How to Keep Pets Safe with the Right Fence Design
For many homeowners, the backyard isn’t just an outdoor space—it’s where their pets run, play, explore, and enjoy time with the family. A properly designed residential fence can give pets more freedom while giving owners greater peace of mind.
But not every fence is equally suitable for every pet.
A small dog that likes to squeeze through openings needs a different fence design than a large dog that can jump. A curious puppy may dig, while an energetic dog may need more room and a taller enclosure.
At Northwest Fencing, we help homeowners throughout Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario choose fencing solutions based on how their property will actually be used. If keeping your pets safely contained is one of your priorities, here are some important factors to consider when designing your new fence.
Start With Your Pet, Not Just the Fence
Before choosing a fence material or style, think about your pet’s size, personality, and behaviour.
Ask yourself:
- Is my dog large or small?
- Does my pet like to jump?
- Is digging a problem?
- Does my dog react to people or animals passing by?
- Could my pet squeeze through a small opening?
- Will more than one pet use the yard?
- Does my pet need visibility through the fence, or would greater privacy be better?
Answering these questions helps determine the height, material, spacing, gate design, and overall fence layout that’s best suited to your backyard.
The right pet fence isn’t necessarily the tallest or most expensive option. It’s the one designed around your pet and property.
Choose the Right Fence Height
Fence height is one of the first considerations for dog owners.
Small, calm dogs may be safely contained by a lower fence, while larger or more athletic dogs may require a taller residential fence.
Consider not only your dog’s current abilities but also how those abilities may change. A puppy that seems easy to contain today may become much more adventurous as it grows.
When planning a backyard fence for dogs, tell your fencing contractor about your pet so the fence design can take its size and behaviour into account.
Pay Attention to Gaps and Openings
A fence can be strong and attractive but still be ineffective if your pet can squeeze through it.
This is especially important for:
- Small dogs
- Puppies
- Smaller household pets
Check openings beneath the fence, between boards or pickets, around gates, and where the fence meets existing structures.
Changes in terrain also matter. A fence that follows a sloped yard can sometimes create larger openings near the ground if the layout isn’t planned carefully.
A professional residential fence installation should consider these details during the design process.
Don't Forget About Dogs That Dig
Some dogs are talented escape artists—and going over the fence isn’t always their preferred route.
They go underneath.
If your dog regularly digs near property boundaries, mention this during the planning stage. The fence layout and conditions at ground level should be considered carefully.
Homeowners can also discourage digging by keeping pets active, supervising outdoor time, and avoiding attractive digging areas directly beside the fence.
The goal is to combine good fence design with an outdoor environment that works for your pet.
Chain Link Fencing: A Practical Choice for Pet Owners
A chain link fence is one of the most practical options for creating a secure backyard for dogs.
Chain link fencing provides several advantages:
- Strong and durable construction
- Excellent visibility
- Low maintenance
- Good value
- Multiple height options
- Suitable for large enclosed areas
- Easy supervision of pets
For homeowners who prefer a traditional appearance, galvanized chain link fencing offers excellent functionality and durability.
For a more contemporary backyard, black chain link fencing provides the same practical benefits with a darker finish that blends naturally with landscaping.
Black chain link is particularly attractive around lawns, trees, gardens, and modern homes because the darker mesh tends to be less visually prominent.
For many families, chain link offers an excellent balance between pet safety, durability, visibility, and affordability.
Privacy Fencing Can Reduce Visual Distractions
Not every dog benefits from seeing everything happening outside the yard.
Some dogs become excited when they see:
- Other dogs
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists
- Wildlife
- Neighbouring activity
- Vehicles
In these situations, a privacy fence may help reduce visual stimulation while creating a more secluded backyard environment.
Popular privacy fencing options include:
Wood Fencing
A wood privacy fence offers a warm, natural appearance and can provide excellent visual separation. Homeowners can choose from different styles to complement their house and landscaping.
Vinyl Fencing
A vinyl privacy fence provides excellent coverage with minimal maintenance. It doesn’t require the regular staining or painting associated with traditional wood fencing.
Composite Fencing
A composite fence can provide privacy, modern aesthetics, and long-term durability, making it another option for homeowners looking for a premium backyard enclosure.
Choosing between an open fence and a privacy fence depends on both your preferences and your pet’s behaviour.
Consider Wood-on-Steel for Strength and Privacy
Homeowners who love the appearance of wood but want a stronger structural system should also consider wood-on-steel fencing.
This design combines wood fence boards with steel posts, giving homeowners the natural appearance and privacy of a wood fence while using steel for structural support.
For Northwestern Ontario properties exposed to snow, wind, frost, and changing seasonal conditions, choosing the right post system can be an important part of building a durable residential fence.
A Pet-Safe Fence Needs a Good Gate
The gate is one of the most important parts of any pet enclosure.
Even an excellent fence can’t contain a dog if the gate is accidentally left open or doesn’t close properly.
When designing your fence, consider:
- Secure gate latches
- Proper gate alignment
- Appropriate gaps underneath the gate
- Gate width
- Convenient placement
- How family members and visitors will use the gate
If children frequently use the backyard, gate operation becomes even more important. Everyone in the household should understand the importance of closing and securing the gate after entering or leaving.
Think About the Entire Backyard
Your fence is only one part of a pet-friendly outdoor space.
Look around your yard from your pet’s perspective.
Could a dog climb onto a wood pile, planter, snowbank, patio feature, or other object beside the fence and use it to get over?
Are there gaps behind a shed?
Does landscaping create an escape route?
Could accumulated winter snow effectively reduce the usable height of the fence?
These details are especially important in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, where significant snowfall can temporarily change the layout of a backyard.
Keeping objects away from the fence line and checking your yard throughout the seasons can help maintain a safer enclosure.
Inspect Your Fence After Winter
Northern Ontario winters can be demanding on outdoor structures.
Once the snow begins to disappear, walk around your fence and look for:
- Loose hardware
- Damaged fence boards
- Openings beneath the fence
- Leaning or damaged posts
- Gate alignment issues
- Damaged chain link mesh
- Areas affected by snow or ice
Regular fence maintenance allows you to identify small problems before they become potential escape routes.
This is particularly important if your pets spend significant amounts of time outdoors.
What Is the Best Fence for Dogs?
There isn’t one universal answer.
The best fence depends on your dog, your property, your budget, and what you want your backyard to look like.
Chain link fencing can be ideal for homeowners who want durability, visibility, and affordability.
Black chain link fencing offers those same benefits with a more modern appearance.
Wood fencing is an excellent option when privacy and natural aesthetics are priorities.
Vinyl fencing works well for homeowners looking for privacy with lower maintenance.
Composite fencing can provide privacy with contemporary styling and durable materials.
Ornamental fencing can offer an elegant, open appearance, but spacing and the size of your pet should be carefully considered.
The most important step is choosing a fence based on how your family actually uses the property.
Professional Fence Installation Makes a Difference
A pet-friendly fence isn’t simply about selecting a material.
Proper installation helps ensure:
- Consistent fence height
- Appropriate spacing
- Secure posts
- Properly functioning gates
- A fence layout suited to the property
- Durable construction for local conditions
Northwest Fencing builds residential fencing with safety, security, privacy, and long-term quality in mind.
Our team can help you compare fence materials and design an enclosure that works for your home, your backyard, and your pets.
Give Your Pets More Freedom—Without Losing Peace of Mind
A well-designed fence can transform your backyard into a space where the entire family can spend more time outdoors.
For your pets, that means room to run, explore, and play.
For you, it means knowing your backyard has been thoughtfully designed around their safety.
If you’re planning a pet-friendly fence in Thunder Bay or Northwestern Ontario, talk to Northwest Fencing about your property, your pets, and what you want from your outdoor space.
We’ll help you find a residential fencing solution that combines security, durability, functionality, and curb appeal.
Ready to create a safer backyard for your pets? Get your free estimate today.