Best Fence for Dogs & Cats
in Edmonton
Your pets are family. And just like any family member, they deserve a yard that is safe, secure, and designed with their wellbeing in mind. The right fence does not just contain your pets — it protects them from traffic, other animals, and the world beyond your property line. At Everlast Vinyl Fencing, we have helped hundreds of Edmonton pet owners configure the right fence for their specific animals.
Understanding Your Edmonton Pet’s Escape Habits
Different dogs and cats escape yards in different ways. Knowing your pet’s tendencies is the first step to choosing the right specifications.
| Escape Type | Typical Breeds | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Jumpers | Huskies, Malinois, Shepherds | 6-foot minimum; 8-foot for athletic breeds |
| Diggers | Terriers, Beagles, Dachshunds | Bottom tension wire or concrete apron |
| Squeezers | Small dogs under 10 kg, cats | 1-inch mesh or solid vinyl panel |
| Climbers | Most cats, some terriers | Coyote rollers or inward-angled top |
| Reactors | Border Collies, herding breeds | Solid vinyl privacy panels to eliminate visual triggers |
Chain-Link Fencing for Edmonton Dogs
Black vinyl-coated chain-link is Edmonton’s most popular dog containment fence — affordable, durable through Alberta winters, transparent for visual supervision, and nearly indestructible against physical dog pressure when properly configured.
Dog-Specific Chain-Link Configuration
- Height: 6-foot minimum for medium and large breeds; 8-foot for athletic breeds such as Huskies, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherds
- Mesh size: 2-inch for most dogs — 1-inch or 1.5-inch for small breeds under 7 kg
- Bottom tension wire: closes the gap between mesh and ground — essential for active dogs
- Dig guard: a 60 cm chain-link skirt buried 15-30 cm underground along the fence base — stops even Edmonton’s most determined diggers
- Coyote rollers: cylindrical rollers on the top rail that spin when a dog attempts to grip — prevents climbing over
- Self-closing, self-latching gates: essential for any dog-containing yard
Vinyl Fencing for Edmonton Dogs
While chain-link is effective, Everlast’s first recommendation for most Edmonton dog owners is vinyl privacy fencing. Visual isolation dramatically reduces the most common dog behaviour problems in fenced yards.
Dogs that can see through chain-link often develop fence-running, excessive barking at pedestrians, and barrier frustration — leading to more aggressive escape attempts. A solid vinyl privacy fence eliminates visual triggers. Dogs in vinyl-fenced yards are calmer, bark less, and are significantly less likely to attempt escape.
Additional Vinyl Advantages for Edmonton Dog Owners
- No sharp edges or exposed nails — safe for even the most active dogs
- Smooth surface is extremely difficult for dogs to grip and climb
- Chemical-free — no pressure-treatment compounds that could harm dogs that chew fence boards
- Can be configured with a concrete apron along the base to prevent digging entirely
- Reduces neighbourhood noise complaints by eliminating visual triggers for barking
Ornamental Fencing for Edmonton Dogs
Ornamental fencing can work well for dogs, but it needs pet-specific planning.
- Picket spacing: standard 10 cm ornamental spacing allows small dogs through — specify 6-7 cm spacing for small breeds
- Height: 4-foot ornamental works for most dogs; 5-foot or 6-foot for known jumpers
- Finial style: choose blunt or ball finials on interior-facing picket tops in dog areas to prevent injury to jumping dogs
- Bottom rail: ensure the lowest horizontal rail is installed close to ground level to prevent squeeze-throughs
Fencing for Edmonton Cats
Cats are expert climbers and jumpers, making full containment a unique challenge. Standard residential fencing does not reliably contain a determined outdoor cat.
- Coyote roller systems: cylindrical rollers on any fence top rail that prevent grip when cats attempt to climb over
- Inward-angled extensions: an overhang angled at 45 degrees inward at the top of any fence type
- Purpose-built catio systems: partially enclosed structures using vinyl or chain-link mesh to create a safe outdoor cat space
Everlast’s Top Recommendation
For many Edmonton dog owners, vinyl privacy fencing offers the best mix of containment, calm behaviour, low maintenance, and long-term durability.
Frequently Asked Questions