Best for Large Properties
SpotOn Fence
For large yards, GPS dog fences win hands down. While it’s possible to bury a wire around the boundary of a multi-acre property, it’s a lot of work and you need a lot of wire. The more wire you bury, the better the chances of an accidental break. Wireless transmitters don’t have the range to cover a lot of ground.
Sung Vivathana, co-founder and vice president of SpotOn Fence, says his product allows you to “create and save up to 20 fences of any shape and size nearly anywhere in the world using just your smartphone and the SpotOn collar.” Case closed.
Best for Small Properties
PetSafe In-Ground Dog Fence Kit
GPS dog fences work well in small yards, but they’re often unnecessary. The signal from a wireless transmitter tends to be picked up by other devices, so it isn’t ideal in a crowded neighborhood.
A buried wire invisible fence, like the PetSafe In-Ground Dog Fence Kit, is best for a small property. It’s also the least expensive option. Digging is minimal on a small property, and the transmitter can easily be placed in the basement or garage.
Best for Renters
PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Fence
Renters want a fence they can take with them. That narrows their options to either a GPS fence or a wireless transmitter.
Because it can be used anywhere, a GPS fence is great for someone renting a sizable property. But compared to a wireless transmitter, it’s a big investment. If you’re on a budget and don’t live in a crowded neighborhood, go for the wireless transmitter.
Best for Small Dogs
PetSafe Stubborn In-Ground Fence
Small dogs tend to be sensitive, and a harsh vibration or shock can cause considerable distress. The PetSafe Stubborn In-Ground Fence is made for dogs that weigh eight pounds or more. It comes with a tone plus vibration mode as well as four customizable static levels.
This fence system ships with enough wire to enclose one-third of an acre. With extra wire (sold separately), it can handle up to 25 acres. Learn how to build a dog fence window.
Best for Large, Active Dogs and Multiple Dogs
Halo
Large dogs need a lot of space to roam. The best way to give it to them is with a GPS fence like Halo. It’s for dogs weighing 20 pounds or more. Like all GPS fences, it’s controlled by an app on your smartphone.
The app tracks your dog’s activity, so it can customize the boundary to keep it out of hazardous areas. The app works with multiple collars. If you own more than one dog, this system is for you.
Best for Boundaries Within Boundaries
If you have a garden, swimming pool or other landscape feature you want to keep your dog away from, a wireless transmitter won’t help because it can only establish a single boundary. You can establish multiple boundaries with buried wire, but the wire must be routed to the transmitter, which can create logistic difficulties.
A GPS fence is your best bet. It allows you to establish boundaries within boundaries and change them as the landscape or your pet’s habits change.
Best for Cats
Invisible Fence
We know … training a cat to stay within a boundary is a tall order. But the makers of Invisible Fence Brand claim it can be done. If true, its collar is one of the few that can do it. It weighs only one ounce, so it’s perfect for cats as well as small dogs.
The Invisible Fence comes as a wired system or GPS collar. If you have a dog and a cat, give each a collar and control both with a single system.
Best for Camping
PetSafe Stay & Play Wireless Pet Fence
The choice here is easy. If you take your dog on camping trips and you don’t want it running off into the forest, you need a GPS fence. Use the app to establish the boundary around your campsite, then enjoy the scenery without checking on your dog every five minutes.
There’s one caveat: You need a cell signal for GPS devices to work. So if you’re planning a trip to remote locations where your phone doesn’t work, don’t forget to pack a leash.