Is Your Fence Ready for Christchurch’s Wild Weather?
Timber Fencing Christchurch
Keep Your Pets Secured
If you’ve ever had to chase your dog down the street or spent an afternoon searching for a clever cat who found a new escape route, you’re not alone. For Christchurch pet owners, keeping animals safe and secure at home is one of the biggest reasons to invest in a proper fence.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
Why pets escape in the first place
Common fencing issues in Christchurch homes
Fence recommendations that work for different pets
How to future-proof your yard against escape artists
Let’s dive in—because your pets deserve to feel free and safe at home.
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Why Do Pets Escape?
Before we get to solutions, like having a Christchurch timber fence installed, it’s helpful to understand why pets get the urge to escape in the first place.
Here are a few common reasons:
1. Curiosity and Boredom
Dogs and cats are natural explorers. If your backyard feels too small, empty, or repetitive, they’ll go looking for excitement elsewhere.
2. Fear and Anxiety
Loud noises like fireworks, thunder, or even traffic can spook pets into running off. Gaps in fencing give them the escape route they’re looking for.
3. Poor Fence Design
Let’s be honest—many Christchurch homes still have flimsy, outdated, or low fences. These are no match for a determined jumper, digger, or chewer.
4. New Environments
If you’ve recently moved into a new build area like Rolleston or Prestons, there might be no fencing at all—or only basic post-and-wire setups that pets can walk straight through.
Christchurch Fencing Challenges for Pet Owners
Christchurch’s layout and climate add a few unique challenges for pet owners:
Flat, open suburbs mean pets can see and smell tempting distractions beyond your fence
Wind damage is common in areas like Wigram, Marshlands, or Halswell, leading to weakened or fallen fences
Old fencing stock in central suburbs like Sydenham or Riccarton is often too low or degraded to be reliable
Soil movement in rural zones like Lincoln and Tai Tapu can cause fences to warp or lean, creating escape gaps
That’s why choosing the right type of fencing is essential—not just for looks, but for function and long-term safety.
What to Look for in a Pet-Safe Fence
Whether you have a playful puppy or an escape-artist cat, there are a few key things your fence should have:
Height: At least 1.5m tall for dogs (more for athletic breeds)
Zero gaps: No wide slats or holes for squeezing through
Dig-proof base: A buried or reinforced bottom to stop tunnelling
Durability: Strong enough to resist chewing, pawing, and leaning
Visibility control: For reactive dogs, limiting the view of the outside world can reduce barking and fence-jumping
Recommended Fence Types for Pet Owners in Christchurch
Perfect for large dogs, anxious pets, or properties near busy roads
Why it works:
Security fencing is tall, strong, and built to keep things in just as much as it keeps things out. Choose flat-top or vertical bar designs with no footholds to discourage climbing.
Pet benefit:
Your dog won’t be able to jump over or push through, and intruders won’t be able to open panels or gates easily.
Where it fits best:
Ideal for front yards, side gates, and properties near parks or walkways.
Aluminium Fencing Christchurch
A modern, low-maintenance solution that works well for active pets
Why it works:
Aluminium fences are rust-proof, chew-resistant, and available in sleek slat styles that block line of sight while still allowing airflow.
Pet benefit:
You’ll prevent visual stimulation from other dogs or walkers, which reduces barking and running along the fence.
Where it fits best:
Perfect for townhouses and compact properties in suburbs like Addington, Sydenham, and Fendalton.
A classic full-privacy option with serious security for your pets
Why it works:
Timber fences can be built tall and solid, creating a complete visual and physical barrier for your animals. You can even add kickboards or concrete footing to stop digging.
Pet benefit:
Stops jumpers, leapers, chewers, and diggers. Creates a true “dog run” or private play space.
Where it fits best:
Best for family homes with yards in older areas like Beckenham, St Martins, or Spreydon.
Great for upgrading your current fence without rebuilding it
Why it works:
A trellis extension can increase height without blocking all light or airflow. You can also train climbing plants to discourage fence-scaling cats.
Pet benefit:
Stops cats from climbing and jumping off lower fences. Also great for creating a natural barrier.
Where it fits best:
Useful in character areas like Merivale or Richmond where full-height fences may not be allowed.
Recommended Fence Types for Pet Owners in Christchurch
Aside from fencing, here are a few extra ways to make your yard safer and escape-proof:
Check for weak spots regularly: Leaning posts, warped panels, or loose latches? Fix them before your pet finds them.
Use self-closing gates: One moment of forgetfulness can mean a missing dog. Automatic gate closers and locks are worth it.
Bury chicken wire or concrete strips: Especially useful for diggers.
Create pet zones: Use internal fencing to separate areas like veggie gardens or decks from your dog’s play space.
Avoid climbable furniture: Don’t place chairs, bins, or woodpiles near the fence—cats and dogs will use them as launching pads.
Time to Fence In the Escape Artist?
If your pet is always on the run, it’s time to stop patching things up and start building a solution that lasts.
We install custom fences for Christchurch homes—designed with pets, privacy, and weather in mind. Whether you’re in the city or out in Rolleston or Lincoln, we’ve got options that work for every kind of home and every kind of pet.
✅ Free quotes
✅ Pet-safe designs
✅ Built for Canterbury conditions
✅ Quick, clean, professional work