The 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), the number of U.S. households that own a pet has steadily increased over the past few decades. In 1988, 56 percent of U.S. households owned a pet, compared to 67 percent in 2019. The survey revealed that around 90.5 million American families have a pet at home.
Every pet deserves a place to call its own outdoors. But how can you ensure that your outdoor space is safe and comfortable for your furry friends? Designing a pet-friendly outdoor area is easier than you might think, and it all starts with planning. Here’s how you can create an outdoor space your pets will love.
Choose the Right Materials
The materials you use in your outdoor space play an important role in pet safety. Avoid using wood chips or gravel, which can be hazardous for pets if ingested. Instead, opt for artificial grass, poured concrete, rubber pavers, or even grass turf to help reduce the risk of injury and keep your pets safe and sound.
If you use natural grass, make sure to fertilize it regularly to prevent any potential health hazards due to chemical exposure. Finally, opt for slip-resistant materials that are easy to clean if your pet has an accident in the space. By choosing the right materials, you can create a safe and comfortable outdoor area for your furry friend to play in
Consider any additional features you may want to add to your outdoor space. If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors with your pet, consider adding seating or even an outdoor living space to make the area more comfortable. Additionally, if you’re worried about your pet running off, consider adding fencing or a gate around the perimeter of your yard for added security.
Pet-Friendly Driveway
When setting up the home’s driveway, you should use a safe driveway design without sharp edges to protect your pet’s paws. It should be wide enough to allow your pet to move around without getting lost or stuck.
A driveway made of gravel, stone, or other light materials is ideal for pets as they limit the amount of heat transfer and are gentle on paws. You can install a fence along the driveway’s edges to ensure your pet doesn’t escape. You can also put in gates to prevent your pet from wandering away.
It would help if you also considered adding pet-friendly features such as a shallow water basin or pool area. The water basin or pool can keep your pets cool and hydrated during hot summer days. You can also add a shelter along one side of the driveway where they can go when they need a break from the sun. These features will help make your driveway a safe, comfortable area for your pets.
It’s important to take the necessary safety precautions when it comes to setting up your pet-friendly driveway. Make sure you replace loose stones and other debris regularly, so your pet does not slip or get injured.
You should also regularly check the driveway for any sharp edges or other potential hazards that could cause harm to your pet. Finally, regularly clean up droppings and other debris from the driveway so that it remains a safe and pleasant area for your pets.
Safe Fencing
Fences provide an effective barrier between pets and potential dangers outside their designated area. For instance, if you live near a busy street or park, creating a fenced-in area will ensure that your pet does not wander away from home without supervision.
Consider using fencing options such as wood panels or iron fencing for maximum durability and protection against escape attempts by curious pets. You should also check the height of the fence before purchasing; it should be tall enough to keep pets contained but not so tall that they cannot see out into their environment.
Furthermore, to prevent animals from digging under the fence, it is wise to bury chicken wire one foot below the ground and two feet deep. This will keep animals from escaping and protect them from potential predators.
Finally, it is crucial to ensure the fence is wide enough for them to move around and explore in their designated area if you plan on having an outdoor pet, such as a dog or cat that spends most of its time in the backyard.
Creating an outdoor living space that is both safe and enjoyable for your pet doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. All it takes is careful planning and consideration of what design elements best suit their needs. Following the tips in the article will ensure that everyone has a great time enjoying the outdoors together. They will also make it easy for you to craft an inviting environment tailored just for your beloved four-legged friends.