Pet-friendly garden: Tips on how to prevent your pets and your plants

Gardens are wonderful spaces for both humans and pets to enjoy. They provide a chance to connect with nature, exercise, and relax. However, it's important to consider the safety and well-being of our furry friends when designing and maintaining a garden. Creating a pet-friendly garden ensures a harmonious environment where pets can roam freely without encountering hazardous plants or substances. 
In this article, we will explore valuable tips on how to create a pet-friendly garden and prevent plants from being harmful to our beloved companions.

Designing a pet-friendly garden

Choose pet-safe plants:

Opt for pet-friendly plants that are non-toxic and safe for consumption. Research and select plants that won't harm pets if they happen to chew on them.
To make sure the plant is safe, you can check with your personalized helper - Green Thumb Henry.

Avoid toxic plants:

Be aware of plants that are toxic to pets and avoid incorporating them into your garden. Common toxic plants include lilies, azaleas, oleanders, and daffodils. Familiarize yourself with a comprehensive list of toxic plants and ensure they are not present in your garden. 
You can read a more expanded list of poisonous plants in the articles on toxic plants for dogs and toxic plants for cats in Part I and Part II.

Provide shade and shelter:

Ensure your garden has ample shade and sheltered areas where pets can seek refuge from the sun, rain, or extreme temperatures. Consider installing a pet-friendly shelter or a designated shaded spot with a comfortable bed or blanket, and make sure your four-legged friend has constant access to water, especially in hot weather.

Create barriers:

Establish physical barriers or designate areas where pets are allowed and areas that are off-limits. Fences, gates, or garden borders can help keep pets away from potentially dangerous plants or areas of the garden that require protection.

Pet-safe gardening practices

Use pet-friendly mulch:

Opt for pet-safe mulch options, such as cedar or pine straw, which are non-toxic and won't harm pets if ingested. Avoid cocoa mulch, as it contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.

Manage standing water:

Stagnant water sources, such as birdbaths or garden ponds, can pose a drowning hazard to pets. Monitor and manage standing water to avoid accidents. Consider providing a designated pet-friendly water source or installing a shallow, pet-safe water feature.

Avoid harmful chemicals:

Minimize the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in your garden. These substances can be toxic to pets if ingested or if they come into contact with their skin. Instead, opt for organic and pet-safe alternatives or practice natural pest control methods, like neem oil.

Secure compost bins:

Compost bins can contain organic materials that are harmful to pets, such as food scraps or decomposing plants. Ensure your compost bins are securely covered or placed in an area inaccessible to pets to prevent them from ingesting potentially toxic materials.

Training and supervision

Establish obvious boundaries:

It's crucial to establish obvious boundaries within your pet-friendly garden to help your animal navigate the space safely. This can be achieved through the use of physical barriers such as fences, gates, or making obvious garden borders. 
It's also important to avoid planting plants in random or scattered locations throughout the garden, as this can create confusion for your pet. Instead, consider grouping plants together or using containers to clearly define plantings and help your pet understand which areas are accessible and which should be avoided.

Train pets:

Properly train your pets to respect garden boundaries and understand which areas are off-limits. Consistent training and positive reinforcement can help establish these boundaries and prevent them from digging, chewing, or damaging plants.

Supervise outdoor time:

When allowing your pets to roam freely in the garden, supervise their activities to ensure they stay within safe areas and don't engage in potentially harmful behaviors. Regularly check on them to prevent any unwanted interactions with plants or garden features.

Provide entertainment and distractions:

Incorporate pet-friendly elements in your garden to keep your furry friends entertained and distracted. Consider adding toys, agility equipment, or designated digging areas to redirect their natural instincts and prevent them from damaging garden plants.



Designing a pet-friendly garden is an essential consideration for pet owners who want to provide a safe and enjoyable outdoor space for their furry companions. By choosing pet-safe plants, implementing barriers, and following pet-friendly gardening practices, you can create an environment that allows pets to roam freely while minimizing potential risks for both pets and plants. Enjoy the beauty of nature while keeping your pets and plants safe and protected in your pet-friendly garden.