Pet-Friendly Fencing: Keeping Dogs and Cats Safe in Brisbane

If you have a dog, a cat, or both, your fence is doing double duty. It needs to keep your pets in and keep other animals out. The standard 1.8-metre fence works for most situations, but pets have a way of finding gaps, weak points, and creative escape routes that you would never think of.

Gaps Are the Number One Issue

The most common escape route for dogs is a gap at the bottom of the fence. Even a small gap of 100 millimetres can be enough for a determined small breed to squeeze through or start digging under.

For Colorbond fences, the panels typically sit close to the ground, but uneven terrain can leave gaps. A gravel board or concrete mow strip along the base closes those gaps and also prevents dogs from digging underneath.

For timber fences, gaps between palings can be an issue, especially on older fences where timber has shrunk or warped. A close-butted or lapped design eliminates gaps between boards.

Fence Height for Jumpers

Most dogs are contained by a 1.8-metre fence, but some breeds are athletic enough to clear that height. If you have a breed that is known for jumping, such as a Kelpie, Cattle Dog, or similar working breed, you may need to consider a taller fence or an angled extension at the top.

Cats are a different challenge entirely. A standard fence rarely stops a determined cat. Cat-proof fencing systems use angled mesh or roller bars along the top of the fence that prevent cats from getting a grip and climbing over.

Material Choices for Pet Owners

Colorbond is generally the best option for pet containment. There are no gaps between panels, nothing to chew or claw at, and the smooth surface offers no footholds for climbing. It is also easy to wash down, which is a practical benefit when you have dogs.

Timber fencing works well too, provided the design eliminates gaps. A lapped and capped or close-butted timber fence gives you the natural look of timber with the solid barrier that pets need. Avoid paling fences with wide spacing if containment is the priority.

Gates and Latches

The gate is often where containment fails. A gate that does not close properly, or one that visitors leave open, is all it takes for a dog to escape. Self-closing hinges and gravity latches help, but the most reliable solution is a gate that you can trust to close on its own every time.

If you have a side gate that opens to the street, consider a spring-loaded hinge and a latch that requires deliberate action to open. It adds a few dollars to the build but removes the risk of accidental escapes.

Talk to Your Fencer

When you are getting quotes for a new fence, let the fencer know you have pets and what type. A fencer who understands the requirements can build in the right details from the start, whether that is a concrete base strip, reduced gap spacing, or a taller section in key areas.

Retrofitting a fence for pets is always more expensive and less effective than building it right the first time.