Invisible Fence® vs. DogWatch® vs. Pet Stop®: Comparing Hidden Dog Fences in South Florida
Choosing an underground “invisible”-type dog fence in Broward, Palm Beach or Martin 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 |
| Property size | Pet Stop OT-300 transmitter rated to 50 acres; 3.75-acre Plantation installation completed | Boundary Plus positioned for lots under ¾ acre (per manufacturer) | Up to 200 acres (per manufacturer) |
| Number of pets | No limit — adding a pet adds a collar, not a system; sensitivity adjustable per pet | Adjustable settings per pet (per manufacturer) | No stated limit (per manufacturer) |
| Signal type | DM Digital Modulation — three modulations across four frequencies, twelve programmable combinations | Digital (per manufacturer) | FM (per manufacturer) |
| Battery and charging | Rechargeable — three hours to full, up to three weeks per charge; diagnostic cradle tests the collar at every charge | Proprietary replacement batteries (per manufacturer) | 2-year replaceable on standard collar, 6 months on the small-dog collar (per manufacturer) |
| Wire break and lightning | Pet Stop Wire Break Warning, built-in lightning protection, Pet Stop Zapp Alert surge notification | Not published | Loop Monitor and lightning protection (per manufacturer) |
| 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 Pet Stop Link Ultra and Pet Stop 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 & Martin since 2002 | 3.0★, 4 reviews — listed address is a self-storage facility in Stuart, FL | Verified local dealer in Miami-Dade |
Full detail on Pet Stop equipment, signal technology, charging and lightning protection is on our Pet Stop dog fence products page.
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” in Broward, Palm Beach or Martin 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.