Is your yard safe for pets?

by Ann Hayward 11/27/2023

Designing a pet-safe backyard is essential to ensure the well-being and safety of your furry friends - and the rest of your household. Luckily, there are many ways you can design your backyard to be pet-safe and enjoyable for humans. Here are some tips to help you create a pet-friendly outdoor space:

Choose pet-friendly plants

Some plants can be toxic to pets if ingested. Research pet-safe plants and avoid those that are known to be toxic to dogs or cats. Opt for non-toxic plants such as pet grass, catnip, sunflowers, and certain types of herbs like parsley or basil.

Avoid harmful chemicals

Minimize the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in your backyard, as these can be toxic to pets if they come into contact with or ingest them. Consider using pet-safe alternatives or natural pest control methods.

Use pet-friendly materials

Choose pet-friendly materials for hardscapes and outdoor furniture. Avoid using sharp-edged stones or gravel that can hurt your pet's paws. Opt for pet-safe, non-toxic paints or finishes on any structures or surfaces that your pets may come into contact with.

Create boundaries

Install secure fences or barriers to prevent your pets from wandering off or accessing potentially dangerous areas. Ensure that the fencing is tall and sturdy enough to keep your pets safely contained within the yard.

Set up designated play areas

Designate specific areas in your backyard for your pets to play and exercise. Install pet-friendly artificial turf or resilient ground coverings to protect their paws and ensure easy maintenance.

By implementing these tips, you can create a backyard environment that is safe, enjoyable, and conducive to the well-being of your beloved pets.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]