There are two approaches to handling invisible fence costs. You can approach this as a DIY project or you can hire some professionals to install it for you. There are definitely some advantages to tackling this as a DIY project. However, you should realistically consider your own ability to handle the project and not just think of it as a cost-saving effort. Some DIY projects are fun, but this one concerns the containment, safety and welfare of your pet. Still, before you go invisible fence shopping, you should understand the basics of the invisible fence costs and the purpose of these devices.
What Does An Invisible Fence Do?
An invisible fence provides pet containment without having to clutter up your yard or ruin your view with an actual fence made of wood or chain links. Advanced technology has allowed the development of a system which can keep pets on their homeland without adding anything to the landscaping of your home. A simple radio collar around your pet’s neck and electronic transmitters are enough to keep your pet from wandering away, getting hurt and breaking your heart or the hearts of your kids.
When your pet gets too close to a pre-arranged line of containment marked by a special wire laid in the ground, the collar will give off a warning sound. If your pet continues to move toward the wire, the collar will apply a mild shock to your pet. The shock is not so much to hurt any animal but it will reinforce the concept that leaving the property is a bad idea. Your pet will not be able to climb over this fence or dig underground to run away.
DIY Invisible Fence Costs
Photo Credit: Flickr coifmo66
If you take this fence on as a DIY project, then you need to make sure that you have acquired all the right parts needed to properly install this fence. You will also need to take into account certain factors that will have an effect on the overall price tag, even if you do it yourself. You can get most of the items listed below at pet stores such as Petsafe, including some additional original aftermarket accessories with high compatibility that you may enjoy adding to your pet containment system.
- The wire to cover as much as two acres will not actually run you that much money. Anywhere from $50 to $200 should be enough. Some kits can be purchased for $95 to cover smaller, residential areas. A lot of do-it-yourself types choose this kit.
- Your kit may come with a collar. If it does not, you will need one. Separately they may sell for anywhere between $50 and $100. The more you pay, the more likely you are to get a quality collar that will work effectively without hurting your pet.
- Additional transmitters will cost around $200. These may be necessary, especially if you have a lot of property.
There are additional invisible fence costs that you will have a hard time gauging if you do this project DIY. Any pet that is confined by such a system must be properly trained to use it. If you simply install it, put a wire on your pet and expect it to understand, you are just asking for trouble. You can either take on the task of training your pet or you can have a professional handle it. Gauging this price ahead of time is impossible without looking at each region specifically.
Other Factors Affecting Invisible Fence Costs
There are other factors which will have an impact on invisible fence costs. These have more to do with your environment and the choices that you make about your implementation of this system.
- The size of your pet will be one crucial factor. This will affect the collar size and the proper correction level or shock delivered.
- The acreage of your property will also have an impact on overall costs, no matter how you get the job done.
- It will be up to you to maintain and adjust the proper correction level of the collar’s electrical discharge. The higher the level of correction, the more energy your will use. Since this affects the lifespan of the battery, it indirectly affects the ongoing cost of the whole project.
- The type of battery that you use will also affect invisible fence costs. You might consider the money annual battery replacements will cost you. This is a cost you will have to endure whether you install the system yourself or not. It is also possible to get a rechargeable battery.
- Finally, getting lightning protection is critical. You are going to have these wire planted in the ground equipment near your house. To protect your hardware and your home, either get a kit that comes with built-in lightning protection or add a separate system yourself.
Advantages of Professional Installation
Getting this work done professionally has its plus side. It may cost you more money but you will be buying a lot of certainty with that money and a warranty as well. If you compare invisible fence costs right, you may find some local deals that offer free installation. These are your best bet. You will still pay a little more because they will charge for premium equipment, but you will be able to skip the burdensome labor costs. This will leave you secure in the knowledge that your pet is safe outside.