People in the US have pets in record numbers in 2024, reports a recent survey. Pet owners want to be able let their pets outside to roam the yard, but here in the Southwest there are so many poisonous plants, not to mention stickery ones, plus blazing summer heat – so what to do?
All Manner of Pets
Cats and dogs are common household pets, but tortoises and birds are common here in the Southwest as well. (Sources and more information in below)
Back when I did Landscape Consulting, I was asked to design a landscape for a woman’s “grand-dogs,” since her children had not yet provided her with grandchildren. With an eye towards future grandchildren, we developed a yard that was both dog and kid friendly.
This client raved about my work to her neighbor. He was a kindly gentleman who rescued and kept, and occasionally re-homed exotic birds, including parrots and macaws. Upon his call for assistance for a bird friendly landscape, I started researching. It took a great deal of research – back in the early days of the internet when there were scattered scientific papers and not much else out there.
Here are the fruits of my labor.
Seven Tips for Pet Friendly Yards
Tip 1. Plants
Avoid plants with thorns, spines, stickers, glochids,* or poisonous leaves or even toxic seeds. Not to worry though, this still leaves about 10,000 plants that will grow well here in a low water landscape.
Plan to protect new plantings from rambunctious diggers. A well staked wire mesh cage may be needed for about six months, until plants are established. Which plants? I will link here as I post them, and also place a page under Resources.
* Glochids are those tiny spines on many cacti that may stick to a pets fur and transfer themselves to you. Or worse, get in your pets eye, potentially leading to blinding. More on glochids.
Tip 2. Enclosure
Fence or wall. An enclosure is also an “exclosure,” and can help exclude unwanted wildlife. Javelina will attack cats and smaller dogs. Their name comes from Spanish for “javelin” and describes their razor sharp tusks. If rattlesnakes are a consideration, make sure the gates are snake-proof.
For an athletic, fence-jumping dog, strategic plantings can help discourage such activity. Most cats will go right over walls or fences so a “catio” or a cattery with enclosed top may be required. I have numerous friends that simply trained their cats when young to not roam.
My bird friend pointed out that even wing-clipped birds can flutter away, or be attacked by wildlife. They too can benefit from an aviary like a catio, or get used to being tied to their perch – but only when you are out there to supervise.
Tip 3. Think Safety
Walls do not exclude hawks, owls, coyotes, and bobcats. These wild animals, in addition to the non-jumping javelina, pose risk to pets. Consider keeping your animals indoors unless you are there to supervise their activities.
Tip 4. Pet Feet
Rock mulch can be very hard pet feet. Rocks can be sharp, plus hot in summer. Simply covering your yard in brick or flagstone isn’t the answer either, since in summer such surfaces get hot enough to fry an egg on.
A small area of lawn for pet needs is appropriate, but a whole yard of of water-loving lawn is not ideal in our area. Consider using stabilized earth. The technology for this has progressed wonderfully. Available as either a wet solution or a dry powder watered in, the compound hardens to an almost concrete-like surface that does not get as hot as concrete or pavers.
Tip 5. Pet Waste
Dogs will need an area of yard they can use for their “business.” If you have grass, their urine can kill grass without constant attention on your part. Stabilized earth should also be rinsed. Cats and most dogs can both be trained to use a sand box. Be sure to drill holes in the bottom and place a fine mesh so you can rinse it after scooping.
Bird waste is highly acidic and can etch concrete over time. Sealing hardscapes under bird perches with epoxy helps reduce this problem.
If you want lawn, do not feel guilty. The Seven Principles of Low Water Landscaping say that a lawn where you use it it just fine.
Tip 6. Go Organic
Pets can be poisoned by microscopic amounts of pesticides. Even “natural” pesticides such as pyrethrins (made from chrysanthemums) can be deadly to pets. Avoid using any pesticides. If necessary, insecticidal soap can be used on invading insect pests.
Weed-killing sprays and “pre-emergents” are pet killers. Tortoises are especially susceptible, as are birds. Avoid using them when you have pets.
Sadly, artificial fertilizer can be dangerous too, and has been known to kill cats, dogs and birds. Compost is a wonderful, non-harmful mulch to go under plants. Compost will slowly decompose further into the soil, nurturing plants. Healthy plants can easily resist pest attack, reducing need for dangerous chemicals.
Tip 7. Provide Fun
Consider a water feature for birds and water-loving dogs. Make sure they can easily clamber in and out! Site the feature where it will also work well for you. Birds like to sun themselves dry so be sure there is a safe perch near the water feature for them.
Some dog breeds love to run. Be sure your landscape provides ample space for them to stretch their legs, not just back and forth either, but all around.
For fun, cats will love a patch of cat grass or catnip.
Depending on the species of bird, you might consider a fruit or nut tree for your landscape. A dwarf almond tree can provide food for you and your nut eating birds, as well as a not-too tall tree for the bird to clamber around in and get exercise.
Please Your Pet and Yourself
With a little planning, your yard can be a safe, fun, and user-friendly place for people and pets to live and play. Not to mention soak up some vital vitamin D.
Science Nerd Shares – Some Pet Statistics
As of 2024, 66 percent of U.S. households (86.9 million homes) own a pet. That’s up from 56 percent in 1988. From companionship to emotional support, pets are a vital part of their owners’ lives. In fact, 97 percent of pet owners consider their pets to be a part of their family
Pet Ownership by the Generations
Millennials and Gen Z (49 percent)
Gen X (25 percent)
Baby Boomers (24 percent)
Other (2 percent)
Cost
In 2022, Americans spent $136.8 billion on their pets.
This is up nearly 11 percent from 2021 ($123.6 billion).
Essential dog expenses for a single dog cost an average of $1,533 annually.
The most popular pets in the U.S. are:
Dogs (65.1 million households)
Cats (46.5 million households)
Freshwater fish (11.1 million households)
Small animals like hamsters, rabbits, mice, and ferrets (6.7 million households)
Birds (6.1 million households)
My sources:
Need Some Additional Landscaping Help?
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