If you’re starting your search for invisible fence cost for your Michigan property, you’re likely to see all types of numbers online, from $500, to $3,000 – and none of them takes into account the frost line, clay soil or township regulations in Michigan. Welfare for children means many different things, and that’s what is causing the inconsistency mentioned above – which is why we have created this guide.
Like most local invisible fence companies we receive “how much does it cost?” on nearly every call that we receive and that is a very common question that gets asked. Truthfully, it depends on the yard, the dog and the setup you select. But here’s the good news – we can provide you with actual numbers from Michigan and not national averages.
Quick Answer: Average Invisible Fence Cost in Michigan
The average price for an underground dog fence in Michigan is $1,000 to $2,800, although these fees vary based on property size, difficulty, and other factors. While DIY varies in price (between $200 and $800) usually, the components, wire and any errors you might make, if there are any, that you have to have corrected later run higher costs and this fact may account for the higher total cost of DIY in the long run.
The quick summary:
| Installation Type | Typical Michigan Cost |
|---|---|
| DIY Wireless Kit | $200 – $600 |
| In-Ground Wire Kit to Make at Home | $400 – $900 |
| Professional Wireless Installation | $700 – $1,200 |
| Professional In-Ground (Underground) Installation | $1,000 – $2,800 |
| GPS/Satellite Fence System | $1,000 – $2,500 (plus subscription) |
Let’s now dissect what motivates those numbers.
What Determines Your Invisible Fence Cost in Michigan
The cost of invisible fencing varies from one to another. There are 6 major factors that increase or decrease the number:
- Yard size – More linear footage of boundary wire – greater materials and manpower expenses
- System type – Wired in-ground, wireless transmitter, or GPS-based fencing all have different equipment costs.
- Terrain – Any overgrown property, wooded lots, slopes, ponds and irregular shaped terrain will take longer to map and install than a flat square yard
- Number of pets – This includes collars that need to be used for each additional dog, so there will be extra collars
- DIY vs. professional installation – Labour costs can be the primary expense and become a reliability factor too
- Local company vs. national franchise – Prices, warranties, and training can differ greatly from provider to provider
Average Invisible Fence Cost by Yard Size
Here are some of the average prices that Michigan homeowners pay for their invisible fence according to size of property (professional installation, single dog):
| Yard Size | Approx. Linear Feet | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small (Under ¼ Acre) | 150-300 ft | $700 – $1,100 |
| Medium (¼ – ½ Acre) | 300-500 ft | $1,100 – $1,700 |
| Large (½ – 1 Acre) | 500-800 ft | $1,700 – $2,400 |
| Extra-Large / Rural (1+ Acres) | 800+ ft | $2,400 – $3,500+ |
Michigan lots that are hilly or in wooded or irregular areas typically fall in the top quarter of each range, as each of these three aspects requires more wire, flags and care in boundary setting around trees, gardens and driveways.
Invisible Dog Fence Cost: DIY vs. Professional Installation
This is the source of all the confusion on the internet for most prices – the box-store kits claim a low number of items but that number alone isn’t sufficient.
The self-made dog fence price generally tends to only include the equipment – this consists of a transmitter collar and a few rolls of wire. Trenching, alignment of boundaries, connecting wire, ensuring that connections are waterproof and – most importantly – training your dog to understand the system – are all left to you. When you include the cost of a trencher, some additional wire to dig a yard in Michigan, and the number of labor hours, working on the project yourself can be more expensive than hiring a professional would be, if you’re not getting the warranty or expertise.
The professional install will include approximately:
- A full Property walkthrough and customised Property Boundary Design
- Connect with wiring below usual frost disruptive layers
- Splices and a good grounding of the transmitter
- A size and temperament sized collar that has been fitted and calibrated for your dog
- Hands-on boundary training (usually several training sessions)
- A workmanship warranty
In the Michigan climate zone specifically, the importance of professional installation is that in milder climates, the largest wire break issues are due to soil movement, including from freeze-thaw conditions, which is more likely to happen in poorly buried systems. Those customers that are willing to ante up for proper depth of burial will end up with fewer calls for repairs later on.
Underground Dog Fence Cost vs. Wireless and GPS Systems
Not all “invisible fences” are created equal and this will influence their cost and performance:
- Underground (in-ground wire) fences utilize a fence wire which is buried in the ground, and are the most effective type of fence for an irregular lot, wooded areas or properties next to roadways. This is the most frequently-used long-term (usually also the most cost-efficient) solution for a Michigan homeowner.
- Wireless fences consist of a central transmitter which forms a ring. They do not require extensive yards and are cheaper and easier to install, but are effective only on flat, open, obstruction-free yards – not at every Michigan property with sheds, trees or sloped lawns.
- GPS fences rely upon satellite tracking, and are usually sold on an annual subscription basis, in addition to the price of the fencing system. They work best on large rural sites with few trees but will be less specific where trees are more plentiful, such as in Michigan.
Wired systems are the most cost effective method to an invisible fence and most reliable system for most suburban and wooded Michigan Fences.
Hidden and Ongoing Costs to Budget For
There are a few additional costs that might not be obvious, but are continuous costs of having an underground fence:
- Collar batteries – Battery replacement every few months, $10-$25 each based on collar type
- Invisible fence dog training – Boundary training is usually provided as part of the dog training service and may be available as an add-on training course depending on the type of invisible fence feature service offered
- Wire repairs – Landscaping, aeration, or frost heave can nick the wire repairs are typically low cost when discovered at an early time
- Extra collars – Each extra dog requires a separate receiver collar, usually $150 – 250 per collar.
- Boundary extensions – Later addition of a zone (such as an extension garden or pool area) will be less expensive if the original system is designed to accommodate expansion
If you have these costs estimated ahead of time, you’ll get a much clearer idea of what you’ll be paying for than having just an installation quote.
Why Invisible Fence Pricing Varies Between Companies
Not all invisible fence companies charge the same for their services, or construct the fence the same way. There are just a couple of things that stand out which make the difference between a lower quote and a higher quote:
- Equipment quality – Commercial quality wire and transmitters are a more expensive option but will last longer, particularly during Michigan winters
- Training: For some companies, they include in-person training, while others give you a manual
- Warranty coverage – Make sure that there is coverage on parts and also workmanship.
- Local knowledge – A company that knows the conditions from Michigan, frost depth and township rules will come up with a system that will last longer than a national generic installation.
While the lowest bid may appear to be the best, it may be that you will need the repairs more frequently than is best for the budget you have.
Is an Invisible Fence Worth the Cost in Michigan?
When choosing between an invisible fence for dogs and a traditional wood or vinyl fence which can easily cost $3,000 to $10,000 or more for an average Michigan yard, most of the time an invisible fence for dogs will be a cheaper solution, especially considering that it can be done successfully on sloped or wooded property areas, and on anything where a fence is prohibited by the homeowner association. It helps hold open sight lines in your yard, no other HOA fuss about the fence materials and can be adapted around garden, swimming pool or driveways that a straight-line fence cannot assist with.
Get an Accurate Invisible Fence Quote for Your Property
Each yard varies and only a quote suggested by a measure that takes your property into consideration will be an accurate one you can trust. We will talk about through the yard, outline the boundaries and provide crystal clear and straightforward cost estimates-no surprises here!
Ready to see what an invisible fence would cost for your Michigan property? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions: Invisible Fence Cost
Q. How much does it cost to install an invisible fence?
In the state of Michigan, the cost of hiring a professional to do the installation will be approximately $700 for a small, flat yard to $2,800 and over for large property or wooded properties. This will vary depending on yard size, slope, and the number of pets requiring collars.
Q. What is the average cost of an invisible fence for a dog?
For a standard suburban dog lot in Michigan, the average price of an invisible fence installed, with training boundaries included, is $1100 to $1700.
Q. Is underground dog fence cost higher or lower than a traditional fence?
The price of an underground dog fence is just about always less than the cost of a wood or vinyl fence, which is several thousand dollars less on the same property. Even for lots where a concrete fence is not permitted or suitable, invisible fences can be used.
Q. How much does an electric fence for dogs cost to maintain each year?
The cost of the electric fence for dogs is fairly affordable – collar battery replacement occurs about every few months ($10-$25), and occasionally repair of the wire when the fence is damaged by landscaping or frost heave.
Q. Does invisible fence pricing include dog training?
Usually, installers of good standing incorporate boundary training into their “invisible fence” prices as a key ingredient in making the fence system work; a well-trained dog is essential. Before comparing quotes from different companies, always check what’s included.
Q. How do I choose the right invisible fence company in Michigan?
Pay attention to companies that have experience in Michigan, offer a workmanship warranty, offer training for free, and actually will let you know the price upfront and not just quoted the lowest. Knowledge from local experience is helpful in terms of correct wire depth and sustained performance over winter freeze-thaw cycles.
Q. What's the cost difference between wired and wireless underground fence systems?
The wireless system costs a lower initial deposit ($700 to $1,200), but is only used in flat open yards. Wired underground fence systems can accommodate irregular property blocks, Michigan homes with wooded areas or sloping landscape designs with far greater reliability and with higher costs ($1,000 – $2,800).