Pet-Safe Plants for Indoors and Outdoors Spaces

| March 25, 2025

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home and garden with fresh greenery and vibrant flowers. But as pet owners, it’s essential to ensure that our plant choices are safe for our furry companions. While some plants can be harmful to pets, there are plenty of gorgeous, non-toxic options to brighten up your indoor and outdoor spaces without worry. 

In a previous post, we shared a list of common toxic plants for pets that you should avoid. Today, we’re focusing on safe alternatives that will keep your home and garden beautiful and your pets healthy. 

Pet-Safe Indoor Plants

Indoor plants can add warmth and life to any room, and these non-toxic varieties are safe for both cats and dogs. 

Spider Plant: The spider plant is an easy-care houseplant that not only looks great but is completely safe for pets. Its long, arching leaves and ability to thrive in various light conditions make it a popular choice for busy pet parents.

Boston Fern: This lush, green fern adds a refreshing touch to indoor spaces without posing any risk to your pets. Its frilly leaves are perfect for hanging baskets or as a tabletop accent. 

Areca Palm:  Bring a tropical vibe to your home with an areca palm! This pet-friendly palm is not only a beautiful addition to your living space but also non-toxic to cats and dogs. 

African Violets: If you’re looking for a pop of colour, African violets are the way to go. These compact, colourful blooms are safe for pets and brighten up any windowsill or corner of your home. 

Calathea:  Known for its striking patterned leaves, Calathea is a non-toxic option that adds both colour and texture to your indoor space. Perfect for a low-light environment, it’s a safe and stylish choice for pet parents. 

Pet-Safe Outdoor Plants

If you enjoy spending time outdoors with your pets, it’s important to ensure that your garden or yard is filled with plants that won’t harm them. Here are a few pet-safe options for your outdoor spaces.

Marigolds: Marigolds are a cheerful, pest-repellent option that’s completely safe for pets. Their vibrant yellow and orange flowers make them a stunning addition to any garden bed. 

Sunflowers: Sunflowers are a pet-safe, low-maintenance plant that adds height and brightness to your outdoor space. Plus, their cheerful blooms are a perfect symbol of sunny spring days. 

Snapdragons: These colourful, vertical blooms are not only visually striking but are also safe for pets. Snapdragons come in a variety of shades, making them a versatile choice for your garden. 

Petunias: Petunias are a gardener’s favorite for hanging baskets, planters, and garden beds. These vibrant flowers are safe for pets, and they come in a range of bright, beautiful colours to spruce up your yard.

Roses: Although it’s best to avoid any thorny varieties, rose bushes are non-toxic to pets and can make a romantic, fragrant addition to your garden. Be sure to keep an eye on pets when they’re around thorns, but otherwise, roses are a safe and timeless choice. 

Tips for Pet-Friendly Planting

  • Supervise curious pets to prevent them from nibbling on your plants, even pet-safe ones. 
  • Use raised planters or hanging baskets indoors to keep plants out of reach. 
  • Create pet-friendly zones in your garden by choosing safe plants for the areas your pets frequent most. 
  • Research new plants before adding them to your home to ensure they’re safe for your pets. 

These are just a few examples of plants that both you and your pets can enjoy safely. For a complete list of pet-safe and toxic plants, you can visit the ASPCA’s comprehensive guide by clicking here.