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Highlights
- The typical cost range to install an invisible fence is between $1,000 and $1,650, with the national average cost at $1,325.
- The main factors that affect invisible fence installation cost include the length of the fence, the type and brand, the number of pets residing in the home, and the cost of labor.
- The main benefits of installing an invisible fence include affordability, adaptability, aesthetics, convenience, reliability, security, and decreased risk of human error, as pets run off.
- A homeowner may be able to install an invisible fence themselves if they have the skill and physical abilities, but many choose to hire a professional to ensure the fence is installed correctly.
An invisible fence is a tool used by pet owners to create a barrier around their yard that will prevent pets from running out in the street, getting into the neighbor’s yard, or simply taking off for a run through the neighborhood. These products are generally considered safe for pets when they are used properly and humanely and when the pets have had appropriate training.
Avid DIYers may decide to take on an invisible fence installation project, but the best results for a homeowner and their pets are difficult to achieve without a professional installer. According to Angi, interested individuals can expect the invisible dog fence cost to range from $1,000 to $1,650, while the average fence cost is about $1,325. However, homeowners will want to note that the electric fence cost can vary depending on the fence type, length, number of pets, local labor rates, and several additional factors. This invisible fence cost breakdown will help homeowners get a better understanding of factors involved with pricing this project.
Factors in Calculating Invisible Fence Cost
Installing an invisible fence in the yard can be an excellent way for homeowners to prevent pets from wandering away, but there are several factors that can impact fencing costs. Before homeowners decide to hire an invisible fence installation company or pick up a DIY product, it’s important for them to consider the fence type, length, brand, number of pets, and local labor rates (as well as the underground fencing cost if that option is selected) by geographic location.
Fence Type
There are three main types of invisible fence that homeowners can consider for their pets, including inground, GPS, and wireless. Inground invisible fence systems are made up of a transmitter, receiver, and buried radio wire that connects to the home’s electrical system. The radio wire serves as the fence’s perimeter, sending a signal to the pet’s collar if it crosses the line. This system costs about $1,000 to $1,650 for professional installation. It’s generally considered the best option for individuals who own their home and want to provide their pet with a large amount of space to roam.
GPS and wireless fences don’t require a buried wire to create a perimeter around the home. GPS invisible fences rely on satellite data to set up a barrier, while wireless invisible fences use a transmitter that creates a dome play area for the home’s pets. GPS systems typically cost about $100 to $800, but if a homeowner is looking for the lowest cost, then wireless invisible fence prices are often the best option, ranging from just $100 to $500.
Fence Length
As with any project, the amount of material required to complete the job can increase the cost. With an invisible fence installation, the longer the fence, the more the project will cost to complete. On average, homeowners can expect to pay about $2.50 per linear foot.
It’s important to note, however, that this pricing is based on ideal yard and soil conditions. If the yard has an irregular property line, tough soil, or obstructions, or if the ground is significantly sloped, then the cost of the project can increase. Typically, the cost for an invisible fence ranges from $1.75 to $3 per linear foot. While this may seem high as the length of the fence increases, it’s necessary to point out that the average physical fence for the yard costs about $10 to $55 per linear foot, so this product is actually the more affordable route for yard safety.
| Invisible Fence Length (Materials Only) | Average Invisible Fence Cost Range |
| 1 foot | $1.75 to $3 |
| 25 feet | $43.75 to $75 |
| 50 feet | $87.50 to $150 |
| 75 feet | $131.25 to $225 |
| 100 feet | $175 to $300 |
| 150 feet | $262.50 to $450 |
| 200 feet | $350 to $600 |
Fence Brand
Fencing prices often vary between brands. Premium brands come with high price tags and may only be available for purchase directly from the manufacturer. However, these top-tier products typically provide greater customer confidence, and many premium brands will also come with certified installation and personalized dog training.
More-affordable invisible fence brands will help keep the cost of the project low, but the equipment may not be as durable or long-lasting as premium products. Additionally, some inexpensive invisible fence brands are able to offer lower prices because the system uses low-quality batteries. This typically means the user will need to purchase replacement batteries about once every two to three months.
Top invisible fence brands include the following:
Number of Pets
Investing in invisible fences for small dogs, medium dogs, large dogs, or cats can be an effective way for homeowners to keep their pets safe in the yard without spending money on a physical fence. If a homeowner has only one pet that they are trying to keep contained, then they will need to add about $100 to $200 to the total cost to account for the invisible fence collar.
For homes with two or more pets, the cost increases by the number of pets. This means that if a homeowner has three dogs, they will need to pay for at least three collars, adding about $300 to $600 to the total. Training costs may also increase based on the number of pets. Homeowners will want to speak to the invisible fence installation company to figure out if training is offered (and included or extra) and whether the cost will increase for two or more pets.
Labor
Installing an inground invisible fence typically takes several hours to complete and may require the use of specialized tools, depending on the brand. Installers will need to dig up the perimeter where the homeowner wants the fence installed and run a wire through this trough, connecting it to the home. After the wire is run, the installer will fill in the trough and generally ensure that any grass that was lifted up during the wire installation is folded back into place.
A homeowner can expect the labor costs for this job to account for about 50 percent to 75 percent of the total cost of the project. These costs may also include training sessions for the customer’s pets, though this varies depending on the installation company. The labor cost to install a wireless or GPS invisible fence system will largely come in the form of a flat fee that ranges from $100 to $200.
Geographic Location
Invisible fence installation has an average cost of $1,325 and a typical price range of $1,000 to $1,650, but the area where the customer lives is another consideration to keep in mind when they are putting together a budget. Depending on the location, a homeowner may end up paying more or less for the total installation cost. For instance, the average cost to install an inground invisible fence in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is just $1,075, while the same job costs about $1,475 for those living in Denver, Colorado.
One note to mention is that GPS and wireless invisible fence systems generally have a fixed price and don’t require a lot of labor to complete. This means that pricing for wireless and GPS invisible fences doesn’t vary much, regardless of location.
| Location | Average Inground Invisible Fence Cost |
| Bridgeport, Connecticut | $1,075 |
| Orlando, Florida | $1,100 |
| Minneapolis, Minnesota | $1,250 |
| Cincinnati, Ohio | $1,300 |
| Seattle, Washington | $1,300 |
| Houston, Texas | $1,425 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $1,450 |
| Denver, Colorado | $1,475 |
Additional Costs and Considerations
Beyond the typical factors involved in calculating the cost of an invisible fence installation, homeowners will also want to consider the cost of training, solar charger installation, and smart collars in order to come up with a total budget for the project.
Dog Training
Pets will not automatically respect the barrier the moment the invisible fence is installed, so homeowners will want to be prepared for at least 3 weeks of consistent training. Some people will take on this training themselves, dedicating time, energy, and patience to ensure their pets understand the new limits of the yard. However, many invisible fence installation companies offer pet training services.
Professional pet training services through an invisible fence installation company will typically cost about $500. Alternatively, the customer could hire a dog trainer outside of the fence installation company. This will cost about $40 to $250 per training session on average, so if the pet is quick with the uptake, the owner may end up saving.
Solar Charger Installation
One of the drawbacks to an invisible fence system is that a homeowner will need to regularly replace the battery. This can increase the maintenance costs of the system and may even lead the fence to fail if the homeowner doesn’t change the battery frequently enough. To avoid this problem, homeowners can invest about $100 to $500 to have a solar charger installed.
A solar charger isn’t just useful for the invisible fence; it can also provide homeowners with a backup source of electricity in case the power to the home goes out. They’ll want to make sure to purchase a surge protector or inground metal grounding rods to protect the solar charger in case of an overload or a lightning strike.
Smart Receivers
Another factor for homeowners to consider when budgeting for this project is the type of receiver. Standard receivers cost about $100 to $200 per collar. They perform the simple job of releasing an electric impulse when the pet crosses the invisible fence, but beyond this function, they are essentially just collars.
Smart receivers are available through some manufacturers and retailers, such as DogWatch. These smart systems send notifications to mobile apps, alerting the dog’s owner to low batteries, broken boundary wires, and disconnected collar receivers. Owners can also use these smart devices to track their pet’s activity level, but all of these functions come at an increased price. Homeowners can expect to pay about $300 on average for a smart receiver.
Types of Invisible Fences
There are three main types of invisible fence systems, including inground, GPS, and wireless. Whether a homeowner is looking for an extensive inground system for larger dogs, a simple wireless perimeter to contain a cat, or a GPS system to ensure their pets don’t wander out of the yard, the costs can vary considerably. The following are average costs for various kinds of invisible fencing (not including materials).
| Invisible Fence Type | Average Cost of Installation |
| Inground invisible fence | $1,000 to $1,650 |
| GPS invisible fence | $100 to $800 |
| Wireless invisible fence | $100 to $500 |
Inground
The most common type of professionally installed invisible fence system is inground fencing. As the name indicates, this system consists of an inground wire that serves as the protective perimeter for the yard. These fences are ideal for anyone who owns their home and doesn’t have any immediate plans to move within the next few years.
It’s also the best choice for those with large properties, because the inground wire can circle the entire property, unlike GPS and wireless systems, which may have a smaller range. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that this is also the most expensive system at an average cost of $1,325.
GPS
This type of invisible fence doesn’t require a physical wire in the ground. Instead, GPS systems use satellite data to keep track of a pet’s location within a set boundary. A GPS invisible fence is great for portability, making it easy for homeowners to set up a simple barrier for their pets at a campsite or vacation home. Due to the easier installation process, GPS systems also tend to be less expensive than inground systems. On average, a homeowner can expect to pay about $100 to $800 for the installation of a GPS system.
Wireless
If a homeowner has a relatively small property, then a wireless system is likely the best option. Wireless invisible fences are similar to GPS systems in that they don’t require a physical wire to create a perimeter around the yard; instead, they use a transmitter that creates a dome within which a pet can play without coming into contact with the barrier.
This type of invisible fence is the least expensive option and doesn’t take a lot of time or effort to install. A homeowner will typically end up paying about $100 to $500 for a wireless system, but they’ll have the added benefit of being able to take the invisible fence with them if they move, while an inground system does not come with this luxury.
Benefits of Choosing an Invisible Fence
Before deciding to purchase an invisible fence system or hire an invisible fence installation company, homeowners will want to have a firm understanding of the benefits this product can offer, including affordability, adaptability, convenience, and protection for their furry friends.
Affordability
There are a variety of methods people use to help keep their pets safe outdoors. Leashes, ground stakes, and harnesses are just a few ways that physically restrain the movement of the pets. Homeowners can also invest in a physical fence that can act as a barrier around the yard to keep pets from running into the road or wandering into the neighbor’s yard.
However, the cost to install a physical fence in the yard ranges from about $13 to $50 per linear foot. If a homeowner is looking for a way to keep their pets safe without emptying their wallet, an invisible fence can be an affordable option. On average, homeowners will pay between $1.75 and $3 per linear foot for an invisible fence (not including labor).
Adaptability
If a homeowner has a sloping yard with hills, dips, wooded areas, or even rivers running through the property, then it can be difficult to put up an effective physical fence that encircles the entire yard. Instead, they may want to consider installing an invisible fence to keep their pets safe. Inground invisible fencing can be installed in almost any terrain, while GPS and wireless invisible fence systems don’t require any type of excavation or construction work.
Aesthetics
A drawback to installing a physical fence in the yard is that it can block a homeowner’s view of the neighborhood, local wildlife, and the surrounding flora and fauna. An invisible fence gives pets the protection they need to roam free within the safety of the yard without the need for homeowners to erect a fence that cuts off the view. Depending on the neighborhood, this could be the solution a homeowner needs to keep their pets protected without angering the homeowners association.
Convenience
Traditional physical fences will require regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure they remain in good condition throughout the year. This can include sanding, power washing, staining, painting, and making other physical repairs to the structure of the fence. Opting for an invisible fence for the yard will help homeowners save on the fence installation cost but will also reduce the amount of time and money spent on fence maintenance.
Reliability
Investing in an invisible fence for the yard isn’t just a cost-effective solution to keep pets safe; it’s also a reliable method for protecting a homeowner’s furry friends. While dogs and cats may climb over, dig under, or even chew through physical fences in an attempt to escape the yard, an invisible fence is either buried under the ground or set up as a wireless perimeter that the pet cannot damage. However, it should be mentioned that a combination of a physical fence and an inground invisible fence is often the best option for a homeowner to keep their pets safe and secure in their yard.
Reduced Risk of Human Error
People leaving a gate wide open or forgetting to lock the latch can lead pets to escape the yard through the opening. By installing an invisible fence, a homeowner can reduce the risk of human error by creating a semipermanent perimeter that remains in place regardless of whether a gate is open or closed. They’ll just want to keep in mind that if the batteries run out or the power supply is interrupted, the fence will no longer be active.
Security and Protection
Dogs are often used as a way of securing the home against intruders, but a dog stuck in a fenced yard doesn’t present as much of a threat as a dog that appears to be completely free. With an invisible fence installed, a homeowner’s dog will look like it is able to sprint out of the yard to chase after any intruders, increasing the security of the home. However, invisible fences don’t prevent stray dogs, wild animals, or any other hazards from entering the yard, so it’s important for a homeowner to keep a close eye on their dog at all times to ensure they are safe.
Invisible Fence Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Before purchasing an invisible fence system for the home, a homeowner will need to decide if they will be handling the installation or if they will be hiring a professional to complete the job. Avid DIYers who are able to dig for several hours will be capable of installing an inground invisible fence system. Taking on this job as a DIY project will typically cost about $300 to $450, which includes the installation kit, transmitter, a collar, and a collar charger. After installation, the homeowner will need to adjust the collar for their pet and handle training to ensure their pet understands the new limitations of the yard.
Hiring a professional invisible fence installation company can help homeowners save time and effort on the project. Many professional invisible fence installation companies will also offer training services to help ensure that the pets learn how to avoid the invisible fence. Depending on the company, a containment guarantee may also be included with the cost of the installation. This essentially guarantees that the product will be able to contain a pet after appropriate training. Ultimately, the decision comes down to cost versus quality. To ensure a pet is safe and secure in the yard, homeowners are advised to hire a professional installer and take advantage of pet training services.
How to Save Money on Invisible Fence Cost
Investing in an invisible fence system for your yard is an excellent way to train your pet to stay within a specific area while eliminating your need to put up a physical fence that blocks the view of the neighborhood. The average invisible fence cost is about $1,325 and may range in price from $1,000 to $1,650. However, there are ways to keep installation, training, and maintenance costs low. Consider these top options for saving money on invisible fence costs.
- Compare quotes from multiple companies. Any time you are looking for professionals to complete work at your home, it’s a good idea to get quotes from several companies to ensure you are getting a fair price.
- Invest in rechargeable batteries. The batteries in the collar, receiver, and transmitter will need to be replaced regularly to ensure the fence continues working properly; by investing in rechargeable batteries, you can reduce the ongoing cost of this system.
- Handle the training on your own. Many invisible fence installation companies will offer pet training services, but you can keep more money in your wallet by taking on the training of your pet.
- Decide on an affordable fence perimeter. The cost of the project is directly linked to the size of the fence, so if the price of the job seems like it’s too much for your budget, consider installing a smaller perimeter for your pet to play within.
- Opt for a GPS or wireless fence. Not every home requires an inground invisible fence, so consider investing in a more affordable GPS or wireless system to keep costs low.
Questions to Ask About Invisible Fence Installation
Before homeowners hire a company to install the invisible fence, it’s important to ask any questions they may have about the job, including questions related to products, pricing, timeline, and any guarantees. Customers can speak directly to the installer or talk to the customer service department to find out the answers to these and other questions about invisible fence installation.
- Does this product come with a warranty?
- What type of battery do the collars use?
- How long will the battery last?
- Where can I find replacement batteries?
- Is the receiver battery rechargeable?
- Do you offer pet training?
- What type of invisible fences do you install?
- How much time will the installation take?
- Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
- Is there a resource to help troubleshoot and resolve issues with the system?
- Can my dog still run through the invisible fence?
- How long does training typically take?
- What is the overall cost for installing one of the best invisible dog fences?
- How deep will you install the wire?
- Do you offer a containment guarantee?
- How do I properly fit a collar to my pet?
- How often should I remove my pet’s collar?
- Can I take the system with me if I move?
FAQs
When a homeowner is considering electric fences for small dogs, cats, and other pets, it’s important that they have all the information about the system before entrusting the safety of their pet to an invisible fence. Homeowners can take a look at these answers to some of the most common questions about invisible fence systems.
Q. Is it hard to install an invisible fence?
The installation of an invisible fence isn’t technically difficult, but it does require a lot of physical exertion. So, it may be best to leave this project to the professional installers if the.homeowner isn’t in good enough physical condition to dig for several hours or would simply prefer to keep their hands clean.
Q. How long do invisible fences last on average?
Homeowners can expect the average invisible fence system to last about 27 years if it is left undisturbed in the ground. However, they will need to regularly change the battery on the collar and may need to replace the battery on the transmitter or receiver, depending on the product.
Q. Do invisible fences work in winter?
An invisible fence serves as a simple trigger that signals the collar when the pet has gone too far. The actual shock is sent through the collar, so winter weather does not have a significant impact on the system.
Q. Can a dog run through an invisible fence?
A dog can run through an invisible fence. This system does not create a physical barrier, so if the pet is running too fast, it may cross the perimeter, signaling the collar to release a minor shock. With proper training, this shock will serve as an indicator to the pet that it has reached the barrier.
However, the pet may not feel the shock or respond to the shock if the collar is too loose, the battery is dead, the equipment is faulty, or the pet’s training has not been completed. For this reason, homeowners are advised to never leave their pet completely unattended.
Q. How deep do invisible fences go?
An inground invisible fence will actually function without being buried, but for the sake of aesthetics, trip prevention, and protection of the wire, it’s recommended that homeowners bury it at a depth of 3 inches to 24 inches.
Q. How long will it take for my dog to learn not to go through invisible fences?
In most cases, a dog will require about 3 weeks of consistent training before the owner will see significant results. While some dogs may be able to pick up the training quickly, it’s still recommended that owners stay with their pet until they feel confident that the animal can safely play in the yard without crossing the fence line.
Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack, Rover.com, Invisible Fence (1 and 2), Extreme Dog Fence