Is Artificial Turf Good for Dogs? The Pros and Cons for Pet Owners in the Pacific Northwest
For many pet owners across Tacoma, Seattle, and the surrounding areas, keeping a healthy natural lawn while owning dogs feels like a losing battle. Muddy paw prints, yellowed patches, and torn-up grass are common issues that leave homeowners frustrated.
That’s why more and more dog lovers are turning to artificial turf for pets. At Synthetic Turf of Puget Sound, we’ve installed hundreds of pet-friendly turf backyards and dog play areas across Pierce and King Counties, and we get one question all the time:
Is artificial grass safe and practical for dogs?
Here’s everything you need to know—from local pros who install high-quality synthetic turf made to withstand the wear and tear of even the most energetic pups.
The Benefits of Artificial Grass for Dogs
1. No More Mud or Digging
Whether you're in Tacoma’s rainy season or dealing with a soggy Seattle backyard, real grass can quickly turn to mud. With synthetic turf installed for pets, mud becomes a thing of the past. Our turf drains fast even faster than natural grass so your dog can enjoy the yard rain or shine, without tracking dirt inside. In Washington State, artificial turf grass is amazing in the spring and summer but also shines in the fall and winter due to our rainy climate.
And digging? That’s no longer a problem. Our Cascade Pro turf and premium install techniques deter dogs from tearing into your yard, keeping everything clean and intact.
2. Easy to Clean and Odor-Resistant
One of the biggest concerns dog owners have is odor. That’s why we exclusively install Envirofill, an antimicrobial infill that naturally fights bacteria and smells. It’s safe for kids and pets and proposition 65 exempt. Just pick up after your dog like usual, and rinse with a hose occasionally. Your turf stays green, clean, and odor free.
3. Durability That Lasts
Dogs can be rough on natural grass, especially bigger breeds. Our heavy duty, high traffic synthetic turf options (like Cascade Pro with a 90 oz face weight) are designed to hold up under foot traffic and play time. We’ve installed dog turf playgrounds, vet clinic turf, and residential turf dog backyards across Seattle and the South Sound.
Are There Any Downsides?
Artificial turf isn’t without trade offs and here they are:
1. Initial Cost
Installing pet turf is an investment. We use premium products, including high-quality turf and Envirofill, which costs about 7x more than the cheap infill many other installers use. But that’s because we prioritize your pet’s safety and long term value over cutting corners. Cheaper infills often harbor bacteria or get too hot.
If you’re comparing estimates, always ask what type of infill is included. Many companies don’t mention they’re using crumb rubber or silica sand materials we don’t use because they’re unsafe or short-lived.
2. Heat in Direct Sunlight
On hot summer days, artificial turf can feel warmer than real grass. However, we recommend a few easy solutions, like providing shaded areas and rinsing the turf before your dog plays. Envirofill helps regulate temperature better than crumb rubber or coated sand, another reason we swear by it.
Pet Owners in Tacoma, Seattle, and Pierce County Trust Us
We’re not a national chain. We’re a family-owned local business that takes pride in every backyard we work on. We are also pet owners in the Northwest and know what it takes to install a quality synthetic turf project in Pierce County.
We don’t use subcontractors, and we’re always available to answer your questions before, during, and after installation.
We’ve even installed turf for local dog boarding facilities, rescue shelters, and private residences with multiple pets. Whether you're dealing with one pup or a pack, we can help you create a clean, safe, low maintenance outdoor space your dog will love.
Is artificial grass good for dogs?
In our experience: absolutely.
With the right turf, infill, and installation approach, you can enjoy a beautiful backyard that’s pet proof, mud free, and made to last for years.
If you’re curious about getting turf for the backyard or a synthetic turf dog run installed in Tacoma, Puyallup or anywhere in the South Sound, reach out today. We’re always happy to answer questions or provide a free quote.