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I have had an Invisble Fence system since 2009, and it has worked very well at containing my dog, who is a coonhound mix (hounds are notorius for wandering).
But at the beginning of this month (December 2011), my dog escaped the electronic barrier and was hit by the passing local school bus; I did not see this happen, and only found out after the fact because the school's bus route supervisor and another school official came to my house to tell me (the bus driver was very upset, but by law she could not stop or get out of the bus full of kids, so she alerted her supervisor). I was mystified at how this could happen, since my dog never goes through the barrier, but when I mentioned it to my husband he said that in fact the dog had gone through the barrier, in exactly the same spot, the day before.
I checked the dog's collar and discovered that the battery was dead. I then consulted my Invisble Fence (IF) battery replacement plan and discovered that IF was *3 weeks overdue* in sending me a new battery.
Luckliy, the dog was OK (only some minor bruising), but I had to drop everything that morning and rush to the vet's office to be sure. We were lucky on many levels — there was no indication of her being in shock, no internal bleeding, and nothing broken/no need for X-rays, so I got off with a vet bill of only $49.
I called my local (regional) IF dealer and asked why I hadn't received a battery on time. "Oh, we're a bit behind on our battery plans," a young, bored-sounding woman said, rather matter-of-factly. I then informed her that because they were "behind" my dog had just been hit by a school bus. Her response, "Oh, that's too bad — I hope she's OK." This was said in the most bored, least convincing matter, as if the young woman really didn't give a crap, this was just a job for her. Never did she say anything to the effect that IF was sorry, nor did she admit any negligence on the part of the company.
I looked over my original IF contract and discovered that the so-called *warranty* has disclaimer after disclaimer written into it: Invisible Fence assumes no responsibility, grants no warranty for anything, *including the batteries*, so I had no recourse as far as trying to sue. However, I am looking into a possible breach of contract, since IF did not provide the battery according to the agreed-upon plan.
I am writing the regional office, as well as the CEO of the parent company PetSafe/Radio Systems, to explain my horror at this incident and my digust with their inability to honor their battery replacement plan in a timely manner. I would hope at very least to get a few batteries free in light of my $49 vet bill, but we will see. I'll post an update here if I hear back from Invisible Fence, but in the mantime I can safely say I would NOT recommend this company if you're in the market for a pet containment system.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Has anyone had a problem with the batteries doing dead in a month? This has happened to me two times. So I started keeping package and putting date on it when I inserted it. Last on inserted 2/13/14...new 3/10/14. I called IF to find out what the expiration date is for these batteries on package. Was told if I bring it in 45 minutes away or pay tech $65 to come here they can check. WHAT! I pay $200 plus for a years plan of batteries. Does anyone know what this means on package PB10135013499? Was this a year old battery? Did I receive an old out dated battery to begin with? Have searched for date of manufactured on web and can not tell. Thanks
OK, I am the original poster, and I have to take a bit of offense at the "electric nanny" comment, also. Invisible Fence was a last option for me after spending years and a lot of training with this dog. I had lived elsewhere for two years after getting her and there she rarely left the yard, and when she did it was to go into the neighbor's yard to play with her dog (her dog often did the same; it was a quiet understanding we had). Containing my dog had never been a problem there, but when we moved to this far more rural area with wild animals, livestock, and miles to run in every direction my dog wanted to wander. Anyone who has ever had a coonhound or other hound knows how wandering they can be; no matter how much training they have it can't always be taught out of them. Sometimes an IF is the only option.
All of that said, I just had a very reassuring phone conversation with my regional IF rep, who has agreed to more than mere restitution for my vet bill in the form of free collar batteries. He was very caring and reassuring regarding the dog's accident and the effectiveness of the fence overall. (And it should be said that I have NEVER, otherwise, had a problem with the fence malfunctioning or the dog escaping it; these things DO work.) It was a case of a battery plan glitch that has, to my mind, been very effectively dealt with and I am a happy IF customer once again.
Thanks cchuckles. I appreciate the comment.
Thanks Ramelle. I was just making a statement for everyone, about being civil on here This includes OP, who iniated the discussion. Happy holidays to all!
Exercise77 - The best thing to do is ignore comments that offend you. Just saying.
Merry Christmas.
WGAS, I never asked what others thought of or should I use an IF, etc. The fact that you have issues with those who choose to use an IF, is just that: your issue--neither wrong or right. Everyone has two cents of advice but we are all adults and can be civil on this site, public or not. Your advice would be welcomed by someone who sincerely asks for it, but I didn't. I made a statement about my experience of looking into the IF. Preaching not needed.
Thanks Toads Tool. I live on a busy culdesac--my large enclosed backyard is plenty of room for them. IFs are a novel idea but just not failproof, like a lot of things in life. Thanks.
I take offense in WGAS's comment. I am content with my enclosed backyard and was only looking at another option. WGAS's comment about me taking personal responsibilty was unsolicited and rude. Let's try to keep unsolicited advice outside of this forum, where providing useful information from experience, could be more helpful and appropriate.
I have been contemplating getting an IF for my two dogs--German shepard and beagle. We have a large, enclosed back yard and I think I'll save myself some stress and money, from getting an IF. I live on a busy culdesac and would hate to come home (I work 45 min from home) to find two injured (if not worse) dogs. I have heard of dogs going through the IF but this explains it all.
Thanks for posting this information.