A 'Petio' Is The Perfect Way To Add A Pet-Friendly Space To Your Yard
Everyone in the family can enjoy a taste of fresh air with an outdoor space, and this includes our furry friends. Petios are a trendy addition to many homes as pet owners seek practical, safe, and enriching spaces for their four-legged family members. The idea originated with "catios," which were a popular method of allowing indoor-only cats to experience the outdoors in a safe and comforting way. Today, the trend has evolved to accommodate many pets while giving homeowners peace of mind when letting their cats or dogs outside.
The goal of a petio is to achieve the same benefits that a traditional patio does for us, just translated to better suit our pets. A patio space is great for enjoying the outdoors, but with the benefit of comfortable furniture, shade, or a relaxing setting. By using this idea for pets, the result is a petio space that has pet-friendly furniture and decorations that stimulate and encourage natural behaviors. A petio could include pet beds, climbing surfaces, water or food stations, and plenty of enrichment materials. The petio is one of the ways you can make your living space more pet-friendly, so if you're eager to try it out in your yard, here's what you should know.
What you need to know before adding a petio to your yard
An ideal petio will be functional and playful, allowing your pet to relax or play in a safe environment. Whether you are creating an outdoor space for a dog or cat, there are a few things to consider before you begin adding a petio to your yard. Start by considering the intended purpose of the space. Are you looking to add a safe, fenced-in area for your dog to roughhouse? Do you intend to add more climbing equipment for your cat? Are you adding a splash zone for your water-loving dog? Maybe you need a quiet place for your cat to nap and watch birds. Decide what activities your pet enjoys before you begin designing your petio.
Once you have an idea of the activities you'll be adding to the space, consider how much square footage will need to be fenced off for the petio. Most petios are fully screened and enclosed, inspired by the catio trend. However, you might prefer a more open space for dogs, such as foregoing screens for high fences. Generally, it's recommended to have a fence that is at least 4 to 6 feet in height to prevent your pup from jumping over. You might also choose to add additional security measures to prevent wild animals from digging, climbing, or breaking into the petio, like wire mesh over the roof.
What should you add to a petio?
If you're looking for ideas for creating a pet space the whole family will love, try adding some of these suggestions to your petio. If you have a cat, add cat trees and pet-friendly furniture that is either intended for scratching or resistant to claw marks. Hard plastic and metal furniture can be a good choice for preventing scratch damage, while cat trees and houses are intended to endure this natural behavior. Add soft pet beds or other comfortable spaces for relaxation. You may also choose to include toys for your pets to provide further stimulation. Shaded areas should also be a priority to prevent overheating.
For flooring, choose something that will be easy to clean. Artificial turf can be a good option for most pets. Those with avid diggers might opt for tile or stone instead, which is easy to wash and remains cool in hot climates. Adding a feeding and watering station is also ideal. And for water lovers, adding a kiddie pool, mini pet fountain, or other water feature can be a good investment. When it comes to decorating, you can add pet-friendly plants. Just remember that there are some house plants you should never grow in a home with pets. Additionally, it's a good idea to consider pet waste areas. You might add a litter box to a catio or include a pet waste cleanup station to prevent odors and an unhygienic environment.