Pet proofing garden in Exeter
Professional pet proofing garden services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£110-£210
Typical Duration
2-4 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Full garden security check and fixes - fence gaps blocked, weak panels secured, escape routes eliminated. Keep your pets safely contained.
Because "how did they get out?" is stressful
Your dog's gone walkabout again, or you've just adopted a puppy and know your garden isn't ready. Maybe you've got a cat you need to keep in, or chickens that need protecting from foxes.
I'll do a proper check of your garden from a pet's perspective, find every potential escape route, and secure everything so you can let them out with confidence.
Different pets, different challenges:
| Pet Type | Common Escape Routes | How I Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| 🐕 Dogs | Gaps under panels, rotten boards, wobbly gates | Mesh barriers, panel repairs, latch upgrades |
| 🐈 Cats | Fence tops, gaps in walls, under sheds | Roller bars, gap blocking, mesh additions |
| 🐇 Rabbits | Tiny gaps, under fence lines, run weaknesses | Fine mesh, base boards, reinforcement |
| 🐔 Chickens | Fox access, overhead threats, weak run areas | Secure mesh, dig-proof barriers, roof netting |
What I typically find and fix
| ✅ Common Issues | How I Sort It |
|---|---|
| Gap under fence panels | Dig down, add board or mesh, bury slightly |
| Rotten fence boards | Replace damaged boards, secure properly |
| Wobbly panels | Refix to posts, add brackets if needed |
| Gates that don't latch properly | Adjust hinges, fit proper latches, add self-closers |
| Hedge gaps | Fill with mesh or fencing panels |
| Shed bases with crawl spaces | Block with boards or mesh |
Pricing Guide
| Garden Size | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small garden (basic check and minor fixes) | 2 hrs | £110 |
| Medium garden (full check, several repairs) | 3 hrs | £160 |
| Large garden (extensive checking and securing) | 4 hrs | £210 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Materials (mesh, boards, screws) additional - typically £20-60 depending on what's needed.
💡 Pro tip: Tell me your pet's breed and age. A Jack Russell needs different checking than a Labrador. Puppies will try gaps adult dogs ignore. Cats are completely different again. The more I know, the better I can target the check.
Why Choose Us for Pet proofing garden in Exeter?
Complete fence line checked for escape routes
Gaps and weak points secured properly
Hazards identified and made safe
Peace of mind your pet can't get out
What to Expect
Step 1: Thorough inspection
I'll walk your entire garden perimeter, checking from a pet's height. I'll push panels to test security, look under fence lines for dig spots, check gates and latches, and note every weak point or gap. You'll get a full rundown of what needs fixing.
Step 2: Securing everything
Gaps get blocked with mesh or boards, loose panels get refixed, rotten sections get replaced (or flagged if beyond my scope), gates get proper latches, and dig-prone areas get buried barriers. Everything's made as escape-proof as possible.
Step 3: Test and advise
I'll walk you through what I've done and point out any remaining watch-points (like plants that are toxic to pets, or areas where determined digging might still be possible). You'll know exactly what's safe and what to monitor.
🔧 DIY Tips
Pet-proofing yourself:
Tools you'll need:
- Wire mesh (chicken wire or weld mesh depending on pet)
- Fence staples and hammer
- Screws and drill
- Spade (for burying mesh)
- Zip ties or fence clips
- Replacement boards (if needed)
Steps:
- Walk the entire perimeter on your hands and knees - see it from pet height
- Mark every gap, weak panel, or wobbly section
- Test gates thoroughly - can a nose push them open?
- For gaps under fences: dig down 6", add mesh, bury it
- For panel gaps: use mesh or thin boards to block
- Secure everything properly - pets test weak points
Common mistakes:
- Only checking while standing (miss low gaps)
- Using chicken wire for large dogs (they push through it)
- Not burying mesh deep enough (dogs dig under)
- Forgetting to check under sheds and decking
- Missing gaps in hedges or walls
Pro tricks:
- Think like your pet - where would you try first?
- Puppies squeeze through gaps you'd think impossible - be thorough
- Determined diggers need mesh buried 12" down, not just surface-level
- Gates need self-closing latches if you've got an escape artist
- Check fence lines after heavy rain - ground movement opens gaps
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Multi-job approach: Often pet proofing finds other garden jobs - wobbly posts that need concreting, gates that need rebuilding, sheds with rotten bases. I can quote for the lot and save you multiple callouts.
Old Devon properties: Many older gardens around Exeter have mixed fencing - bit of wall, bit of hedge, bit of old fence. These join points are common escape routes and need careful attention.
Breed-specific advice: I've dealt with enough escape-artist dogs to know which breeds are most determined. Terriers dig, hounds jump, huskies are escape geniuses. Tell me the breed and I'll focus on their typical methods.
Fox protection: If you've got chickens or rabbits, I'll check not just for pet escape but for predator entry. Foxes are surprisingly good at finding weak spots. Overhead netting often needed too.
Follow-up visits: If your pet finds a new escape route after I've secured the obvious ones, I'll come back and sort it. Sometimes takes a few rounds with really determined escapees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does pet proofing a garden involve?
I'll walk your entire fence line checking for gaps under panels, broken boards, wobbly sections, and places where pets might squeeze through or dig under. Then I'll secure everything - refix loose panels, block gaps, add mesh where needed, fix gates, and check for other hazards like toxic plants or dangerous items.
My dog keeps escaping but I can't see how - can you help?
Absolutely. Dogs are surprisingly clever at finding routes you'd never spot. I'll check from a dog's-eye view (literally crouching down), look for dig spots under fences, test every panel for give, and check gates and latches. Usually find the escape route within minutes.
Is this just for dogs or do you pet-proof for other animals too?
I do all pets. Dogs and puppies need gaps blocked and panels secured. Cats need to be kept in (or out of certain areas). Rabbits and chickens need secure runs and protection from foxes. Each animal has different needs and I'll tailor the work accordingly.
Can you do this while the pet's already living here?
Yes, but ideally keep them inside while I'm working - open gates and repair work means temporary escape opportunities. If that's not possible, I can work section by section, making sure each bit's secure before moving to the next.
What if my fences are really old and need major work?
I'll tell you honestly what can be secured and what actually needs replacing. Sometimes a few strategic repairs are fine, other times panels are too rotten to trust. I can do repairs up to a point, but if you need whole fence replacement, I'll advise who to call for that.
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Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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