Are Dog Fences Legal in the UK?

Understanding the Legal Status of Dog Fences

Government Recognition and Regulation

In August 2018, DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) announced that containment fences would be exempt from the e-collar ban under the Animal Welfare Act. However, this exemption comes with specific requirements:

  • Professional Installation: Dog fences must be installed by qualified professionals to ensure they function safely and effectively.
  • Training: Pets should receive proper training to familiarise them with the system and boundaries.

Why Are Dog Fences Humane?

Behavioural Training

Dog fences rely on gentle and consistent training to guide pets, encouraging them to respect boundaries without causing harm. This positive approach fosters safe and humane containment.

Safety for Pets

Unlike physical fences or chains, containment fences eliminate risks such as injury from climbing or digging. They create an invisible boundary that can protect open areas, driveways, and other unsecured spaces, allowing pets to roam freely while staying safe.

Customisable Impulse Levels

Modern dog fence systems feature adjustable settings tailored to each pet’s size and temperament. This personalisation ensures a safe and humane correction level, making the system suitable for all pets.

Accident Prevention

  • Escaping Dogs: Loose dogs risk injury, fines, or harming livestock.
  • Road Safety for Cats: Over 50% of cats under five die on UK roads, and their roaming can impact wildlife like songbirds and small mammals.
    Containment fences reduce these risks by keeping pets secure at home, preventing accidents, loss, and unnecessary suffering.

Distinction from E-Collars

Legal and Functional Differences

Dog fences are fundamentally different from e-collars.

  • E-collars are handheld devices used for remote behaviour correction and training.
  • Dog fences are automated systems that create a secure boundary, enabling pets to manage their movements without direct human intervention.

Learning Process

Pets learn through:

  1. A warning beep when approaching the boundary.
  2. A visual training aid – temporary marking flags
  3. A gentle correction if they continue past the safe zone.

This process promotes effective learning and boundary recognition without relying on human control, setting dog fences apart from e-collars.

Community and Professional Endorsements

The effectiveness of dog fences is widely supported by:

  • Veterinarians
  • Pet behaviour specialists
  • Pet owners across the UK

Their endorsement highlights the safety, reliability, and humane nature of dog fences, reinforcing their exemption from e-collar bans.

Why Choose a Dog Fence?

Dog fences are more than just containment tools. They:

  • Protect your pets from harm.
  • Offer peace of mind to pet owners.
  • Encourage responsible pet ownership.

Conclusion: Dog Fences – Legal, Safe, and Humane

Dog fences are a legal, humane, and effective way to protect your pets. Their exemption from the e-collar ban, combined with professional installation and training requirements, ensures their safety and reliability.

By choosing a dog fence, you’re investing in your pet’s well-being while promoting responsible and safe pet ownership. For more information, contact us at

01628 476475

or email info@dogfence.co.uk.