Pet parents will do just about anything to keep their furry friends happy—and that includes making sure that their outdoor spaces are just as welcoming as their indoor spaces. That's ushered in the rise of the petio—a pet-focused portion of the backyard, balcony, or porch.
Ready to spoil your own cats or dogs? Here's everything you need to know to create your very own pet-friendly area in your backyard, balcony, or other outdoor space.
What Are Petios?
Just like patios allow you to relax and enjoy the outdoors, a petio is an animal-focused area that allows your pet to have a little fresh air fun. "Outdoor spaces are extensions of the home, and that includes every member of the household—pets very much included," says Kevin Lenhart, design director at Yardzen. "Designing for pets, whether cats or dogs, means creating a space that supports their safety, health, and natural behaviors while also aligning with the homeowner’s lifestyle and aesthetic goals." (Yes, your pets have to share the space with you, too!)
You can thank cat owners for starting the trend with "catios," enclosed outdoor spaces that allowed indoor-only cats the chance to enjoy a little fresh air. "For cat owners, especially, there’s growing interest in safe, stimulating outdoor spaces," says Melissa Handy, senior vice president at Lowe's, which offers petio blueprints to help you plan out pet-friendly areas for your yard. "What started as the ‘catio’ trend has now inspired broader ideas like the petio. In fact, 65% of pet owners say they’ve made outdoor design decisions based on their pets, and many have created spaces that allow pets to interact with nature while still being protected."
Popular Outdoor Features for Your Pets
"To create a proper petio, you'll want to consider exactly what your pets need and want," Hardy says. "We’re seeing people prioritize both practicality and play—everything from artificial turf zones and raised potty patches to agility parks and shaded splash areas."
Some common petio features, according to Lenhart:
Pet relief areas with proper drainage and easy-to-clean surfaces
Shade structures and cooling zones like pergolas or umbrellas to offer comfort during warmer months
Paths and open areas that allow dogs to run or patrol, especially along the perimeter of the yard
Enclosed spaces such as catios or fencing with dig guards for pets prone to escape
Water features that double as a source of hydration and enrichment
Durable, pet-safe plants that can handle some roughhousing and are non-toxic
Tips for Creating the Perfect Petio
You don't have to commit to a big, expensive redo to make your yard pet-friendly—just a few key strategies can help ensure that your existing space works for everyone (including your animal companions).
Study your pet's passions
"Start by thinking about your pet’s natural behavior—whether that’s lounging in the sun, running laps, or watching the world go by—and create zones that reflect those habits while still feeling good for you, too," Handy says. "That could be a comfy seating area paired with a nearby turf patch, or a play space surrounded by shade and greenery." For instance, if your pet balks at bathtime, you probably only need a water feature that lets them drink—not a full-on pet pool for them to cool off.
Choose heavy-duty ground cover
As anyone with dogs can tell you, an active dog can really tear into a patch of grass—either by roughhousing or digging. You'll want to choose something that's durable and can stand up to active puppy play. "That might involve using tough, pet-safe ground covers like clover or no-mow grass alternatives," Lenhart says. "We often recommend decomposed granite or artificial turf in high-use areas to reduce wear and tear." If you do go for artificial turf, Lenhart recommends ensuring that it has proper drainage and an antimicrobial infill to reduce the potential for doggy odor. And if you opt for gravel or mulch, check that it's pet safe. "Cocoa mulch should be avoided since it is toxic," he says.
Ensure that your pets are protected
The last thing you want is for your pet to get hurt or lost while they're enjoying their little patch of the great outdoors. So make sure that you have tall, secure fences to help keep your pets in—and that the gap between the fence and the ground is too small and too secure to allow them to dig their way to an escape. Many pet rescues require a six-foot high fence, especially for large or very active breeds.
For cats, you'll want to allow them to climb and observe—without allowing them to pop over the fence. "A catio is a screened-in patio extension that lets cats experience the outdoors while staying protected from predators or traffic," Lenhart says. "These enclosed or elevated areas offer enrichment and peace of mind."
Give them a spot to rest and recover
Just like you like to lounge in a hammock or sofa, your pets will appreciate a perfect spot for a nap. Elevated pet beds make it easier for pets to stay cool during the summer—and placing it in a shady area ensures that they can avoid getting overheated.
You'll also want to make sure that your pets have access to water while they're outside, so they can grab a cool drink after playtime. If you won't be around to keep refilling a bowl, you can opt for a water fountain feature that holds more water so it won't run dry—and keep it moving to avoid it becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Consider what your pets love to do
If your dogs are all in on splashing through water, a kiddie pool or other splash-tastic spot is definitely in order. But that's probably not going to endear you to cats. "For cats, the focus is more on safety and exploration," Lenhart says. "Cats love to climb and observe their surroundings, so we may incorporate vertical elements such as shelves."
Pick pet-friendly plants
You want to ensure that your pets can't get into plants that'll harm them—and there are a surprising number of common outdoor plants that are toxic to pets—including sago palm, hydrangea, oleander, and certain types of lilies, Lenhart says.
Some pet-friendly plants include herbs like oregano, lavender, rosemary, and thyme; camellia, crape myrtle, forsythia, sunflowers, and petunias. For cats, a patch of catnip or cat grass would be a welcome addition to their space.
Work it into your own backyard design
Your outdoor space doesn't have to entirely be for the birds (or cats or dogs). You can often find attractive pet beds, shelter, and water elements that work with your own design. "These features don’t have to look what you would find at the dog park," Handy says. "With the right materials and product choices, these features can integrate seamlessly with the home’s overall style."
Read more at Real Simple
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