Whether you’ve got a curious cat, an energetic dog, or both, factoring them into your garden design is a must. But creating a safe and enjoyable outdoor space for pets is easier than you think. With some clever design choices and the right landscaping materials, you can build a stylish outdoor space that caters to your pets’ needs without compromising on looks. 

From choosing non-toxic plants and secure fencing for safety to adding playful features like climbing areas and splash-friendly surfaces for fun, a pet-friendly garden can be functional and beautiful. 

In this guide, we’ll reveal the best ideas, plants, and design tips for creating a dog- and cat-friendly garden so that everyone in your household (furry family members included) can enjoy the great outdoors safely!

Is your garden safe for pets?

Many standard garden features can pose risks to curious pets. Dogs might chew or dig where they shouldn’t, while cats explore every nook and cranny, often ending up in places you'd least expect. 

Here are a few essential things to check for a pet-proof garden:

  1. Fencing and boundaries: Check for gaps and weak spots in fencing or walling, and assess whether your pet can climb up or jump over fences and escape. 

  2. Paving and surfaces: Some materials can be uncomfortable for paws to walk on, and some can overheat and burn them. Non-slip paving is always a good idea, especially for pets prone to the zoomies!

  3. Sharp or small objects: While gravel is an affordable hard landscaping solution, it’s not always the most practical when animals are involved. Loose stones could be swallowed or stuck between paw pads, so choose solid options like paving slabs or decking instead.

  4. Chemicals: Weedkillers, fertilisers, and slug pellets can be toxic to pets, so avoid them.

Whether you’re just moving into a new place, putting the finishing touches on a new garden, or thinking of adopting a four-legged friend, assessing these things can help you adjust your space accordingly.

Plants that are toxic to dogs and cats

While plants add beauty and texture to any outdoor space, knowing which varieties can be harmful to pets is essential. Some everyday garden favourites are toxic if ingested, and curious dogs or nibble-prone cats won’t always know what to avoid.

If you’re ever unsure, a quick check with the HTA Guide to Potentially Harmful Plants is a good place to start. 

According to this guide, here are some plants to steer clear of when designing a pet-friendly garden:

  • Lillies (can cause stomach upset for dogs, but are extremely dangerous for cats, causing kidney damage and even death)

  • Foxgloves (extremely toxic for cats and dogs)

  • Oleander (highly toxic)

  • Rhododendron

  • Daffodils 

  • Tulips 

  • Ivy 

  • Yew

  • Hydrangeas

How to create a dog-friendly garden

Designing a garden with your dog in mind doesn’t mean sacrificing style; it’s all about combining comfort, safety, and stimulation. Whether you’ve got a playful pup or a more chilled-out companion, tailoring your outdoor space to suit their needs will make life easier (and cleaner) for everyone.

Start by thinking about how your dog uses the garden. Do they love to run, dig, or nap in the sun? Create designated zones that support their favourite activities – we’ll show you how in the next section!

Dog-friendly garden ideas

With thoughtful landscaping and pet-proofing, your garden can be both stylish and dog-approved. 

  1. Add a dog-friendly water feature

A drop of water can be a great way to entertain active pups and keep your pooch cool in the summer. A shallow, easy-access water feature like a pebble pond or fountain is perfect for splashing around in, or, failing this, a paddling pool!

  1. Create a designated digging zone

Dogs love to dig; it’s in their nature. Instead of fighting it, embrace it by building a designated ‘dig zone’. As a part of your garden zoning, section off a grassy or sandy area of your garden using sleepers, garden walling timber, or raised beds. 

Encourage your dog to use this area by hiding toys or treats there. This will satisfy their natural urge to dig and protect your lawn and borders from becoming a canine excavation site! 

  1. Use hard flooring and paved pathways

Hard landscaping is triply beneficial – for your garden, your home, and your dog!

Dogs running wild around your garden will likely cause wear and tear on your lawn and flowerbeds. Incorporate paved areas and add hard pathways to reduce mud and mess, making your garden look neater overall. You’ll also reduce the amount of dirt that gets tracked into your house, ruining those lovely cream carpets!

Dark-coloured pavers can absorb heat quickly, posing a risk to your dog’s paw pads. Instead, consider light-coloured pavers or materials such as porcelain or natural stone for these exposed areas. There are plenty of colours to choose from, so you don’t need to compromise on style and aesthetic.

Pet friendly garden ideas
Porcelain paving from Marshalls

Hard landscaping also benefits dogs' paws and claws. The abrasive surface of materials naturally helps to trim dogs' nails as they walk and run, and playing on hard surfaces minimises the risk of paw pad irritation and fungal infections compared to grass. 

We should note that grass also has fantastic benefits for your home and pets. Don't be quick to remove your grassed areas, although they require maintenance, they offer cooling benefits for you and your pets.

  1. Provide shaded resting areas

If you’re creating Scandinavian garden-inspired outdoor living areas, don’t forget about your pooch! Lazy canines will love nothing more than a spot while you cook in your outdoor kitchen, and even the most energetic dogs need a little downtime.

Incorporate shaded zones where your dog can relax away from direct sun, such as under a pergola or in a tree-shaded corner. Add an outdoor rug or a weather-proof dog bed to keep them comfy. 

  1. Plant in raised beds

Dogs are curious by nature – raised planters are the perfect way to protect your precious plants from digging paws and greedy mouths! Use garden walling to create a practical and attractive solution that keeps your plants out of paws' reach while adding structure to your garden design. 

From reconstituted stone to natural stone walling, we offer a range of solutions to suit every kind of garden. Position raised beds around the perimeter or near lounging zones to add greenery without worrying about flattened foliage.

  1. Utilise secure fencing 

A secure garden is a must for any dog owner, especially if you’ve got an escape artist on your hands! Ensure all boundary fencing is tall enough to prevent jumping, with no gaps that a dog could squeeze through. 

Use Marshalls’ garden walling to provide a pet-safe boundary that doubles as a garden feature. And don’t forget to check your gates – self-closing mechanisms and secure latches are essential for peace of mind.

You can even use secure fencing as a garden zoning tool to keep dogs out of certain sections. This way, you can create the cottage garden of your dreams and still give your pooch plenty of space to run around.

How to create a cat-friendly garden

Cats are natural explorers, climbers, hunters, and sun lovers. When designing a cat-friendly garden, the goal is to create a safe, stimulating space that fuels all those feline behaviours while protecting them from potential hazards.

First, make sure your garden is a secure and comfortable place for your cat to roam. If your cat is confident and loves exploring the outdoors, think about safe fencing or even a ‘catio’ (an enclosed patio space for cats). 

If you want to introduce an indoor cat to the outdoors, create a rich sensory garden that lets them experience the sights, smells, and textures of nature without the risks.

Cat-friendly garden ideas

With a few clever additions, your garden can become a safe haven for feline adventures and a space you’ll both love to spend time in. Here are some ideas:

  1. Add vertical interest for climbing

Cats love to climb and perch, so creating vertical spaces can turn your garden into an exciting feline playground. Use trellises, raised shelves, or sturdy plant stands around your patio. 

Trees like oak, birch, cedar, and pine are great for climbing, so it's a bonus if you can plant them. You could even incorporate cat-friendly ledges into garden walls made with Marshalls’ kerbs and edging; just make sure these are stable and safe to leap onto. 

Climbing structures give your cat a sense of territory, keep them entertained, and provide safe spots to survey their kingdom from above.

  1. Create hiding spots

Cats also like to hide and snooze in quiet corners. Plant tall ornamental grasses, bamboo screens, or shrubs to create safe hiding spots.

You can also include a covered area, like a small outdoor cat house or a nook tucked into your landscaping. Use decorative gravel or soft bark mulch to make the floor comfy and paw-friendly. These spots let cats feel secure while still enjoying the fresh air.

  1. Use paving for warm sunbathing spots

Cats love nothing more than finding a sunny spot to stretch out. Natural stone and porcelain paving absorb heat beautifully, making them the perfect patio materials for feline sunbathing. 

Position slabs in a sunny corner of your garden, ideally with shelter nearby in case it gets a little too hot. Whether you’re drawing inspiration from our large patio ideas or redesigning your small patio, make sure to factor in your cat. 

  1. Incorporate rough surfaces

Cats scratch to keep their claws healthy and mark their territory. Incorporating rough textures—like textured paving, roped or wooden posts—gives your cat a way to file its claws without resorting to your furniture or fences. 

If your pet loves to rub against a scratching post, get them an outdoor cat scratcher. Or, create a feline-friendly cat forest by planting oak, birch, cedar, and pine trees. 

  1. Add a litter tray

Creating a dedicated litter area can help keep your garden tidy and discourage cats from using flowerbeds as a toilet. Use a shallow, covered box filled with sand, soil, or natural cat litter; you can even blend it into your design using screening panels or decorative stone borders. 

Create your perfect pet-friendly space with Marshalls

At Marshalls, we believe outdoor spaces should be enjoyed by the whole family – including the four-legged members! 

Discover durable, pet-safe paving slabs and outdoor tiles in a variety of styles and colours, including concrete, slate, and limestone to suit every garden. Then, put the finishing touches to your garden flooring with pathways in cobbled and natural stone styles.

Use garden walling to create pet-free zones, climbing features to entertain your feline friend, and raised planters for a garden your curious pup can’t destroy. From steps to kerbs & edging, we’ve got everything you need to create a garden that’s practical, playful and safe.

Explore our range of quality landscaping solutions, find an approved installer, and get ready to build the pet-friendly garden of your dreams!

Written By

Grace Thornton

Grace has been a dedicated member of the Marshalls team for eight years, bringing her expertise in marketing to various roles within the company. She initially worked with domestic installers and the accredited installer scheme before transitioning to commercial landscape projects. 

Read Grace's full profile here.