Including safe plants, shaded areas, and the right flooring are key steps for creating a pet-friendly patio.
For so many of us, pets are members of the family. So it’s natural if you want your pet to be able to enjoy your patio too.
The right tips will ensure you can enjoy a beautiful, relaxing patio that is also safe for your beloved pet.
Here are 9 practical tips for making your patio more pet-friendly without compromising style or function.
Key Takeaways: 9 Tips for a Pet-Friendly Patio
- Incorporate Shade
- Make the Area Secure
- Have Fresh Water Available
- Use Pet-Safe Plants
- Consider Durability
- Choose the Right Flooring
- Add Pet-Friendly Patio Furniture
- Create Designated Play Areas
- Make Maintenance Easy
1. Incorporate Shade
Our number tip to create a pet-friendly patio is providing a shaded area. Without adequate shade, cats and dogs are at risk of heat stroke during Perth’s scorching summers.
Keep your pets safe from the heat and sun and ensure your pet can cool off in the shade by:
- Installing quality patio roofing with cooling qualities, such Stratco Cooldek Roofing
- Using canopies or umbrellas for a convenient, versatile shade option that can be moved around as the sun’s position changes
- Strategically planting trees
- Opting for an insulated patio roof vs. non-insulated for added thermal regulation
- Installing pergolas or awnings
2. Make the Area Secure
If you’re constantly worrying about your pet’s whereabouts, you won’t be able to sit back and enjoy your patio.
Ensure the area is secure so your pet can roam and explore within safe limits. Solutions for a secure pet-friendly patio include:
- Fencing
- Barriers
- Secure gates that automatically close and latch
- Plexiglass or glass panels to avoid obscuring the view
- Slat screens
- Mesh fencing for an affordable, semi-permanent option
3. Have Fresh Water Available
Along with a shaded area to keep cool, pets also need access to clean, fresh water. Ensure your pet has cool, clean water available by adding:
- Self-filling water dispensers
- Bowls, stainless steel dishes, or ceramic water containers
- Elevated water bowls
- Custom drinking wells
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4. Use Pet-Safe Plants
A pet-friendly patio also needs to take greenery and plants into account. There are a surprising number of shrubs, flowers, and plants that can be dangerous to pets.
Foxglove, lilies, sago palms, and azaleas are all toxic to both cats and dogs.
Fortunately, a range of plants and flowers can add beauty to your patio while allowing your pet to explore safely.
For a safer alternative, opt for non-toxic patio plants for pets, such as:
- Marigolds
- Petunias
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Basil
- Sunflowers
For the safest non-toxic greenery for pets, always do your research and double-check your patio plants with your vet.
Even if plants or shrubs are considered non-toxic, they can still cause gastrointestinal upset if your pet ingests a large amount. Raised beds or hanging planters can be a good option to help deter chewing.
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5. Consider Durability
Patio decor and furniture need to withstand harsh conditions, such as UV rays and moisture. Claws, teeth, and paws make durability even more important for a pet-friendly patio.
Choose durable materials, such as performance fabrics, to ensure you can relax without worrying about pet damage.
6. Choose the Right Flooring
Pet-friendly patio flooring needs to be:
- Durable
- Comfortable on their delicate paws (blistering hot surfaces can burn their paws)
- Easy to maintain
- Smooth and free of any rough edges or nails
Here are our favourite pet-friendly patio floors:
- Composite Decking: Low maintenance, comfortable for cats and dogs to walk on, and scratch-resistant
- Artificial Grass: Soft, gentle, and paw-friendly, easy to incorporate in just one area, and durable
- Sealed Concrete: Low-maintenance and durable; consider adding a textured surface to prevent it from being slippery
- Flagstone or Pavers: Durable, naturally stays cooler even in hot temperatures, easy to clean and maintain
7. Add Pet-Friendly Patio Furniture
Pets need to relax too, so make sure they have some comfy spots to curl up and rest.
Add a comfy, dedicated place for your pets to relax and lounge with these pet-friendly furniture ideas:
- Elevated outdoor pet beds that allow pets to keep cool and away from the hot ground
- Weather-resistant, durable outdoor furniture with low-maintenance fabrics
- Scratch and chew-resistant materials, such as teak, wrought iron, and powder-coated aluminum
8. Create Designated Play Areas
When they aren’t relaxing, your dog or cat will likely want to be playing or exploring the outdoor space.
Ensure your dog or cat can get exercise and stay entertained with:
- An area for running or playing fetch
- A sandy area for dogs to dig
- Agility equipment, such as weave poles or ramps
- Pet-friendly splash pad, fountain, or other water feature
- A scratching post for cats
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9. Make Maintenance Easy
Make it easy to keep your pet-friendly patio clean by:
- Incorporating storage benches, weatherproof outdoor cabinets, or toy bins for easily storing your pets toys, accessories, and supplies
- Keeping a hose close by for fast, easy cleanup
- Including designated areas for pet waste or have pet waste stations with a bin and waste bags
- Incorporating removable, washable outdoor fabrics when possible
- If you want to prevent your pet from digging, use 3/4 inch or larger rock rather than mulch
Custom Perth Patios Built with Your Pet in Mind
A well-designed patio can provide a space that is equally enjoyable for you and your beloved pet.
Creating a pet-friendly patio requires a focus on durable flooring and furniture, shade, non-toxic greenery, and fencing.
Dreaming up a new patio or want to revamp your existing one? Our team is here if you need guidance, handling everything from design plans to council approval and installation.
We can help you design a custom patio that meets your lifestyle needs and style preferences, all with your pet in mind. Contact our licensed patio installers in Perth for a free quote.
