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.

The installation of chain link fencing is the preferred method of corralling rambunctious canines whether it’s in the back yard or at the local dog park. There are multiple benefits to chain link fencing for pet enclosures that aren’t available with other options.

Safety

The pattern in chain link fencing provides pet parents with safety and security for their dog. Available in multiple heights, it’s a deterrent to canines that try to jump and can be installed with preventative measures for those that try to burrow. It’s effective for keeping out unwanted wildlife. Fencing can be installed with child-proof latches and self-closing springs for another level of safety.

Puppies like to explore and a very real danger is that a puppy will try to climb between the rails of traditional fencing and get stuck or actually make it through to the other side. The same is true of smaller dogs. Chain link fencing has a close-knit pattern too small for puppies or small dogs to wiggle through.

Cost

Expense is a major consideration for homeowners or communities that want to create a dog park for residents. Chain link fencing is highly cost-effective. A vinyl coating can be applied in multiple colors to coordinate with surroundings and it’s an easy matter to attach relevant signage for the public spaces to make individuals aware of pertinent rules.

Durability

The average chain link fence will last up to 15 years and choosing a smaller gauge wire can increase the strength. It’s also quick and easy for professional installers to erect, meaning the amenity can be offered to residents in fairly little time or homeowners can allow their canines to begin exploring their own backyard unfettered.

Easy Maintenance

Chain link fencing requires very little in the way of maintenance. If a section of fencing becomes damaged, it’s a simple matter to repair it or to replace the damaged portion.

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.

From time immemorial, fences have been erected for protection. The barriers have expanded from use for personal safety to those designed to protect the public in parks, at construction sites, public pools, schools, and even penitentiaries.

The rise in terrorist attacks have also led to federal regulations that require fencing at sites ranging from water filtration plants to food processing facilities, along with mass transportation hubs, chemical facilities, power plants, and oil-related industries. The regulations are designed to protect the public from terrorist activity affecting food, water, utilities, and natural resources.

For facilities that come under federal regulations for safety, chain link fencing is recommended. It’s available in multiple heights, can be installed quickly, and can be topped with barbed wire or even razor wire for additional security.

Chain link is also economical for industrial and construction sites to prevent entry to locations that pose a serious danger. They’re low maintenance options to secure a perimeter and chain link fencing can be equipped with multiple types of gates, locking mechanisms, and high-tech access features.

In cities where a combination of beauty and functionality is desired, aluminum fencing with the appearance and aesthetic appeal of wrought iron is often utilized. It’s effective for directing foot traffic in parks and blocking access to waterways within those areas. Aluminum is also beneficial at venues where special entertainments are being held. It has the advantages of elegance, durability, and multiple styles and color choices.

PVC fencing is an alternative for public spaces that’s able to withstand severe winds and is available in multiple heights and colors. It’s low maintenance and is unaffected by UV rays or weather for a long-lasting solution.

An area of fencing for protecting the public that few people think about is that used in zoos, animal parks, and rescue organizations for dangerous, endangered, and exotic wildlife. Animal fencing must be designed and installed to exacting specifications and it’s just one area in which Zepco Fence specializes.

Florida is home to a wide variety of unwelcome and dangerous wildlife and one of the best ways to provide children and pets with protection is with a chain-link fence or alternately, an iron or PVC fence. It keeps youngsters and pets from venturing too close to a situation that has the potential to be dangerous and the ability to keep wildlife predators off the lawn.

A chain-link fence is strong, durable, and cost-effective. As an added benefit, Zepco Fence installs all of its gates with self-closing springs and childproof locks, along with a bottom cable to keep unwanted wildlife from digging under the enclosure while keeping children and pets inside.