Choosing a fence to protect your child and/or pets

When choosing a fence based off of the need to keep your children and/or pets corralled and safe in the yard, you have many options. If this is your primary reason for the fence, you may want to consider the age and/or size of your children and pets

The age and size of either of the two beloved beings that you are looking after play a big role in this decision because their safety and wellbeing is of utmost importance. If you have smaller children, you would not want anything with sharp points. You'd most likely stay away from pressed point (spear top) aluminum style fence, or gothic top wood picket fences. This will assure that they won't hurt themselves if they try to climb the fence.

Having miniature or teacup sized dogs would require a much tighter picket spacing in any fence you may choose. Standard 3 inch picket spacing on wood and PVC fences, as well as 3-3/4" spacing on aluminum fence may allow your furry friends to slip right through the pickets and into a dangerous situation. Be sure to consider the size of your dog when it comes to choosing a picket-style fence. Most fences are set with the bottom rail or bottom of the pickets about 2 inches above ground level. Your contractor will most likely ask if you have a dog, and what size, so be sure to tell them if it is a concern that anything greater than an inch or two above ground level will create an escape hazard.

Picket spacing is also a concern for smaller children. Curiosity will drive children to explore their surroundings. Testing the limits of whether or not they can slip through the fence is not out of the realm of possibility. Obviously as they grow their size limits their ability to fit through these tight spaces, but be sure to consider this potential hazard as you choose your fence. The last thing anybody wants is for their child to get caught up and injured!

Keep in mind the demeanor and personality of your child as well. If your child is more adventurous, any fence that offers the potential to be climbed with exposed rails may also be an issue. Split rail fence comes to mind here, as the rails may act as ladder rungs to be climbed. This is a more unique scenario but on to be considered.

Larger, more powerful dogs may also require specific fencing needs. For example a chain link fence in the absence of bottom rail may allow dogs like this to push through the bottom of the fence. While they may not escape, it could still present a hazard to whatever excited the dog on the other size of the fence. You may want to consider a sturdier option such as PVC or wood, or ask your contractor to add bottom rail to your fence project.

While it is impossible to address every possible scenario for what to consider due to the fact that every child and dog acts differently, we hope we've given you a few things to consider that may help you make the best decision for your children and pets!