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
Kyung Kim
Hi, I'm Kyung Kim. I immigrated from South Korea to the United States in 1968 when I was 7 years old. I have seen my mom struggle with the English language and work hard to raise her four kids by herself. Still to this day, I don't know how she pulled it off, but she bought her first home in 1979 for $70,000 and because of that decision, she was able to live without worrying about her financial future. I want that for everyone, to feel the pride of home ownership and to build their financial wealth using real estate as part of their financial portfolio. I feel so blessed to play a small role in helping others reach this goal.
I live in Beaverton with my husband, Richard. My mom, who lived with us for several years, passed away in our home in February 2022. Her first home purchase in 1979 made it possible for her to live to the very end, without worrying about her finances. As of August 2022 with a little downpayment assistance, our four children own their own homes. Being in real estate, I quickly realized that if they didn't buy now, they may be priced out of the market in the future. Whether that would have been the case, we will never know, but what we do know is that they are all realizing some good, healthy appreciation in their home values.
As passionate as I am about people owning their homes, I'm also passionate about giving back to our community. I support Compassion First, a non-profit organization that provides aftercare for sex trafficked girls in Indonesia. My husband and I also feel called to financially support social injustice organizations.
I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.
