An electronic fence system including a transmitter, an antenna cable for virtually enclosing an area for an animal, such as a pet, and a receiver collar for providing a warning or correction so the animal stays within the enclosed area is disclosed. The cable may have lights for alerting the pet to the boundary of the enclosed area. The transmitter may be mounted to a reel for holding and transporting the antenna cable. The system can also have a remote monitor to inform the user that the animal may have left the enclosed area. Preferably the lights on the cable flash when the animal is too close to the boundary. Methods using the electronic fence system are also disclosed.