Pet containment systems are a big choice and can be an investment for your pet and your home.
Whether you go the traditional wooden, plastic, or metal route, or if you go with invisible containment systems, we are here to help you keep your furry friend safe and sound.
The PetSafe wireless dog and cat containment system is a unique invisible fence that does not require digging and doesn’t change the appearance of your space.
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of the PetSafe wireless dog and cat containment system, and cover important considerations to keep in mind.
Disclaimer
Before buying an electric fence, we suggest obedience training.
Training your dog can prevent the stress or fear of an electric fence collar, and focuses on positive cues to reinforce boundaries.
While electric fence collars won’t physically hurt your pet, for certain dogs they can cause severe emotional distress without the proper training.
Brain training techniques are a science-backed way to mold your dog’s behavior without the use of force or fear!
PetSafe Wireless Dog and Cat Containment System
The PetSafe Wireless Dog and Cat containment System is a wireless pet fence system that can be installed without the need for digging and burying an underground wire.
The wireless fence system is currently available through a variety of different online shopping platforms, and for the entire system you can expect to pay a few hundered dollars (USD).
This wireless dog fence produces a circular boundary that covers up to ½ an acre of land, and it’s fully portable, so it can be taken along to keep your pet safe on trips.
Need something for your camping trips or getaways? Check out our related article on the Best Portable Wireless Dog Fence options!
What Will I Receive When I Purchase the PetSafe Wireless Dog and Cat Containment System?
When we purchased this system, we received:
- A transmitter
- A receiver collar
- A battery
- A power cord/adapter
- A test light tool
- Boundary flags (50)
- Operating and training guide
Coverage Area
When we set up the PetSafe Wireless Dog and Cat Containment system, it was able to create a boundary of up to a ½ an acre.
The boundary size can be adjusted to fit your and your pet’s needs, and we adjusted ours starting from 1,000 feet.
The system was incredibly flexible and can accommodate boundaries as small as 5 feet in diameter, if you just need to block off a small area of your yard.
Battery Life
The battery life on the PetSafe containment system collar lasted us about 2 months, and the battery cannot be recharged.
We noted that, when the system is first being used, the battery may drain even faster.
When the pet is learning its boundaries, the collar is doing more correcting, and the battery may need to be replaced sooner than planned.
It’s definitely a good idea to check on your pet’s collar every day to make sure the collar is still fitting properly and not causing any irritation to your dog’s skin.
When checking your pet’s collar, use this time to also make sure the battery indicator light on its collar is flashing.
If the light is not flashing, you’ll need to replace the battery in the collar.
We love this package of 10 replacement batteries. They’re budget-friendly and were great for when our dog’s collar battery died during testing.
Number of Dogs Per System
The PetSafe containment system is able to support an unlimited number of pets, each with its own personalized correction levels.
Additional collars can be purchased to add more dogs to your containment system.
These collars cost around $150 a piece, which is pretty hefty, but we did purchase another and it was easily paired to our transmitter.
Breakdown of the System – Chart
| Affordability | 4.5/5 | This system is pretty affordable, at just under 300 dollars (USD). |
| Number of Dogs | 5/5 | This system allows for an unlimited number of dogs to play within the boundary (with the purchase of additional collars). |
| Battery | 4/5 | The battery is relatively affordable but is not rechargeable. The battery life is also only 2 months. |
| Effectiveness | 5/5 | We loved seeing how great this fence is at keeping the pets within their boundaries and safe. |
| Consistency | 4/5 | Some customers report that the system shocks their pets without reason. The number of these reviews is relatively low and may be due to user error. It was not our experience. |
What We Liked
- Relatively affordable
- Easy installation process
- Simple returns when purchased directly through the retailer
- Can be taken with you when you move or travel
- Effective at detering dogs from leaving yards
- Can have more than one collar paired
- Replacement batteries are easy to find
- Collar battery life is decent
What We Didn’t Like
- Reports of system inconsistency
- Not compatible with rectangular areas
- Might not work as well after a few months (make sure to put an emphasis on boundary training)
Do I need a Subscription for the PetSafe Wireless Dog and Cat Containment System?
No, you don’t need a subscription to use the Petsafe Wireless System.
The system’s transmitter only needs to be connected to a secure and reliable power source for it to operate.
Do I need an Internet Connection for the PetSafe Wireless Dog and Cat Containment System?
Nope! You don’t need to have an internet connection to use the containment system.
The system is self-sufficient and only needs to be connected to a reliable power source to operate properly.
So I Don’t Need Any Data Plans?
Negative. None of these things are required to run this containment system!
Other Features
The PetSafe wireless dog and cat containment system boasts a number of other great features.
Features include no correction upon reentry, a waterproof collar, a completely portable system, US-based customer care, and a quality promise.
Petsafe Wireless Fence Installation Process
One of the major benefits of this system is there is no true “installation” required.
Additionally, the fence system is wireless so no drastic changes need to be made to your yard or home.
There is, however, a set-up process.
Step 1: Determine Your Boundaries
The first step in the setup process is determining where you want your pet’s boundaries to lay.
Your boundaries are usually determined by a number of factors, but will often come down to your property line.
Once you establish a boundary, look for an area in the middle of your boundary that is:
- Indoors
- Near an outlet
- 2-4 feet above the ground
- 3 feet from any metal object
Stop by our related article on Invisible Fence Interference for information on what might lead to malfunctions in your wireless system.
Step 2: Connecting the Base Unit
Connect the provided cord to the unit, and plug the adaptor into a standard power supply.
Once the unit is plugged in, locate the ON/OFF switch and switch it to the ON position.
Step 3: Set up The Collar
To insert the battery, place the battery in the collar, and then line up the arrow on the battery with the triangle on the collar.
Then, use the key on the edge of the light test tool to screw the battery in.
It should turn clockwise and be tightened slightly tighter than you can tighten it without the tool.
Step 4: Set a Correction Level
There is a clear plastic cover over the correction level button that can be removed with the same key used in the previous step.
Once you remove the cover, press and hold the button until the indicator light flashes.
The light will flash to indicate the static correction level.
If you push the button once more within 5 seconds of this flashing, the correction level will increase by 1.
The static correction level can be increased from levels 1 to 6.
If you continue pushing the button on level 6, the collar will revert back to correction level number 1.
Read our related article on How to Adjust Invisible Fence Collar Strength for a more exhaustive guide! We discuss how to choose the right correction level for your pet and more.
Step 5: Adjust the Boundary to the Desired Size
Before you begin anything, make sure that the correction setting is set to level 2 or higher, and that the test light prongs are in contact with our collar’s prongs.
2 Person Method
Start with the boundary level on the highest setting, and have one person walk to the edge of where you want your dog’s boundary to be.
Then, have them stand there and hold the collar at pet height.
The second person should slowly turn the boundary setting on the machine down until the collar beeps, indicating that the boundary is near the collar.
Once the indicator goes off, record the boundary setting the transmitter was on.
1 Person Method
For this method, start by using the chart on the back of the manual to estimate the boundary level needed to set your system to.
Then, with your system to the estimated level, go outdoors with your pet collar in hand, and at pet height, approach the boundary with the collar.
If the indicator does not go off, or goes off too soon, adjust the boundary setting on the transmitter and repeat this process until the boundary is where you want it.
Step 6: Place Boundary Flags
To place the boundary flags, start with the prongs on the test light connected with the prongs on our collar and the static correction level on level 2 or higher.
Then, walk out into your yard, approaching the boundary, and when the collar indicates you are near the boundary – place a flag.
Once a flag has been placed, walk back into the yard and attempt this again all along the boundary, placing pet fence flags every 10 feet.
These flags are not permanent. They are just used to help train your pet to use their new system.
How long do you leave invisible fence flags up? Once your dog understands where the boundary is, you can take them out of the ground.
Step 7: Fitting the Collar
To fit the collar to your pet, start with your pet standing comfortably.
Then, place the collar around their neck with the logo of the receiver right side up.
Make sure its collar fit is snug, but not overly constricting.
Next, give your pet some time to do as he pleases, as the collar sometimes fits differently when the pet is sitting, standing, running, or playing.
After some time, recheck the fit of the collar.
You can also trim any excess collar material off if you choose. This process is outlined in the manual.
Step 8: Training the Pet
Following the correct process to train your pet is incredibly important if you want your pet to thrive and enjoy its new fence system.
We found it helpful to follow the process listed in the manual, using lots of praise to keep the experience positive for our pup.
Here’s a youtube video that covers the process in more depth:
Petsafe Wireless Fence Troubleshooting
As expected with all products, some issues may arise during your time using the product.
Keep in mind that if we didn’t go over your specific issue in this article, it still may be found in the manual.
Some of the most common issues that we could find are:
My Pet is Being Shocked at Inappropriate Times
This is, by far, the most pressing issue. Pets are being shocked in their metal crates, inside of the home, and within the acceptable boundaries of their yard.
Unfortunately, the collar can ocassionally activate when the transmitter signal is lost.
Other reasons the collar may shock at inappropriate times include if:
- A metal object comes between the pet and the transmitter
- The transmitter malfunctions
- The transmitter loses power
If this is the case, the transmitter needs to be checked.
If there is nothing that could be blocking the signal and there is no visible issue with the transmitter, you can consider resynchronizing your system.
Make sure that you take the collar off your pet before you turn the transmitter off or make adjustments.
If you are still having issues, consider moving your transmitter and boundaries.
My Collar is Beeping, But my Pet Isn’t Receiving Correction
The first thing that needs to be checked is the correction level.
Correction level 1 is just the audible beep, with no static correction, so this could be the issue.
If this is not the issue, use your test light to make sure that your collar is working properly. If the test light flashes, then your receiver is working well.
Make sure that the collar is properly fitted, and that the hair in the area is not too long, matted, or dirty. All of these things can dampen a static correction.
If your pet still isn’t responding, change your static correction level.
My Pet’s Neck has Been Injured
Please consult the manual to learn about the different types of wounds or sores your pet can receive from your type of collar.
These are referred to as Pressure Necrosis, and can be avoided with proper use.
Consult a veterinarian if the pet is wounded, and discontinue collar use until the wounds have healed.
Consider using a different boundary type to keep your pet safe until you are able to work with the electric collar again.
Restart your pet’s training and find their recognition level again when your pet has healed.
FAQs
Q: Is there any risk of interference?
A: Yes, some metal objects may interfere with the PetSafe containment system.
It’s important that you are mindful of where you park your car, as it may change the boundary.
It’s also not recommended to use the transmitter inside a building with a metal roof. Metal roof fence interference is common but can be avoided with strategic placement.
Q: Can the units be combined to create a larger boundary?
A: Yes!
These units can be used in tandem to create a boundary that is larger than the original ½ acre maximum.
Q: Is there a smaller collar option?
A: Yes!
The system comes with a collar that fits necks as small as 8 inches, but there is another collar made by PetSafe that’s compatible and works for pets as small as 5 lbs.
Q: Is the collar waterproof?
A: Yes, the receiver collar is waterproof.
Just ensure that the battery area is free of water and debris when changing the battery.
Q: Would a hill or sloping yard affect my boundaries?
A: Yes, and this is something to be especially cautious of.
The sloping of a hill could cause your boundary to change. Consider changing the boundary size or moving your transmitter.
Read our related article, Best Fence for Sloped Yard for options that are better suited for hilly terrain!
Conclusion
The PetSafe wireless containment system is a great option when you are looking for an invisible fence solution that is affordable and requires no digging to install.
We found it was a great solution for our dog! We hope you think so, too!
