DIY vs. Professional Pet Fence: Cost Comparison Guide

Keeping our pets safe and secure is important. This guide compares DIY and professional pet fence options, looking at costs, benefits, and things to think about. Whether you have a cat or dog, this information will help you choose the right fence for your furry friend.
Pet Fence Options
There are different types of pet fences. Each has good points and challenges. Let's look at options for both DIY and professional installation:
DIY Pet Fence Solutions
DIY pet fences can save money if you're willing to do the work. They're good for people who like to build things or want to save on labor costs. Some popular DIY options are:
- Chain link fences: Strong and affordable, good for big areas
- Wood picket fences: Look nice and can be customised
- PVC fencing: Easy to take care of and doesn't rust
- Electric dog fences: Invisible systems to keep dogs in the yard
Oscillot® cat-proof fence kits are a clever DIY option made just for cats. They use spinning paddles to stop cats from climbing over fences. They work well and don't look ugly.
Professional Pet Fence Installation
Professional installation means experts set up your fence and often give warranties. This is good if you don't want to do the work yourself or have a tricky yard. Common professional fences include:
- Custom wooden fences: Made to fit your yard and style
- Aluminum or steel fencing: Strong and low-maintenance
- Invisible fence systems: Wires buried underground for consistent coverage
- Special containment solutions: Designed for specific dog breeds or unique yards
Professional installers can also help with local rules, where to put the fence, and adding things like gates or decorations.
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Installation
Cost is a big factor when choosing between DIY and professional pet fencing. Let's break down the costs:
DIY Pet Fence Costs
DIY pet fence costs can vary a lot depending on what you choose. Here's a general idea of costs per metre, including materials and basic tools:
- Chain link: $75 - $150 per metre
- Wood picket: $180 - $350 per metre
- PVC: $80 - $200 per metre
- Electric dog fence systems: $150 - $500 for a basic kit (covers up to 1/3 acre)
For example, the Oscillot® 40 Metre Cat-Proof Fence Kit costs $199.00, which is good value for cat owners.
Professional Pet Fence Installation Costs
Professional installation usually costs more but includes expert work and often better materials. Here's what you might pay:
- Wood fencing: $300 - $1000 per metre (installed)
- Aluminum fencing: $200 - $600 per metre (installed)
- Invisible fence systems: $1000 - $3000 for professional installation
Professional installation costs more upfront but often includes warranties and proper setup, which can save money later.
Things That Affect Pet Fence Costs
Several things can change how much your pet fence costs, whether you do it yourself or hire professionals:
- Yard size and shape: Bigger or oddly shaped yards need more materials and work
- Ground type: Sloped or rocky ground can make installation harder and more expensive
- Fence material and height: Better materials and taller fences usually cost more
- Gates: The number and type of gates you need can change the overall cost
- Local rules: Some areas have specific fencing rules or need permits, which can add to costs
- Pet needs: Features to stop digging or climbing might cost extra
- Existing structures: Removing old fences or working around obstacles can add to the cost
- Customisation: Decorative elements or unique designs might increase costs
To get a good estimate, it's important to measure your yard correctly. This helps you know how much fencing material you need and compare costs accurately.
Oscillot®: A Clever DIY Cat-Proof Fence Option
For cat owners looking for an effective and affordable DIY option, Oscillot® offers cat-proof fence kits that are easy to install. These kits keep cats in without making your fence look ugly. Let's look at some popular options:
90 Metre DIY Cat-Proof Fence Kit
This kit costs $699.00 and provides 90 metres of cat-proof fencing, good for bigger yards. It includes:
- Easy DIY installation with clear instructions
- Works on all fence types
- Keeps cats safe from dangers and stops them from wandering
- Made to last in different weather conditions
- See-through design keeps your fence looking nice
50 Metre DIY Oscillot Kit
This kit costs $649.00 and covers 50 metres, perfect for medium-sized yards. Benefits include:
- Cheaper than many traditional pet fencing methods
- Made from strong materials for long-term outdoor use
- Can be customised to fit your yard
- Safe for pets and children
- Doesn't change how your yard looks much
- Can be added to existing fences easily
20 Cat-Proof Fence Kit
For smaller yards, this kit costs $199.00. It offers:
- Easy installation for people with basic DIY skills
- Strong plastic that doesn't get damaged by weather
- Stops cats from climbing and jumping over fences without hurting them
- Works on different types of fences
- Good for small yards or specific areas cats might escape from
- Affordable way to keep cats in a specific area
Long-Term Value: DIY Oscillot® vs. Professional Installation
When thinking about the long-term value of your pet fence, consider both the initial costs and how well it will work over time. Let's compare Oscillot® DIY solutions with professional options:
How Long They Last
Oscillot® cat-proof fence kits are made to last a long time. They use materials that don't get damaged by sun or weather. If you install them correctly and take care of them, they can last for many years, often as long as regular fences.
Professional fences might last a similar amount of time but usually cost more at the start. Some high-end professional fences come with long warranties, which might make up for the higher cost.
Maintenance Needs
DIY Oscillot® systems don't need much maintenance. You just need to check them sometimes and maybe tighten things. Most homeowners can do this easily without special skills or tools. This can save you money over time.
Professional fences might include maintenance services, but these can cost extra. With DIY solutions like Oscillot®, you can fix any problems right away without waiting for someone to come.
Changing Things Later
One good thing about DIY systems like Oscillot® is that you can change or add to your fence if you need to. This is helpful if you get more pets or change your yard. Oscillot® kits can be easily extended without spending a lot more money.
Professional fences might be harder to change without paying more. Changing a professionally installed fence often means hiring the company again, which can be expensive and take time. Oscillot® systems are more flexible and can save you money in the long run.
How to Install Oscillot® Cat-Proof Fence Kits
Installing an Oscillot® cat-proof fence kit is pretty easy. Most homeowners can do it with basic tools. Here's a quick overview of how to install it:
- Measure your yard and fence to know how much Oscillot® fencing you need.
- Choose the right kit size based on your measurements.
- Make sure your existing fence is in good shape and fix any problems.
- Install the Oscillot® brackets following the instructions.
- Attach the spinning paddles to the brackets.
- Test the system to make sure it works properly.
For detailed instructions, check the Oscillot® installation guide. It gives step-by-step instructions and tips for solving common problems.
Customer Stories: DIY Oscillot® Installations
Many pet owners have successfully installed Oscillot® systems themselves. They saved money and kept their cats safe. Here are a couple of examples:
"I installed the 90-metre Oscillot® kit myself over a weekend. It was surprisingly easy, and my cats haven't escaped since. I saved a lot of money compared to professional installation!" - Sarah T., Melbourne
"As a senior, I was worried about installing a cat fence myself. But the Oscillot® system was simple enough for me to manage with a little help from my neighbour. It's been working great for over a year now." - John M., Brisbane
These stories show that many different people can install Oscillot® systems, even if they don't have much DIY experience.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Fence for Your Pet and Budget
Deciding between DIY and professional pet fence installation depends on your needs, budget, and how comfortable you are with DIY projects. Both options have good points, and the best choice will be different for everyone. Here's a quick summary of what to think about:
- Cost: DIY options like Oscillot® usually cost less upfront and over time.
- Installation: DIY gives you more control, while professional installation ensures expert setup.
- Your yard: Think about your yard's size, shape, and any special features when choosing a fence.
- Your pet's needs: Different pets might need different types of fences.
- Long-term value: Consider how long the fence will last and how easy it is to maintain.
Whether you choose a DIY solution like Oscillot® or go with professional installation, the most important thing is keeping your pet safe and happy. Take your time to compare options and choose the best fence for your situation.
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