Happy dog lying on artificial pet turf installed by Arizona Turf Masters

Custom Pet Turf Applications Scottsdale, Phoenix & Tucson

Fast-draining, odor-controlling pet turf and dog run systems designed around your dogs and your property — from residential backyards and side yards to commercial pet facilities, kennels, and community dog parks. Free on-site design estimates.

Benefits of Artificial Grass for Dogs

DURABLE FOR DAILY PLAY

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Built for running, rough play, and repeated cleaning. We match the turf, backing, infill, and perimeter details to your dogs and the way they use the yard.

LESS GRASS POLLEN

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Artificial turf does not produce grass pollen and eliminates the need to fertilize, reseed, or apply weed-control products directly to the turf area. Outdoor dust and pollen from nearby plants can still collect on the surface, so occasional rinsing helps.

DOCUMENTED PET-FRIENDLY MATERIALS

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We recommend turf and infill products supported by manufacturer specifications and safety documentation. Ask us for the product data associated with the materials specified for your project.

EASIER CLEANUP

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Permeable turf and a drainable base allow urine and rinse water to move through the system. Scoop, rinse, and use a turf-safe enzyme cleaner when needed, without mowing, fertilizing, or reseeding.

Pet Turf for Homes, Dog Runs, Kennels, and Communities

Pet-friendly artificial grass can be designed for:

  • Residential backyards and side yards
  • Dedicated dog runs
  • Kennels and animal shelters
  • Doggy daycare facilities
  • Veterinarian offices
  • Apartment and HOA dog parks
  • Commercial pet facilities
  • Airport pet-relief areas
  • Rooftop and balcony pet areas
  • Dog agility and training areas
Pet-friendly artificial turf side yard at a Phoenix-area home
Side yards become clean, mud-free space your dog can actually use
Artificial turf common area at an Arizona apartment community
HOA and apartment communities: shared pet areas that stay green year-round
Building a dedicated dog run? See how we design them — drainage-first bases, odor-controlling infill, and layouts built around your dog.
Explore Custom Dog Runs

Less favorable pest habitat. Artificial turf removes the soil, tall grass, and thatch that many fleas, ticks, and other outdoor pests prefer. It can make the area less favorable for these pests, but it does not replace veterinarian-recommended flea and tick prevention or perimeter pest control.

Dog Parks for HOAs & Apartment Communities

A community dog park is one of the highest-value amenities a property can offer — and the surface decides whether it stays an amenity or becomes a maintenance problem. We design and build commercial pet turf systems for HOAs, apartment communities, and property managers across Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Tucson: engineered for multi-dog daily use with specialized drainage backing, odor-controlling infill, and layouts that accommodate fencing, shade, and agility features.

Fenced community dog park with artificial turf at an Arizona property
Community dog park build: fenced turf areas designed for daily multi-dog use
  • Drainage-first design for concentrated relief zones
  • Odor-controlling infill with manufacturer-rated antimicrobial protection
  • Durable, high-traffic fibers that stay green year-round
  • Simple rinse-and-go upkeep for property staff

See how we approach layout, drainage, and odor control on our Custom Dog Runs page, or request a free on-site design consultation for your community.

Pet Turf Is More Than a Roll of Artificial Grass

A complete pet turf system considers:

  1. The number and size of the dogs
  2. Where the dogs normally relieve themselves
  3. Existing soil and drainage conditions
  4. Turf backing and drainage rate
  5. Base preparation and grading
  6. Infill selection and application rate
  7. Perimeter and seam security
  8. Shade and direct-sun exposure
  9. Cleaning and maintenance expectations
Complete pet turf system layers: grass fibers, thatch fibers, odor control, drainage layer
We design each layer around how the space will actually be used.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Urine passes through the turf’s permeable backing and into the prepared drainage base below. Proper grading, base construction, drainage, and infill selection are all important. Solid waste should be picked up promptly, and any remaining residue can be rinsed through the turf. Artificial turf alone will not correct an existing property-drainage problem, so we evaluate the area before recommending a system.

Odor control starts below the surface. We combine permeable turf, a properly prepared drainage base, and pet-focused infill such as Envirofill with Microban or a mineral odor-capture infill, depending on the application. Routine scooping, rinsing, and occasional use of a turf-safe enzyme cleaner such as PE-51 prevent organic residue from accumulating. No pet turf system is completely maintenance-free, and we do not promise an odorless yard. The goal is to control odors through good system design and realistic maintenance.

One detail most people never hear: we do not install weed barrier fabric in pet areas. Fabric layers can trap urine and hold odor, so a pet system drains through the turf backing straight into the prepared base instead.

Artificial turf can get hot in direct Arizona sun, and we will not tell you otherwise. No cooling product makes full-sun turf cool under every condition, but surface temperature can be managed with the right combination of cooling infill, turf color, hydration, and shade.

Evaporative cooling infill. Depending on the turf system, we may recommend HydroChill, an evaporative cooling infill. It stores moisture and releases it as the surface heats. Manufacturer testing has reported surface temperatures approximately 30°F to 50°F lower than standard synthetic turf under certain test and field conditions. It is activated by rain, irrigation, or a quick hose-down and may keep working for several days depending on conditions. Cooling performance varies; these products reduce heat buildup but do not guarantee a cool or paw-safe surface throughout every Arizona summer day.

Envirofill pet infill. Envirofill is a lighter-colored alternative to dark infills such as crumb rubber, and its coating includes built-in Microban antimicrobial protection. It can contribute to a cleaner and potentially more comfortable pet surface, but it is not a substitute for shade or hydration during extreme heat.

Shade and water still matter. A quick rinse cools any turf temporarily, lighter turf colors absorb less heat, and shade makes a meaningful difference. During peak afternoon heat, check the surface before letting a dog stay on it for an extended period.

Cooling product documentation: HydroChill Cooling Flyer (PDF) | HydroChill Spec Sheet, earlier Turf Chiller branding (PDF)

It can help reduce exposure. Grass pollen is one of the most common environmental triggers veterinarians see for canine skin allergies, called atopic dermatitis. Classic signs include constant paw licking and chewing, red irritated skin on the belly and paws after lying in the yard, recurring ear infections, and flare-ups in spring and fall.

Grass gets dogs two ways: they inhale pollen like we do, and they wear it. Their coat and paws collect pollen, grass sap, and lawn chemicals every time they lie on a natural lawn. Artificial turf removes that contact layer: no pollen production, no sap, no fertilizer or herbicide residue, and the surface rinses clean.

The honest caveat: turf reduces exposure, it is not a treatment. If your dog shows these signs, work with your veterinarian. Read our full guide to turf and allergies for people and dogs.

Pet turf systems run $6.00 to $12.00 per square foot installed, depending on the turf product, pet infill, demolition, base preparation, drainage requirements, project size, and site access. Minimums do apply. Premium odor-control infill, additional drainage work, difficult access, or remediation of an existing pet area can add to the cost within that range. We provide a free written estimate so you know exactly what your project includes before work begins.

Pet turf is a complete system rather than one specific grass product. Pet-focused systems often use highly permeable backing, durable fibers, secure seams and perimeter details, a drainable base, and odor-control infill. Products such as Troon 86 may also include antimicrobial protection designed to help guard against bacteria, mold, mildew, and the odors they can cause. We select the system based on the dogs, the property, and the amount of daily use, not simply the appearance of the turf sample.

Some dogs will try to dig through almost any surface. Properly secured edges, seams, and perimeter details make artificial turf much more difficult to disturb than natural grass or loose soil. However, a determined dog can potentially damage an exposed edge or repeatedly targeted area. Tell us about any digging behavior during the estimate so we can recommend additional perimeter reinforcement where appropriate.

Once the surface is dry, use a leaf blower, turf rake, or stiff synthetic-bristle broom to collect loose hair. For hair embedded deeper in the fibers, lightly mist the turf and brush across the grain. Avoid metal rakes, wire brushes, and sharp tools that could damage the turf fibers or backing.

1. Remove solid waste promptly. Scoop the same way you do now, then rinse the area as needed.

2. Rinse urine areas regularly. Use a garden hose to dilute urine and move it through the permeable turf and drainage system. Frequency depends on the number and size of your dogs and whether they use one concentrated area.

3. Use an enzyme-based turf cleaner. For a deeper refresh, use a pet-safe enzyme cleaner labeled for artificial turf, such as PE-51 below. Always follow the product label and never mix cleaning chemicals.

4. Brush high-traffic areas. Use a stiff synthetic-bristle broom occasionally to lift fibers. Avoid metal rakes that can damage backing and fibers.

5. Treat problem areas as needed. Apply a turf-safe deodorizer or enzyme treatment to trouble spots per the manufacturer’s directions.

No mowing. No fertilizer. No reseeding. No lawn-watering schedule. Pet turf is low-maintenance, not no-maintenance. Routine cleanup and occasional rinsing keep it performing well.

PE-51 is an all-natural, live liquid enzyme cleaner and deodorizer designed to eliminate pet urine and waste odors on artificial turf, concrete, and pavers. It is what we recommend to our own pet turf customers. Live liquid enzymes (never powder) break down odors at the source instead of masking them. Per the manufacturer it is non-toxic, nonpathogenic, and certified salmonella-free, safe for children, pets, and plants, withstands temperatures up to 200°F, and resists bleach and chlorine. It leaves a clean fresh grass scent.

Application is simple: attach a standard garden hose to the 32 oz bottle, it dilutes automatically to roughly 2 ounces per gallon, and one bottle covers up to 1,800 square feet. Pro tip: lightly water the turf after application to keep it damp so the live enzymes stay active longer. Typically $17 to $23 for a 32 oz hose-end bottle.

Get PE-51 at The Synthetic Grass Store

HEAR WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING

"Very professional from the quote all the way through installation. Can’t think of a single complaint. Loved how my yard turned out. Would recommend to anyone looking to get artificial grass installed in their yard."

THE RIGHT INFILL MAKES PET TURF WORK BETTER

Infill is the material placed between the artificial grass fibers. It supports the blades, adds ballast, affects drainage, and plays a major role in controlling pet odors. Infill cannot do the entire job by itself. It must work with permeable turf, a properly prepared base, suitable drainage, and regular pet cleanup.

Envirofill With Microban, Our Preferred Pet Option

Microban antimicrobial protection is infused into Envirofill’s coating during manufacturing rather than sprayed onto the finished product. According to the manufacturer, the antimicrobial protection disrupts the bacterial process that converts pet urine into ammonia odor and has achieved up to a 99% reduction in pet urine odors under testing conditions.

Envirofill’s rounded quartz core sheds liquid rather than readily absorbing it, resists compaction, and helps preserve drainage over time. The manufacturer provides a 16-year warranty on the product’s coating and color. Envirofill is also described by its manufacturer as non-toxic, non-hazardous, virtually dust-free, and exempt from California Proposition 65 labeling requirements.

Mineral Odor-Capture Infill

Some pet infills use a porous natural mineral that traps ammonia and can help control pet odors. This approach can be effective when properly installed and maintained, but it works by capturing odor compounds rather than providing built-in antimicrobial protection. Concentrated potty areas or yards with multiple dogs may require additional rinsing, cleaning, or periodic product maintenance.

Raw Silica Sand, Basic Ballast

Raw silica sand provides ballast and helps support artificial grass fibers, but it does not include built-in antimicrobial or pet-odor protection. We do not rely on untreated silica sand alone as the odor-control strategy for a concentrated pet area.

We match the system to your dogs. The right recommendation depends on the number of dogs, their size, how often they use the yard, the location of their preferred potty areas, drainage, shade, and budget. We will explain the available options and show you exactly what is included in your written estimate.

PRODUCT DOCUMENTATION

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