How much does an invisible fence cost?
How much does an invisible fence cost?
$2 – $7 cost per linear foot installed (underground)
$800 – $2,800 average cost per project (400 linear feet)
Invisible fence cost
Installing an invisible dog fence costs $800 to $2,800 on average or $2 to $7 per linear foot. An invisible GPS fence costs $450 to $1,300 installed, while the average wireless fence costs $100 to $325 with easy DIY installation. An electric fence for dogs costs $1,600 to $2,000 per acre.
| Fence length (linear feet) | Average cost installed* |
|---|---|
| 50 | $100 – $350 |
| 100 | $200 – $700 |
| 150 | $300 – $1,050 |
| 200 | $400 – $1,400 |
| 300 | $600 – $2,100 |
| 400 | $800 – $2,800 |
| 500 | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| 750 | $1,500 – $5,250 |
| 1,000 | $2,000 – $7,000 |
*For underground systems.
Electric fences may not effectively contain dogs and can cause behavioral issues. Consult your vet and check local ordinances before installing an invisible fence as local laws may prohibit them.
Cost of an invisible fence by type
The cost of an invisible dog fence depends on the type. The most common type is the inground model that connects to the home's electricity and uses buried wires to define perimeters. Wireless and GPS-based systems can be cheaper but are less reliable.
| Type | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Underground | $800 – $2,800 |
| GPS | $450 – $1,300 |
| Wireless (DIY installation) | $100 – $325 |
Underground fence cost
An underground dog fence costs $800 to $2,800 installed on average or $2 to $7 per linear foot. This system includes installing inground wires to create a protective perimeter in the exact shape and location needed. An inground dog fence is a reliable and long-lasting option.
Pets wear receiver collars, alerting them with a tone, vibration, or adjustable shock as they approach the boundary.
Extra wire, collars, or transmitters are sometimes added for large areas.
Invisible GPS fence cost
An invisible GPS fence costs $450 to $1,300 with professional installation. Prices for the kit only with basic features start at $150 to $300 for the cheapest brands. This system utilizes satellite data to track the pet's location within a boundary.
The collars can also act as trackers to find your dog if it wanders away. This system is ideal for properties larger than 5 acres or for RV travelers due to the quick boundary resetting features. However, bad weather sometimes interferes with satellite signals.
Wireless fence cost
A wireless dog fence kit costs $100 to $325 on average. These DIY kits are easy to install and are best for properties less than an acre. The transmitter broadcasts a circular perimeter for the dog to play in with ranges comparable to Wi-Fi signals.
However, the boundaries aren't adjustable to yard shapes other than a circle.
Easy DIY installation steps include:
Plug a transmitter into a central spot, like a garage.
Digitally set the desired radius on the transmitter.
Put a collar on your pet that operates like a wired pet boundary system.
Wireless fence kits are easy to take with you and install on a new property when moving.
Invisible fence cost per acre
Installing an invisible fence costs $1,600 to $2,000 per acre, which requires 850 to 900 linear feet of underground boundary wire for a rectangular yard.
| Project size (acres) | Boundary (linear feet)* | Average cost installed* |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 850 – 900 | $1,600 – $2,000 |
| 2 | 1,200 – 1,300 | $2,200 – $2,800 |
| 3 | 1,450 – 1,550 | $2,600 – $3,300 |
| 5 | 1,900 – 2,000 | $3,300 – $4,200 |
| 10 | 2,650 – 2,800 | $4,600 – $6,000 |
*For underground systems. Boundary based on rectangular-shaped yards.
Invisible dog fence cost factors
Cost factors for installing an inground electric dog fence include:
Fence type & features – GPS systems are cheaper than underground wire systems for extra-large yards.
Size – Larger yards require more underground wire and stronger, more expensive transmitters to send the radio signal over longer distances.
Soil type – Installing underground fence wire in clay soil or rocky ground can cost twice as much for labor than setting cable into soft soil.
Number of pets – Discounts are sometimes available if you buy several collars for using the fence with multiple pets.
Training – Some installation companies offer training sessions for the animal to understand the system as part of the total fee, but others charge extra for it.
Maintenance – Technician fees to test the perimeter and flag it cost $150 to $250 on average.
Receiver upgrade – Upgrading to smart receivers cost $200 to $400 per collar, which is about $100 more than a standard collar. These receivers send notifications to mobile devices about low battery levels and when pets cross the invisible fence.
Prep work:
Tree moving costs $300 to $700 per tree.
Tree removal costs $300 to $2,000 per tree, depending on the size.
Tree stump removal costs $100 to $400 per stump.
Landscape repairs:
Landscaping costs $50 to $100 per hour for general yard work.
Sod installation costs $1 to $2 per square foot for yard repairs.
A stone walkway costs $16 to $35 per square foot for replacing sections.
Power outage protection
Options for additional power sources and power outage protection include:
Solar charger – A solar charging station costs $200 to $400. Alternatively, solar panels cost $2.53 to $3.15 per watt installed, and most invisible fences use less than 100 watts.
Backup generator – A portable generator costs $500 to $2,500.
Surge protector – Adding a surge protector costs $35 to $60 extra.
Invisible fence pros and cons
The following table shows the advantages and disadvantages of invisible dog fences:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Invisible fence vs. other fence types
Other common fence installation options include:
A chain-link fence costs $9 to $30 per linear foot.
A wood fence costs $20 to $50 per linear foot.
A vinyl fence costs $30 to $60 per linear foot.
An aluminum fence costs $25 to $75 per linear foot.
A metal fence costs $20 to $85 per linear foot.
A wrought iron fence costs $50 to $85 per linear foot.
Invisible fence FAQs
What is an invisible fence, and how does it work?
An invisible fence is a pet-training system with a collar, underground cable, and transmitter that teaches an animal to stay within yard boundaries without building a fence. The transmitter sends a radio signal through the inground wire that the pet's collar detects, alerting them to avoid the border.
The invisible fence is effective if the pet receives training to understand it. Most systems make a sound as the first warning and then deliver a mild static impulse when the pet is on the border. However, a dog can still ignore the warning and run through an invisible fence.
Are invisible fences safe for pets?
Invisible fences are typically safe for most pets like dogs, puppies, and cats. The collar delivers a mild sensation like the static discharge you feel when touching a doorknob after walking on carpet. The correction level is adjustable to suit bigger or smaller and more sensitive animals.
However, individual reactions can vary, and some pets may experience stress or anxiety from the correctional signals. Training is essential to help the animal understand how to avoid these corrections.
How long do invisible fences last?
The loop wire of an underground invisible fence lasts 20 to 30 years when properly maintained and left undisturbed. The collar's batteries typically last 3 to 4 months, depending on the model and how often the pet activates the correctional signal.
How deep is an invisible fence buried?
Invisible fences are typically buried 1 to 3 inches deep to prevent tripping over them or accidentally cutting them with a lawnmower. Always test the wires aboveground before burying them.
How do you train a dog on an invisible fence?
Training a dog to recognize an invisible fence requires using temporary white flags to help the animal see where the boundary is. Then a trainer helps the pet recognize when to pull back from the boundary line according to the warning sounds and static corrections.
Remove the flags only after the animal has finished training.
Professional dog training costs $30 to $80 per class if you don't have the time needed for additional DIY dog training. Ask your invisible fence installer if they offer discounted training packages as well.
Does an invisible fence have to make a complete loop?
Yes, an invisible dog fence must make a complete loop to ensure consistent signal transmission. A break in the loop causes an unreliable boundary.
Do invisible fences work in winter?
Invisible fences typically work in winter unless the ground freezes around the wire or if an extra-tall pile of snow obstructs the signal. The wire must be buried at a sufficient depth to avoid freezing, as the system relies on an unobstructed loop to consistently transmit signals to the dog's collar.
Getting estimates from invisible fence installers
Before hiring an invisible fence installer near you, be sure to:
Read their history of online reviews on Google and HomeGuide.
Ask if they have licenses, insurance, and have been in business for 5+ years.
Avoid selecting the cheapest bid that typically results in low-quality work.
Ask for a list of references.
Compare 3 to 5 in-person estimates.
Get copies of a written contract and warranty before the work starts.
Don't make the last payment until after workers finish the job.
Questions to ask
Ask about concerns like these before fence installation:
Can I see your customer references?
How many invisible fences have you installed?
Is there a warranty included, and how long does it last?
How long does installation take?
Are there any hidden fees that could apply to my property?
Can it cover my property size?
Is training for my pet included, and if not, how much is it?
How does the fence affect other devices?
What maintenance will the fence need?
How can I extend the collar's battery life?
Is customer support readily available?
How reliable is the system?
Are there any health risks to pets?
Can I adjust the fence's boundaries?
How does weather affect the system?
Are there any ongoing costs?
Can the system work with multiple pets?
How do I handle power outages?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.