Virtual Dog Fence Cost & Calculator: What a GPS Collar vs Chain Link Fencing

Every dog owner wants to make sure their dog is safe while still letting them run free. A chain link fence is the traditional solution, but today's technology has made a totally invisible and flexible alternative: the virtual dog fence. A big cost choice has to be made between a physical barrier and a GPS system. This guide compares the real cost of a fake dog fence to the cost of a real fence over time. You can choose the safer option for your pet by weighing the expense up front against the value it will bring in the long run.

Understanding the Upfront Investment

The initial thing that should pop into your head when considering dog safety measures is the immediate cost that comes with it. The gap that exists in costs between a fence and a smart collar used in dog security measures is quite high. One requires material, digging, and time; the latter only needs a purchase.

The initial cost of a chain link fence is high. The cost incurred depends on the perimeter of your property. The costs usually come in relation to the total linear feet that need to be fenced. In a one-acre plot of land, it may require more than 800 linear feet. The initial cost may include the cost of the chain link mesh, steel posts, tension bands, and the gate hardware.

However, the cost does not end at that. The cost of installation of these fences can considerably increase the total cost. Installation of fences involves digging post holes, pouring concrete, stretching the mesh tight, as well as installing gate. This process accounts for a higher initial cost.

The Cost of a GPS Collar: Hardware and Activation

The initial investment costs for a virtual dog fence system are much lower. The initial investment mostly includes the cost of buying the smart collar equipment. The equipment includes the battery, the GPS module, as well as the cell modem. The equipment eliminates the need for thousands of feet of steel and posts of a dog fence. Since there are no professional labor costs involved as it only takes the owner a few minutes to set the fence boundaries via the smartphone application. This quicker and easier setup process makes the GPS dog fence a much more accessible solution for budget-conscious dog owners.

Calculating the Long-Term Cost of Ownership

The cost of value is not the starting cost but the continued cost of keeping the system running for a long period of years. Both types of fences entail continued costs, but serve very different needs.

Ongoing Costs for a Chain Link Fence: Maintenance and Repairs

A physical fence, while durable, requires continuous maintenance. Potential long-term expenses include treatment for rust or replacement of damaged sections. Weather or fallen trees can bend posts or tear the mesh, requiring expensive professional repairs.

In addition to that, it should be noted that the maintenance of the landscape on both sides of the fence increases labor costs. The trimming of weeds, grass around the fence posts, and cleanup work only add to that. The cost of these considerations needs to be incorporated into the total cost of the conventional barrier.

Ongoing Costs for a GPS Collar: The Subscription Plan

The only recurring cost of having a virtual dog fence is that of the subscription plan. The subscription plan entails monthly or annual fees that include the price of accessing the cellular system for unlimited range real-time location tracking. This follows the aspect that your collar needs to send your location via cellular data. This service is important since it symbolizes the service that a physical fence cannot provide. Although it involves some monthly expenses, it offers the dog's proprietor the most vital security services, such as notifications as soon as the dog crosses the boundaries and provide the location of the dog.

To clearly illustrate the difference in the invisible dog fence prices, consider the estimated total cost over a three-year period for securing a one-acre property. This calculation helps reveal the long-term financial reality of each option.

Estimated 3-Year Cost for a Chain Link Fence

For a normal perimeter of one acre that measures around 840 linear feet, it's expensive. The cost of the material alone, as well as the labor involved in installation, contributes to high initial costs. In addition, consider the cost of future repairs.

Even assuming minimal damage, factors like replacing a broken gate or repairing a section damaged by a storm add to the total. This means that within three years, the owner has invested a large sum in a fixed, immobile structure.

Estimated 3-Year Cost for a GPS Collar

The cost of the virtual dog fence varies. The initial investment only includes the cost of the hardware of the collar. The ongoing expense only needs to be paid for 36 months.

Despite the high monthly subscription service that provides unlimited tracking capabilities, the total cost of three years' expenditure is still lower than the installation cost alone of the chain link fence. Based on these costs, it's clear that a virtual dog fence offers a much cheaper solution for dog confinement.

What Do You Get for Your Money?

The comparison based on the price alone overlooks the important capabilities that come with the new technology. The GPS virtual dog fence offers value that cannot be surpassed by a real dog fence.

Installation & Aesthetics

Installing physical walls takes several days and causes a lot of trouble. This needs a lot of hard work, noise, and digging. Also, the chain link changes the look of the environment in a big way. The virtual dog fence, on the other hand, can be set up instantly, leaving the yard untouched and visually open. Boundaries are made on an app, but the yard is left untouched and open to the eye. Many homes really like this feature of not being seen.

Unmatched Flexibility and Mobility

In a chain link fence, there's only one address. If you’re moving or traveling with your dog or camping with your dog, that pricey fence ends up being of zero use. The flexibility of a GPS fence is unparalleled. The boundaries can come with you. Instantly set a safe area at your rental property or your relative's house or at a camping site. That's an attribute that makes the gps dog collar very versatile.

The Tracking Fail-Safe

This is the most important point of difference in terms of value. The mere presence of the physical fence provides no advantage at all once your dog digs his way through it or jumps over it. The fence is a passive system. The high-quality GPS collar system, on the other hand, becomes your foolproof system at once. The technologically advanced system with the multi-satellite GNSS system enables you to track your dog's position in real-time on your cell phone.

Which Fence is the Better Investment for You?

The question depends on whether it's more important to invest in an immovable structure or movable security. For those who value flexibility and want the latest advances in security and long-term value in terms of cost-saving on larger acreages of land, the GPS intelligent collar offers better value. The value of the invisible fence system is less expensive with more functionality. The system offers full security functionality that includes boundaries, tracking, and vital monitoring, giving you confidence no matter where life takes you.