How to Make a Pet Friendly Garden

Many of us would give the world to our pets if we could. Lucky for us they don’t seem to care for grand gestures - a belly scratch or an empty cardboard box spells paradise for most pets. But now you can give them something even better: their own garden!

If you spend a lot of time outdoors in your garden, you’ll notice that your four pawed children will follow. Whether they are seeking the comfort of your presence or stalking butterflies you want them to enjoy their time in the garden as much as you do. Here are some helpful tips on how to design a garden that you and your pets can both enjoy.

Pet-Safe Plants to Grow in Your Garden

The good news? There are plenty of gorgeous, non-toxic plants you can safely grow around your pets. These plants pose little to no threat to curious cats or dogs and still offer visual appeal, scent, and even utility in your garden space.

Here are some top picks for pet-safe plants:

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) – A favorite of felines and totally safe. It’s easy to grow, fragrant, and even helps repel mosquitoes.

Cat Grass (Wheatgrass, Barley Grass) – Safe for indoor and outdoor cats; helps digestion and satisfies nibbling urges.

Spider Plant – Non-toxic and great for containers or hanging baskets. It’s also a natural air purifier.

Marigold (Calendula officinalis) – Edible and safe, with bright orange or yellow blooms that deter some garden pests.

Snapdragon – Vibrant and pet-safe, these make a cheerful addition to borders and containers.

Rosemary – Safe for pets and useful in the kitchen. Just be sure your pet doesn’t overeat it, as large quantities of any herb can cause mild stomach upset.

Zinnia – A colorful annual that blooms nonstop through summer and is completely safe for pets.

Petunia – Easy to grow and non-toxic, petunias are great in garden beds, hanging baskets, and containers.

Sunflower – A stunning garden favorite that's safe for pets and provides seeds you can harvest (or leave for birds).

Pineapple Sage – Aromatic, non-toxic, and loved by pollinators. A great option for sensory gardens that are pet-inclusive.

Pro Tip:
Even safe plants can cause mild digestive upset if eaten in large amounts—so it’s still smart to monitor curious chewers and create designated “pet zones” for digging, lounging, and playing.

Common Toxic Plants to Avoid in a Pet-Friendly Garden

While many popular garden plants are beautiful, some can be harmful—or even deadly—to cats and dogs if ingested. Knowing which ones to avoid or handle with caution is essential for a truly pet-safe garden. Below are some of the most common toxic plants found in home gardens and landscapes:

Lily – Extremely toxic to cats; even small amounts can cause kidney failure. Keep all lilies—especially Easter lilies, Asiatic lilies, and daylilies—far away from feline friends.

Azaleas – Just a few leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even cardiac failure in both cats and dogs.

Daffodils – Ingesting the bulbs can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset, convulsions, and low blood pressure.

Tulips – Like daffodils, the bulbs are the most dangerous part. They contain toxins that can cause stomach irritation, drooling, and heart issues.

Hyacinth – Another bulb-based flower with irritating compounds that can cause vomiting, tremors, and intense drooling.

Foxgloves – Contain digitalis-like compounds that affect the heart and can cause irregular heartbeats and death if ingested.

Aloe Vera – While it’s a soothing plant for humans, it can cause vomiting and tremors in pets.

Gladiola – Can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, especially if the bulb is ingested.

Hosta – Popular for shaded gardens, but toxic to both cats and dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.

Carnation – While not usually fatal, ingestion can lead to skin irritation and mild gastrointestinal symptoms.

Begonia – Contains oxalates that can cause intense burning and irritation in the mouth, along with vomiting.

Amaryllis – Highly toxic; ingestion can lead to drooling, vomiting, and more serious effects like tremors.

Ivy – All forms of ivy can cause vomiting, drooling, and abdominal pain.

Milkweed – Known for attracting monarch butterflies, but toxic to pets and can affect the heart, cause weakness, and even death.

Morning Glory – Seeds contain hallucinogenic compounds that can cause tremors, gastrointestinal distress, and confusion in pets.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure whether a plant is safe for your pet, check the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List or consult with your veterinarian. Better safe than sorry!

Chances are you already knew about some of these, but admittedly quite few of these took me by surprise. Now, before you go tugging up your tulips let me say this: It is perfectly fine to have these in the garden as long as you know your pets’ habits. If you know your pets don’t eat anything but the occasional bits of grass to settle their stomachs, then it’s totally okay to enjoy these plants in your lawn.

Having said this, as the old saying goes, “a pinch of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If you know your pups and kitties are avid nibblers its best to avoid toxic plants altogether. If you choose to keep these in your garden it is crucial to do your research on said plants and the symptoms caused when ingested so you can promptly diagnose and seek proper treatment as soon as possible.

It’s also wise to avoid planting prickly plants and to quickly remove weeds with burrs that get tangled in fur and cause damage and discomfort. (Foxtail is a good example of plants to avoid.)

Plant Some Fun

Catnip and cat grass are great options for your getting curious felines to enjoy the outdoors. Cat mint is beautiful on its own and is resilient enough to spring back up after Fluffy and Mittens have been frolicking in it.

Sick of stepping on poop in your lawn? Plant some border grass in an unused portion of your yard. From my experience dogs love to do their business there and the plant is durable enough to withstand usage while also staying bushy and attractive. It’s also a good idea to have a marking post so that your territorial male dogs have a place to pee besides your favorite rose bush.

The Hunters and the Hunted

Does your cat like to bring you little “presents” from time to time? If you have a cat that is an avid hunter you will want to make arrangements for your birds and fishponds. Make sure your birdhouses are high enough for the cat to avoid. Place a barrier around the koi pond to keep kitty out. If Snowball outsmarts you fencing method other ways to protect fish in ponds are:

• Install fish caves.
• Build a small bridge over the water.
• Use plants like water lilies.
• Each of these works as both shade and protective coverage from predators.

Pets add limitless value to all our lives with their unconditional love and contagious good spirits. The best way we can show them how much they mean to us is by giving them a fulfilling life in return.

Designing a pet-friendly garden doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or fun—it just means planting with intention. By choosing safe plants, setting up smart boundaries, and adding a few pet-approved features, you can create an outdoor space that’s just as enjoyable for your furry companions as it is for you. Ready to start planting? Explore our collection of garden-ready plants and supplies perfect for pet-safe gardening.