Pet Confinement Resources
Keeping Your Dogs Secured
Dogs who roam freely can find themselves in unsafe situations, including running into traffic or being attacked by wildlife or other animals. Ensuring your pup is safely secured in your home or yard can help prevent accidents, injuries or even loss of life.
Escape Prevention Tools
Inside the Home
Crates: One of the most common and effective tools to contain dogs is a dog crate, available in a variety of sizes, materials and styles. Crates are primarily used to assist with potty training, avoid accidents and prevent destructive behavior. They can also be useful tools when introducing a new pet to your home, training excitable dogs to relax and establishing a safe zone for your pet. See more tips on safely crating your pet.
Gates: Gates are another common confinement tool which allow more space for the pet to roam than a crate. They also come in a variety of sizes, materials and styles to fit the space in your home and can be stacked in a doorway or hall for more secure containment.
X-Pens: X-pens are flexible fences that can be rearranged and moved anywhere to confine an animal to an area. They can also be used to create an "air lock," or a barrier around doors, which can provide a second layer of security to prevent a dog from running out of the home when a door is opened.
*Photos courtesy ofhttps://anticruelty.org/pet-library/containment-strategies
Outside
Fencing: It’s important to ensure that fencing around a yard or your home is secure, and that a dog cannot go over, through or dig under a fence. It is not recommended to leave a pet unsupervised outdoors if fencing is broken or weakened in areas.
*Photo courtesy https://www.beyondfences.org/wp-content/uploads/How-to-Build-A-Fence-1.pdf
Dog Run: A dog run is a dedicated outdoor space that is fully enclosed to prevent a pet from escaping. Dog runs can be purchased or built.
Trolley System:
A trolley system allows a dog to freely and comfortably move between two stationary objects with access to food, water and shelter. When used properly, it provides maximum space for a dog to safely roam, ensures your dog access to food water, shelter and exercise, and prevents your dog from getting loose and potentially harmed.
According to California law, you may attach a dog to a running line, pulley or trolley system, like the one pictured. It is not legal to tether, fasten, chain or tie a dog to a stationary object, such as a dog house, tree or fence. Properly installed, your dog should not be able to become tangled on the line or neighboring structures.
Click on the flyer (in English or Spanish) for tips on installing and safely using your trolley system. All legal trolley runner lines will come with a version of a safety stop or cable anchor. Please follow the instructions provided with your system. If you need assistance setting up your trolley system, please contact our Humane Law Enforcement team at 619-299-7012, option 1.
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If you need assistance keeping your dog contained, please contact ce@sdhumane.org.
Managing Escape Behaviors
Escape behaviors such as digging and climbing that lead to your dog running loose can put them in dangerous and potentially tragic situations. Dogs who get out of a home or yard are at risk of being injured by cars and run-ins with wildlife, and owners are legally responsible for any damages or injury caused by their loose pet. Check out our resources for tips to Manage Escape Behaviors in Dogs and keep your pet safe, as well as our Enrichment Resources playlist for ideas to keep your pet engaged even when you’re not around.