pen building assistance program
Helping Protect Pets and Livestock, One Enclosure at a Time
The Cougar Conservancy’s Pen Building Assistance Program provides financial support for individuals who need predator-resistant enclosures to protect their pets or hobby livestock from potential cougar encounters. By equipping residents with these protective pens, we can help prevent the loss of domestic animals and reduce cougar mortalities related to depredation.
If you have unprotected pets or livestock that you wish to secure, you may be eligible to receive a cougar-proof enclosure or materials to build one. We offer resources based on need, including options for retrofitting existing structures, as long as the design meets our safety requirements.
Estimated Costs: Materials typically range from $50 to $1,500, depending on the size and materials chosen.
Apply Today
Important Note: Our resources are limited, so we prioritize applicants who affirm their need for assistance in obtaining these enclosures. While we strive to help as many individuals as possible, not all applicants may receive support.
Alan lost an alpaca to a cougar in Escondido, CA and was awarded an enclosure through our Pen Building Assistance Program. In this photo, Alan works to secure the roof of his new enclosure that will keep his remaining animals safe. Photo by Elias Blaset/ Cougar Conservancy.
Mare Motel retrofit. Credit: Korinna Domingo.
A fully open livestock corral retrofitted to be cougar-proof. Credit Elias Blaset/ Cougar Conservancy.
Mare Motel retrofit. Credit: Cougar Conservancy
Custom catio. Credit: Maribel Lopez.
acknowledgement
Thanks to the generous support of our donors and grant partners, we’re able to offer limited resources for our Carcass Disposal and Pen Building Assistance Program.
With your continued support, we can protect cougars and promote a future of peaceful coexistence. Thank you for making this work possible and for being a part of the movement to #CoexistWithCougars.
Consider donating to our Assistance Programs to help us expand these vital resources and make a direct impact in protecting both cougars and communities. Donate Here!
related resources
How do you Cougar-Proof a Domestic Animal Enclosure?
Is it safe to leave domestic animals unattended outdoors?
How do you Cougar-Proof a Domestic Animal Enclosure?
Practice good husbandry by housing animals in cougar-proof enclosures from dusk until dawn, during other low-light conditions, and when animals are unattended. Whether you are retrofitting an existing structure or building one from scratch, cougar-proofing a domestic animal enclosure is simple and well-worth the reasonable cost of supplies.
Tips to Construct a Cougar-Proof Enclosure ePoster
Is it safe to leave domestic animals unattended outdoors?
How do you Cougar-Proof a Domestic Animal Enclosure?
Safeguarding Pets in Cougar Habitat
This visually engaging resource is designed to provide pet and livestock owners with essential tips on creating safe and secure enclosures to safeguard their animals in cougar country. Want us to mail you a physical copy? Email us!
Is it safe to leave domestic animals unattended outdoors?
Is it safe to leave domestic animals unattended outdoors?
Is it safe to leave domestic animals unattended outdoors?
It is always risky to leave domestic animals outside unattended – predators represent only one of many types of risks. Keeping domestic animals inside is the best preventative measure to ensure their safety. If they must be outside, avoid leaving them unattended, especially at night and around dawn and dusk when many predators are most active.