Synthetic Grass and Pets: Can they work together?

Do you find your lawn difficult to take care of? No time with kids? Hassles with pets? Pet Problems Solved asks The Turf Doctor if it’s possible to have synthetic grass and pets together. We get some tips on maintaining your artificial lawns…

1. Tell us a little about Turf Doctor

I have been working in the artificial turf industry for 20 plus years. Whilst synthetic turf is fantastic to deal with the constant demands of three young children and two dogs. There is a problem with pet urine which can become intolerable in some circumstances. I could not find anything on the market that was organic and safe for pets and kids so we developed smellBgone.

Synthetic grass and pets
Scotty on synthetic grass

2. Why do people have synthetic grass?

The majority of people installing synthetic grass are doing so as they have pets or kids, or both, and just can’t maintain a healthy lawn area.

3. Is it possible to have artificial grass AND pets?

Yes, synthetic grass is perfect for pet owners. Dogs love synthetic turf! My dog Scotty, is 11 years old now and still loves to play, roll around and scratch himself on the surface. It is allergy free, wont get muddy nor is it prone to ‘spotting’ from dogs urine.

4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of synthetic turf?

It’s safe for kids and pets, is allergy free, requires minimal maintenance, doesn’t get muddy or require watering, good quality Australian made turf is soft underfoot and uses ‘cool’ technology in the yarns and will give years of use.

There really aren’t too many disadvantages to synthetic turf, someone looking at purchasing should be aware of; cheaper imported products not up to Australian standards, incorrect installations by poorly trained tradesmen, cheaper products can get quite hot.

5. Does it smell? How do we cope with any unwanted smells?

The problem with a build of smell form synthetic turf lies when pets urinate, and the urine settles in the crushed rock base and the backing mat of the synthetic turf. Once urine dries, it crystallises forming uric acid crystals, which is the source of the urine odour, and they’re difficult to remove. The smellBgone infill and liquid products are non-toxic and biodegradable.  Providing a fast, permanent and safe solution to smelly pet problems. smellBgone breaksdown the uric acid crystals removing them from the surface. It does not ‘mask’ the smell like many products.

Synthetic grass and pets

6. How can we find out more?

The Turf Doctor is a wholly owned and operated Australian business based in country Victoria. All our smellBgone products are Australian made.


People can contact The Turf Doctor either via our website, Facebook  or through our distributors https://www.theturfdoctor.com.au//

David Campbell of Turf Doctor and Scotty
David Campbell of Turf Doctor

The Turf Doctor was interviewed by Dr Jo Righetti who finds maintaining lawns a difficult hobby, given that her chickens love to dig it up! Maybe synthetic glass and pets can work together!


More about pets and outdoor living


Share this page with pet lovers