Your pet deserves a yard where it’s free, happy, and safe. Building the right fence in Columbus means balancing Ohio weather, local rules, and your pet’s habits. Here’s how we do it right—and what you must avoid.
Know Your Pet Before You Build!
Obviously, every pet is different. And that means knowing your pet before you install a fence is incredibly essential. Here is a rough outline to have in mind before reaching out to a fence contractor:
Jumpers need height. A 6-foot fence is the safe bet.
Diggers need depth. Extend the fence below ground or line the base with concrete or mesh.
Climbers need design. Choose smooth panels or add overhangs to stop them from scaling up.
A fence that fits your pet’s instincts is the one that lasts!
Choosing the Right Fence Type
We help clients pick from these strong pet-friendly options:
| Fence Type | Why It Works | When It’s Best |
| Vinyl Privacy Panels | Smooth surface, no splinters, solid barrier—great for jumpers | When privacy and low maintenance are priorities |
| Wood (Cedar, Pressure-Treated) | Strong, attractive, customizable | For moderate budgets and willingness to maintain |
| Aluminum / Wrought Iron | Strong, secure, vertical design discourages climbing | Where you want visibility + security |
| Chain-Link (with Modifications) | Cost-effective, durable; can add bottom guards or wire mesh | For large dogs, or mixed terrain |
| Underground / Hidden Fence (Electronic) | No visual barrier; pets wear collars—works well with good training | When aesthetics or open views are important |
Key Design Tips: Small Details That Matter
1. Height + Overhang
Match your pet’s jumping ability. For a strong dog, we often go 6 ft or more. For cats, we may add overhangs or “cat tops” to prevent escapes.
2. Secure the Base
Dig a trench or use concrete footers to block digging. In Columbus, freezing can disturb shallow posts. Make sure the bottom is tight to the ground.
3. Gate Strength
Your gate is the weakest link. Use reinforced frames, heavy hinges, and self-latching hardware. Make sure there is no gap under the gate when it’s closed.
4. Rounded Corners & Wire Bends (for hidden systems)
For underground fences, bend wires gently (no sharp angles) so signal coverage stays smooth.
Avoid These Super Common Mistakes
Finally the time has arrived to share the secret recipe behind the ideal, pet-safe fence. Here are some important mistakes that you must avoid.
Going Too Short
The height of a fence is often underestimated. A 4-foot fence may look tall enough, but for an energetic dog or an agile cat, it’s barely a challenge. Once a pet realizes it can jump or climb over, escapes become routine.
Fix:
A taller fence should be chosen from the start. Six feet or more is ideal for large or athletic breeds.
Leaving Gaps at the Bottom
Small openings at the bottom are easily overlooked but quickly exploited. Dogs dig. Cats squeeze. Rabbits slip through. And in Columbus, shifting soil during winter can make these gaps wider.
Fix:
The base should be sealed properly. Fences can be buried 6–12 inches below ground or reinforced with mesh or concrete edging. On chain link fences, tension wire or bottom rails can keep the lower edge tight. A sealed bottom keeps both pets in and pests out.
Weak Gate Design
Gates tend to become weak spots over time. Hinges sag, latches loosen, and gaps appear — all perfect opportunities for a clever pet to escape. A weak gate has been the undoing of many otherwise solid fences.
Fix:
Stronger hardware should be installed. Self-closing hinges and locking latches are highly recommended. The gate should sit flush with the fence and latch securely every time. Many Columbus professionals suggest adding a secondary latch or spring closer for larger breeds.
Ignoring Local Rules
Local codes and HOA rules are often forgotten until a violation notice arrives. In Columbus, fence height, placement, and material restrictions are strictly enforced. A fence that doesn’t comply can be ordered down — a costly mistake.
Fix:
City and HOA regulations should be checked before any work begins. Permitted materials, styles, and boundary limits must be confirmed. Reliable fencing contractors in Columbus usually manage these approvals for clients, ensuring full compliance and peace of mind.
Neglecting Maintenance
A fence left unchecked won’t stay secure for long. Bolts loosen, hinges rust, and boards crack — small issues that quietly turn into escape points. Neglect is often what ends a fence’s life early.
Fix:
Routine inspection is often overlooked but always essential. Every few months, the fence should be examined for loose boards, leaning posts, or signs of rust. Grass and weeds around the base should be trimmed so digging spots can be spotted early.
A pet-safe fence is more than “walls around the yard.” It’s about smart design, material choice, and durability in Ohio’s climate. Avoid common mistakes, respect local rules, and think about your pet’s personality!
How Fences Shaped the Way Dogs Live Safely
- Make it tall – I’m a jumper!
- Bury the bottom – I’m also a digger.
- Smooth it out – my fur and paws like soft surfaces.
- No gaps, please – I’m smaller than I look.
- No yucky stuff – I lick everything.
- Lock the gate – sometimes I “help” open it.
- Let me peek out – I love people-watching.
- Give me shade – sunbathing is fun, overheating isn’t.
- Check it often – my zoomies are tough on fences.
- Teach me the boundaries – we’ll both sleep better.
The Biggest Blunders to Avoid When Designing Pet Fences
- Assuming all pets are the same size.
- Using climbable chain-link fences.
- Leaving tempting escape holes.
- Using toxic wood.
- Forgetting underground blocks.
- Weak gates I can nudge open.
- Furniture near fences = launch pads!
- Blocking my view of the world.
- Not fixing broken boards.
- Forgetting those boring city rules.
Why Big Jerry’s Fencing
Big Jerry’s Fencing stands out as a top pet-fencing option because it combines high-quality materials, thoughtful design, strong warranties, and customer-friendly service. Their fences are built using professional-grade products: vinyl fences that “won’t peel, flake, blister, rot or abnormally discolor,” aluminum styles that resist rust and require very low maintenance, and pressure-treated wood built with sturdy posts, treated lumber, and ring-shank galvanized nails to guard against loosening over time.
For pet owners, Big Jerry’s offers “Puppy Guard” upgrades—mesh or barrier materials installed near the ground to block the small gaps puppies might slip through. This shows their awareness of how pets behave (digging, squeezing under fences), and proactive safety measures are embedded into their designs.
Their warranty promises further peace of mind: lifetime guarantee against defects in workmanship, plus manufacturer warranties on materials.
Beyond materials and warranty, customers often praise Big Jerry’s for fast, professional installations and responsive support.
All of this makes Big Jerry’s a compelling choice for anyone who wants pet-safe fencing that’s durable, secure, and done well.
Commitment to Client Satisfaction
Big Jerry’s Fencing distinguishes itself from many other fencing companies through a blend of quality, warranty coverage, material options, transparent process, and strong customer feedback. One of our biggest advantages is the lifetime guarantee on materials like vinyl and aluminum, along with a workmanship warranty covering defects in installation. Many competitors provide limited warranties or prorated periods, so having “guaranteed for life” materials gives greater long-term peace of mind.
Our construction practices also tend to surpass many: we “stick build” wood fences on-site using premium lumber, use galvanized ring-shank nails, and install heavier posts (e.g. 6×6 hinge gate posts), which helps prevent typical problems like gate sagging or failure. This level of build quality helps ensure the fence is sturdier, safer, and more durable for pets—resisting digging, chewing, or push/leaning stress.
Further, Big Jerry’s process is designed to be client-friendly: better pricing due to lower overhead, free and detailed estimates with sketches, faster responses, and many positive reviews emphasizing professionalism, prompt installations, and customer satisfaction.
While no company should claim itself perfect, overall Big Jerry’s combines durability, safety, and service in a way that many other fence companies do not.
Pet Safe Fencing Solution
At Big Jerry’s Fencing, we’ve spent over a decade perfecting the art of pet-safe fencing. Our experienced installers know how to tailor every design to your furry friend’s needs – from high-jumpers and diggers to tiny escape artists. Using durable materials like vinyl, aluminum, wood, and SimTek composite, we ensure every fence is strong, secure, and pet-approved.
Customers appreciate our expertise and honest advice – like when we recommended burying a chain-link base to stop a dog’s digging or swapping vinyl for cedar to suit a dog’s personality and the home’s aesthetic.
Our knowledge doesn’t stop at installation; we share insights through our FAQ section, helping pet parents choose the safest, smartest designs. Because for us, it’s not just about fences – it’s about peace of mind for you and freedom for your pets.
Your pets deserve safety and you deserve peace of mind. With Big Jerry’s Fencing, you get both. Our team builds durable, pet-safe fences with care, precision, and trust you can count on. Get your free estimate today and let us protect what matters most.
When it comes to pet safety, you deserve a fence that’s more than just functional – it should be expertly built and thoughtfully designed. Big Jerry’s Fencing brings years of proven expertise, top-quality materials, and a customer-first approach to every project. We don’t just install fences; we deliver reliability and peace of mind. Contact us today for your free estimate and experience why pet owners nationwide choose Big Jerry’s for protection that lasts.
