How to Make Your Patio Perfect for Pets

November 20, 2025

How to Make Your Patio Perfect for Pets

Your pets love being outside as much as you do – and where better to enjoy the outdoors than your very own patio? From soaking up the sun on cold winter mornings to enjoying a refreshing summer breeze, alfrescos and patios are an essential addition to any Aussie home. That being said, there are certain precautions that need to be taken to ensure your patio is a safe, comfortable outdoor hangout for your furry friends. From cosy spaces for cats to dog-friendly designs, this blog explores a range of pet-friendly patio, deck, and alfresco extension ideas.

Create Shade and Comfort With Awnings

Sydney’s summer sunshine can really heat up outdoor spaces like patios and alfrescos. This can sometimes make spending time outside uncomfortable – for both you and your pets. Additionally, your patio’s flooring can become hot underfoot. While you might not notice this, your pets’ paws will definitely feel the effects of the heat. Even if your patio is partially covered by the roof of your house, you may still need extra shade for optimal comfort. Awnings, or even a covered pergola on the deck, can create a shaded space for you and your pets and give your backyard a stylish makeover all in one. At Austek Home Improvements, we offer a range of stylish awning and pergola options. From sturdy COLORBOND® steel to stylish polycarbonate roofing that lets sunlight gently filter in, the possibilities are endless.

Keep the Space Hazard-Free

Pet-proofing your patio is just as crucial as pet-proofing the interior of your house. Dogs and cats are naturally curious, and you want to ensure they don’t get into anything hazardous. Ensuring your outdoor space is pet-safe means you can enjoy worry-free afternoons out on the patio or deck with your pets.

Avoid Toxic Plants: Certain types of plants can be toxic to dogs or cats. Find an accurate plant guide online or speak to your veterinarian for more information, and be sure to avoid having these plants anywhere near your furry friends.
Pet-Proof Fencing: If your deck or patio has a railing or fence, ensure it’s built securely and is tall enough that your dog can’t jump over it.
Pet-Safe Furniture: Avoid furniture or decor with sharp or dangerous parts.
Room to Play: Ensure your patio or alfresco design incorporates adequate space for your pet to roam and play without the risk of knocking over furniture, plants, or decor.

Choose the Right Flooring

Patios, decks, and alfrescos come with a wide range of flooring options. To ensure your outdoor flooring is suited to your pet, there are a number of factors to consider:

If you’re thinking of building a deck, slip-resistant decking is a wise choice, especially if you have an energetic dog. A rubber mat can also be a helpful addition.
Opt for light-coloured flooring to keep your deck or patio cooler underfoot if the space is exposed to the sun.
Choose a durable material that’s resistant to scratches from your pets’ claws.

Incorporate Accessibility

If you have an elderly or small dog, they may have trouble climbing stairs. If your deck has stairs, ensure you have a safe way for your dog to climb up and down them, such as a pet-friendly ramp. A gate that blocks off the stairs can also help to enhance safety.

Make Cleaning and Maintenance a Breeze!

It’s no secret that pets can create a lot of mess. If you want to keep your patio or alfresco looking its best while still sharing it with your animals, consider:

Composite Decking: Renowned for its low-maintenance properties, composite decking requires little more than a scrub with soapy water to clean up muddy pawprints and messes!
Durable Materials: Choose outdoor furniture that’s designed to last, with materials that can’t be easily scratched, chewed, or ruined.
Easy-to-Clean Fabrics: If you have outdoor cushions or lounges, choose materials in outdoor fabrics that are simple to wash and remove pet hair from.
Heavy-Duty Water Bowls: Save yourself the hassle of cleaning up spilled water bowls by choosing a sturdy bowl that can’t easily be tipped over.
Providing Entertainment for Your Pets: Dogs love to chew, and your cat needs somewhere to sharpen her claws. If you don’t provide them with chew toys or scratching posts, they’ll pick the next best thing – your prized patio furniture.

Create a Pet-Specific Zone

Designate a special corner of your patio just for your pet. Not only does this help to keep your patio uncluttered, it also gives your pet their very own space to relax. Keep a comfortable pet bed outside for your dog to lounge on. With their water bowl and favourite toys close at hand, they’ll feel right at home!

Opt for Smart Storage

Outdoor cupboards or benches with built-in storage are excellent spaces to keep your pets’ things, including:

Your dog’s leash
Brushes and grooming materials
Any toys that are not in use

Your Pet-Perfect Patio Starts Here

Enlisting the help of alfresco builders in Sydney means ending up with a well-built, professional-quality outdoor structure that looks great and adds lasting value to your home. Need to install an awning or pergola for shade or build a low-maintenance composite deck? Get in touch with Austek home Improvements today! As dependable deck and patio builders, we’ve crafted a range of stunning outdoor spaces – and we can transform your backyard too. Get your free quote today – give us a call on 1300 765 895 or contact us online!