Build the Perfect Playground for Hounds and Humans

Let’s be honest: Nothing is more important than our family’s wellbeing. It’s the bedrock of everything we hold near and dear including our furry friends.

If you are designing a pet-friendly outdoor space for your family, you’ll naturally want to avoid toxins in the play area. Pets, like children, are curious about objects in their environment. It’s imperative to safeguard everything from the ground up to ensure the health and wellness of pets.

Preparing the Pet-Friendly Family Play Area

With all the noxious irritants removed from the designated playground, it’s time to get going. Experts recommend beginning with a solid foundation and building your way up. Typically, the first order of business is preparing the surface by removing any hazards, including roots, bricks, concrete, or jagged objects that may be harmful.

Once the area is compacted and smoothed over, artificial grass for dogs is always a good idea. This evergreen alternative is a durable, and long-term solution.

Its uniqueness lies in its design; it has a natural drainage system in its construction. In other words, messes and spills are easily cleaned. With hosing or rain, liquids quickly drain into the yard or an outdoor area to keep the playground bacteria-free and in good shape. With the turf firmly in place and the borders marked out, it’s time to build the fence around the outdoor pet-friendly playground.

Steps on Building a Perimeter Fence for a Pet-Friendly Family Play Area

With your foundation set, it’s time to build a fence and create a safe, enjoyable space for your furry friends and loved ones.

If you have active pets like Border Collies and Australian shepherds and pets that dig a lot, you should choose dig-resistant designs and fences slightly taller than traditional 5-6 feet-tall fences. Of course, it all depends on the type of pet you have.

Remember to include a securely latched gate, as it ensures the safety of your small ones and pets while in the enclosure. A wooden privacy fence is also an option to keep the pets secure within the garden and the family’s enjoyment of the outdoor space undisturbed.

Wooden fences require sanding and varnishing, while metal ones need rust-proof paint and lacquer. With proper care, these functional enclosures can also double as stylish yard features.

Expert Tips for the Best Pet-Friendly Play Area Designs for Your Family

Expert Tips	Here’s What to Do
Designate Shaded Areas	Incorporate shaded zones with trees, pergolas, or shade sails to protect pets from excessive heat and sun exposure during playtime.
Incorporate Multi-Level Spaces	Add small ramps, platforms, or elevated areas for pets to climb, explore, and stimulate their curiosity in a safe environment.
Use Pet-Friendly Landscaping	Choose ground cover like clover or pea gravel, which is gentle on paws, durable, and resistant to wear from pets running and playing.
Install a Water Station	Include a pet-specific water fountain or station to ensure your furry friends stay hydrated outdoors.
Add Sensory Stimulation Features	Integrate pet-safe herbs (e.g., mint or lavender), moving objects (wind chimes), or safe digging pits to engage pets’ senses and instincts.