If you’ve got pets at home, you already know they’re more than just animals, they’re family. And like any good family member, they deserve a space to roam, play, and relax without you having to keep an eye on them the entire time. That’s where the right fence can make a huge difference!
Choosing fencing for homes with pets isn’t just about marking your property line, but creating a secure environment that works for you and your furry friends lifestyle. Whether you’re dealing with a determined digger, an adventurous climber, or just want to keep your backyard as escape-proof as possible, there are fencing options out there that can give you peace of mind and keep your pets protected.
At Hurricane Fence, we’ve helped hundreds of Virginia homeowners create safe outdoor spaces for their dogs, cats, and other pets. With over 30 years of experience, we know what works, and what doesn't, when it comes to keeping your four-legged family members safe and sound.
In this post, we’ll break down the best fencing materials and features for pet owners, how different fence styles stack up, and what to look out for if your pets are prone to testing boundaries.
Need a quote? Richmond area customers can call 804-353-6030, while Tidewater and Hampton Roads area customers should dial 757-853-5669. You can also submit an online request through our website for a prompt response from our team.
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What Makes a Fence Pet-Friendly?
Not every fence is built with pets in mind. While most fences will do a good job marking off your yard, keeping your animals safe is a bit more specific. The right fencing for homes with pets needs to do more than look good—it needs to act like a reliable barrier between your pet and the outside world (or the neighbor’s garden).
Here are some key things to keep in mind when choosing a pet-friendly fence:
1. Height Matters (Especially for Jumpers)
Some dogs can clear a four-foot fence without breaking a sweat—especially if they’re motivated by a squirrel, a passing jogger, or just the thrill of a jailbreak. If your pup has a history of Olympic-level leaps, consider a fence that’s at least 5–6 feet tall, depending on the breed and yard layout.
2. No Gaps or Escape Routes
Fences with wide spacing between pickets or rails can pose a problem—especially for smaller breeds or curious cats. Look for styles with tight picket spacing or solid panel designs that don’t give your pets an easy exit (or even a tempting view). Vinyl and certain aluminum options are ideal for this.
3. Dig-Proof Options
Have a dog that thinks they’re part terrier, part excavator? You’ll want a fence that takes digging into account. Adding dig guards, gravel kickboards, or even burying a few inches of fence below grade can help stop tunnel-happy pups from pulling a Houdini.
4. Durable and Chew-Resistant Materials
Some pets chew because they’re anxious, others chew because… well, they’re bored. Either way, a fence made of PVC (vinyl), aluminum, or composite can help. These materials won’t splinter, warp, or become chew toys the way wood can if left unsealed or weathered.
5. Visibility (or Lack Thereof)
Not all pets react well to outside activity. If your dog goes nuts every time someone walks by, a solid privacy fence may be your best friend. On the flip side, pets that enjoy watching the world go by might do just fine with a more open design like ornamental aluminum fencing—as long as the spacing is safe.
6. Secure Gates and Latches
The fence itself isn’t the only thing to worry about. Gates should be equipped with self-closing hinges and pet-secure latches that can’t easily be nudged open with a paw or nose. If you’ve got a particularly crafty pet, adding a lock or latch cover is a smart move.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pet-safe fencing, but keeping these considerations in mind will help you avoid a lot of headaches down the road. Whether your top concern is climbing, chewing, digging, or simply keeping pets out of harm’s way, there’s a fence setup that can do the job right.
Best Fence Types for Homes with Pets
Now that we’ve covered what to look for in a pet-friendly fence, let’s talk about the ones that actually get the job done. Not all fences are created equal when it comes to keeping your furry family members safe—and some are a much better fit than others, depending on what kind of pet you’ve got and what kind of mischief they’re likely to get into.
Here are the best materials for fencing for homes with pets, based on what we’ve seen work in real yards, for real pet owners, across central and coastal Virginia.
Vinyl Fencing
If your top priority is keeping your pets contained—and keeping things simple—vinyl might just be your best bet.
Thanks to its solid panel design, vinyl privacy fencing doesn’t leave much room for pets to sneak through, climb over, or chew their way out of. It’s strong, smooth, and easy to keep clean—which, if you’ve ever had a muddy dog lean against a fence, you know can be a game changer.
Why it works:
- No gaps between pickets
- Smooth surface (no splinters, no chewing)
- Doesn’t rot, warp, or attract bugs
- Low-maintenance (a hose and soap will do the trick)
Best for:
Dogs of all sizes, especially those who like to chase or bark at whatever’s moving beyond the fence. Also great for families who’d rather not spend their weekends staining wood.
Aluminum Fencing (with Puppy Pickets)
Aluminum fences are sleek, tough, and HOA-friendly. But when you’re talking pets, you’ll want to keep an eye on spacing—because standard pickets can be wide enough for small pets to slip through.
Enter puppy pickets. These are extra pickets added to the bottom portion of the fence to prevent smaller dogs (or ambitious kittens) from finding an easy exit.
Why it works:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Available with “puppy picket” spacing
- Doesn’t rust
- Looks great in both modern and traditional yards
Best for:
Well-behaved dogs who don’t need full privacy, small breeds with a knack for squeezing through, and pet parents who want something stylish but secure.
Wood Fencing
Wood fencing has been the go-to for homeowners for a long time—and for good reason. It’s versatile, it looks great, and you can customize it however you need. Want it taller? Done. Want no gaps at all? Easy. Want it to match your house’s trim color? Go for it.
That said, it does take more effort to keep in good shape—especially if you’ve got a dog who likes to chew or dig.
Why it works:
- Fully customizable for height and spacing
- Offers full privacy and good noise reduction
- Easy to repair if a board breaks
Best for:
All pet sizes, owners who don’t mind a little seasonal maintenance, and folks going for that classic backyard look.
Chain Link (with a Few Extras)
Chain link is kind of the workhorse of fencing. It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable—and with a few smart upgrades, it can be surprisingly effective for keeping pets where they belong.
Adding bottom rails or dig guards helps with the diggers. You can also install privacy slats if your pet tends to bark at anything that moves.
Why it works:
- Affordable and functional
- Great for large yards
- Can be upgraded for better pet containment
- Doesn’t require much upkeep
Best for:
Big dogs, rural properties, or anyone looking for practicality over polish.
Composite Fencing (for the Upgrade Crowd)
Composite fencing might not be as common as the others on this list, but if you’re looking for something low-maintenance, long-lasting, and sharp-looking, it’s worth considering.
Made from a mix of recycled plastic and wood fibers, composite fences are solid panel designs (just like vinyl), so they’re great for privacy and pet safety—and they hold up well against the elements.
Why it works:
- No gaps or chewable edges
- Resistant to moisture, UV, bugs—you name it
- Doesn’t require painting or sealing
- Looks high-end without being high-effort
Best for:
Pet owners who want privacy, modern aesthetics, and minimal maintenance—plus the peace of mind of a super sturdy fence.
At the end of the day, the best fencing for your home and your pets is the one that meets everyone’s needs—yours included. Whether that’s a sleek vinyl setup for a high-energy husky or a chain link enclosure for your backyard explorers, there’s no shortage of ways to keep your pets secure without sacrificing curb appeal.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’ve got a curious cat, a high-energy pup, or just want to make sure your backyard stays a safe place for your four-legged family members, the right fence makes all the difference. Fencing for homes with pets doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs to be secure, practical, and tailored to your pets’ personalities.
From low-maintenance vinyl to stylish aluminum with puppy pickets, and even classic wood fencing with a few smart reinforcements, there’s a solution out there that checks all your boxes. And when you're ready to move forward, the team at Hurricane Fence is here to help you get it done right.
Ready to Keep Your Pets Safe in Style?
Richmond area customers can call 804-353-6030, and for those in Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk, and surrounding areas, call 757-853-5669 to speak with one of our dedicated fencing professionals. Alternatively, send us a message online, and a member of our team will reach out to you promptly.
Let’s build something your pets (and you) can feel good about.
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