Are you considering the PetSafe Stay and Play wireless fence to keep your furry friend safe in your backyard? With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to determine if this is the right wireless dog fence for your needs.
This comprehensive guide dives into PetSafe Stay and Play reviews, key features, pros and cons, and what to consider before buying to help you make an informed decision.
A Quick Look at the PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence
The PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence is a popular portable wireless dog fence designed by industry leader PetSafe.
It allows you to set up a circular wireless boundary around your yard up to 3/4 acres to keep pets safely contained.
Key features include:
- Adjustable circular boundary from 105ft radius (up to 3/4 acres)
- Rechargeable waterproof receiver collar
- Tone and static correction
- 5 adjustable correction levels
- Covers up to 10 acres with additional transmitters
This wireless fence is easy to set up and highly customizable to work for all yards and multiple pets. It’s a wireless system, so there’s no wire to bury.
According to PetSafe, the Stay and Play Wireless Fence is best suited for dogs over 5lbs with neck sizes 6-28 inches. The rechargeable collar battery lasts up to 3 weeks per charge.
Now let’s dive into what real customers have to say in their PetSafe Stay and Play reviews.
PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence Reviews from Real Customers
The PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence scores an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon across over 8,600 reviews, indicating most customers are highly satisfied with their purchase.
73% of reviewers give the PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence a 5-star rating. Key positives mentioned:
- Easy, quick installation
- Fully wireless and portable
- Adjustable range and correction levels
- Waterproof collar
- Reliable containment
Critical reviews mention difficulties with:
- Inconsistent boundary signals
- Collar not fitting very small dogs
- Battery life less than expected
- Not suitable for stubborn escape artist dogs
Positive PetSafe Stay and Play reviews highlight how easy it is to set up the wireless fence transmitter and boundary in under an hour, even for less tech-savvy owners. Most dogs respond well to the correction and learn the boundaries within 2-3 weeks.
The portability and waterproof collar allow the system to be taken anywhere – backyard, vacation home, camping trips, etc. Owners love the flexibility of the adjustable circular range to contain pets in oddly shaped yards or acreages up to 3/4 acres.
Less satisfied customers report issues with the boundary signal being inconsistent in certain areas leading to confusion for pets. The collar also does not fit very small dogs under 5lbs well even on the tightest setting.
For extremely stubborn dogs or skilled escape artists, some owners find the static correction ineffective at keeping them contained. Battery life for the collar is also shorter than advertised when tested continuously at maximum range.
Overall, PetSafe Stay and Play ratings are very positive from most owners who find it fulfills their needs for portable wireless containment that’s quick and easy to install. Areas for improvement include better small dog collar fits, increased battery efficiency and more consistency in boundary signalling.
Key Features and Benefits of the PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence
Let’s look at some of the key features and benefits that have made the PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence a top seller:
Adjustable Circular Containment Area
The PetSafe Stay and Play allows you to set a circular containment boundary anywhere from 105ft radius up to a maximum of 3/4 acres.
This makes it easy to customize for yards big or small. No more cutting wires to shape!
Rechargeable Waterproof Receiver Collar
The included collar has a slim, lightweight design and is completely waterproof.
It’s rechargeable with 2-3 hour charging time, so no need to keep buying disposable batteries. LED lights indicate power status.
Interchangeable Collar Straps
The receiver has a unique interchangeable strap design. This lets you swap out the collar strap for any standard 3/4″ collar you choose for a perfect custom fit.
Tone and Static Correction
The Stay and Play offers a warning tone when your pet nears the boundary, followed by static correction if they continue crossing. There are 5 adjustable correction levels to suit each pet.
Wireless Portability
Since it’s 100% wireless, the PetSafe Stay and Play can be set up anywhere instantly with no wire trenching. Take it camping, traveling, to the lake house – it’s completely portable.
Coverage Up to 10 Acres
While one transmitter covers up to 3/4 acres, you can use multiple transmitters together seamlessly to create a much larger containment area.
Simple Training
The included training flags and guide make it easy to teach your pet the new wireless boundaries in just 2-4 weeks. Most dogs respond well to the correction levels.
What Owners Love About the PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence
Reading through PetSafe Stay and Play reviews, there are clear standout benefits that keep getting mentioned:
Quick and Easy Setup
One of the biggest problems with wired underground fences is installation – digging trenches and burying wire is time consuming, messy and labor-intensive.
With the PetSafe Stay and Play, owners highlight how you can set up the entire wireless fence system in about an hour. Just place the transmitter, charge the collar, set the boundary distance, and you’re ready for training.
“I was able to set this up myself in less than an hour…I love how easy this was to figure out and get working properly.”
Fully Portable Containment
No wires mean total portability. Owners love being able to bring the PetSafe Stay and Play anywhere and contain their pets instantly.
The rechargeable collar makes it easy to maintain power anywhere. Especially useful for travel, camping trips, vacation homes, weekend cabins and more.
“We are able to take it with us to our camp…It is wonderful being able to let him roam free without worrying about him running off.”
Reliable Wireless Boundary
While owners initially worried about the reliability of wireless containment, most PetSafe Stay and Play reviews mention their pets responding extremely well to the boundary after training.
The adjustable circular range provides ample space for activity while keeping pets safely away from danger zones like roads. For most owners, the wireless fence reliably contains their dogs.
“She knows her boundary and has never even attempted to cross it. It works great.”
Adjustable Correction Levels
Every pet has a different temperament and pain tolerance. The Stay and Play’s 5 correction levels allow you to find just the right setting for your pet.
Owners mention trying different levels during training for the best results without over-correcting. This flexibility makes it easy to tailor to each pet.
“Different settings made it easy to find the right correction level for each dog.”
Waterproof Receiver Collar
Knowing they don’t have to worry about the collar malfunctioning in rain, sprinklers or swimming pools gives owners added peace of mind.
The waterproof collar has no issues with exposure to water, making it ideal for active outdoor pets who love the water.
“Waterproof collar works perfectly after being splashed, rained on and swimming.”
Potential Downsides to Consider
While the majority of customers are very satisfied with their PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence, here are a few of the most common downsides mentioned that you should keep in mind:
Inconsistent Boundary Signals
Due to the nature of wireless transmission, some owners report occasional inconsistent signals at boundary edges. This can confuse pets when the beep tone turns on and off intermittently.
Areas with more wireless interference (busy neighborhoods) or very large ranges may be more prone to inconsistent signaling. This frustration is a fairly common complaint in PetSafe Stay and Play reviews.
“The boundary is not consistent and gives my dog random signals when he is well within the safe zone.”
Collar Doesn’t Fit Small Dogs Well
While PetSafe states the collar fits neck sizes 6-28″, some owners of small dogs under 10lbs report even the tightest setting leaves the collar loose and ineffective.
Very small dogs may be able to easily back out of the collar. PetSafe does not recommend the Stay and Play for dogs under 5 lbs.
“My dog is 10 lbs and even on the tightest setting, the collar is way too big.”
Shorter Battery Life Than Expected
PetSafe claims the rechargeable lithium-ion collar battery lasts up to 3 weeks per charge. However, many owners find considerably shorter battery life closer to 4-7 days during active use.
Frequent charging can become inconvenient. Battery life may be reduced if using the maximum containment range.
“The battery life is not even close to the 3 week claim. After 2 years, I’m lucky to get 3 days.”
Not Ideal for Stubborn Dogs
For some escape artist dogs who are highly motivated or aggressive, owners report the static correction not being sufficient deterrent to prevent them leaving the boundary. The stimuli may simply not be meaningful enough for some temperaments.
In these cases, owners often need to upgrade to an underground wire fence with higher correction levels for their dog’s personality.
“Our husky blows right through the “barrier” completely unfazed by the shock.”
Higher Upfront Cost
While affordable for a wireless system, the Stay and Play is pricier than some entry-level wired fences. The rechargeable battery also cannot be replaced, so collars must be replaced once exhausted.
For owners on a tight budget or with very large spaces exceeding 3/4 acres, the Stay and Play may be cost prohibitive.
“More expensive than I hoped for what you get.”
While minor drawbacks exist, most owners feel the PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence sufficiently meets their needs for portable wireless containment that’s quick and easy to install.
Areas for improvement include better small dog collar fits, increased battery efficiency and more consistency in boundary signalling.
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying the PetSafe Stay and Play
The PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence is a great solution for many owners, but not necessarily right for every dog or yard.
Here are some key factors to consider before deciding if it’s the right wireless dog fence for your needs:
Your Dog’s Size and Temperament
- Best suited for dogs over 5 lbs – The collar may be too large for smaller dogs
- May not deter extremely stubborn dogs – Consider a stronger underground fence like SportDog or Dogtra instead
- Not intended for aggressive dogs – Can aggravate behavior in some dogs
Your Yard Size and Shape
- Covers up to 3/4 acres per transmitter – Works for most homes
- Circular containment only – Not ideal for oddly shaped yards
- Can combine multiple transmitters – Extend range up to 10 acres
Other Pets or Dogs
- Unlimited collars per system – Good for multi-pet homes
- Collars are not interchangeable – Each collar syncs to its transmitter
Portability Needs
- 100% wireless and portable – Easily move locations or travel
- Rechargeable battery – Convenient for on-the-go use
Your Budget
- Higher initial investment – Around $250 for starter kit
- Additional costs over time – Batteries last 2-3 years then replace collar
Your Installation Abilities
- Easy quick setup – No wires to bury
- No special tools required – Set up transmitter and collar in about an hour
For homes needing wireless portable containment, the PetSafe Stay and Play ticks all the right boxes provided your dogs are over 5lbs and reasonably obedient.
The reviews indicate it reliably contains most family pets within a reasonable wireless boundary. Additional transmitters extend coverage up to 10 acres for larger properties.
However, owners of small dogs, extremely stubborn breeds, or very oddly shaped yards may find better options with an underground wired system installed professionally.
There’s no one perfect wireless fence for every situation. Take the time to determine if the Stay and Play aligns with your needs or if a different containment system may be a better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about the PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence system? Here are answers to some of the most common questions.
How does the PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence work?
It works by transmitting a radio signal from a central transmitter up to a maximum of 105ft radius. Your dog wears a receiver collar that detects when it reaches the boundary and gives a warning beep, followed by a safe static correction to deter your dog from crossing.
What size yards can the Stay and Play cover?
Each transmitter can create a circular wireless fence up to 3/4 acres (maximum 105ft radius). Larger properties up to 10 acres can be covered with additional transmitters.
Can the PetSafe Stay and Play be installed completely wirelessly?
Yes, absolutely no wires to bury! The PetSafe Stay and Play is 100% wireless so you can move it anywhere or take it traveling.
Is the PetSafe Stay and Play waterproof?
Yes, the included rechargeable receiver collar is fully waterproof. It can withstand rain, sprinklers, and dogs swimming with no issues.
How long does the battery last?
PetSafe states the collar battery lasts up to 3 weeks per charge. However, real-world testing by owners shows average battery life is 4-7 days for collars in active daily use.
Does the PetSafe Stay and Play work for small dogs?
PetSafe recommends the Stay and Play for dogs over 5 lbs. The collar may not fit very small dogs properly even on the tightest setting, and warnings may not be meaningful. Consider a Halo or Whistle for tiny pups.
Can the PetSafe Stay and Play cover an oddly shaped yard?
Due to the circular containment area, the Stay and Play performs best in round/oval yards. Backyard landscaping or multiple transmitters can help adapt it for irregular shapes. A GPS collar may work better for very odd layouts.
How long does it take to train a dog on the PetSafe Stay and Play?
With consistent daily training using the included guide and flags, most dogs will understand the wireless boundary in 2-4 weeks.
Will the PetSafe Stay and Play work for aggressive dogs?
PetSafe does not recommend the Stay and Play for aggressive or high prey drive dogs, as it can aggravate behavior. A professionally installed underground fence may be a better alternative.
How long do the PetSafe Stay and Play collar batteries last?
The lithium-ion batteries last 2-3 years before requiring full collar replacement. Average battery life per charge is 4-7 days based on customer reports.
Final Verdict: An Ideal Wireless Fence for Most
The PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence delivers flexible, portable wireless containment for most small-large size yards and pets. It earns consistently positive PetSafe Stay and Play reviews for its quick hassle-free setup, adjustable circular range, and reliability.
While minor drawbacks exist like inconsistent boundary signals and collar fit for tiny dogs, most owners agree the Pros far outweigh any Cons.
Within its intended use for dogs over 5lbs, the PetSafe Stay and Play Wireless Fence is an ideal solution for hassle-free wireless containment. It prevents escapes and gives pets freedom to enjoy your yard safely. Highly recommended for portable peace of mind!
