Designing a pet-safe backyard is essential to ensure the well-being and safety of your furry friends - and the rest of your household. Luckily, there are many ways you can design your backyard to be pet-safe and enjoyable for humans. Here are some tips to help you create a pet-friendly outdoor space:
Choose pet-friendly plants
Some plants can be toxic to pets if ingested. Research pet-safe plants and avoid those that are known to be toxic to dogs or cats. Opt for non-toxic plants such as pet grass, catnip, sunflowers, and certain types of herbs like parsley or basil.
Avoid harmful chemicals
Minimize the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in your backyard, as these can be toxic to pets if they come into contact with or ingest them. Consider using pet-safe alternatives or natural pest control methods.
Use pet-friendly materials
Choose pet-friendly materials for hardscapes and outdoor furniture. Avoid using sharp-edged stones or gravel that can hurt your pet's paws. Opt for pet-safe, non-toxic paints or finishes on any structures or surfaces that your pets may come into contact with.
Create boundaries
Install secure fences or barriers to prevent your pets from wandering off or accessing potentially dangerous areas. Ensure that the fencing is tall and sturdy enough to keep your pets safely contained within the yard.
Set up designated play areas
Designate specific areas in your backyard for your pets to play and exercise. Install pet-friendly artificial turf or resilient ground coverings to protect their paws and ensure easy maintenance.
By implementing these tips, you can create a backyard environment that is safe, enjoyable, and conducive to the well-being of your beloved pets.
About the Author
Kimberly Hering
Kimberly Hering's devotion to helping people achieve their real estate goals stems from her genuine enjoyment of the process. Whatever the task, Kimberly makes it her mission to get it done, however she can, without compromising her client's needs. Often, that means thinking outside the box. After working with Kimberly, clients describe her as being Trustworthy, Creative, Patient, Highly Skilled, Attentive to the Process and having a lot of Integrity.
After spending more than 15 successful years working on Wall Street, Kimberly transitioned into Real Estate, joining Alain Pinel Realtors, then moving to Zephyr, now Corcoran Global Living, in 2018. During her career on Wall Street, Kimberly was a Vice President working as an Institutional Equity Salesperson for Montgomery Securities for 10 years. She covered the top money managers throughout the US and Canada. She joined Jefferies & Co as a Senior Vice President managing the Western Region Institutional Sales group, while continuing to cover the top money managers.
Kimberly leverages her extensive experience selling equities to top money managers throughout the US and Canada, to successfully negotiating any Real Estate transaction seamlessly for her clients. Kimberly is well versed in Marin's neighborhoods, towns, cities, and education system.
Living in the Bay Area for 35 years, 25 years in Marin and having 2 sons in local Marin schools, Kimberly spends a lot of time volunteering in the community and serving on various local Boards. Kimberly has a collection of resources ranging from the best local breakfast spots to vetted contractors. With her reliable list of valuable resources, Real Estate experience and unsurpassed knowledge of Marin's many communities, Kimberly can guide her clients through every aspect of a Real Estate transaction seamlessly.
Relocating to Marin, downsizing, upsizing, first time home buying, final home purchase or sale, or a lot to build a dream home, no matter the undertaking, Kimberly works seamlessly until the job at hand is completed with 100% satisfaction.