Whether you have a dog, turtle, or an exotic pet you’d like to keep safe and enclosed in your backyard, there is a right and wrong way to build something to keep them on your property. While there are several different types of backyard enclosure possibilities, you want to have as much information as possible before starting construction. Don’t get stuck in the middle of the project, not knowing where to go next. Instead, follow these three tips to ensure your animal structure is completed without disruptions or mishaps.
1. Choosing the Right Materials and Construction
Perhaps the most important thing to consider before beginning your animal enclosure in your backyard is the type of materials to use. Some of the more popular options include items like PVC, metal, chain link, and wood fencing. Again, it will depend on what type of animal you are trying to secure. It’s essential that the critter can’t damage what’s been constructed or dig under or around it to escape.
An important feature of your construction is the available drainage. With animals comes waste, and because the structure is outside, various types of precipitation will also be present. It’s crucial that moisture is effectively drawn away from the enclosure and sent somewhere where it won’t damage the building, your personal property, or the animals.
Finally, ensure that during construction, there is enough room for the animals or animals that will inhabit the space. If there is overcrowding, you might deal with health issues, conflict between the animals, or other problems that could be prevented by making the area larger.
2. Keeping Safety and Security in Mind
Safety and security are at the top of the tips list when building an outdoor animal enclosure. Not only do you want to keep the animals safe on the inside, you want to prevent anything from getting in or the creatures from getting out. Several precautions can be implemented to ensure no issues with unwanted visitors or escaping animals.
First, install proper locking mechanisms that only you and other authorized individuals know how to operate. It will help provide the right amount of security to keep curious individuals from going too far into the animal’s living space.
Next, cameras should be installed to survey the area 24 hours a day. While a camera may not stop things from occurring, it allows you to react promptly if something happens when you’re not in the immediate area. Motion sensors and light activation are a good idea to help you see things more clearly.
Lastly, build your enclosure with plenty of areas where the animals can escape extreme weather conditions. Even though animals are meant to be outside, you don’t want to expose them to heat, cold, or other severe conditions. A shelter that will withstand the elements is typically sufficient for these spaces.
3. Monitor and Adjust
After you build your outdoor animal enclosure, be open to making adjustments as necessary. Watch how the animals react to their new living conditions. Monitoring them frequently will help you better understand what changes must be made. Just because it worked at the start doesn’t necessarily mean it will continue to be effective. Be open to change and do so gradually when necessary so as not to disrupt the animal’s daily routine.
As long as you choose the proper materials, plan construction appropriately, prioritize safety and security, and remain open to adjustments, your animal enclosure in your backyard can be the perfect oasis for whatever critter you want to build a forever home for. When in doubt, speak with a professional contractor or someone who has experience in these types of animal structures. They can give you even more pointers to feel comfortable and confident in your finished product.
digitaleditor 
Melissa Williams 
Brooks Reynolds