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
Miriam McKinney
A true native to the Western North Carolina area with family roots dating back to 1810, I am a true ambassador for Western North Carolina with undergraduate degrees in education and music from Mars Hill University and an MBA from Western Carolina University. As a former teacher in the area my goal is to educate, whether a buyer or seller, by providing the most current, relevant information available and by giving expert guidance throughout. My professional goal is to exceed my client's expectations through a commitment to excellence with their success as the number one goal! Being a trusted advisor and creating lifelong relationships is an honor. The result is that I have been a top producing Realtor providing clients with successful outcomes for 20 years. I am licensed in both North and South Carolina.
Real Estate is my love and passion, and when I am not helping my clients achieve their real estate goals, I am working on my real estate investment portfolio. I am a seasoned investor who not only helps my clients buy and sell real estate, but I own investment real estate as well. My experience with different investments is extensive - from commercial investments, short-term rentals, single family homes and at times I am even the one with the power tools and getting my hands dirty, which is incredibly satisfying and rewarding!
“Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world.” Franklin D. Roosevelt
Giving back to the community and others is what this life is all about. I volunteer with Big Brother/Big Sisters, Conserving Carolina, travel abroad to help build houses for people without homes, give back to my profession as a past Secretary and Director for Land of the Sky Association of Realtors and serve on the Board of Equalization and Review for Buncombe County.
I love living in the mountains and enjoy the coast as well. This is the best of both worlds as North Carolina is an incredible state! I feel blessed to call the mountains of NC my home. One of my favorite activities is to hike with my Jack Russell, "Bella". Other favorites include cycling, mountain biking, kayaking, pilates, yoga, and paddle boarding. You will often find me participating in local and regional races. I love to travel the world but most of all I love coming home!
Experience matters. Real estate transactions are generally the largest transaction that most people ever do. I would be delighted to talk with you about your real estate goals and objectives and put my experience to work for you.
