Creating a Pet-Safe Native Garden
Gardening with native plants is one of the best things you can do for your local ecosystem — but if you share your home with dogs, cats, or horses, plant safety is an important consideration before you dig in.
The good news is that many native plants are perfectly safe for pets and horses. The key is knowing which plants to choose — and which ones to avoid.
Use the ASPCA Plant Safety Database
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) maintains the most comprehensive and up-to-date database of toxic and non-toxic plants for pets. Before adding any plant to your landscape, we recommend looking it up using their free resources:
🐕 Dogs — Toxic & Non-Toxic Plant List
🐈 Cats — Toxic & Non-Toxic Plant List
🐴 Horses — Toxic & Non-Toxic Plant List
Each list is searchable by plant name and clearly identifies whether a plant is toxic or non-toxic, along with the clinical signs of toxicity where relevant.
Tips for Building a Pet-Safe Native Garden
Research before you plant. Use the ASPCA database to verify any plant before adding it to a space accessible to your pets. When in doubt, leave it out.
Talk to your nursery. The native plant nurseries in our directory are knowledgeable about their inventory. Don’t hesitate to ask staff about pet safety when you visit — many can point you toward pet-friendly native options.
Consider your pet’s habits. Dogs that dig, cats that chew, and horses that graze face different risks. Think about how your pet interacts with plants when making selections.
Create pet-free zones. If you fall in love with a native plant that isn’t pet-safe, consider planting it in a fenced or inaccessible area of your yard rather than skipping it entirely.
Call ASPCA Poison Control if concerned. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (available 24/7 — consultation fee may apply).
Find a Native Plant Nursery Near You
Ready to start building your pet-safe native garden? Browse our directory to find native plant nurseries in your area. Many of our listed nurseries are knowledgeable about pet-safe plant options and happy to help you make the right choices for your landscape and your animals.
Browse Florida Native Plant Nurseries →
Plant safety information sourced from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. NativePlantNurseryFinder.com is not a veterinary resource. Plant safety for animals can vary. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new plants to a home with pets or the ASPCA Poison Control Center if you have concerns about plant toxicity. NativePlantNurseryFinder.com is not responsible for any harm resulting from reliance on this information.