collar is designed with the vibrate mode, useful for old or hard of hearing dogs. The producer ensures high-level customer support online.
CONS
Offers only 4 correction levels thus it is not quite appropriate for small breeds containment.
OUR VERDICT

This solidly-built and reliable system is meant for medium and large breeds, and is perfect for those who own large rural properties.

detailed parameters
TYPE
In-ground
EFFECTIVE COVERAGE

Up to 100 acres

Quantity / Recommended Dog Weight

1 / 10 pounds and up

COLLAR'S CORRECTION LEVELS
1 tone, 4 static
COLLAR BATTERIES

Replaceable 9-volt

Warranty

2 years

PROS
This is the only electric fence system that features a rechargeable collar. Comes with the biggest set of accessories. Features 2 warning zone modes and ensures 30% more space for pet to play within the containment area.
CONS
The receiver on the collar seems to be a bit large, thus it works great.
OUR VERDICT
This in-ground electric fence ensures effective and secure containment of a dog in a stipulated area. Thus, it comes with a rechargeable collar that adds maximal usability to the system.
detailed parameters
TYPE
In-ground
EFFECTIVE COVERAGE

Up to 10 acres

Quantity / Recommended Dog Weight

1 / 5 pounds and up

COLLAR'S CORRECTION LEVELS

5 levels + sound-only training mode

COLLAR BATTERIES
Rechargeable
Warranty

1 year

PROS
This wireless system is quite easy to install, just plug the transmitter in. Receiver collar automatically turns off after 30 seconds of continuous electric stimulation.
CONS
The signals sent through trees, bushes or other obstacles are rather weak.
OUR VERDICT
The present wireless electric fence is efficient for both outdoor and indoor application. Hence, it will equally secure your dog from different potential dangers and protect your furniture.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Wireless
EFFECTIVE COVERAGE

up to 1/2 acres

Quantity / Recommended Dog Weight

1 / 8 pounds and up

COLLAR'S CORRECTION LEVELS
1 tone, 5 static
COLLAR BATTERIES

Replaceable 6-volt (RFA-67)

Warranty

1 year

TYPE

Extreme Dog Fence Professional System is a quite efficient in-ground electric fence that is meant to contain 1 dog. Though if you have more than 1 pet, you can purchase additional collars that will also work with this system. Extreme Dog Fence Professional System is used for an outdoor application and comes with 20-gauge solid copper core waterproof wire that is enough to cover <6 acres of your property. The maximal containment area a transmitter can cover is measured up to 10 acres, however, you need to buy extra wire to enlarge the containment area.

Extreme Dog Fence Professional System allows you to create the border exactly where you want it to be. It may be large or small and of any shape. Moreover, this very system is known to be the most reliable on the market as it has the advantage of being heavy-duty and easy-to-install. Perfect for dog owners who have got a property with a large surrounding area.

COLLAR CHARACTERISTICS

Extreme Dog Fence Professional System is suitable for dogs that weigh no less than 8 pounds. Thus, it is easy to adjust the system for both small dogs and large ones. The receiver collar is expandable up to 28 inches and is made of soft rubber. Moreover, the collar is waterproof and weighs only 1.1 oz.

The collar offers 7 different correction levels (plus the beep-only setting), so you can use a lower level for smaller dogs and increase it for larger breeds. With regard to the power supply of a collar, it runs on disposal batteries that have 4-6 months of operational life. An indicator on a collar will let you know when a battery is running low, so you have time to replace it.

PACKAGE

The Extreme Dog Fence Professional System kit includes lots of accessories. So, along with the electric fence, you get a 1500 ft. of waterproof boundary wire, a digital dog fence transmitter and 2 waterproof receiver collars. Moreover, the electric fence comes with 150 boundary flags that will help you visually show your pet the containment area. And a training DVD will be useful during the installation of the fence and training your dog.

The Extreme Dog Fence Professional System is also equipped with a 50 ft. 16-gauge twisted wire and 6 waterproof splices for above-ground disposal, hence you can be sure that the wire is weatherproof. Every item that comes with the dog fence shows high reliability and is made in the USA.

Last updated price $279.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B00ETAIE0A

Wireless Boundaries

PetSafe PIF00-12917 Stay & Play is a wireless fence. The idea here and the difference between the actual in-ground fence is that you do not have to install wires around the perimeter. Instead, you create a circular boundary for your pet, an invisible fence, if you will. In this case, a way to contain him, ranging from 22 to 105 feet in all directions (that's up to 210 feet across). With but a turn of the right dial, you'll be able to adjust that boundary.

Then, you install the transmitter in the middle of your dog’s play area and plug it into an indoor electrical outlet. Naturally, that outlet and the transmitter will have to be close enough to the area where you want to contain your dog (outdoors).

After that, you very much temporarily define the pet area with these nice little boundary flags. This way, you'll be able to train your pet to recognize the boundaries and differentiate between the play area and the no-go area.

Freedom and Fun

Other than that, the differences between wireless systems in general (as well as this system in particular) and their in-ground, physical counterparts more or less come to an end. In a similar fashion, the transmitter here sends a constant radio signal in the pet area.

As per usual, the moment your pet approaches the boundary zone, the transmitter delivers a nice little warning tone to the collar to remind where the play area ends. The collar here is lightweight and waterproof, so your dog will remain comfortable in it.

Again, as it is often the case, the system in question comes with 5 static correction signals. You can choose the intensity or stick with the tone-only option, meaning you should be able to find the right fit for your dog’s temperament. More often than not, all it takes is a few training sessions to establish a secure boundary for freedom and fun.

Introduce Travel

The aforementioned tone-only mode that alerts your buddy with nothing but a beep is a nice touch that you'll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. The static corrections here are sparing enough too, stopping after 15 seconds to prevent harming the dog.

Or dogs (plural) because, provided you acquire additional wireless fence receiver collars, the system allows you to add a practically unlimited number of pets.

Another little detail that separates this product from its subpar peers is the fact that the collars are perfectly suitable for the smallest dogs, starting with the mere weight of 5 pounds.

All in all, what's great about PetSafe PIF00-12917 Stay & Play electronic dog fence system is that you don't have to place and establish an actual physical fence. Furthermore, once your pet figures out and gets used to the system, you can introduce travel and start establishing play areas in parks and other locations far away from your backyard. With this remote trainer, every and any location can become your pet's new playground.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $299.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B0055L8RRC

TYPE

SportDog 100-Acre in-ground system is designed to keep your pets safe in your yard as it is meant only for outdoor application. This dog fence offers the largest containment area as an included receiver is able to cover up to 100 acres of property. Unfortunately, the wire length is not enough for such a large area hence, you'd need to buy additional wire to expand the containment area. What is more important, this system can be used with as many dogs as you want. You just need to buy additional collars for them. It is obvious, that SportDog 100-Acre is a cost-effective purchase for those who need to contain dogs on large rural properties.

COLLAR CHARACTERISTICS

The main peculiarity of SportDog 100-Acre fence is an ability to contain dogs of diverse weight. Thus, it would be perfect for breeds from 10 to 220 pounds. As regards the collar it is totally waterproof and suitable for dogs who love to swim. The collar is quite big and bulky, so it won't fit breeds with necks smaller than 13 inches and under 10 pounds. Moreover, the collar offers 4 correction levels plus a beep and a vibrate-only mode, and runs on a replaceable 9-Volt battery. What's important, the vibration mode is perfect for owners with old or hearing loss dogs. It should also be mentioned that SportDog 100-Acre system is equipped with a surge protector, so you can be sure that lightning strikes won't cause any damage.

PACKAGE

The standard SportDog 100-Acre kit includes fewer accessories in comparison with PetSafe Yardmax system. However, you'll get everything you need for installation and operation. So, a transmitter, a receiver collar and 1,000 feet of the 20-gauge wire are included in a kit. As you may see, this electric fence dog system offers double the usual amount of boundary wire, hence, it is enough to contain 1 acre of your property. In addition, SportDog 100-Acre comes with 100 training flags, so a dog can easily distinguish a boundary area. Moreover, you'll get an operating guide with training information that will help you train your canine.
Last updated price $499.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B003P443C4

VIDEO

TYPE

PetSafe Yardmax is an in-ground system which is meant for outdoor application. Effective coverage of Yardmax is about 1/3 acre with the included wire. However, if you purchase an additional wire you can expand a containment area up to 10 acres. In addition, the wire can be disposed both below ground or above it. PetSafe Yardmax dog fence offers 2 modes of warning zones. The first one gives up to 30% more space for your pet as it begins on the other side of wire. So, if your pet crosses the border, it will keep on receiving corrections from the collar until it gets back to the pet zone. As regards the second one, it is a traditional warning zone that begins exactly where the wire is laid and correction doesn't continue indefinitely if a pet crosses the border. PetSafe Yardmax system offers a quality signal transmission even at large distances owing to an in-ground connection to a transmitter.

COLLAR CHARACTERISTICS

Every included feature in this system ensures convenience for your dog and excellent functionality. Hence, PetSafe Yardmax offers 5 adjustable correction levels and a tone that can be used for training only. The adjustable collar will fit a dog with neck sizes of 6 to 28 inches and probably would be the best for those whose pet weighs more than 5 pounds. In addition, the collar is made of water-resistant material so your pet can easily play under the rain. And what is more important, PetSafe Yardmax is equipped with a rechargeable battery that will last for at least a month or two. So, you needn't spend money on buying extra batteries.

PACKAGE

PetSafe Yardmax kit includes a transmitter with a mounting hardware and a power adapter, an adjustable collar, a receiver collar charger and a surge protector for the transmitter. The test light tool and contact point wrench will help you understand if the collar properly works. In addition, the set includes short and long contact points so you can choose those that are the most appropriate for your dog's coat. You will also get 500 ft. of a 20 gauge boundary wire to set boundaries and 50 training flags to ensure that your dog definitely learns the containment perimeter. This way you get everything you need to mount a fence and have it effectively working.

Last updated price $249.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B00DDXS9QI

VIDEO

TYPE

PetSafe PIF-300 Wireless Pet Containment System is a wireless hidden fence that doesn't require any boundary wire installation. Thus, this system uses radio frequency to guard your dog in a containment area. PIF-300 is meant for both outdoor and indoor application so you may place a transmitter in your house. Hence, due to an 18 kHz signal frequency, a collar will receive a signal even if a dog is outside your house. In regard to the transmitter's effective coverage, your dog gets 1/2 acre of the pet area. Although, the wireless system creates a circular field and cannot be changed into a square or rectangular shape.

COLLAR CHARACTERISTICS

The producer recommends PIF-300 wireless system for dogs that weigh over 8 pounds. The included waterproof collar serves as an impulse signal receiver and offers 5 adjustable correction levels and a tone-only mode. In addition, the collar is equipped with a low battery indicator that will alert you if it's time to change a battery. The collar runs on a replaceable 6-Volt (RFA-67) battery. What is more important, an automatic shut-off feature ensures that your dog never receives an electric stimulation longer than 30 seconds if it leaves the pet area. It automatically shuts off for 5 minutes before sending another stimulation.

PACKAGE

The standard SportDog 100-Acre kit includes everything you need to install the system and start training your dog. The electric fence comes with a transmitter and power adapter, a receiver collar with short contact points, 1 RFA-67 battery, and a test light tool. Moreover, for your convenience and dog's safety SportDog 100-Acre offers a set of long contact points if the short one doesn't touch your dog's neck. In addition to a 250-volt fuse inside the transmitter to avoid a short circuit, PetSafe PIF-300 also comes with 50 boundary flags and a training guide.

All things considered,  this wireless electric fence will be able to work indoors and outdoors. In other words, the product will secure and protect the pet from various dangers. It will also be able to protect your furniture. 

Last updated price $259.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B0001ZWZ8O

VIDEO

What customers say about this product

Key Specs(3.8)

It is easy to set up. Has the range it says it has.

Features(4)

We have loved the ability to take this to two different homes since it was purchased. The system's perimeter is variable, so you can make it smaller or larger, whatever suites your space. This is an excellent feature.

Infographics


What Is a Pet Electric Fence?

If you have a dog, you definitely know that it needs space to exercise. Though if your yard is not fenced in, your dog is exposed to potential danger - cars pass in the streets or your neighbors don't enjoy the dog's freedom. On the other hand, you may need to contain the dog from your swimming pool or flowerbeds. The best solution to this problem is purchasing a pet electric fence. With this system, your dog will have a confined space to play freely in. Hence, you will not have to worry about your dog safety and may feast eyes on the well-groomed flower beds. So, a pet electric fence is an invisible barrier that a dog cannot pass through while wearing a receiver collar. The operation principle is that when your dog tries to cross the border, a device emits an audible warning tone. If a dog ignores this warning, it receives corrective stimulation by electric current. If you are going to use this device in a flat, it will help you secure cables and blue chip against your dog. In this review, we are going to explain how to choose the right pet electric fence.

Owners of pets who often travel and visit dog shows will also be interested in reading the pet cages and crates review where they can buy a small, portable and yet cozy "home" to use on the go.

What Features to Compare

Types

Pet electric fences are divided into 2 types: in-ground and wireless. Both can effectively secure your dog but in various places. Let's bring each type to a sharper focus:

  • In-ground system. This type is installed by placing the wire into the ground around the perimeter you want or need. The next step is to install a transmitter that generates the boundary signal and monitors its boundaries. The length of the boundaries and the quantity of the containment areas you want to set up are limited just by the length of a wire or the owner's request. It can be small/big and of any shape. The only restriction is burying a cable along the already existing wirings as they can affect the operation of a pet containment system. So, if you have got a property with a large backyard you should definitely opt for an in-ground system.
  • Wireless system. A wireless type requires the installation of a transmitter in your house or at the garage to start operation. The transmitter creates a circular field and determines the size of the possible containment area. But the containment area cannot be changed into square or other shapes, it is always circular. In addition, you should pay attention to the landscape of your property and presence of metal structures in the yard as they may cause the loss of signal and activate the static correction. This very system is a perfect choice for people who want to set boundaries in their apartment or in small backyards.

Effective Coverage

So, as you may see the effective coverage of a pet electric fence directly depends on the type of system you get. Generally, an in-ground type covers up to 100 acres of your property. On the other hand, a transmitter in a wireless electric fence creates a circular field and is able to cover up to 180 feet in diameter.

Collar Characteristics

When all the boundaries are set up, you need to put a receiver collar on your dog. When a dog approaches the boundary, a device gives an audio signal. In case your pet ignores the warning, a collar produces a static correction. Therefore, the collar characteristics are also quite important to note. And the next significant feature we should pay attention to is the number of correction levels a collar offers. Some dog fences come with a single-level receiver that performs only one level of static correction regardless of your pet's size. So, it is preferable to choose a system with multiple correction levels. Thus, you'll have the ability to choose an appropriate one for your pet in accordance with its temper and weight. The quantity of pre-set correction levels varies in each system and may contain up to 5 different levels. As regards a collar power supply, there are collars equipped with rechargeable batteries or replaceable ones. It is preferable to choose a rechargeable type as it's quite efficient and cost-effective.

Dog Weight

You should also keep in mind that each electric fence has weight restrictions and each collar has a certain diameter, hence, choosing the one depends on your dog weight. Some receivers are much bigger than the others, and thus, more suitable for large breeds. Small dogs can wear only lightweight collars so that they don't get tired or stressed. All manufacturers give the details on the weight of each their product, so you can pick the one that would fit your pet the best.

Package

One more important feature is the package of an electric fence. Both in-ground and wireless systems should come with a transmitter, a receiver collar, and a charge adapter (if a rechargeable battery is used). Moreover, pet electric fences also come with a user manual and the boundary flags that will help you visually show your pet the containment area. However, an in-ground system also requires the sufficient quantity of boundary wire and all the electronics must be entirely waterproof. It is preferable if a system includes a CD disk with a detailed explanation on how to use the system.

Please note: it is important to consult a veterinarian before purchasing an electric fence as pet containment systems are not applicable for all dogs.

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