There’s something lovely about seeing the gardening world embrace our pets as part of the design story. We are excited to hear that, At this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Monty Don shared a playful garden co-designed by his dog, Ned. A reminder that our furry friends can inspire more than just muddy pawprints. It featured shady spots, textured planting, and natural pathways shaped by the way a dog actually moves through a space. That blend of beauty and practicality is exactly what we’re here to talk about. In this blog, we’re exploring how to create a pet-friendly garden design in the UK that’s both safe and full of style.
Monty Don via YouTube
Designing a garden that’s both beautiful and safe for your pets isn’t just possible. It’s incredibly rewarding. At House Designer, we often work with pet owners who want a stylish garden without compromising on their furry friend’s freedom and well-being. Whether you’ve got a mischievous puppy, a curious cat, or both, creating a pet-friendly garden design is all about balance, thoughtfulness, and a few clever choices.
Designing with Pets in Mind
- image credit: Sheridan Nurseries
- image credit: Sownsow
A pet-friendly garden design is one that lets your pets explore, sniff, play, and relax safely. It also needs to work for you, of course. You want a space that’s visually appealing, low maintenance, and functional for everyday life. This kind of garden design usually includes secure boundaries, non-toxic planting, shaded areas, and sturdy surfaces. The good news? These elements can blend beautifully into your garden without sacrificing style.
In the UK, pets are truly part of the family. As of 2024, approximately 60% of UK households own a pet, with dogs being the most popular choice. There are about 13.5 million pet dogs across the country, and 36% of households have at least one canine companion.
Choosing Pet-Safe Plants for Your Garden
image credit: House Designer
One of the most important things to consider is your planting plan. Some plants can be toxic to pets, even common ones like foxgloves, lilies, and daffodils. Instead, go for pet-safe plants such as lavender, camellias, snapdragons, marigolds, and herbs like rosemary and thyme.
We always recommend checking the latest pet-safe plant lists from trusted sources like the RHS. You’d be surprised how many beautiful, safe options there are.
Layout Tips for Playful Pets
When designing gardens for dogs, it’s worth thinking about how they move. Do they race around the lawn? Patrol the borders? Dig up your flower beds? We’ve seen it all.
That’s why layout matters. Leave open areas for those mad dashes, create a pathway or loop for them to explore, and use planting to gently discourage access to delicate areas. If your dog is a digger, give them a designated digging zone; it can actually be a great feature with the right design.
The Best Surfaces for Paws and Play
Surfaces make a big difference. Slippery or sharp materials can cause injury, so we tend to recommend things like artificial grass (the good kind), bark chippings, composite decking, and textured porcelain tiles. Look for surfaces that can handle a bit of wear and tear, muddy paws, and the occasional accident. Bonus points if they’re low-maintenance and easy to rinse clean.
Creating Comfort Zones for Your Pets
image credit: The Dream at Number 15
Pets love a bit of comfort just as much as we do. Think about including a shaded area under a pergola or tree, a comfy outdoor bed, or a tucked-away spot for a water bowl. Some of our clients have included little garden shelters, especially for older dogs who like a nap outside. We’ve even designed a few discreet pet zones tucked behind planting, where dogs can retreat when they need quiet time. One client’s terrier was a known digger, so we incorporated a corner filled with sand and logs, designed to be a ‘dig zone’ that kept the rest of the garden safe.
Style and Safety Can Go Hand in Paw
Pet-friendly gardens don’t have to be boring. With the right planning, you can have raised beds, elegant borders, beautiful planting and a space your pets will love just as much as you do. We’ve helped design everything from sleek modern gardens with built-in dog zones to relaxed cottage-style spaces where cats wander freely through lavender borders.
A Recent Project
image credit: House Designer
One of our recent clients had two energetic spaniels and wanted a layout that allowed them to burn off energy without ruining the flower beds. We created a subtle looped path that curved around raised beds and led to a shaded rest spot with a built-in water bowl. In another garden, we added a mini pergola over a timber deck where an older Labrador loved to nap. These personal touches make all the difference when designing with pets in mind.
Keeping Your Garden Safe and Pet-Ready
When designing a pet-friendly space, avoid materials and products that could be harmful. That includes things like cocoa mulch, slug pellets, and chemical fertilisers. There are plenty of natural, pet-safe alternatives that do the job beautifully. Also, keep garden tools and wires well out of reach, especially if you’ve got a curious pup who likes to explore.
Let’s Design a Garden for the Whole Family
If you’re dreaming of a garden that’s safe, stylish, and totally pet-friendly, we’d love to help. Our friendly expert designers will work with you to create an outdoor space that suits your lifestyle and theirs.
Take a look at our garden design packages to see how we can help create a beautiful, pet-friendly outdoor space tailored to you and your furry companions.