Invisible Fence

Invisible Fence Inc., commonly marketed as Invisible Fence Brand, is a United States pet-technology company focused on electronic containment systems for dogs and cats. Its core product is an underground or wireless boundary system that communicates with a receiver worn on the animal's collar. When the pet approaches the programmed boundary, the collar provides a warning signal and, depending on the system and settings, a corrective stimulation intended to discourage the animal from crossing it. The company has historically positioned its systems as an alternative to conventional above-ground fencing, particularly for homeowners seeking to preserve an open appearance, contain pets across irregularly shaped properties, or protect animals near roads and other hazards. The concept originated with Richard Peck, a traveling salesman and product manager who became concerned after repeatedly seeing dead pets near highways and city streets. In 1973, Peck obtained a patent for an invisible pet-fence concept and began marketing the product through a company called Stay-Put Sales Co. Direct mail and magazine advertising were early distribution channels. In 1976, Peck sold the marketing and patent rights to John Purtell, who established Invisible Fence Co. and developed the business commercially. The original technology presented practical limitations. During the 1980s, the collar receiver was relatively large, making it more suitable for larger breeds than for small dogs. The system also had a limited maximum boundary area. Purtell temporarily withdrew the product while the receiver and operating system were redesigned. The later version was smaller and required battery replacement only about twice per year, expanding the potential customer base and improving usability. The patent protection associated with Peck's original invention expired in 1990. This opened the market to competing electronic pet-fence products, including offerings from Radio System Corporation. Invisible Fence continued as a recognizable specialist brand despite the loss of exclusivity. Purtell sold his interest in the company in 1993. In 2001, Invisible Fence Co. and the Invisible Fence Brand were sold to Kohlberg & Company, a private-equity firm. Kohlberg subsequently sold the business to Radio Systems Corporation in 2006. Radio Systems manufactures and distributes Invisible Fence products and also operates other pet-technology brands. The brand's product scope includes professionally installed underground containment systems, wireless or fenceless containment solutions, and collar receivers for different animal sizes and use cases. Its business model has historically combined hardware sales with installation, configuration, training, and service support, distinguishing it from basic consumer electronics sold solely through retail channels. The company emphasizes customized boundary design and pet-training assistance as part of the Invisible Fence proposition. In addition to containment products, Invisible Fence has operated Project Breathe, a public-service initiative that provides animal oxygen-mask kits to fire departments and other first responders. The program extends the brand beyond pet fencing by associating it with animal rescue and emergency preparedness. Invisible Fence remains a specialist brand within the broader pet-products and pet-technology market, competing with other electronic containment providers while operating under the ownership of Radio Systems Corporation.

Invisible Fence traces its origins to Richard Peck's observation that many pets were killed near roads and city streets. A traveling salesman and product manager working in Pennsylvania, Peck conceived a way to establish a boundary for dogs without erecting a visible physical fence. He obtained a patent for the concept in 1973 and marketed the invention through Stay-Put Sales Co., relying initially on direct mail and magazine advertising. In 1976, Peck transferred the marketing and patent rights to John Purtell. Purtell created Invisible Fence Co. and took responsibility for developing the invention into a commercial product. The system used an electronic signal generated along a boundary, traditionally through buried wire, and a receiver attached to the pet's collar. As the animal approached the perimeter, the receiver issued a warning and could deliver a corrective stimulus to discourage crossing. The first generations of the technology had important limitations. In the 1980s, the collar receiver was approximately the size of a cigarette packet. That made it more appropriate for large dogs such as Labradors and Huskies than for small breeds, which could be weighed down or placed at risk by a large collar device. The system's boundary range was also limited to a maximum area of approximately three acres in a circular configuration. Purtell removed the product from the market while the company redesigned the equipment. The revised system used a smaller receiver and batteries that generally needed replacement only twice annually, improving practicality for a wider range of pets. The original patent expired in 1990. This ended Invisible Fence's exclusive control over the underlying concept and encouraged other companies to develop competing electronic containment systems. Radio System Corporation was among the companies that entered or expanded in this market. Although competition increased, Invisible Fence retained a distinct identity built around its brand, installation model, boundary customization, and pet-training support. Purtell sold his interest in Invisible Fence in 1993. The company and brand later entered private-equity ownership when Kohlberg & Company acquired them in 2001. In 2006, Kohlberg sold the business to Radio Systems Corporation. Under Radio Systems, Invisible Fence became part of a broader pet-products portfolio and continued to manufacture and distribute electronic containment products for dogs and cats. The brand's principal offering remains a family of underground, wireless, and fenceless pet-containment systems. These products combine transmitters, boundary equipment, and collar receivers, with configurations designed for different property layouts and animal sizes. Invisible Fence has also promoted a service-oriented approach involving professional installation, system setup, and training intended to help pets learn the boundary. The company established Project Breathe as an animal-welfare initiative. Through the program, the Invisible Fence Brand donates animal oxygen-mask kits to fire departments and first responders, enabling emergency personnel to provide oxygen to pets affected by fires or other incidents. This initiative gives the brand a public-service dimension beyond its commercial role. Today, Invisible Fence is best understood as a specialist electronic pet-containment brand owned by Radio Systems Corporation. Its historical importance lies in helping establish the invisible pet-fence category, while its current identity rests on pet-boundary hardware, professional support, and related animal-safety activities.

• 2006

  Acquisition by Radio Systems Corporation

  [1]Invisible Fence Inc.en.wikipedia.org

  Radio Systems Corporation acquired the company from Kohlberg & Company and became its owner.

• 2001

  Acquisition by Kohlberg & Company

  [1]Invisible Fence Inc.en.wikipedia.org

  Invisible Fence Co. and the Invisible Fence Brand were acquired by Kohlberg & Company.

• 1993

  John Purtell sells his interest

  [1]Invisible Fence Inc.en.wikipedia.org

  Purtell exited his ownership position in Invisible Fence.

• 1990

  Original patent expires

  [1]Invisible Fence Inc.en.wikipedia.org

  Expiration of the original patent allowed competing electronic pet-fence businesses to develop similar products.

• 1980

  Receiver redesign

  [1]Invisible Fence Inc.en.wikipedia.org

  The company redeveloped its equipment to reduce receiver size and improve battery longevity after limitations became apparent in early models.

• 1976

  Invisible Fence Co. formed

  [1]Invisible Fence Inc.en.wikipedia.org

  John Purtell acquired the marketing and patent rights from Peck and established Invisible Fence Co.

• 1973

  Patent obtained for an invisible pet fence

  [1]Invisible Fence Inc.en.wikipedia.org

  Richard Peck received a patent for a system intended to contain pets through an electronic boundary rather than a conventional visible fence.

A specialist pet-containment brand offering professionally configured electronic boundary systems for dogs and cats, positioned as a visually unobtrusive alternative to conventional fencing and supported by installation and training services.

• Electronic pet containment · 1973

  Underground containment systems

  These systems use a buried wire to define a property boundary and a collar receiver worn by the dog or cat. As the pet approaches the wire, the receiver communicates warning and corrective signals. The approach allows owners to establish boundaries around yards and other spaces without constructing a visible fence, while professional installation can accommodate customized property layouts.

• Electronic pet containment

  Wireless and fenceless systems

  Wireless and fenceless offerings extend the brand's containment concept beyond a permanently buried perimeter. They use radio-based equipment and a receiver collar to define or enforce a selected boundary. These systems are intended for customers who want a less physically invasive installation or a portable and adaptable containment arrangement.

• Pet-wearable electronics · 1973

  Receiver collars

  Receiver collars are the wearable component of Invisible Fence systems. They detect the boundary signal and alert the pet as it approaches the programmed perimeter. The product has evolved from relatively bulky early receivers to smaller designs intended to support a broader range of dog and cat sizes, with replaceable batteries and system-specific configuration.

• Project Breathe

  United States

  Project Breathe is an animal-safety initiative associated with Invisible Fence Brand. It provides animal oxygen-mask kits to fire departments and first responders so they can assist pets exposed to smoke or fire emergencies.

  Outcome. The initiative connected the brand with emergency preparedness and animal rescue by placing oxygen equipment with responding organizations.

  Source

• 2006

  Sale to Radio Systems CorporationM&A

  Background

  Kohlberg & Company owned the Invisible Fence business after acquiring it in 2001.

  Action taken

  Kohlberg sold the company and brand to Radio Systems Corporation.

  Aftermath

  Radio Systems became the owner, manufacturer, and distributor associated with Invisible Fence products.

  Source

• 2001

  Sale to Kohlberg & CompanyM&A

  Background

  Following the exit of founder John Purtell from ownership in 1993, the company later changed hands.

  Action taken

  Kohlberg & Company acquired Invisible Fence Co. and the Invisible Fence Brand.

  Aftermath

  The brand operated under private-equity ownership until its subsequent sale to Radio Systems Corporation.

  Source

• 1980

  Redesign the containment receiverGeneration change

  Background

  Early receiver units were large, were mainly suitable for larger dogs, and were associated with a limited boundary range.

  Action taken

  Invisible Fence withdrew the product while it developed a smaller receiver and a battery system requiring replacement only about twice per year.

  Aftermath

  The redesign improved usability and made the system more practical for smaller animals and a broader group of pet owners.

  Source

1. 1Invisible Fence Inc.en.wikipedia.org