When I first adopted my dog, I thought my fenced-in yard was going to be a dream come true. More space, better exercise, and easier potty breaks. In many ways, it was.
But I also realized that keeping one large area stylish for entertaining with a functional layout for a pet is a lot trickier than it looks. The key is not fighting their instincts, but learning how to create definition within the space.
Let me show you how to transform your backyard from one big undefined area into a beautiful oasis for every member of your family.
1. Bed on the Porch
A full day of playing in the yard can be totally exhausting, especially for the youngest puppies and our senior fur babies. I just love the idea of giving them a dedicated spot to rest and recharge.
A comfy pet bed with a couple of their favorite toys on the porch is such a wonderful touch, and I know your pets will be so thankful for it.
2. Pet Playhouse
If you really want to spoil your furry family members, this is such a dream! This luxurious pet resort is an absolute treat.
The whole structure comes complete with a doggie pool, spots for diving, tug toys, beds, areas for lounging, ramps, and even a digging area. It’s a wonderful way to spoil your dogs if you can!
3. Sand Pit
You can totally indulge your dog’s natural love for digging by giving them their very own sand pit. What a smart idea!
This helps eliminate any destructive digging elsewhere and also encourages them to get some exercise. You can even DIY the sand pit using materials you have around, like old tires, leftover bricks, or some repurposed wood planks.
4. A Dog Run
A dog run with a fence is such a safe spot for your pup to get their zoomies out. This way, they won’t destroy your plants, bang into furniture, or get into any other trouble.
It gives you peace of mind while giving your pet freedom and safety. I think it’s a great idea to remember to include a shaded spot for your dogs to cool down and relax in.
5. Fence Cat Guard
We all know it can feel almost impossible to keep cats inside the backyard. But believe it or not, even the sneakiest and most agile cat probably can’t get over this clever fence installation.
That screen overhang is brilliant because it stops them from getting to the top of the fence to go over it.
6. Fence Window
Full privacy fences are amazing, but when you have a dog, they can also feel a bit confining. Opening up the walls just a little bit with a pet window is such a great way to expand their horizons.
This grilled window lets your pets see what’s happening outside while making sure they stay safely inside.
7. Glass Dome Peep
How fun is this idea? Adding a glass dome peep to your fence for your dogs and other pets is a game changer! It gives them a clear view of the outside world, which can really expand their horizons.
I love that it entertains them when you’re gone and can even help minimize breakouts and digging under the fence.
8. A Doggie Pool
A doggie pool that even has a fire hydrant feature is such a fun treat for your pups. This is an absolute must have if your dog loves the water.
Adding a pool gives them another fantastic activity and is a great way for them to cool down. Honestly, don’t be shocked if your kids want to join in on the fun too!
9. Doggie Loft
You can let your dog rule over their domain with this incredibly creative and charming doggie house that includes a loft.
The top of the house gives them a great vantage point, which is perfect for a guard dog to relax and keep watch. At the same time, the roomy space underneath is a cozy doghouse.
Just add a dog ladder or ramp so they can get up there easily.
10. Cool Shed
A cooling shed like this one gives your outdoor pets a perfect place to hide from the hot sun or take shelter from the rain. I love this idea!
The roof is covered in grass, which provides an extra space for cats, dogs, goats, and other pets to explore and also keeps the space underneath cooler.
You could even set up a cozy little corner for yourself to relax in.
11. Pet Playground
This pet playground is designed for active dogs and their owners to enjoy together. The different activity areas are fantastic for encouraging play and exercise for everyone.
You can customize the play area to fit your needs, and it’s a great opportunity to get creative with a DIY project using materials you already have at home.
12. Pet Friendly Plants
Every single responsible pet owner should know about which plants are friendly and which are dangerous for their pets. Things like amaryllis, lilies, hyacinth, and daffodils are toxic for cats.
Meanwhile, tulips, azaleas, oleander, and peonies are just a few of the dangerous plants for dogs. Some of the most pet-friendly options include ferns, palms, catnip, lemongrass, and hibiscus.
13. A Rabbit Hutch
For all the rabbit lovers out there, you will absolutely love the safety features of having a hutch in the backyard, and your rabbits will love being outdoors.
Keeping them inside all the time can get boring for them, but letting them roam freely in the yard might not be safe. You can always DIY one or hire a contractor to build a hutch for you.
14. Rabbit Patch
You can provide such a fun activity center for your rabbits! This engaging rabbit patch has tunnels, mini hills, rivers, and even a cooling pond.
Your cute little bunnies will have such a great time exploring all the different landforms of their warren. Just pick a quiet corner in your backyard and get creative!
15. Rabbit Run
Do you keep your herd of rabbits in an outdoor hutch? You can expand their domain by adding a rabbit run right next to it. Just keep them safe inside the enclosure with some doggie fencing.
It’s so important to make sure you let them back inside when no one is around to watch them.
16. Goat Climbers
Goats just love to climb; it is their absolute favorite playtime activity. You can keep your tribe of goats so happy and entertained with a set of goat climbers like this.
The ramps and bridges will totally satisfy their need to climb. Plus, you will get to enjoy watching your goats play, which is always a guarantee!
17. A Dog Ladder
Installing a doggie ladder or a ramp from the pet door down to the ground makes access so much easier.
These kinds of implements mean you’re not confined to only installing a pet door on the lower levels of your house.
With a pet ramp, you can place the door wherever you feel is best for you, your home, and your pets.
18. Hide the Pet Door
This flower box is such an effective and creative way to hide a pet door from plain sight. I love this! It also helps shield the entry from rain, sleet, and snow.
Besides flower boxes, you can use things like dog houses, cabinets, or bins to disguise or hide the pet door.
19. Dog Shower
This has to be one of the most sensible additions to a home with dogs. A backyard dog shower can save you so much cleanup indoors.
With an outdoor shower, you can let your dogs run and play as wild and dirty as they want. You just run them through the shower before herding them inside, all tired, hungry, and happy.
20. Pet Fence Barrier
Digging under the fence can be so hard to control, especially if your dogs get restless or when something exciting makes them want to explore the world outside.
These metal fence barriers are easy to install; you just stake them down under the fence. They are so effective at stopping any doggie escapes.
21. Catio
A catio is basically an enclosed patio just for cats. It gives them a safe outdoor space where they can watch birds and soak up the sun.
A typical catio usually includes perches, ramps, catwalks, and pots with cat-friendly plants like cat grass, catnip, and lemongrass. It’s such a great way to show your cats some love!
22. A Cat Tree
Cat parents who really know their cats will absolutely insist on having a cat tree in the backyard.
A cat tree is fantastic for spurring their hunting skills, encouraging active play, and keeping them entertained. This one even has perches, a swing, a bridge, and climbers. What a dream!
23. A Cat Ladder
Cat ladders are such a big help for cats to easily get to windows, fence catwalks, and perches. While cats are amazing jumpers and can usually get up there themselves, you also have to think about their safety.
A window on the second story, a five-foot-tall fence, or a high catwalk are all perfect spots to equip with cat ladders.
24. Screened Catwalk
Cats just love to prowl around the perimeter of your home and explore the very top of the fence.
You can let them explore to their heart’s content while also keeping them safe and contained by installing a screened catwalk right on top of your fence.
25. Cat Perches
You can give your lazy cats a little reminder of their wild side by providing them with some cat perches. Cats absolutely love the vantage points and the views from high places.
You might find them napping on their favorite perch for hours, or using it as a platform to hunt, hide their catch, or jump from. Cats are just so unpredictable!
26. Roller Bar Fence
This is such a clever contraption to keep cats from going over the fence. The top of the fence has two cable wire lines installed, and each one has a PVC pipe attached.
That PVC pipe will actually roll and cause the cats to drop if they try to hold onto it and cross. So, your inside cats stay in and the outside cats stay out. So smart!
27. A Water Park
This is so fun, entertaining, and functional all at once. A mini water park in your backyard is something that can be enjoyed by both your pets and your kids.
This pet-friendly version features a fire hydrant water fountain that’s surrounded by a few ground spouts. What a great summer treat for your fur babies!
28. DIY Dog Pond
A pond can be such an interesting and eye-catching feature for your yard, and it can also become a water paradise for your dogs, ducks, and other pets.
You can tackle this as a DIY project or bring in a landscape contractor to build your backyard pond. Either way you go, your pets are going to love it.
29. Water and Treat Station
Your dogs will absolutely love having a water and treat station installed in your backyard. If a day out in the yard wasn’t already a big enough treat, this will really complete their day.
It’s so important to make sure your pets stay well-hydrated by providing fresh water. The treats are so handy for teaching new tricks or just for when they’re being extra sweet.
30. DIY Dog Tug
This is such an easy DIY project that your dog will really, truly love. A dog tug adds so much variety to their self-play, helps develop their strength and muscles, and is great for releasing all that pent-up doggie energy.
All you need is a sturdy post, some more wood for the beam, a spring, and of course, your dog’s favorite tug toy.
31. Exercise Wheel
An exercise wheel is another fantastic addition to a pet-friendly backyard. If you have limited space for your dogs to run around and get their zoomies out, this wheel can give them all the running lane they need.
I love that you can also use the wheel to exercise cats and other pets too.
32. Bird Feeder
Bird feeders are wonderful for attracting birds to your garden. They not only feed the birds but also provide some great entertainment for your cats!
It’s just so important to make sure the birds are safe from any kitty attacks by adding a squirrel guard.
33. Fire Hydrant
Your furry friend will definitely love having their very own fire hydrant. It’s so eye-catching and makes for a surprising addition to any backyard.
Your dogs might not even pee on it, but the novelty of having their own favorite landmark is sure to delight your pet, you, and your guests!
34. A Patch of Grass
For those of us who are city and apartment dwellers, a backyard probably isn’t on the list of home features. This little patch of grass can give your dog a degree of that outdoor experience and also serves as a necessary outdoor bathroom.
Just be sure to take your pets to the park a few times a week to keep up with their exercise and social needs.
35. Garden Paths
You can design your garden to be not only gorgeous to look at but also really engaging for your pets. Pet-friendly gardens should include paths that encourage them to explore, hunt, and play.
Your pets might even find a special spot or a hidden nook where they can create a little lair and claim it as their own.
