Trending
Building Design for Animals
Article by Becky Gasser - Director of Design
Designing Effective Pet Relief Areas: Choosing the Right Surfaces
You asked, and our Barkitect answered! Straight from the Q & Arooo inbox of our BDA Trending newsletter, Becky Gasser explores how the right surface materials can transform pet relief areas into hygienic, comfortable spaces.
Q & Arooo Question: "What are some options for surfaces being used for doggie potty areas?"
Pet relief areas are deceptively complex spaces. A successful design must balance animal comfort, hygiene, durability, safety, and ease of maintenance—all while supporting natural animal behavior. When thoughtfully designed, these areas reduce stress for animals, improve cleanliness, and streamline daily operations for staff.
Key design considerations include:
- Fresh air ventilation and cross-breezes for odor control
- Secure, non-abrasive fencing that cannot be dug under or climbed over
- Shading for temperature regulation
- Appropriate surface materials that support comfort, cleanliness, and longevity
Among these, surface selection plays one of the most critical roles.
Why Surface Selection Matters
What you place on the ground can make or break a relief area. The right surface supports instinctive behavior, simplifies cleaning, and withstands heavy daily use.
Comfort & Safety
Surfaces should be comfortable under paw, provide traction, and avoid being overly hard, slippery, or abrasive. Animals are more likely to use textures that resemble natural ground coverings, which feel familiar and secure.
Cleanliness
Relief areas must be easy to clean and disinfect. Surfaces should support routine washing and sanitizing to control odors and pathogens, allowing animals to move freely and safely.
Durability
Materials must hold up to repeated exposure to waste, moisture, claws, digging, running, and play. Surfaces that degrade or require frequent replacement can quickly become costly and disruptive.
Cost
Ground coverings vary widely in price. Initial cost should be weighed against durability, maintenance needs, and long-term performance.
Comparison of Surface Options for Pet Relief Areas
Here is a comparison of commonly used and recommended surface options:
Indoor Options
Resinous Flooring with Grit + Cushion Underlayment
- Pros: Excellent traction, non-glossy appearance, cushioned for joint health, easy to sanitize, seamless
- Cons: Higher upfront cost, professional installation required
- Durability: High
- Cost: $$$
Artificial Turf (Raised Grid System with Drains)
- Pros: Natural look and feel, good drainage, comfortable under paw, familiar texture for pets
- Cons: Requires strict cleaning protocol, odor control depends on ventilation and maintenance
- Durability: Medium – High
- Cost: $$$
Outdoor Options
Artificial Turf (on Aggregate Base)
- Pros: Natural appearance, good drainage, familiar texture, usable for play and exercise
- Cons: Can get extremely hot in sun, requires shade, regular cleaning and brushing needed
- Durability: Medium – High
- Cost: $$$
Decomposed Granite
- Pros: Low cost, easy to install, easy to maintain, good drainage
- Cons: Rough on paw pads, dusty, less visually appealing
- Durability: Medium
- Cost: $
Concrete
- Pros: Very easy to clean and sanitize, durable, good for isolation yards
- Cons: Hard on joints, slippery when wet, no cushion, less inviting for animals
- Durability: Very High
- Cost: $$
Engineered Wood Fiber Chips
- Pros: Cushioned, natural feel, interlocking fibers improve over time, all-weather, commonly used at dog parks
- Cons: Animals may chew or ingest fibers, higher maintenance, higher cost
- Durability: Medium
- Cost: $$$$
Pea Gravel
- Pros: Low cost, good drainage, easy to maintain
- Cons: Small stones can get stuck in paws, less comfortable for prolonged use
- Durability: Medium
- Cost: $
Indoor / Outdoor Options
Poured Rubber
- Pros: Cushioned, seamless, excellent for joints, safe for running and play, repairable, attractive appearance
- Cons: Highest cost, drainage not as strong as other options
- Durability: High
- Cost: $$$$
Conclusion
Well-designed pet relief areas support animal comfort, health, and natural behavior while also simplifying daily operations and maintenance. By carefully considering comfort, cleanliness, durability, cost, and environmental conditions, designers and operators can select surfaces that not only perform well over time but also create safer, more inviting spaces for animals. The right surface choice reduces stress, improves hygiene, and ultimately contributes to better outcomes for both pets and the people who care for them.
BDA Trending is our monthly newsletter featuring articles and insights on the latest in veterinary design. Through our "Q & Arooo" segment, we invite readers to submit questions or request specific topics for our team to cover.
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