Independence Day is the single worst day of the year for lost pets. Fireworks send even calm dogs into a panic, and a panicked animal will test every weak point in your fence — digging under, squeezing through, or going clean over. A 20-minute check the day before can prevent a frantic holiday search.
Walk the perimeter and look low
Most escapes happen at the bottom of the fence, not the top. Walk the full line and look for dig spots, washed-out low points, loose pickets, and gaps where the fence meets uneven ground. A scared dog can exploit a 6-inch gap you'd never notice on a normal day.
Reinforce the weak points
- Add an L-footer (wire mesh bent along the ground) at known dig spots.
- Screw loose pickets back tight — panic chewing and pawing finds every wobble.
- Close gaps under gates with a threshold board or stake.
- Double-check that every gate latches positively and add a spring clip for the night.
Check the gate hardware twice
An unlatched or self-opening gate is the most common escape route. Confirm every gate self-closes and latches, and clip or lock it for the evening. If you have an automated gate, set it to stay closed.
Plan for the worst anyway
Even a perfect fence can be beaten by a terrified animal. Make sure microchip details and ID tags are current, and bring pets inside during the show if you can. The fence is a backstop, not a guarantee, on the loudest night of the year.