Pet owners would do whatever to make their pets happy, even making sure that their outdoor environments are just as nice as their inside ones. This has led to the creation of the petio, which is a part of the backyard, balcony, or porch that is just for pets.
Are you ready to spoil your own dogs or cats? Here's all you need to know to make your own pet-friendly environment in your backyard, on your balcony, or in any outdoor place.
What are petios?
A petio is like a patio for animals. It gives your pet a place to play and get some fresh air. Kevin Lenhart, design director of Yardzen, adds, "Outdoor spaces are extensions of the home, and that includes every member of the household, pets very much included." Designing for pets, whether they are cats or dogs, entails making a space that keeps them safe, healthy, and able to act naturally while also fitting in with the homeowner's lifestyle and stylistic goals. Your pets have to share the area with you, too!
"Catios," which are enclosed outdoor enclosures that let indoor-only cats get some fresh air, started the craze. You can thank cat owners for that. Melissa Handy, senior vice president at Lowe's, adds, "There is a growing interest in safe, stimulating outdoor spaces for cat owners." The store sells petio designs to help you plan pet-friendly zones in your yard. "The 'catio' trend has led to other ideas, like the petio." In fact, 65% of pet owners say they have made decisions about how to build their yards depending on their dogs. Many of them have developed areas where their pets may be outside and still be safe.
Outdoor Things Your Pets Will Love
Hardy explains, "To make a good petio, you need to think about what your pets need and want." "We're seeing people put both play and practicality first, with everything from raised potty patches and artificial turf zones to agility parks and shaded splash areas."
Lenhart says that some frequent petio traits are:
Pet relief places with surfaces that are easy to clean and drain well
Shade structures and cooling areas, such as pergolas or umbrellas, to keep people cool in the summer.
Paths and open spaces, especially along the edge of the yard, where dogs can run or patrol
For pets who are likely to run away, there are enclosed areas like catios or fences with dig guards.
Water features that serve both as a source of water and as a way to improve the environment
Plants that are safe for pets, last a long time, and can tolerate some rough play
How to Make the Best Petio
You don't have to spend a lot of money on a huge renovation to make your yard pet-friendly. Just a few simple changes may make sure that everyone can enjoy the space, including your pets.
Learn about what your pet likes to do
"Think about what your pet does naturally, like lying in the sun, running laps, or just watching the world go by. Then make zones that reflect those habits while still feeling good for you," Handy advises. "That could be a cozy place to sit next to a patch of turf or a play area with shade and plants all around it." For example, if your pet doesn't want to take a bath, you probably don't need a whole pet pool for them to cool off in; a water feature that lets them drink should be enough.
Pick a ground cover that is tough
If you have dogs, you know that an energetic dog can really tear up an area of grass, either by playing rough or digging. You should pick something that can handle a lot of puppy play and is tough. Lenhart explains, "That could mean using tough, pet-safe ground covers like clover or no-mow grass alternatives." "We often suggest using decomposed granite or fake grass in areas that get a lot of use to cut down on wear and tear." Lenhart says that if you do choose artificial turf, you should make sure it has good drainage and an antimicrobial infill to keep dog smells to a minimum. And if you choose gravel or mulch, be sure it's safe for pets. He warns, "Don't use cocoa mulch because it's poisonous."
Make sure your pets are safe.
You don't want your pet to get wounded or lost when they're having fun outside. Make sure your pets can't get out by digging through the gap between the fence and the ground. The breach should be too small and too secure for them to get out. A lot of pet rescues need a six-foot-high fence, especially for big or very active breeds.
Cats should be able to climb and watch, but they shouldn't be able to jump over the fence. Lenhart writes, "A catio is a screened-in patio extension that lets cats go outside while keeping them safe from predators or traffic." "These areas that are closed off or raised up provide enrichment and peace of mind."
Give them a place to relax and get better.
Your pets will love a nice place to nap, much like you do when you lie down in a hammock or on the couch. In the summer, elevated pet beds help keep pets cool, and putting them in a shady spot keeps them from getting too hot.
You should also make sure that your pets can get to water while they're outside so they can cool off after playing. If you won't be there to constantly filling a bowl, you may choose a water fountain feature that holds more water so it won't run out. Just keep it moving so it doesn't become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Think about what your pets like to do.
If your dogs love to play around in water, you should absolutely get them a kiddie pool or some other fun place to do it. But that probably won't make cats like you. Lenhart explains, "For cats, the focus is more on safety and exploration." "Cats like to climb and look around, so we might add vertical things like shelves."
Choose plants that are safe for pets.
You want to make sure your pets can't access to plants that could hurt them. Lenhart notes that there are a lot of common outdoor plants that are poisonous to pets, such as sago palm, hydrangea, oleander, and some varieties of lilies.
Some plants that are safe for pets are herbs like oregano, lavender, rosemary, and thyme, as well as camellia, crape myrtle, forsythia, sunflowers, and petunias. A patch of catnip or cat grass might be a nice touch for cats' spaces.
Include it in the design of your own yard.
Your yard doesn't have to be only for birds (or cats or dogs). You may often find nice pet beds, shelters, and water features that fit with your style. Handy explains, "These features don't have to look like what you'd find at the dog park." "These features can fit in perfectly with the rest of the house if you choose the right materials and products."
Find your petio space with the Hersey Group.
