Pet owners often deal with the question of safely allow a pet to enjoy the outdoors. Some pet owners decide to fence their entire yard for a pet to enjoy; others use a leash dug into the ground on one end and attached to the pet's collar on the other; and others use a specific pet enclosure. Pet enclosures can be placed anywhere in the yard and are used specifically for a pet to roam free while enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors. While enclosures can be bought ready-made, installed by a professional or bought as a do-it-yourself kit, creating an enclosure from scratch is also possible.
Instructions
1. Determine where in the yard you want to locate the enclosure. You could add a flap door to the back or side door of your house and place the enclosure around it for easy in-and-out access; or you could place the enclosure away from the house underneath a shady tree or anywhere you prefer.
2. Decide what size the pet enclosure should be by measuring the size of your pet. According to Servicemagic.com, a general rule of thumb is for the enclosure to be at least 10 feet wide and a yard long. This allows space for most pets to stretch and roam without having the enclosure take up your entire yard. However, the larger your pet is, the larger the enclosure should be. The height of the enclosure should depend on how high your pet can jump or climb.
3. Dig holes at least two feet deep for the posts to go into. Place the posts into the holes and shovel the dirt back into place. To hold these posts more permanently, set with concrete, following the package instructions for mixing and setting.
4. Once the posts are firmly in place and the concrete (if using) is dry, line the entire enclosure area with chicken wire. The posts act as a framework for the chicken wire, so the wiring should run along the outer sides of the posts. Attach the chicken wire to each post with wire ties.
5. Stake down the chicken wire all along the ground with wire ties so that the pet cannot dig his way out. Consider lining the enclosure with bricks to keep it even more secure.
6. Cover the ground with whatever type of ground covering you prefer. Although grass is fine and is enjoyed by most pets, if it rains a lot in your area, this could cause your pet to become muddy. Other options include gravel, patio blocks, woodchips or sand.
7. Cover the fence walls with a sun-proof tarp, or create a roof with a mesh cover that provides shade and shelter from the hot midday sun. These products can be bought from a hardware store and tied to the side or top of the fence with wire ties.
8. Include a doghouse or cathouse for your pet to climb into to stay dry and protected in inclement weather. Place this independent object in a corner of the enclosure, preferably with the opening facing the house so that you can see your pet and your pet can see you.
9. Adding boxes, tunnels and toys will keep your pet interested and stimulated, according to TheCatSite.com. You want your pet to enjoy the enclosure. Also include water and food bowls.
Related posts
Build an Outdoor Wire Cat EnclosureMany cat owners like to let their cats have the opportunity to spend some time outside. Unfortunately, allowing a pet cat to wander freely is dangerous, as they...
Contrary to what the name might suggest, an indoor cat enclosure is not a structure inside the house. An indoor cat enclosure is actually a cage built outside the house. This lets the cat experien...
Build a Play Yard for DogsA dog needs plenty of space to run and play, or just roam around. And dogs love the scents, sights and sounds of the outdoors. However, roaming freely can be dangerous fo...
Fencing can help contain your dog in your yard.If you want your dog to be able to run freely in your yard, a good way to keep the animal safe is to install a fence. Many types of fencing are quite...
Building a cat run enclosure with chain link fence is a way to provide a safe place for your cat to exercise. An outdoor cat run provides your cat with lots of healthy sensory stimulation and exer...
