Pet Boarding & Daycare

Stop Caging Dogs Start Fencing Them In

Stop Caging Dogs Start Fencing Them In

Why Boarding Centers Need Outdoor Enclosures

By Jennifer Smith

This is the time of year when pet owners go on vacation most often, and when they drive up to the front of a pet boarding center, they want to feel at ease that they are leaving their pet(s) in the arms of a trustworthy facility. Let’s be honest—appearance matters, and if a boarding center looks run–down, then it is likely that pet owners will make a U–turn and take their pet(s) somewhere else.

There are many reasons to install dog fencing around boarding facilities, including the improvement of animal health and wellness. Here is why fencing and outdoor time are important for dogs:

Safety First

Animals cannot be cooped-up inside all day. They need fresh air and an accessible area to stretch their legs and freely roam. However, animals do have a mind of their own and not all dogs are calm and obedient. Some dogs may try to break loose and run away. If dogs find a way out, then they could get lost or stolen. They could even be harmed by wild animals or other dogs. Therefore, fencing in dogs is necessary for the safety of all animals. After all, pet owners trust caretakers with their animals while they are away—and they are responsible for all animals during their time at the facility.

Animal Wellness

Dogs are at their maximum level of happiness when they are bonding with other animals that are just like them. Dogs do not like to be isolated—it makes them uncomfortable, anxious and over all unhappy. Therefore, it is important to get dogs away from their cages and outside with other animals. When dogs play with other animals, they will become relaxed and capable to handle the time away from their families.

Here are some signs of a happy dog:

Animal Health

According to a 2017 survey from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 56% of dogs and 60% of cats were classified as overweight or obese. Inactivity of dogs can lead to consequences in health including kidney dysfunction, cancer, orthopedic disease and shortened lifespan. To improve health, pets need an open space to run and move their stiff joints. Installing a pet fence at the facility will ensure that dogs get at least the 30 minutes of daily exercise they need to stay healthy.

Strength building fitness routines can improve animal health and help dogs develop strong muscles. When building an outside play area for fitness, work with hills and incorporate fun training exercises.

Fencing System Options

Now that you know why dog fencing is necessary for animals, let’s discuss what types of fence are best suited for boarding centers.

• Chain-Link

The most common type of dog fence on the market is the chain-link fence. While this type of metal fence is affordable, it is not flexible and can be difficult to install. Chain–link fences are chew–proof, but environmental factors—such as heat exposure, rain and snow—eventually wear down the strength and appearance of the fence and create further problems for dogs including a mouthful of rust chips.

• In-Ground Wireless Fence

In–ground wireless dog fences should never be considered. Electric dog fences work in conjunction with a shock collar, and when the dog moves beyond the center’s perimeter, the dog will receive a quick zap around his/her neck. While these fences are not as unsightly as chain–link fences, they are inhumane and are not accepted by all dog owners. If dog owners learn that a center is using invisible dog fences, they may be inclined to take their dog elsewhere for boarding. For facility managers, they will need to purchase wholesale shock collars for dogs for the system to work, and this can be costly. Over all, this fence type is not a wise business decision for boarding facilities.

• PVC–Coated Metal Fence

PVC–coated metal fences are a happy compromise for facility owners looking at the option of chain–link fences. If you are considering chain–link, then you must want a strong, metal fence that is chew-proof and dig-proof. The PVC-coating will block attempts from chewing animals to escape through the fence. Because of its physical properties, PVC can help create a virtually transparent looking fence that will look great on any landscape. PVC–coated metal dog fences are easy to install and flexible.

Some facilities even offer catios, or outdoor cat enclosures. Cat fences are not only used to keep cats in, but to keep cats out! Stray cats may try to play or harm domestic animals, and the cat fence will stop them from reaching pets. Most outdoor cat enclosures are made from a polypropylene material that gently sways to prevent cats from climbing. The bottom is made from a PVC–coated metal that stops both dogs and cats from breaking through the bottom of the fence. Over all, cat fences are another great option for boarding centers.

Pet fencing is a necessary addition to boarding centers for animal health and wellness, and will help owners feel at ease when saying goodbye to their furry friends. The appearance of a fence builds trust which is why choosing the right type of fence is important. Pet centers with diverse types of dog personalities and energy levels will want to install a fence that will stand up to challenges from within the fence and the outside.

Jennifer Smith is the Marketing and PR Manager for Easy Pet Fence. Easy Pet Fence cares about the outside safety and wellness of animals, which is why they only offer humane outdoor pet enclosures for dogs, cats and backyard chickens. DIY fence from Easy Pet Fence is easy to install and will last up to 30 years in all weather patterns. EasyPetFence.com