How to Create an Inexpensive Pet Play Area

Your pet is a member of the family and deserves areas to play in that are excluded from other main areas of your home. By creating an inexpensive pet play area outside of your home, you'll get to utilize more space, without having to worry about expensive damages taking place inside. If you're creating an inexpensive pet play area for your dog, then you will not need to supervise your pet while outdoors if there is a fence. However, cats should always be supervised when outside since they are more likely to climb out of the area.

Things You'll Need

  • Sand or potting soil
  • Trees and bushes
  • Pet house
  • Water dish
  • Shallow pool
  • Water
  • Pet toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dig out an area of your yard just for your pet's play area. Rather than having grass, add potting soil or sand to the area. Whether you have a dog or a cat, they will enjoy lounging and digging through these soft materials much better than grass, and it creates a nice boundary for the play area.

    • 2

      Remove all plants from your yard that might be poisonous to your pet, such as lilies and tulips. Check on each individual species, but also consult your veterinarian to advise you on plants that will bother the specific type of pet you have.

    • 3

      Add something to the play area to give your pet shade. Tall trees and bushes work well, but adding a small house can help give your pet somewhere to retreat.

    • 4

      Place a water dish in the play area. When the sun is beating down, your pet needs to have fresh water. Refill it often so that the water doesn't get warm or dirty.

    • 5

      Put out a small, shallow pool for your pet on very hot days. The pool should be appropriately sized for your pet so there's no chance of drowning or injury. Fill it up with fresh water each day and dump it out before going inside. Keep the water level at a height that is below your pet's neck when they are sitting down.

    • 6

      Bring out your pet's favorite toys. For example, if your pet has a favorite chew toy, bring it outdoors into the play area. This makes the area more enjoyable for your pet and helps make it familiar faster.