Pets, Plants & a Pet-Friendly Home
Simple ways to enjoy your plants while keeping curious pets safe.
For many of us, plants and pets are both part of what makes a house feel like home.
But if your pet likes to investigate everything with their nose, paws or teeth, your plant collection may need a little extra thought.
Here are a few simple ways to create a home where your plants and pets can happily coexist.
1. Know Your Plants
Before bringing a new plant home, take a moment to find out whether it’s safe for your pets.
Some popular houseplants can cause irritation, stomach upset or more serious problems if eaten. Lilies, for example, are especially dangerous for cats, while plants such as pothos, philodendrons, peace lilies and ZZ plants can also cause problems if chewed.
Don’t rely on a plant’s common name alone. Check the specific plant species and use a reliable pet-safety resource before bringing it home.
If you suspect your pet has eaten a potentially toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an appropriate animal poison-control resource.
2. Create a Little Distance
Sometimes the simplest solution is location.
If you have a curious pet who loves to nibble, consider placing plants:
- On high shelves
- In hanging planters
- Behind pet-safe barriers
- In rooms your pet doesn’t access
- On sturdy plant stands that can’t easily be knocked over
Think about your pet’s personality when deciding where a plant should live.
A plant that’s completely out of reach for one pet might be an easy afternoon snack for another!
3. Choose Pet-Friendly Plants
If your pets are determined plant explorers, consider choosing plants that are listed as non-toxic to dogs or cats.
Some options listed by the OSPCA include:
- Spider plant
- Boston fern
- African violet
- Calathea
- Parlor palm
- Orchid
- Peperomia
- Christmas cactus
Even with plants considered non-toxic, it’s still best to discourage pets from making a habit of eating plant material. The ASPCA notes that consuming plant material can still cause stomach upset in some pets.
And remember: pet-safe lists aren’t necessarily a guarantee for every individual pet, so always check the specific plant you’re bringing home.
4. Watch the Whole Plant… Not Just the Leaves
Pet-proofing isn’t only about whether a plant is toxic.
Think about the entire setup.
Make sure plant pots are stable and can’t easily be knocked over. Keep loose soil, fertilizers and plant treatments away from curious pets, and be mindful of decorative materials such as small stones or moss that could become a choking hazard.
And if you’re bringing plants indoors for the season, it’s a good idea to inspect them for unwanted pests before they join your indoor collection.
5. Come Meet the Pets at Pet Palooza!
Of course, the best way to celebrate our love of pets is to bring them along!
Our First-Ever Barrie Pet Palooza
October 17 & 18, 2026
Bradford Greenhouses, Barrie Location
Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM
We’re transforming our greenhouse into a pet-lover’s paradise with 100+ exhibitors, guest speakers, live pet performances, pet food, accessories, pet care, rescues, unique local vendors and so much more.
Some of the weekend’s featured experiences include:
- Live Dog Show presented by Red Barn
- Luci the Cat — the Sphynx adventure cat — Saturday only
- Rural Reptiles
- Barely A Dog Rescue
- Pet First Aid with St. John Ambulance
- Ralphy’s Retreat Animal Sanctuary
- Hands On Exotics
- Wildlife Photographer Jason George
And that’s just the beginning!
Yes, Your Pet Can Come!
For this special event, pets are welcome inside the greenhouse, something we don’t normally allow.
All pets must remain on a leash at all times.
Admission: $3 + HST
100% of net proceeds go to the Ontario SPCA.
Children under 12 are free, and parking is free!
Plus, the first 250 people on each day will receive a swag bag!
Ready for Pet Palooza?
Bring the whole family, including the four-legged members!
Come shop, explore, learn, meet incredible animals and discover local businesses and pet-focused products all under one roof.
October 17 & 18
Bradford Greenhouses, Barrie Location
Get Your Tickets → https://shop.bradfordgreenhouses.com/products/ticket-barrie-pet-palooza-show-barrie-location
Closing
We’re so excited to open our doors for something completely new!
Whether you have a dog, cat, bird, reptile or simply a serious love for animals, Pet Palooza is going to be a weekend you won’t want to miss.
Bring your pets. Bring your family. Bring your curiosity.
We’ll see you at Pet Palooza!
– Mackenzie and Bradford Greenhouses
