When protecting a precious pet there’s no substitute for a fence installed by experienced experts. Zepco Fence has the distinction of designing and installing security fences for two big cat sanctuaries in Broward and Palm Beach counties. The company’s innovative design was adopted by the State of Florida Department of Wildlife Management.

While protecting your canine family member doesn’t require the same level of security, the company is well-known for its safe and effective pet fencing. Zepco Fence has solutions for dogs that jump, dig, climb and chew.

Methods of Escape

Dogs escape by 1 of 4 methods. They dig under a fence, jump over a fence, chew through a fence, and some talented dogs are able to climb the fence. It’s impossible to know when the dog is a puppy what their preferred method of escape will be so its best to cover all options.

Chewers and Diggers

To thwart chewers, a chain link fence works best. Diggers can be foiled by burying a portion of the fence underground. A border of concrete can also be poured around the fence perimeter to prevent digging.

Climbers and Jumpers

Fence enclosures can be equipped with an angled extension at the top facing inward for dogs that climb. A deterrent known as coyote rollers also aid in preventing escape through climbing. A solid fence is another option that doesn’t allow dogs to gain purchase with their feet and works equally well for blocking line of site for easily stimulated dogs. For jumpers, the solution is a fence high enough that they can’t jump over.

Why Dogs Seek Escape

The most common reasons canines seek an escape route is boredom and loneliness. They may also think they’re protecting their territory from a perceived threat. Canines left without shade, shelter, food or water may try to escape to a more hospitable location. Dogs that are spayed or neutered are less likely to rove the neighborhood seeking a mate.

The South Florida soil composition can create difficulties when installing a fence. Specific rules are in place to mitigate problems and ensure they’re anchored properly. The professionals are cognizant of all those specifications.

Zepco Fence…South Florida’s Premier Fence Company
Since 1981 Zepco Fence has been providing superior quality fence products and installations to all of South Florida Residential and Commercial Property owners.

Serving all of Broward and Palm Beach County areas, we are the #1 Fence Company in South Florida.

We encourage you to contact us below to get started with a free estimate on your next fence project.

Call Today at 954-410-9570

People have always been fascinated by exotic wildlife and species not indigenous to their own country. Florida bans individuals from keeping certain types of exotic animals as pets. Too many have escaped or been let loose in the wild where they’ve become a nuisance or even a danger to people, pets and native wildlife.

However, the state does allow keeping some types of exotic animals and it’s the responsibility of the individual to provide appropriate safeguards to keep them contained, in good health, and that means a superior fencing solution.

Zoos, veterinarians, rescue organizations and conservancies that regularly work with wildlife require specialized facilities. When interacting with wild animals, containment consists of much more than an ordinary fence. Animal enclosures must meet highly specialized requirements that protects the animal and keeps people safe.

Zepco Fence is the undisputed leader in wild animal enclosures. The company designed and installed security fences for big cat sanctuaries in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Their innovative designs have been adopted by the state’s wildlife management division. Each containment option is customized to the animal.

The type of fence that’s best for a particular species depends on if the animal is a jumper, climber, digger, or flyer. In addition to the fence itself, the company can incorporate netting over the top of enclosures for those that fly or the inclusion of underground wires and concrete barriers under the perimeter of the fence to stymie diggers. Fencing is also available that has angling at the top to prevent climbers from escaping.

Even the smallest of exotic animals need sufficient space to exercise and it aids in maintaining their mental and emotional health. Containment solutions are available for highly social species, along with those that are shy by nature. Fencing solutions are designed for optimal safety for people and wildlife, minimize stress, prevent escape, and accommodate the natural behavior of the species.

There’s never a one-size-fits-all solution for fencing when it comes to animals. Some will try to climb a fence, others will try to dig under it, and some will try to jump over a fence. There are some animals that require a fence they can’t see through. Be aware that a fence should also keep out a variety of wildlife.

Dogs

The most common type of fencing for dogs is chain link. It can be equipped with underground guards that prevent canines from digging under it to escape. Chain link is available in multiple heights to prevent dogs from jumping over it.

For dogs that are easily excitable, a wood fence or one of PVC prevents them from seeing outside and can be built to multiple heights. The fencing should be at least 3 times the height of the dog for those that jump or even climb.

Horses

Wood fences are attractive for properties with horses, but they must be high enough to prevent equines from jumping over them, typically 6 ft. in height. The bottom rail must be low enough to deter a horse from crawling under them. Rails should be close enough together to prevent horses from getting their head, feet or legs between them.

A frightened horse may not see a metal fence. PVC fencing is a good option that can be easily seen by equines. It’s durable and can be constructed to meet a wide range of requirements. Wire fencing is often selected due to its low cost, but is difficult for horses to see without some type of highly visible top rail or markers along the fence line.

The squares in woven wire fencing should be small to prevent horses from getting heads, hooves and legs trapped. Mesh fencing is another option that provides springiness should a horse run into it.

Chickens

Chain link is a good choice for backyard chickens, but must have small enough spacing in the mesh to prevent small animals from squeezing through to gain access. Extensions at the top with a 90-degree outward angle prevents wildlife from crawling up and over. Rollers can also be placed at the top to accomplish the same goal.

Fencing for horses has advanced beyond being simply utilitarian. While barbed wire is still used in a variety of locations, it’s dangerous and causes serious injuries to horses every year. Modern technology has provided individuals with a wealth of options that provide essential safety for equines that’s also attractive and cost effective.

Mesh Wire

Strong and durable, wire mesh is available in diamond and square knot options. The fencing is made of steel and attached to wooden or metal uprights and top bars. The mesh is small enough that horses can’t get their hooves stuck in it and provides a resilient surface. It’s sometimes referred to as diamond mesh, chain wire and hurricane fencing. It requires little maintenance when constructed with metal uprights and top bars, and deters horses from climbing. The fencing can be installed in multiple heights that also acts as an intruder and predator deterrent.

Wood Rail

Some people still prefer the look of a painted wood fence, but it’s also a high maintenance option. It’s subject to insect predation, mold and weathering, will need periodic painting, and offers little protection against predators or intruders. Wood fences are also subject to cribbing from horses and both individual rails and posts can require replacing.

Vinyl

The material is strong, durable and attractive. It doesn’t require painting, offers good visibility and has the appearance of a rail fence. The fencing is constructed of steel wires encased in vinyl that will require periodic tightening.

PVC

The fencing provides beauty, safety, and a low maintenance solution. UV stabilizers in the PVC ensures no fading or discoloration. Impact and weather resistant, it will last for many years without cracking, peeling or chipping. It provides an attractive rail fence appearance, but without the upkeep. The fencing offers the same look as the stately fencing seen at premiere horse farms in Kentucky.

Florida is home to a great diversity of animals and it’s also legal to keep a variety of exotic animals, provided individuals obtain the proper class of permit that’s determined by the state. Owning an exotic animal comes with the responsibility to provide it with appropriate living conditions. To accomplish that, a fence is often required to ensure the safety of people and the animal.

Mental and Physical Benefits

Fenced enclosures provide a variety of mental and physical benefits for the animals. Trying to keep even smaller exotic pets cooped up in a home without enough room to exercise is bad for their mental and emotional health. Being able to move around through the use of a fenced-in area aids in preventing mental and emotional issues.

In the wild, much of the animals’ energy goes into hunting and surviving. When kept in a domestic environment, they have enough to eat and don’t have to hunt. That energy may often be channeled into undesirable mischief if they don’t get enough exercise. A fenced enclosure enables exotic pets to obtain the exercise they need to aid in warding off undesirable behaviors.

Type of Enclosure

The type of enclosure required for an exotic animal can vary widely depending on the animal. Shy animals and those that are easily upset may need a solid fence to prevent anxiety problems. Some exotics are climbers or fliers and any fencing option will need to include a mesh canopy over the top to keep them contained.

For those that dig and root in the soil, there are specialized fencing options with underground cables. Some exotic animals are excellent jumpers. Fencing is available in multiple heights that can be installed to discourage even the most accomplished jumpers.

Tiger Tested, Tiger Tough

Zepco Fence is a leader in exotic animal fencing. We can create and install any type of exotic animal fence to accommodate multiple needs and requirements. We’ve designed and installed security fences for two big cat sanctuaries and our unique design has been adopted by the State of Florida Department of Wildlife Management.

The most common reasons for installing commercial fencing is security, protection of assets, to prevent liability issues, and to comply with anti-terrorism standards set forth by the Department of Homeland Security. Fencing is a highly effective means of deterring would-be intruders, but in some instances additional measures are required to discourage those that would climb the barrier.

It’s important to remember that the taller the fence is the more difficult it will be to breach. A fence of seven ft. or more in height is typically recommended by security experts and a solid barrier that prevents people from seeing inside also increases security. Not every additional climb-proof method can necessarily be employed on every type of fence.

Anti-Climb Paint – Also known as non-dry paint, it never completely dries, will leave a mark on anyone that touches it, and is very slippery. The disadvantage of anti-climb paint is that stray pollen and other particles will adhere to it.

Broken Glass – This is an option that’s implanted in mortar and installed atop of certain types of fencing. It’s a definite deterrent, but commercial property owners may not want to use it as it can be unattractive, requires warning signage, and should only be installed on fences of seven ft. or more in height.

Electrified Wire – A strand or two of electrified wire can be installed on top of a fence as an effective deterrent. Before implementing the measure, owners of commercial properties should check all relevant regulations to ensure the installation meets safety requirements to prevent children, pets, or a random pedestrian from accidentally touching the fence and incurring an injury. Appropriate warning signage will also need to be installed.

Fence Top Rollers – Also known as fence top spinners, they’re essentially vertical or horizontal tubes that rotate to make gaining purchase on a wall extremely difficult and unstable. Some are also available with spikes.

Razor Tape and Barbed Wire – While both items may bring to mind a prison, they’re effective but shouldn’t be used in areas where workers or pedestrians normally have access. Both options may require special permission to install, along with appropriate signage.

Spikes – Fence spikes are the most popular option since they can be added at any time, are fairly affordable, and easy to install. They’re durable and difficult to remove.