Bonfire Night is on 5 November, and the fireworks around it rarely stick to one evening. For pet owners in Swindon, that makes the next week a good time to check the garden boundary.

The RSPCA warns that frightened pets may bolt or charge fences, and Dogs Trust names loud noises like fireworks as a common reason dogs escape. It advises checking fences and walls regularly for gaps and damage, and making sure gates are secure before letting a dog off the lead.

Here's the check I'd do, in order, and what to do with what you find.

Step 1: Test the gate latch

  1. Close the gate the way everyone in the house actually closes it, without lining it up first.
  2. Check the latch drops into its keep on its own.
  3. Push and pull the closed gate firmly. It shouldn't spring open.
  4. If the gate has to be lifted to latch, it has dropped. The usual causes are loose hinge screws, worn screw holes or a post that has moved.

Tightening loose screws is a reasonable DIY job. A second bolt at the top or bottom of the gate adds a backup if the main latch is unreliable.

Step 2: Check the gaps

Look at the gate at ground level and along the hinge and latch sides. Small dogs and cats get through surprisingly small gaps. A board fixed across the bottom of the gate can reduce a large gap under it, leaving enough clearance for it to swing freely.

Step 3: Walk the fence line

Autumn wind loosens plenty of fences around Swindon. Check for:

  • panels that have shifted in their posts, leaving gaps at the ends
  • broken or rotten gravel boards, which leave room to dig under
  • posts that move when pushed
  • bins, benches or stores against the fence that a dog could climb (Dogs Trust advises moving them)

Step 4: Cover the house as well

The RSPCA and Dogs Trust advice also covers the house itself:

  • walk dogs in daylight
  • keep dogs on a lead in the garden if there's any risk they could get out
  • put the dog in a separate room before opening the front door
  • keep cats indoors after dark, with windows closed and the cat flap locked
  • make sure your pet is microchipped and the details are up to date

What I can repair

Within my own working limits, typical jobs before fireworks week include:

  1. Gate repairs. Re-aligning latches, adjusting or re-fixing hinges, and fitting extra bolts.
  2. Fence panels. Replacing a broken panel and re-fixing loose panels or rails.
  3. Small post repairs, where possible.
  4. New gates. I build and fit bespoke garden gates. Every gate is different, so this is booked as time, never at a fixed price.

Customers provide the panels, posts and materials, and I can advise on what to buy.

My working limits

I work alone, so every job has to be safe for one person. I don't lift anything over 15kg, use ladders above 5 metres, do gardening or remove waste. A fence with several posts down, or one that needs heavy lifting, may need a fencing contractor.

Before you book

Send me photos of the gate, latch, hinges and any damaged panels, plus a list of any other jobs. A latch and hinge repair typically fits into a 3-hour session with time for other small jobs. A longer list suits a full day. I'll do my best to get the list done in the time booked. I'm insured, DBS checked and rated 4.9 on Google.

If you'd rather talk it through first, message me free on WhatsApp, or book a paid 20-minute video call.

Want the gate sorted before the fireworks start? Make a booking or message me on WhatsApp on 07729 689420. For a quicker 15-minute version of this check, see my blog post Fireworks Week in Swindon: A Handyman's 15-Minute Gate and Fence Check.