Pet-Friendly Fence Options for Your Backyard in Peterborough

Pet ownership in Peterborough continues to grow, with thousands of families sharing their homes with dogs and cats. According to the City of Peterborough’s 2023 stats, over 10,000 licensed dogs live within city limits—and that’s not including unlicensed pets or the growing number of outdoor cats. With nearby trails like the Trans Canada Trail, green spaces like Nicholls Oval Park, and family-oriented neighbourhoods like East City and Heritage Park, pets here have ample opportunities to explore—but only if they’re safely contained. That’s where a well-designed, pet-friendly fence becomes essential.

At Peterborough Fence, we work with homeowners who want to give their pets the freedom of the backyard without the worry of escape, injury, or wildlife interaction. Whether you have a small dog with a nose for mischief or a big breed that could scale a short fence in seconds, we help you find the right solution. Our team has completed over 150 pet-conscious fence installations in Peterborough since 2021 alone, making us one of the most trusted names in secure, attractive residential fencing.


Real Case Study: Stopping Max the Escape Artist

Not long ago, we worked with a homeowner in East City whose golden retriever, Max, had escaped their yard three times in one month. Their backyard was near Rogers Cove, a popular walking spot, and their older fence had rotted at the bottom—making it easy for Max to dig his way out.

We inspected the property and recommended a 5-foot black aluminum fence with a “puppy picket” lower panel—a special add-on with narrower spacing at the bottom to prevent squeezing or digging. We also reinforced the base with a 6-inch concrete curb along the fence line and added a self-closing gate with a two-way magnetic latch, ensuring the gate stayed secure even if someone forgot to latch it.

The installation took just two days, and the result? No more escapes, and even better, the property’s curb appeal skyrocketed. The homeowners reported getting over a dozen compliments from neighbours and said it boosted their peace of mind. That’s the kind of real-world impact the right fence can have.


Pet-Friendly Fence Options: What Works Best?

Choosing the right fence depends on your pet’s size, habits, and energy level. Here are the most popular and effective fencing solutions we install for pet owners in Peterborough:

1. Vinyl Privacy Fencing

• Height: 4–6 feet
• Maintenance: Low
• Benefits: No gaps, no sharp edges, chew-resistant
• Best for: Medium to large dogs and privacy-conscious owners

Vinyl is an excellent choice for pet owners who also want visual privacy. It’s strong, secure, and withstands Peterborough’s temperature swings—especially in the winter months when pets still need safe yard access.

2. Chain Link Fencing with Pet Guard Options

• Height: 4–6 feet
• Add-ons: Privacy slats, dig guards, bottom tension wire
• Benefits: Economical, long-lasting
• Best for: Laid-back pets or large yards

Many of our Peterborough clients with larger lots in areas like Cavan-Monaghan prefer chain link with reinforcements. It’s functional and cost-effective, and we can add bottom barriers for diggers.

3. Ornamental Aluminum Fencing with Puppy Panels

• Height: 4–5 feet with optional puppy pickets
• Benefits: Elegant, durable, rust-proof, good visibility
• Best for: High-energy pets, urban settings

This option balances safety with style. Especially in areas with frequent foot traffic or close neighbours, aluminum fencing keeps pets secure while maintaining an open look.

4. Wood Fencing with Custom Features

• Height: Up to 6 feet (per Peterborough by-law)
• Add-ons: Concrete kickboards, inset gates, anti-dig gravel border
• Benefits: Classic look, fully customizable
• Best for: Traditionalists, privacy lovers

Wood is a versatile solution for many of our clients. We often reinforce the base for dogs that love to dig or include custom touches like a pet window or integrated leash hook.


Peterborough Fence By-Laws: What to Know

Peterborough’s fence by-law limits fence heights to 1.2 metres (4 feet) in front yards and 1.8 metres (6 feet) in rear and side yards. While there are no specific pet fence regulations, ensuring your fence complies with height and visibility rules is critical. We help clients understand these rules and even coordinate permit applications when needed—especially useful in areas near schools or public paths, where extra scrutiny can apply.

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Peace of Mind and Property Value

In addition to keeping pets safe, a properly installed pet-friendly fence can add value to your home. According to REALTOR.ca, fenced yards in Peterborough homes sell 5–10% faster than unfenced homes in the same neighbourhoods, particularly when marketing to families with pets or young children. A fence is both a lifestyle investment and a security feature, which makes it highly appealing to future buyers.


Your Local Experts in Pet-Safe Fencing

At Peterborough Fence, we know pets are family. From initial consultation to custom design and installation, our team helps homeowners choose the best fence to suit their budget, yard layout, and four-legged family members. With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to local, high-quality workmanship, we’re proud to offer fencing solutions that are as secure as they are beautiful.

Ready to give your pet the yard they deserve? Contact Peterborough Fence today for a free quote and personalized recommendations on pet-friendly fencing options.

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