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Quick answer
Take the collar off your pet, twist the old battery out counter-clockwise with a coin or the test light tool, and twist the new one in clockwise until it locks. The RFA-67 and RFA-188 are sealed modules: PetSafe says the battery and its black cap are replaced as one unit, so there's no loose cell to swap.
What you need
- A new battery of the same type. Check the fit chart if you're not sure.
- A coin, or the test light tool that came with the collar. PetSafe's Stay & Play steps call its notch the battery key. The Stubborn Dog In-Ground collar needs a small screwdriver instead.
Steps (Basic In-Ground and In-Ground Fence collars)
From PetSafe's support steps for these collars:
- Take the collar off your pet.
- Remove the clear button cap by turning it counter-clockwise with the side of the test light tool or a coin.
- Remove the old battery by turning it counter-clockwise the same way.
- Press and hold the collar button for 30 seconds. You may see a light. Keep holding for the full 30 seconds.
- Gently lift the metal tab in the battery opening, bending it slightly out so it touches the new battery.
- Insert the new battery and turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
- Check for power. Press and release the button. A red flash means it's on, and the number of flashes shows the current level setting.
Steps (Stay & Play Replaceable Battery collar)
- Take the collar off your pet.
- Turn the battery counter-clockwise to the Unlock symbol with the test light tool or a coin, and lift it out.
- Hold the power button for 10 seconds, or until all lights and beeps stop.
- Look inside for corrosion. PetSafe says to contact Customer Care if you see any.
- Line the battery's arrow up with the collar's arrow, then twist to lock. PetSafe says lining the arrow up with the lock symbol turns the collar on.
After the swap
PetSafe's check is to hold the collar's probes against the test light tool and walk toward the boundary until the collar beeps and the tool flashes. If nothing happens, go through collar not working after a battery change.
When to swap: PetSafe puts average battery life at up to 1–3 months and suggests a new battery if yours hasn't been replaced in the last month and the collar won't power on. Writing the date on a calendar makes the next swap easy to plan.
Questions people ask
How do you open a PetSafe collar battery?
Turn the battery counter-clockwise with a coin or the side of the test light tool. On In-Ground Fence collars, remove the clear button cap the same way first.
Can you replace just the cell inside an RFA-67?
PetSafe says the battery is sealed inside the black cap and the two are replaced as one unit.
Which way does a PetSafe collar battery turn?
Counter-clockwise to remove it and clockwise to lock the new one in place. On collars with arrows, line the battery arrow up with the lock symbol.
Why hold the button with the battery out?
PetSafe says holding the button clears any leftover charge so the collar can read the new battery. Its In-Ground collar steps say 30 seconds and its Stay & Play steps say 10 seconds.
Sources
Last checked Oct 25, 2026. Fit, battery life, lights and steps come from PetSafe's own product and support pages. Prices change, so check the listing before you buy.
