Invisible Fence® vs. DogWatch® vs. Pet Stop®: Comparing Hidden Dog Fences in South Florida
Choosing an underground “invisible”-type dog fence in Broward or Palm Beach County usually comes down to three professional brands: Invisible Fence®, DogWatch®, and Pet Stop® — whose manufacturer, Perimeter Technologies, was led for years by John Purtell, founder of the original Invisible Fence® Company. All three are wired systems installed and serviced by local dealers. Here’s how they compare — and why we believe Pet Stop® is the strongest choice for South Florida yards.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Swipe to see all three brands →
| Pet Stop® (installed by us) | Invisible Fence® | DogWatch® | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Professional brand made in the USA with imported parts | The original brand, since the 1970s | Making hidden fences since 1990 |
| Local dealer | Locally owned, serving South Florida since 2002 | Corporate/franchise locations | Independent local dealer |
| Training | Pet Stop GentleSteps™ gradual training, included with every installation | Dealer training programs | Dealer training programs |
| Receiver collar | Pet Stop EcoLite receiver at just under an ounce — fits dogs and cats from 5 to 150 lbs | Proprietary collars and batteries | Collars with 2-year replaceable battery (per manufacturer) |
| Programming | 5,000+ programming options for size, coat, and temperament | Fewer customization options (per published comparisons) | Adjustable correction levels |
| Works with other brands | Yes — we service and repair Invisible Fence®, DogWatch®, PetSafe® and more; receivers compatible with most existing wire | Proprietary — own brand only | Limited cross-compatibility |
| Warranty | Pet Stop UltraCare™ lifetime warranty available, including accidental-damage coverage | Limited lifetime warranty (per manufacturer) | Limited lifetime warranty on dealer-installed systems (per manufacturer) |
| Containment guarantee | Lifetime Containment Guarantee on Link Ultra and Ecolite Pro systems | Varies by dealer | Varies by dealer |
| Monthly fees | None | None for wired systems | None for wired systems |
| Local Google presence | 5.0★ on Google — serving Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade & Martin since 2002 | 3.0★, 4 reviews — listed address is a self-storage facility in Stuart, FL | Verified local dealer in Miami-Dade |
Competitor details are drawn from manufacturers’ published materials as of July 2026 and may change; confirm current terms with each company.
See for yourself — search “Invisible Fence” near Broward or Palm Beach County. As of July 2026, the address listed on their Google Business Profile (1925 SW 96th Street, Unit 326, Stuart, FL) is a self-storage facility, not an office. Pet Stop of South Florida has been a real, locally reviewed presence in this area since 2002.
Built for South Florida Yards
Any brand can bury a wire. We design layouts for the yards we actually work in: canal-front lots where the boundary must hold at the seawall, pool decks and screened enclosures, dense coral-rock and landscaping that demands hand-installation in places, and homes where owners are away part of the year. Every installation includes Pet Stop GentleSteps™ training, and our systems carry no subscription fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pet Stop® the same company as Invisible Fence®?
No. They’re separate companies. But John Purtell, who founded the original Invisible Fence® Company, later led Perimeter Technologies, the manufacturer of Pet Stop® products — which are made in the USA with imported parts.
Can you repair my existing Invisible Fence® or DogWatch® system?
Yes. We repair and service all major brands: wire break location, replacement batteries, compatible collars, and transmitter service — usually using your existing buried wire.
Do I have to replace everything to switch brands?
Usually not. Pet Stop® receivers can be programmed to work with most existing systems, and we offer trade-in options toward Pet Stop® equipment. Ask about trade-in pricing for your Invisible Fence® or DogWatch® components.
Which system is best for small dogs or cats?
The Pet Stop EcoLite receiver weighs just under an ounce and fits pets from 5 pounds up — among the lightest professional receivers available, and it works for cats as well as dogs.
Already Own a System?
Whether it’s an Invisible Fence®, DogWatch®, PetSafe®, or another brand: we diagnose wire breaks, replace batteries and collars, and upgrade transmitters — often the same week. Call or text (954) 567-1173.
Pet Stop of South Florida — Locally owned & operated · Professional pet containment since 2002 · Pet Stop GentleSteps™ Certified · Call or text (954) 567-1173
Invisible Fence®, DogWatch®, and PetSafe® are registered trademarks of their respective owners. Pet Stop of South Florida is not affiliated with these companies; we independently service their equipment.